Caffeine Content of Common Children's Drinks

Many parents start their day getting their caffeine fix in a cup of coffee, but would not consider serving it to their children. However, children often consume other food and drinks that contain caffeine, such as soft drinks, energy drinks or chocolate. Consuming too much caffeine can have some negative effects on children, such as insomnia, upset stomach, jittery feelings or increased heart rate and blood pressure, so it is wise to limit the amount your child gets each day. While the United States does not have a recommended daily limit of caffeine for children, Canadian guidelines suggest no more than 45 milligrams of caffeine per day for young children, according to KidsHealth.

  1. Soft Drinks

    • Children often enjoy a soft drink with their meal or when they are on the go, but many contain high amounts of caffeine. Most 12-ounce servings of soda contain 30 to 40 milligrams of caffeine, while some brands contain as much as 55 milligrams, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Consider the serving size if your child fills up a cup from a soda fountain instead of drinking from a can, and he could be consuming even more caffeine. Clear soft drinks often have no caffeine, so they could be an alternative for your child who still wants to enjoy a soda. Additionally, many soft drinks come in decaffeinated versions, though they still retain small amounts of caffeine, according to JustMommies. While the United States has not set any recommended limits on the amount of caffeine children should have, the stimulant is believed to have lasting effects on brain function when consumed during the formative years, according to the National Council on Strength and Fitness.

    Energy Drinks

    • Sports and energy drinks are heavily marketed toward children, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, but many contain high amounts of caffeine that could be harmful to kids. Sports drinks containing carbohydrates, minerals and electrolytes are meant to rehydrate children after exercise. However, many children are confused by or unaware of the differences in these and energy drinks, which contain caffeine and other stimulants, according to the HealthyChildren.org, the official website of the AAP. Some children may be consuming energy drinks, containing 70 to 80 milligrams of caffeine in each 8-ounce serving, when they simply intended to rehydrate. It is recommended that young athletes drink water after exercise, since energy drinks contain more caffeine than your young child needs as well as unnecessary sugar.

    Chocolate

    • Most kids would say that they enjoy chocolate, but it is a food that contains caffeine, so it is best to consume it in moderation. An 8-ounce glass of chocolate milk or hot cocoa contains only about 5 milligrams of caffeine, but one cup of chocolate chips has more than 100 milligrams of caffeine. Dark chocolate contains more caffeine than other types of chocolate, with 20 milligrams of caffeine per ounce compared to only 6 milligrams in an ounce of milk chocolate. Since childhood is a critical period for establishing eating habits and taste preferences, consuming too many sweet foods, such as chocolate, can lead to increased caloric intake and have a negative effect on your child's nutrition.

    Iced Tea

    • While it may seem that tea is a better alternative to coffee for your child, it does contain caffeine, so be aware of how much he is consuming. A 12-ounce glass of iced tea can contain as much as 70 milligrams of caffeine, according to KidsHealth. This is even more than the typical soft drink, so it is wise to limit the amount of tea he drinks as well. Brewed teas also contain large amounts of caffeine, though children won't likely consume as much of it at a time. Black tea contains more caffeine than other varieties, with 70 milligrams per 6-ounce serving, compared to 35 milligrams of caffeine in the same size serving of green tea, according to JustMommies.
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