What Bottled Drinks Have Caffeine? A Comprehensive Guide

According to a 2025 European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) report, caffeinated beverages are a significant source of caffeine for adults and adolescents, and bottled drinks with caffeine are a major part of this consumption. These beverages come in many forms, each with varying caffeine levels that consumers should be aware of to make informed decisions about their daily intake.

Quick Summary

This guide details the wide range of pre-packaged drinks that contain caffeine, including popular energy drinks, bottled coffees, teas, and sodas. It provides a breakdown of common types, average caffeine content, and tips for reading labels to help consumers identify and manage their intake.

Key Points

• Variety of Sources: Caffeine is found in many bottled products, not just coffee, including energy drinks, sodas, and teas.

• High-Caffeine Options: Bottled cold brew and energy drinks often have the highest caffeine levels among bottled beverages.

• Hidden Caffeine: Some drinks, like specific flavored sodas and sparkling waters, contain caffeine that many consumers might not be aware of.

• Label Reading is Key: Since caffeine labeling is not universally mandatory, looking for ingredients like guarana or checking manufacturer websites is crucial.

• Consider Your Health: It's important to be mindful of your total caffeine intake, especially for sensitive individuals or specific health conditions.

• Not Just Natural Sources: Caffeine can be naturally derived from coffee and tea or synthetically added to other drinks.

• Regulation Differences: Labeling regulations can vary by country and product type, so consumer vigilance is necessary.

Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in the leaves, seeds, and fruits of various plants, including coffee beans, tea leaves, and kola nuts. It is also synthetically produced and added to many food and beverage products. While many people associate caffeine solely with hot coffee, it is prevalent in numerous bottled and ready-to-drink (RTD) products, often in surprising quantities.

Bottled Coffee and Espresso Drinks

Bottled coffee and espresso drinks are a convenient way to get a caffeine boost on the go. These products vary widely in their caffeine content, depending on the coffee type, roast, and preparation method.

Types of Bottled Coffee Drinks

• Cold Brew: Often higher in caffeine than traditionally brewed iced coffee due to its concentrated nature. Brands like Starbucks and Stumptown offer various bottled cold brew options.
• Iced Lattes and Mochas: These milk-based espresso drinks typically contain one or more shots of espresso. For example, Starbucks' RTD Doubleshot Espresso drinks deliver a strong jolt.
• Coffee Concentrates: Some bottled products are concentrates meant to be diluted, and their undiluted caffeine levels are very high. High Brew Coffee offers concentrated versions that also contain added protein.
• Frappuccino-style Drinks: The bottled versions of these creamy, blended beverages from brands like Starbucks contain a moderate amount of caffeine compared to their cafe counterparts.

Energy Drinks

Energy drinks are known for their high caffeine content, which often comes from a combination of natural sources like guarana and added synthetic caffeine. They also frequently contain other stimulants and sweeteners.

Common Bottled Energy Drinks

• Red Bull: Widely available in both cans and bottles, Red Bull is a classic choice with a consistent caffeine level.
• Monster: Available in various sizes and flavors, Monster energy drinks can have a high caffeine and sugar content.
• Sting Energy Drink: A popular choice in some regions, available in bottled formats.
• Prime: The hydration drinks are caffeine-free, but their Prime Energy products contain a significant dose of caffeine.
• C4 Energy: This pre-workout brand offers several zero-sugar energy drinks in bottles and cans, which are highly caffeinated.

Caffeinated Sodas and Sparkling Waters

Beyond coffee and energy drinks, many people consume caffeine through common sodas and, more recently, specialized sparkling waters. The caffeine content in these can range from moderate to significant.

Examples of Caffeinated Sodas

• Mountain Dew: One of the most highly caffeinated sodas available, with both regular and zero-sugar varieties containing a robust amount.
• Cola-flavored Drinks: Popular cola beverages from brands like Coca-Cola and Pepsi contain moderate levels of caffeine, which can vary slightly by product version.
• Dr Pepper and Mr. Pibb: These popular soft drinks are another source of caffeine.
• Sunkist Orange: Unlike many other fruit-flavored sodas, Sunkist contains caffeine.

Caffeinated Sparkling Waters

• Sparkling Ice +Caffeine: This line of sparkling water is explicitly infused with caffeine and is available in multiple fruit flavors.
• Phocus: A brand of caffeinated sparkling water that uses natural caffeine from green tea.
• Yerbaé Energy Seltzer: A plant-based alternative that uses yerba mate as its caffeine source.

Bottled Teas

Bottled teas, especially those made from black or green tea, naturally contain caffeine. The amount depends on the type of tea and the brewing process.

