Does Coffee Ice Cream Have Caffeine? posted by Something Swanky Pin Share Tweet Email SomethingSwanky is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Ever think to yourself, “Does my coffee ice cream have caffeine in it?” You might be wondering this question for the first time, or you could be a longtime fan of coffee-flavored ice cream, curious about the caffeine amount in your favorite frozen treat. Either way, you’re in the right place! Coffee ice cream is just one of many fantastic coffee desserts, like this peppermint white chocolate mocha or something more extravagant like a coffee cake-flavored cheesecake. But for simplicity, let’s just start with ice cream. Below, we’ll dive into the delicious world of coffee ice cream and reveal just how much caffeine it contains. So, grab a spoon, and let’s get started! What is Coffee Ice Cream? Coffee-flavored ice cream is a super popular flavor, available in pretty much every grocery store and from most major brands. It’s made by combining cream, sugar, and real coffee or coffee extract to create a bold flavor. It’s a great option for coffee lovers who want to enjoy the flavor they love in a different, refreshing way. Some brands, like Ben & Jerry’s and Haagen-Dazs, are famous for their coffee flavors. Does Coffee Ice Cream Have Caffeine? Yes, coffee-flavored ice cream does contain caffeine. The amount depends on the type and the specific brand. Some brands use real coffee in their recipes, which naturally contains caffeine. Other brands might use decaf coffee or artificial flavoring, which would result in less caffeine. You can usually find the nutritional information on the packaging or the brand’s website. How Much Caffeine is in Coffee Ice Cream? Generally, a half-cup serving of coffee ice cream contains between 30 to 45 milligrams of caffeine. This amount is much less than what you’d find in an 8-ounce cup of coffee, which can contain anywhere from 95 to 200 milligrams of caffeine. Keep in mind that caffeine amounts can vary depending on the specific recipe and brand. And it also depends on how much ice cream you eat! Comparing Caffeine Levels in Coffee Ice Cream To put the caffeine content of coffee ice cream into perspective, let’s compare it to other common sources. A regular cup of coffee usually contains at least 95 mg of caffeine, while a shot of espresso has about 63 mg. That’s still significantly more than we’re talking about as a frozen treat! On the other hand, a serving of dark chocolate might contain around 12 mg of caffeine. So as you can see, coffee-flavored ice cream has significantly less caffeine than a cup of joe made at home or purchased elsewhere, but slightly more than a serving of dark chocolate. Every person will need to make their own decision as to what’s an appropriate amount for them. It’s possible that having some right before bed — maybe as an after dinner treat — might make it slightly harder for some people to fall asleep. If you’re particularly sensitive, maybe it’s better to scoop yourself a bowl in the middle of the day, just to be safe. Does Decaf Coffee Ice Cream Have Caffeine? Decaf coffee ice cream has significantly lower levels of caffeine compared to regular caffeinated options. And again, it will still be less than what you’d find in beverage form. However, it’s important to note that decaf does not mean caffeine-free. Even decaffeinated coffee contains small amounts of caffeine. As we said previously, check the packaging of whatever flavor you’re trying. Or if you’re ordering it from the counter at an ice cream shop or parlor, ask an employee! They may not know off-hand but they’ll generally be happy to check for you. So, if you’re sensitive to caffeine or need to limit your intake, decaf options could be a great route for you. But if you’re trying to avoid caffeine, skip all coffee options, in dessert form or otherwise. Better safe than sorry. One Option: Make It Yourself Making ice cream at home is a fun and rewarding experience. The best way to control the caffeine content is to make it yourself! You can use a standard ice cream maker and your favorite coffee beans to create a custom blend that’s perfect for your taste and caffeine preference. Consider topping it with whipped cream, or mixing in other flavors such as hazelnut or cinnamon. Some people even like topping it with caramel or a drizzle of chocolate — really anything that you can picture Starbucks adding to your drink will work. And there’s nothing wrong with experimenting. You might come up with a new best-seller! Conclusion So, yes, coffee ice cream has caffeine in it. But the amount is generally much less than in a regular cup of joe. And less still if it’s made with decaf. If you want to control things more closely, we recommend making your own at home. Portion control is another way to limit your intake, if that’s important to you. Just remember to check the nutritional information if you’re concerned about your caffeine intake, and savor every spoonful of your favorite flavor! If you love coffee, we also recommend that you think about ways to create a home coffee bar! Maybe yours will even have an ice cream maker on it.
