Caffeine Content of Cocoa and Coffee Beverages in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

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.