Nutrition Diet: What drink has 150 mg of caffeine?

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a 16 oz. Starbucks Grande Caffè Latte or Cappuccino contains approximately 150 mg of caffeine. This popular coffeehouse serving is just one example of what drink has 150 mg of caffeine, and understanding your sources is key to a balanced nutrition diet.

Quick Summary

A guide to popular beverages containing approximately 150 mg of caffeine, from coffeehouse items to energy drinks. This information helps in managing dietary intake and maintaining optimal health through informed choices.

Key Points

150mg is a common dose in many coffeehouse drinks: A large latte or a double espresso from major coffee chains like Starbucks contains approximately 150mg of caffeine.
Energy drink content varies, check labels: Some energy drinks are formulated for this amount, but contents vary wildly; always check labels for exact caffeine and sugar content.
Moderate caffeine offers benefits but can have risks: 150mg can boost alertness and performance, but excessive intake can cause anxiety, insomnia, and heart palpitations.
Sugar content is a major nutritional factor: Sweetened drinks with 150mg of caffeine can carry significant calories and sugar, affecting overall diet and health.
Choose healthier sources for a balanced diet: Opt for plain coffee, tea, or unsweetened alternatives over sugary energy drinks to manage your caffeine intake and improve nutrition.
Manage intake to avoid negative effects: Be aware of your total daily consumption and consider timing to prevent sleep disruption or other adverse health effects.

Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in over 60 plant species, including coffee beans, tea leaves, and cacao pods. For many people, a moderate dose of around 150 mg can provide a noticeable boost in alertness and energy. However, the exact caffeine content can vary significantly based on brewing methods, brand, and serving size, making it important to know your sources to stay within healthy limits.

Common Sources of 150 mg of Caffeine

Achieving an intake of approximately 150 mg of caffeine can be done through various means, from standard coffee drinks to pre-packaged energy blends. Here is a closer look at some popular options:

Coffeehouse Specialties: Many large-sized coffee drinks at major chains fall into this range. For instance, a Grande (16 oz.) Caffè Latte or Cappuccino from Starbucks is listed at 150 mg. A Doppio (double shot) of espresso from Starbucks also contains around 150 mg of caffeine.
Energy Drinks: Some energy drinks are formulated to provide this exact amount of caffeine. A 500 ml bottle of Dragon energy drink was found to contain around 150.5 mg of caffeine. It's crucial to check labels, as energy drink caffeine content can vary widely by brand and product line.
Yerba Mate: Canned or bottled yerba mate products often contain significant amounts of caffeine. The Guayakí Yerba Mate (Enlighten Mint flavor) in a 15.5 oz serving is listed at 150 mg.
Caffeine Supplements: For some, the most controlled way to achieve this intake is through supplements. Many caffeine tablets or capsules are available in dosages of 100 mg or 200 mg, allowing for precise control, though these can have a higher risk of overdose if not used correctly.

The Importance of Labeling

For packaged products like energy drinks and supplements, regulations in some areas require manufacturers to declare the caffeine content if it exceeds a certain threshold. However, the exact amount can still vary. This is especially true for coffee and tea, where factors like brewing time, bean type, and preparation method influence the final concentration. A strong brew, or a larger cup, can easily push the content beyond the 150 mg mark.

Comparative Caffeine Content Around 150 mg

Understanding how different drinks compare is vital for a healthy dietary plan. The following table provides a quick reference for products containing roughly 150 mg of caffeine, noting the serving size required.


Beverage Type	Approx. Serving Size	Caffeine (mg)	Additional Considerations
Starbucks Grande Caffè Latte	16 oz	150	Contains milk and sugar, adding to caloric intake.
Starbucks Doppio Espresso	1.5 oz	150	A highly concentrated shot with minimal calories.
Dragon Energy Drink	500 ml (16.9 oz) bottle	~150.5	Often contains high levels of sugar and other additives.
Guayakí Yerba Mate	15.5 oz can	150	A plant-based alternative, typically lower in sugar than traditional energy drinks.
Brewed Coffee (strong)	8-12 oz	~150	Highly variable depending on brew method and strength.

