Caffeine Content of Cocoa and Coffee Beverages in Lagos, Nigeria

This study determined the caffeine content of various brands of cocoa and coffee-based beverages in Lagos, Nigeria. Ten brands of these products were purchased from various shops in the Lagos metropolis. Caffeine was carefully extracted from each product and analyzed by ultraviolet/visible spectrophotometric methods. The results show that the caffeine content of the cocoa-based products ranged from 1.8 to 3.1 mg/g of product while classic and decaffeinated coffee contained 8.4 and 2.3 mg/g of product respectively. These amounts are considered low and safe for healthy adults when compared with established safety levels of the US Food and Drugs Administration. It was recommended that people who need caffeine restriction due to health conditions should choose products with lower caffeine contents. Also, since caffeine is an additive substance, manufacturers of caffeine-containing products should be required by regulation to indicate its presence and amounts on package labels for the information of the consuming public.