Caffeine in Foods

Products containing caffeine are used and enjoyed by many people throughout the world. In Canada, caffeine is most commonly consumed as a natural part of coffee, tea, chocolate and certain flavours. Caffeine itself may also be added to carbonated soft drinks. When added to food, caffeine is regulated as a food additive under the Food and Drug Regulations. All food additives require a thorough safety assessment by Health Canada scientists before any new uses are permitted. Caffeine can be found in energy drinks which are not regulated as "foods" in Canada. Rather, they are considered to be natural health products. Therefore, the use of caffeine in energy drinks is regulated under the Natural Health Products Regulations.

Caffeine exhibits a number of biological effects resulting from its diuretic and stimulant properties. Health Canada's researchers¹ have shown that some sensitive individuals experience side effects such as insomnia, headaches, irritability and nervousness when consuming caffeine. As with any substance, there can be numerous other contributing factors to symptoms such as these, but Health Canada recommends to consumers that limiting caffeine consumption is a wise precaution.

What is Health Canada Doing?

Health Canada's scientists continue to review new research findings to ensure that recommended daily caffeine intake levels are based on the results of the best scientific evidence available. In addition, Health Canada takes an active role in providing information about the potential health effects of caffeine and on typical caffeine levels in foods to help Canadians make healthy food and beverage choices.

A review² undertaken by Health Canada scientists has considered the numerous studies dealing with caffeine and its potential health effects. It has re-confirmed that for the average adult, moderate daily caffeine intake at dose levels of 400 mg/day is not associated with any adverse effects. Data has shown, however, that women of childbearing age and children may be at greater risk from caffeine. Consequently, as a precautionary measure, Health Canada has developed separate guidelines and recommendations for  women who are pregnant and for children.

Health Canada has provided preliminary guidance to the food and beverage industry on the labelling of caffeine in pre-packaged foods.

What Can You Do?

Follow Health Canada's recommendations and avoid exceeding the suggested maximum daily caffeine intakes to maintain optimum health. By referring to the levels of caffeine present in various foods and other products (including energy drinks), as well as paying attention to the levels of caffeine listed on food packaging labels, consumers are able to make healthy eating choices to limit caffeine intake at different life-stages.

Please refer to Caffeine in Food for references to Health Canada's recommended maximum limits for daily caffeine intake, and for information on sources of caffeine, as well as the levels of caffeine present in various foods and beverages.

Related Resources

• Health Canada's Proposed Management Approach in Response to the Expert Panel on Caffeinated Energy Drinks
• Health Canada's Proposed Approach to Managing Caffeinated Energy Drinks
• New information on Energy Drinks
• Qs & As - Energy Drinks Regulated as Food
• Frequently asked questions - Information for Parents on Caffeine in Energy Drinks
•  Responses to public comments on Health Canada's Interim Marketing Authorization, permitting the use of caffeine and caffeine citrate as food additives in non-alcoholic carbonated water-based flavoured and sweetened beverages.
•  Caffeine Interim Marketing Authorization
• A Summary of the Basis of Health Canada's Decision to allow the use of Caffeine in Carbonated Soft Drinks
• Caffeine and Carbonated Soft Drinks
• Caffeine - It's Your Health
• Food Additives
• Preliminary Guidance for Industry on the Labelling of Caffeine Content in Prepackaged Foods
•  Public Health Agency of Canada - Caffeine and Pregnancy
• Safe Use of Energy Drinks - It's Your Health

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