People are often surprised to discover there is less caffeine in Coca-Cola Classic than the equivalent-size serving of instant coffee or tea.

As our comparison chart shows, levels of caffeine in Coca-Cola Classic are relatively low compared with those in other regularly consumed drinks.

The caffeine in our drinks such as Coca-Cola Classic, Dr Pepper and Coke Zero Sugar contributes to the overall flavour, adding a slight bitterness and working in harmony with both sugar and sweeteners to provide an enjoyable taste. It's also used in our energy drink Relentless.

Safe for mums-to-be

The Food Standards Agency recommends a maximum of 200mg of caffeine a day for pregnant women. A can of Coca-Cola Classic has 32mg of caffeine and a can of Diet Coke contains 42mg.

For pregnant women wanting a completely decaf option, we offer several caffeine-free drinks, including Caffeine Free Diet Coke, Oasis, Fanta, Lilt, Sprite and 5 Alive.

Suitable for regular consumption

There are no recommended daily upper limits for caffeine in the EU or in the UK except for pregnant women.. The European Commission and the Food Standards Agency in the UK both state that caffeinated drinks are safe to drink every day in moderation.

Hydration and caffeinated drinks

We all need to keep our bodies well hydrated. Caffeine might have a mild, short-term diuretic effect on people who don’t usually consume it, but studies show that's not the case for people who enjoy caffeine regularly. A 2004 report by the US Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences concluded that all drinks – including caffeinated ones – contribute to hydration. This was supported by a scientific review by the British Nutrition Foundation in 2010.

Calculate your caffeine intake now with our caffeine counter