Nutrition and Health Considerations for 150 mg of Caffeine

Integrating a beverage with 150 mg of caffeine into a healthy nutrition diet requires more than just tracking the stimulant. The accompanying ingredients, like sugar, can have a significant impact on your overall health. A sugary coffee drink or energy beverage can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, negating many of caffeine's potential health benefits.

Potential Health Benefits: Moderate caffeine consumption has been linked to several health benefits, including improved mental alertness, better physical performance, and potentially a lower risk of certain diseases like Parkinson's and type 2 diabetes. For healthy adults, a daily intake of up to 400 mg is generally considered safe.
Potential Health Risks: Excessive caffeine can lead to negative side effects such as insomnia, nervousness, increased heart rate, and digestive issues. Some individuals are more sensitive to caffeine and may experience adverse effects at lower doses. It is also important to consider interactions with medications or existing health conditions, such as anxiety or heart irregularities.
The Problem with Overconsumption: Many large-sized drinks in coffee shops or multi-serving energy drink containers can easily push a person past the daily recommended limit. This can lead to increased tolerance, where more caffeine is needed to achieve the same effect, and potential withdrawal symptoms if intake is suddenly stopped.

Managing Your Caffeine Intake Responsibly

To ensure your 150 mg caffeine intake is part of a healthy nutrition diet, consider the following strategies:

Prioritize Water and Unsweetened Drinks: Make these the primary sources of hydration, and reserve caffeinated drinks for a specific time or purpose.
Read Labels Carefully: Always check the nutritional information on packaged products to confirm caffeine, sugar, and calorie content. Pay attention to serving sizes.
Choose Healthier Alternatives: If you enjoy coffee, opt for a plain black coffee or add a low-calorie alternative to milk and sugar. For a flavored kick, try unsweetened yerba mate or brew your own green tea.
Gradual Reduction: If you need to cut back, do so slowly over several weeks to minimize withdrawal symptoms like headaches or fatigue.
Time Your Consumption: Avoid caffeine close to bedtime, as it can disrupt sleep patterns and worsen fatigue the next day.

Conclusion

While a variety of drinks contain around 150 mg of caffeine, the nutritional impact depends heavily on the source. From a balanced nutrition perspective, a plain coffee or tea offers the stimulating effects of caffeine with minimal calories, whereas sugary energy drinks and specialty coffeehouse concoctions pack additional sugars and additives. By being mindful of your intake and choosing healthier options, you can enjoy the benefits of caffeine without compromising your overall health. For further information on recommended daily intake and potential health effects, consult resources from organizations like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most healthy adults, 150 mg is considered a moderate amount, falling well within the daily recommended limit of 400 mg set by the FDA. However, sensitivity to caffeine can vary, and for some, this dose may feel potent.

No, the caffeine content in energy drinks varies significantly by brand and product. While some brands may contain around 150 mg per serving, others contain much more or less, so it is essential to read the product label.

Coffee's caffeine content can be highly variable based on preparation. In contrast, many energy drinks have a consistent, and sometimes higher, caffeine level per serving. Energy drinks also often contain high levels of sugar and other stimulants like guarana.

Yes, some yerba mate products are naturally caffeinated and can contain around 150 mg per serving, depending on the brand and preparation. It is always best to check the product information.

For most, 150 mg is safe. However, consuming it in a sugary drink adds excess calories and sugar. In sensitive individuals, it can cause jitters, increased heart rate, or sleep issues. Excessive total daily intake is a greater concern.

To reduce intake, you can gradually decrease your consumption over time, switch to half-caf or decaf options, or replace caffeinated drinks with herbal teas or water. This helps minimize withdrawal symptoms.

The caffeine content per ounce is typically similar. However, iced drinks often come in larger sizes, potentially increasing the total caffeine consumed per beverage. The concentration is also affected by brewing technique.