Iced coffee has become an increasingly popular beverage choice for many people looking for a refreshing, cold coffee drink. Pre-made cartons of iced coffee provide a convenient way to enjoy iced coffee at home or on the go. But an important question surrounding these carton iced coffees is whether they contain any caffeine.
The short answer
Yes, most carton iced coffees do contain caffeine. The amount of caffeine can vary depending on the specific brand and type, but generally a serving of carton iced coffee contains 50-150mg of caffeine. This is comparable to the amount of caffeine found in a typical cup of hot brewed coffee.
Examining popular carton iced coffee brands
To get a better sense of the caffeine content in carton iced coffees, let’s look at some popular brands:
International Delight Iced Coffee
International Delight offers several flavors of shelf-stable iced coffee in single-serve cartons. A 11.5 oz carton of International Delight Iced Coffee contains about 130mg of caffeine. This is a moderate amount, slightly more than a can of soda.
Starbucks Iced Coffee
Starbucks cartons come in a few different sizes. The 11 oz cartons of Starbucks Iced Coffee contain about 150mg of caffeine per carton. The larger 32 oz multi-serve cartons have about 235mg of caffeine. So Starbucks iced coffee cartons generally have high caffeine levels.
Dunkin’ Donuts Iced Coffee
A 14 oz carton of Dunkin’ Donuts Original Iced Coffee has about 125mg of caffeine. Their lighter Dunkin’ Donuts Iced Coffee with a Splash of Milk contains around 60mg of caffeine per carton.
Chameleon Cold Brew
Chameleon Cold Brew comes in 11 oz cartons in flavors like Black, Mocha, and Vanilla. Each carton contains about 100mg caffeine from its cold brew coffee concentrate.
Peet’s Iced Coffee
Peet’s iced coffee cartons come in a 15.5 oz size. Their Baridi Black Iced Coffee contains 140mg caffeine while the Baridi Blend (medium roast) has 110mg caffeine.
| Brand | Serving Size | Caffeine (mg) |
|---|---|---|
| International Delight | 11.5 oz | 130 |
| Starbucks (regular) | 11 oz | 150 |
| Dunkin’ Donuts (original) | 14 oz | 125 |
| Chameleon Cold Brew | 11 oz | 100 |
| Peet’s Baridi Black | 15.5 oz | 140 |
Why carton iced coffee contains caffeine
There are two main reasons why carton iced coffees contain significant amounts of caffeine:
1. They start with coffee extracts
Carton iced coffees begin with concentrated coffee extracts brewed from coffee beans. This preserves the natural caffeine that is present in the coffee beans. Coffee beans naturally contain caffeine as a pest deterrent to protect the seeds and help the plant grow. So starting with any type of coffee extract will introduce caffeine into the iced coffee.
2. Caffeine is expected in iced coffee
Consumers expect iced coffee to provide a caffeine boost, just like hot coffee does. Iced coffee is marketed as a chilled, refreshing alternative to hot coffee, not a decaf or non-caffeinated beverage. Since people enjoy iced coffee for its caffeine content, manufacturers ensure their cartons contain moderate caffeine levels comparable to hot coffee.
Caffeine content vs. hot brewed coffee
While carton iced coffees do contain caffeine, their caffeine levels are generally a bit lower than a typical hot coffee.
For example, an 8 oz cup of drip coffee can contain 95-200mg of caffeine. On the other hand, as we saw earlier, an 11-14 oz carton of iced coffee might have 100-150mg caffeine.
The caffeine content difference comes down to serving size – iced coffee cartons are larger than a standard coffee mug. Also when making hot drip coffee, it is easier to control strength and caffeine content by adjusting coffee to water ratios.
Overall, you can expect carton iced coffee to provide a moderate caffeine boost, but not quite as strong of a jolt as a small black coffee.
Decaf carton iced coffee options
For those looking to limit caffeine, there are some decaf carton iced coffee options:
International Delight Decaf Iced Coffee
International Delight offers a decaf version of their iced coffee with only trace amounts of caffeine.
Starbucks Decaf Iced Coffee
Starbucks Decaf Iced Coffee provides the flavor of Starbucks iced coffee while containing only 15-25mg caffeine.
Chameleon Cold Brew Decaf
Chameleon Cold Brew’s decaf cold brew cartons have about 10mg of caffeine per carton.
Making your own
You can also make decaf iced coffee at home by cold brewing decaf coffee grounds or double filtering hot decaf coffee. This allows you to control the strength and caffeine content.
Tips for reducing caffeine intake from iced coffee
Here are some other tips for keeping caffeine in check when drinking carton iced coffee:
– Choose smaller carton sizes like 8-10oz individual servings
– Drink only half the carton at once and save the rest for later
– Mix regular and decaf cartons together
– Combine with milk, water, ice or other ingredients that dilute the coffee strength
– Avoid flavored varieties which may have extra caffeine added from extracts
Health impact of caffeine in iced coffee
The caffeine content in carton iced coffee can provide several health effects, both positive and negative depending on your caffeine sensitivity.
Potential benefits of moderate caffeine intake from iced coffee:
– Increased alertness and focus
– Improved concentration and cognitive function
– Boosted metabolism and exercise performance
– Enhanced mood and sense of wellbeing
Potential downsides of excessive caffeine consumption:
– Jitters, anxiety or nervousness
– Sleep disruption if consumed late in the day
– Upset stomach, nausea or diarrhea
– Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
– Withdrawal headaches if stopped abruptly after regular use
Most healthy adults can safely consume up to 400mg caffeine per day. Pregnant women are advised to limit caffeine to 200mg or less. People with anxiety or heart conditions may also require lower caffeine intake.
The bottom line
Carton iced coffee offers the convenience of ready-to-drink iced coffee with the expected caffeine kick of regular hot coffee. Popular brands of iced coffee contain 50-150mg of caffeine per 11-14oz carton, giving you a moderate caffeine boost. Decaf options are also available. Enjoy iced coffee in moderation alongside other caffeinated beverages you consume during the day. Be mindful of your total caffeine intake if you are sensitive to its effects.