Coffee lovers may be getting more than they bargained for when they purchase a cup of joe from Starbucks.
Researchers from the University of Florida released the findings of a study Friday where, every day for a week, they purchased cups of the internationally known coffee and measured the amount of caffeine in them.
The results may be difficult for some to swallow. One 16-ounce "grande" cup of Starbucks' coffee might contain the caffeine equivalent to three maximum-strength NoDoz caffeine pills.
Caffeine is derived from cocoa beans and kola nuts and is the key ingredient of soft drinks, chocolate, many non-prescription medications and even dietary and sport supplements.
Acting as a mild central nervous system stimulant, caffeine provides initial boosts of energy and temporarily prevents fatigue.
The study found that the strongest Starbucks' coffee - Breakfast Blend - contains as much as 564 milligrams of caffeine.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
According to Starbucks' Web site, the same size serving of Coca Cola contains 64 milligrams of caffeine.
Although not regulated by the FDA, that is nearly twice as much as the recommended daily amount, according to many doctors and medical resources.
Moderate caffeine intake, as much as 250 milligrams a day, is not associated with any health risks, according to the American Heart Association. Higher levels, though, have been attributed to health problems including insomnia, anxiety, increased heart rate and high blood pressure.
Lara Wyss, spokeswoman for Starbucks, said caffeine levels in the business' coffee fluctuate because of the different types of coffee beans used, as well as the roasting and brewing methods used.
Wyss doubted the credibility of the study, saying it is impossible to determine the amount of caffeine in every cup of coffee.
"Absolute numbers reported on caffeine levels in Starbucks coffee do not reflect what a customer would receive in every cup of our coffee," she said.
Wyss said Starbucks is aware of the amount of caffeine in its coffee and the corporation does have standards in place for coffee preparation.
Many health professionals warn that any consumption of caffeine is dangerous because of its addictive qualities.
"Caffeine is a mildly addictive drug," said Michael Jacobson, executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest, in a news release. "Drinking caffeine equivalent to several cups of coffee a day can lead to insomnia and difficulty concentrating. Ceasing the consumption of caffeine often leads to withdrawal symptoms, such as headache and fatigue."
Tameron Reynolds, a manager at one of Albuquerque's 15 Starbucks, said the amount of caffeine varies among the different kinds of drinks offered, but franchises have little control over the amount of caffeine in its coffee.
"That's out of our hands," Reynolds said. "There are different drinks with different amounts of caffeine to meet everyone's needs."
Many UNM students said they are aware of the dangers associated with caffeine and the University of Florida's study will not deter them from enjoying their coffee at Starbucks.
"Most people drink coffee to get the caffeine," said Aaron Smith, a non-degree student at UNM. "I would be more upset if there was less caffeine in this (Starbucks) coffee. At least I know I'm getting what I paid for."
