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Caffeine: what it is and where it’s used

Caffeine occurs naturally in coffee, tea, cocoa, guarana and kola, and is added to energy drinks and supplements. In the EU and the UK, drinks other than tea and coffee with more than 150 mg per litre must say “High caffeine content” with the amount. Bravoora reads sources such as guarana and green tea extract, not just the word caffeine.

By Bravoora teamUpdated Sources checked 2 sourcesHow we check

Roasted coffee beans on a white surface.

What is caffeine?

Caffeine occurs naturally in coffee, tea, cocoa, guarana and kola, and is also added on its own. In the EU and the UK, drinks with more than 150 mg of caffeine per litre (other than tea and coffee) must say “High caffeine content” and show the amount. Extracts such as guarana add caffeine even when the word “caffeine” isn’t listed.

Where is caffeine found?

  • Energy drinks and many soft drinks have caffeine added.
  • Pre-workout and weight-management supplements often contain caffeine or guarana.
  • Iced tea, coffee drinks and chocolate contain it naturally.

What are the other names for caffeine on a label?

On a label, caffeine can also appear as “Coffee”, “Guarana”, “Green tea extract”, “Yerba mate” or “Kola nut”.

CoffeeGuaranaGreen tea extractYerba mateKola nutCaffeine anhydrousMatcha

Which diets and allergies does caffeine fit?

For caffeine: a caffeine-free profile gets Not for you; vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, peanut-allergy, sesame-allergy, egg-allergy and soy-allergy profiles get Fits you.

VeganFits youCoffee, tea, guarana and added caffeine are not animal-based.
Avoiding caffeineNot for youIt is caffeine. Guarana and green tea extract add it too.

A packed product can still carry a “may contain” warning, so check the pack.

Does caffeine fit you?

Pick what applies to you:

Pick at least one to see your answer.

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How does Bravoora check for caffeine?

Bravoora reads caffeine sources such as guarana and green tea extract, and points to the amount when the label states it.

How Bravoora decides, in full

More questions about caffeine

Who looks out for caffeine?

Caffeine matters most to anyone limiting caffeine, including people who are pregnant and parents choosing for children.

Is caffeine caffeine-free?

No. It is caffeine. Guarana and green tea extract add it too.

Is caffeine vegan?

Yes. Coffee, tea, guarana and added caffeine are not animal-based.

Sources and how to cite this guide

  1. EU Regulation 1169/2011 (food information)
  2. EFSA: Caffeine

To cite this guide: Bravoora, “Caffeine: what it is and where it’s used”, bravoora.app/ingredients/caffeine/, updated 22 September 2026.

Spotted something wrong or missing? Tell us.

General information, not medical advice. Rules differ by country and products change, so always check the pack.

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