Is There Caffeine In Apples?
There is some dubious health advice being passed around claiming that “eating an apple wakes you up as well as a cup of coffee.”
The origins of this myth are unknown, but it has lead some people to believe that apples must contain caffeine.
Let’s have a look at the nutrition data of an apple and see what ‘an apple a day’ is actually packing.
Nutrition of an Apple
| Serving size | 182 grams (1 medium apple) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 95 |
| Sugar | 19 |
| Protein | 0.5 mg |
| Vitamin C | 8.4 mg |
| Vitamin A | 98.3 IU |
| Folate | 5.5 mcg |
| Choline | 6.2 mcg |
| Calcium | 10.9 mg |
| Phosphorus | 20 mg |
| Potassium | 195 mg |
| Caffeine | 0 mg |
Apples also contain very small traces of other vitamins and minerals.
There Is No Caffeine in Apples
An apple will help a person feel more energetic, but it’s not because of caffeine. The high sugar content of an apple is what does the trick. And, because the sugar in apples is also bound to fiber this feeling lasts longer than other sugary snacks like candy bars.
Fructose, the primary sugar in an apple, is a simple sugar and is digested quickly which raises blood sugar levels. Your brain happens to love sugar so this is why we crave sugary snacks and why they are so rewarding.
- In fact, one medium apple has about the same sugar content as drinking half of a 12 fl oz Coke. However, it is much healthier to eat an apple than to drink a Coke.
So, even though apples don’t wake you up with a jolt of caffeine, they are a healthy way to get a sugar rush.
Is There Caffeine Hidden In Some Foods?
Yes. Caffeine is found in many foods – some is put there by manufacturers. Many chocolate-based foods will have small amounts of caffeine.
Browse the list of caffeine in food
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