US: Citrus drinks found to contain more caffeine than colas - research

Some citrus-flavoured carbonated drinks contain more caffeine than cola, according to a recent study in the Journal of Food Science.

Researchers said yesterday (4 September) that the caffeine content in 12oz carbonated drinks ranged from 4.9 milligrams for a store brand of cola to 74 milligrams in a branded citrus drink.

The study, which analysed the caffeine content of 56 national brand and 75 store brand carbonated drinks across the US, also revealed that caffeine content varied from brand to brand, and even within brands.

Results have prompted the view that companies should list the caffeine content on the labels of drinks, so that consumers can make informed decisions, said researchers.

Study researcher Leonard Bell said: "I don't really take a stand on whether caffeine is good or bad, but I do think the consumer has a right to know what they're getting."

Center for Science in the Public Interest senior nutritionist David Schardt, added: "People should be able to monitor their intake and to make informed choices because it can affect their sleep and can make some people jittery."

The Coca-Cola Co recently reported plans to introduce new labels that include caffeine content. A Coca-Cola spokesperson said: "It's really in our best interest and that of our consumers to provide that info. The addition of caffeine in a beverage is largely as a flavouring."