PAYDAY EXCLUSIVE | 15% off €35

Code:PAYDAY
 

PAYDAY EXCLUSIVE | 15% off €35

Code:PAYDAY

Buy 1 Get 1 Free: One week onlyOffersOffers HubBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 get 1 free eventShort Dated2 for €74 Mix & MatchVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements HubVitamins & Supplements Shop AllCBDCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsShop all Hair, Skin & NailsHair GrowthFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and AquaceuticalsDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthConditionShop all ConditionWater RetentionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesValerianRescue RemedyAshwagandhaEchinaceaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesVegan Vitamins & SupplementsBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 get 1 free eventHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicBetterYouNatures AidBioglanGrass & Co.Bach Original Flower RemediesPE NutritionDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink HubFood & Drink Shop AllEasterVegan FoodHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyJams & ChutneysNut ButtersSpreadsPateTeas & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstituteMushroom DrinksGreen TeaPeppermint TeaHerbal TeaFruit TeaSlimming TeaSleep & Relaxation TeaTeaDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsNutsDried FruitSeedsMixesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSpirulinaSuperfood PowdersGoji BerriesBaobabMoringa PowderChia SeedsSnacksShop all SnacksProtein BarsLow Calorie SnacksChocolate, Cakes & BiscuitsSavoury SnacksSweet SnacksSnack BarsCrisps & ChipsFlapjacksPopcornFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardCondiments & SaucesApple Cider VinegarSuperfoodsBreakfast CerealsHoney, Jams & SpreadsTinned FoodsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsDrinksShop all DrinksKombuchaNatural Energy DrinksJuicesSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesSoya & Meat AlternativeSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy AlternativesShop all Dairy AlternativesOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeSave up to 1/2 priceHolland & BarrettNaturyaPukkaGrenadeHeath & HeatherTwiningsMeridianOptimum NutritionNakdPhDGluten FreeDairy FreeEgg FreeWheat FreeMilk FreeMustard FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition HubSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinClear ProteinProtein VeganMeal ReplacementsWhey ProteinMass GainersDiet ProteinCaseinBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutAmino Energy DrinksAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutKetoPost WorkoutAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsBCAAL-LysineGlutamineArginineCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsTestosteroneSports CollagenRehydrationShop all RehydrationElectrolytesEnergy GelsVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness GoalShop all Fitness GoalRecoveryMuscle & StrengthLean MuscleEnergy & EnduranceDiet & Weight LossKetoBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 price2 for €74 Mix & MatchPE NutritionOptimum NutritionUSNGrenadePhDApplied NutritionFoodspringHuelSiSHigh5Dairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inBeautyBeauty HubNatural Beauty Shop AllAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareCBD BeautyHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsFeminine CareIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesMakeupElectrical WellnessSexual WellnessBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 get 1 free eventDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandMiaromaQ+AEthiqueTrilogyChilds FarmAlcohol FreeParaben FreeSLS FreeParfum FreePalm Oil FreeGluten FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management HubWeight Management Shop AllSlimming TabletsFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsShakes & Weight Management ShotsShop all Shakes & Weight Management ShotsMeal Replacement ShakesWeight Management ShotsDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkDiet FoodLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeaExercise SupportBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 price2 for €74 Mix & MatchGrenadeOptimum NutritionHolland & BarrettPulsinPhDUSNEat WaterNatures AidSlimExpertApplied NutritionDairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeNew inVeganHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessJoints Bones & MusclesGut HealthShop all Gut HealthGut Health FoodGut Health SkincareHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenStress AnxietyShop all Stress AnxietyEnergy SupportSleep & RelaxationShop all Sleep & RelaxationRelaxationFood & DietShop all Food & DietKeto FoodMenopauseBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeHolland & BarrettDr OrganicVitabioticsNaturtintWeledaNew NordicSolgarHeath & HeatherOptimum NutritionEthiqueDairy FreeGluten FreeParaben FreeSLS FreeAlcohol FreeParfum FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeNew inShop for your WellnessImmunityGut HealthMenopauseWomen's HealthFood & DietMuscle & Joint PainSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefHealthy HeartEnergyLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthChildren's HealthLearn about WellnessImmunityGut HealthMenopauseFood & DietJoints, Bones & MusclesSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
Blue teapot and cups filled with tea

6 hidden sources of caffeine

23 Nov 2022 • 1 min read

Trying to cut down on caffeine? Watch out – you could find it in some common food and drinks you don’t expect. When we think of caffeine, we often think of tea or coffee. But caffeine can be found in some far more surprising places.

