Is there such a thing as caffeinated milk?

December 4, 2025 •

4 min read

In recent years, the market for functional beverages has exploded, with consumers seeking drinks that offer both taste and performance. This trend has led to the development of novel products, including a surprising item that combines two daily staples: caffeinated milk.

Quick Summary

Caffeinated milk products exist as an alternative to coffee and energy drinks, often featuring added protein and vitamins. These lactose-free beverages, like those from the brand Spylt, are made with ultrafiltered milk and supplemental caffeine for an energy boost.

Key Points

Availability: Yes, caffeinated milk products exist and can be purchased from brands like Spylt.
Composition: These beverages often contain ultrafiltered milk, liquid caffeine, and added protein, but are typically lactose-free.
Caffeine Content: A serving of commercial caffeinated milk can have anywhere from 60 to 140 mg of caffeine.
Health Effects: As with any caffeinated product, excessive consumption can cause anxiety, insomnia, or rapid heart rate.
Distinction: Caffeinated milk is different from traditional coffee milk, which is made with coffee syrup and contains only trace amounts of caffeine.
Nutritional Value: Many modern versions offer high protein, vitamins (like A and D), and are sugar-free or low-calorie, catering to health-conscious consumers.
Convenience: Commercial caffeinated milk products are often shelf-stable and ready-to-drink, providing a convenient energy boost.

The Rise of Caffeinated Milk

Yes, caffeinated milk is a reality and has gained a foothold in the niche market of functional beverages. These products combine the nutritional benefits of milk—including protein, calcium, and vitamins—with a stimulating caffeine kick. A key driver behind the demand for such drinks is the consumer desire for convenient, on-the-go options that offer both energy and sustained nutrition. Some brands cater to specific demographics, such as athletes and busy professionals, by also formulating their milk with high protein and zero sugar.

Notable Caffeinated Milk Brands

One prominent name in the U.S. market is Spylt, which offers a range of caffeinated protein milk products. Their beverages are typically lactose-free and shelf-stable, making them a convenient option for a quick boost. Flavors can range from traditional chocolate to strawberry, vanilla milkshake, and cookies & cream. Other examples, particularly noted in Europe, have included brands like Coowwatch, Cookio Energy, Mad Croc, and Kamaku Power Cacao. In the U.S., a few other instances exist, such as Hatcher Family Dairy's Jumping Jimmy.

How Caffeinated Milk is Made

Unlike traditional coffee milk, which is made with coffee syrup and contains only trace amounts of caffeine, commercially produced caffeinated milk is infused with a controlled amount of liquid caffeine. This process allows manufacturers to regulate the caffeine content per serving, ensuring consistency. Many modern brands, like Spylt, use ultrafiltered skim milk as their base. Ultrafiltration removes lactose (milk's natural sugar), allowing for a high-protein, lactose-free product. The caffeine is added along with natural flavors, vitamins, and sugar substitutes like sucralose. The milk is then often packaged to be shelf-stable, meaning it doesn't require refrigeration until opened.

Potential Health Concerns

While offering a convenient boost, caffeinated milk is not without its health considerations. Excessive caffeine intake from any source can lead to a variety of adverse effects, such as insomnia, anxiety, rapid heart rate, and digestive issues. For individuals with caffeine sensitivity or certain health conditions, these effects can be more pronounced. Furthermore, some formulations use artificial sweeteners, which may not agree with everyone's digestive system. It's crucial for consumers to be aware of the total caffeine content and their own tolerance, especially if they are sensitive to its effects.

Comparison of Caffeinated Milk, Coffee Milk, and Regular Milk


Feature	Caffeinated Milk	Coffee Milk	Regular Milk
Caffeine Source	Added liquid caffeine	Coffee syrup (traces)	None
Caffeine Content	Significant (e.g., 60-140mg)	Trace amounts (e.g., 14mg)	None
Energy Boost	Strong, intentional	Minimal	None
Target Consumer	Athletes, professionals, teens	Rhode Island tradition, children	General population
Sweetener	Often artificial (sugar-free)	High-fructose corn syrup	Natural lactose
Protein Content	Often high (e.g., 20g+)	Standard milk protein	Standard milk protein
Dietary Suitability	Often lactose-free, low calorie	Not suitable for lactose intolerance	Varies (lactose-free options available)
Availability	Specialty beverage stores, online	Regional (New England), online	Widespread

Alternatives to Caffeinated Milk

For those seeking an energy boost without added caffeine or the specific blend found in commercial products, several alternatives exist. Traditional coffee or tea provides a classic and customizable source of caffeine. High-protein smoothies with a shot of espresso offer a similar nutrient-dense, energetic punch. Those looking to avoid caffeine entirely can opt for various plant-based milk options, such as oat, almond, or cashew milk. While these alternatives don't have the same formula, they can provide sustained energy through balanced nutrition, often without the use of artificial additives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, caffeinated milk is a real and growing product category, driven by consumer demand for convenient, functional beverages. Brands like Spylt and others have successfully integrated caffeine into a milk base, often including added protein and vitamins to appeal to an active audience. While offering an effective energy boost and nutritional value, consumers should be mindful of the caffeine content and potential side effects. For those with sensitivities or who prefer a different approach, traditional coffee, specialty teas, or nutrient-rich smoothies provide viable alternatives. As the functional beverage market continues to evolve, caffeinated milk stands out as a unique option for a quick, balanced boost.

Make a DIY "Caffeinated" Coffee Milk

For a homemade version that offers a coffee flavor without the high caffeine content of commercial versions, try making your own Rhode Island-style coffee milk. It's a simple, customizable, and nostalgic treat:

Brew your own coffee syrup. Combine 1 cup strong brewed coffee, 1 cup sugar, and simmer until slightly thickened. Store in the fridge.
Mix and enjoy. Add 2-3 tablespoons of your homemade syrup to a glass of milk and stir until combined. Use more or less syrup to adjust the flavor intensity. Add a dash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Personalize your drink. For an extra boost, you can add a shot of espresso to your homemade coffee milk. For a caffeine-free version, use decaf coffee for your syrup base. This method gives you complete control over ingredients and caffeine levels.

For further exploration, visit Wikipedia's entry on Coffee milk to read about its origins in Rhode Island: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee_milk].

Frequently Asked Questions

For most healthy adults, moderate consumption is likely safe, but excessive intake can lead to side effects like anxiety or insomnia. It is not recommended for children, pregnant or nursing women, or individuals sensitive to caffeine.

Caffeinated milk is a functional beverage with a controlled amount of added liquid caffeine. Coffee milk, a Rhode Island tradition, is milk mixed with coffee syrup and contains only trace amounts of caffeine.

Many modern brands of caffeinated milk, particularly those marketed for athletes and health-conscious consumers, are formulated to be sugar-free or low in sugar, often using artificial sweeteners.

Ultrafiltered milk is a dairy product where milk is passed through a fine filter to concentrate protein and calcium while removing lactose. This makes the final product lactose-free and higher in protein.

Caffeine content can vary by brand and product. For example, some products from the brand Spylt contain 60mg of caffeine per serving, while others have a 'Max' version with 140mg.

While you can mix coffee or espresso into milk, creating a balanced and shelf-stable product with a precise caffeine level is difficult at home. The closest DIY equivalent is a classic coffee milk using coffee syrup.

Caffeinated milk is typically marketed towards adults, athletes, and students who are looking for a convenient, portable, and protein-rich energy boost to get them through their day or help with post-workout recovery.