Caffeine in supplements: how much you're really getting
Caffeine is the main energy ingredient in most pre-workouts, many coffee products and most fat burners. It works, but the dose adds up fast when you stack products.
What caffeine does for training
Caffeine is a stimulant. Many people feel more alert and find hard efforts feel a little easier after taking it. It's one of the more studied ingredients in sports supplements, which is why it shows up in so many pre-workouts.
How much is too much?
The FDA says about 400mg a day is an amount not generally linked to dangerous effects for healthy adults. People vary a lot in how fast they process caffeine, though, and some feel jittery, anxious or can't sleep at much lower doses. Pregnant or nursing people, and anyone with a heart condition or on medication, should ask their doctor first.
Add it up
Count everything: coffee, energy drinks, soda, tea and supplements. A pre-workout plus two cups of coffee can pass 400mg before lunch. Read the label for total caffeine, and don't stack two caffeinated products in the same window.
Timing
- Before training: most pre-workouts say to take them about 20 minutes before you start.
- Sleep: caffeine can stay in your system for hours, so late-evening training and a full scoop can cost you sleep, which costs you recovery.
- New to it? Start with half a scoop or half a tablet and see how you feel.
In our shop: what's in a serving
- Kinetic Mushroom Pre-Workout: 250mg total caffeine per scoop, plus a 1,500mg mushroom blend. Label says not to exceed 2 scoops a day.
- MAGIK Mushroom Coffee: 100mg total caffeine per scoop.
- Mental Jewels Cognitive Powder: 100mg Infinergy™ dicaffeine malate per scoop (74% caffeine, about 74mg).
- Ember Extra Strength: 200mg total caffeine per tablet (150mg caffeine anhydrous + 50mg from green coffee bean). Tablets split in half.
Kinetic Mushroom Pre-WorkoutPre-workout with Lion's Mane, Reishi and Cordyceps.
MAGIK Mushroom CoffeeMushroom coffee with Lion's Mane, Cordyceps and Chaga.
Mental Jewels Cognitive PowderNootropic drink powder with Alpha-GPC, Bacopa and Cordyceps.
Ember Extra StrengthThermogenic tablet; 200mg total caffeine, splits in half.Quick answers
How much caffeine is in Kinetic pre-workout?
250mg of total caffeine per scoop, from green coffee bean, Infinergy™ and caffeine anhydrous.
Which of your products has the least caffeine?
Among our caffeinated products, MAGIK Mushroom Coffee (100mg per scoop) and Mental Jewels (about 74mg per scoop) are the lowest. Our creatines, proteins and hydration mixes have no caffeine listed on the label.
Can I take pre-workout and coffee together?
Add the caffeine from both. If the total is getting close to 400mg in a day, or you feel jittery, skip one.
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine Is Too Much?
- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary Supplements for Exercise and Athletic Performance (consumer fact sheet).
Keep reading
This guide is general information, not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your doctor before starting a supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, take medication or have a medical condition.