How much caffeine is safe?

While a little bit of caffeine is no problem, drinking more than 400mg a day (300mg in pregnant women) has been linked to problems like high blood pressure and anxiety.1 Handpicked content: 5 simple ways to reduce your blood pressure The good news is 400mg of caffeine is the amount in around four coffees2 or a whopping 10 cans of diet cola,3 so you don’t have to deprive yourself to stay well under the healthy limit. But if you’re trying to cut back, you might also want to limit some of these surprising sources of caffeine too.

1. Green tea

This warming drink contains about 3mg of caffeine per 29ml – meaning a normal 236ml cup could contain 24mg. How you brew your green tea can change the caffeine content though. A 2001 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found brewing your green tea for 30 seconds rather than two minutes halves its caffeine content. Teabags also contain less caffeine than the leaves.4 Handpicked content: 5 healthy reasons to drink green tea

2. Energy drinks

The amount of caffeine you take in from these can vary wildly. While 250ml can usually has about 80mg of caffeine (around the same as an instant coffee), a 60ml energy shot-type product can contain anything from 80mg to 160mg.5

3. Chocolate

Caffeine is found in cocoa beans too. The higher the cocoa content of a bar – or other chocolate-based product like chocolate ice cream – the higher the caffeine content. Even so, most 50g bars of dark chocolate brands in the UK contain less than 25mg of caffeine and milk bars have less than 10mg.6

4. Energy Bars

Some energy bars contain caffeine to give you a lift. And don’t forget that those containing chocolate or green tea will contain a little extra punch; both are natural sources of caffeine.

5. Painkillers

Read the label carefully before you buy – caffeine is put into some painkillers as it helps their active ingredients get to work. A pill can contain around 65mg, around the same as a mug of tea.7,8

6. Decaffeinated coffee

There are a few different ways of extracting the caffeine from coffee beans, but none of them eliminate it entirely: a 236ml standard cup of decaffeinated coffee still contains about 2mg of caffeine.9 But at least that’s unlikely to keep you up at night.
Advice is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP before trying any remedies.
Shop our Vitamins and Supplements range

Sources

1. Wikoff D, et al. Systematic review of the potential adverse effects of caffeine consumption in healthy adults, pregnant women, adolescents, and children. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278691517301709 2. Mitchell DC et al. Assessing dietary exposure to caffeine from beverages in the US population using brand-specific versus category-specific caffeine values. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278691515001039#t0010 3. NHS Choices. Should I limit caffeine during pregnancy or not? Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/limit-caffeine-during-pregnancy.aspx?CategoryID=54&SubCategoryID=216 4. Astill et al. Factors affecting the caffeine and polyphenol contents of black and green tea infusions. Available from: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf010759+ 5. Food Standards Agency. High caffeine ‘energy’ drinks and other foods containing caffeine. Available from: http://energydrink-uk.redbull.com/red-bull-caffeine-content 6. As Source 3 7. British Heart Foundation. Painkillers: Common questions answered. Available from: https://www.bhf.org.uk/heart-matters-magazine/medical/drug-cabinet/painkillers/top-questions-about-painkillers 8. As Source 6 9. As Source 2
  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • AmericanExpress
  • PayPal
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Copyright © Holland & Barrett Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. hollandandbarrett.ie is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Limited. Registered office: 45 Henry Street, Dublin, Dublin 1, D01 E9X8. Registered in Ireland: Company no. 79819. Registered VAT no. 4682002U.