Caffeine in Bottled Teas

• Black Tea: Generally contains higher caffeine levels than green tea. Many popular brands of bottled iced black tea are available.
• Green Tea: Bottled green teas offer a lower-to-moderate amount of caffeine. Brands like Ito En offer unsweetened green tea options.
• Yerba Mate: Bottled yerba mate drinks are a plant-based source of caffeine that is gaining popularity.

Comparison of Caffeine Content in Bottled Drinks

The table below provides a general overview of the average caffeine content in popular bottled drinks. Note that specific brands and serving sizes can alter these values.

Drink Type	Average Caffeine per 8oz (Approx.)	Source Example	Notes
Energy Drink	80-100+ mg	Red Bull, Monster	Often high in sugar or sweeteners; labels should be checked.
Bottled Cold Brew	150-200+ mg	Starbucks Cold Brew	Can be highly concentrated depending on the brand.
Bottled Iced Coffee/Latte	75-150 mg	Starbucks Doubleshot	Caffeine level depends on the number of espresso shots.
Sodas (Cola-style)	25-45 mg	Pepsi, Coca-Cola	Caffeine is an added ingredient; consistent per serving.
Sodas (Mountain Dew)	54-68 mg (12oz can)	Mountain Dew	Among the highest caffeinated sodas.
Bottled Black Tea	30-50 mg	Lipton, Pure Leaf	Varies by brewing strength and brand.
Bottled Green Tea	15-30 mg	Ito En, Honest Tea	Varies by brewing method.
Caffeinated Sparkling Water	35-55 mg	Sparkling Ice +Caffeine, Phocus	Provides caffeine with no sugar or calories.

How to Check for Caffeine in Bottled Drinks

Identifying caffeine in bottled drinks is important for managing your intake. While some manufacturers voluntarily list caffeine content on their labels, it is not always a requirement.

1. Check the Nutrition Label: For energy drinks and some other regulated beverages, the caffeine content is usually listed prominently on the nutrition or ingredient label.
2. Look for Keywords: Scan the ingredients for words like "caffeine," "guarana," "yerba mate," or "kola nut extract," all of which indicate the presence of caffeine.
3. Read Product Descriptions: For bottled coffees and teas, the type of bean or leaf used is a good indicator of caffeine. For example, products labeled "cold brew concentrate" will likely be very potent.
4. Visit the Manufacturer's Website: Reputable brands, especially larger corporations like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, often list detailed nutritional information, including caffeine content, on their websites.

Conclusion

Many bottled drinks on the market contain caffeine, ranging from the expected coffee and energy drinks to surprising sources like certain sodas and sparkling waters. The content can vary significantly based on the drink type, brand, and brewing method. By understanding these different categories and practicing careful label reading, consumers can effectively monitor their caffeine consumption and avoid unwanted side effects. Staying informed is the best way to choose beverages that align with your health and energy goals.

For more detailed information on caffeine consumption and its effects on the body, consider resources from authoritative health organizations such as the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) or the FDA.

Frequently Asked Questions

What common sodas have caffeine?

Common caffeinated sodas include Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Dr Pepper, and Mountain Dew. Some orange sodas like Sunkist and certain root beers like Barq's also contain caffeine, while others are caffeine-free.

Are energy drinks considered bottled drinks with caffeine?

Yes, energy drinks are a prominent type of bottled (or canned) beverage that contains a significant amount of added caffeine, often alongside other stimulants like guarana.

Do all bottled teas contain caffeine?

No, not all bottled teas have caffeine. Black and green teas naturally contain caffeine, but herbal teas, such as chamomile or peppermint, are naturally caffeine-free. Always check the label to be sure.

How much caffeine is in a typical bottled iced coffee?

The caffeine content varies widely. A bottled iced latte or mocha may have around 75-150 mg, while a bottled cold brew concentrate can contain well over 200 mg per serving. Check the label for specific numbers.

Is it required to list caffeine content on bottled drinks?

Regulations vary by country and product. For instance, in the EU, drinks with over 150 mg/L of added caffeine must be labeled as 'high caffeine content,' but this doesn't apply to coffee or tea. In the US, the FDA does not require mandatory caffeine labeling on all products.

What is guarana, and why is it in caffeinated drinks?

Guarana is a plant native to the Amazon and is a natural source of caffeine. It is often added to energy drinks to increase the total caffeine content and provide additional stimulating effects.

Are there bottled sparkling waters that contain caffeine?

Yes, several brands now offer caffeinated sparkling water. Examples include Sparkling Ice +Caffeine, Phocus, and Yerbaé, which provide a sugar-free, zero-calorie way to consume caffeine.