What is a good source for me to get caffeine, based on the following criteria?

Question

Criteria, in no particular order:
- Price - I don't want to spend much money. Three bucks at Starbucks is way too much. At $2 each, Red Bull is pushing it. I know I can do better than that.
- Taste - I don't like the taste of coffee much, so some alternative would be good.
- Caffeine content - I've read that the recommended max intake is 200mg per day. I'd like to find something that gets me around 80-120, and would be best if I can consume it all at once, since I usually just get sleepy in the early afternoon.
- Health - I want it to be healthy, so things with lots of sugar are out. I don't mind calories though - I'm a skinny guy.

One thing I've tried is green tea, which is really healthy and cheap and tastes ok, but at only 20-30 mg caffeine per cup, I never notice the effects.

Also, if anyone has suggestions for a safe substance besides caffeine to keep me energized, that would be good too.

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

Black or oolong tea has more caffeine than regular tea. Also, you can buy caffeine pills in a health food store.

If you're normally healthy and you keep a regular sleep routine, you shouldn't really be sleepy in the early afternoon. There might be something else going on.

For a pick me up in the afternoon, when I know I'm having an off day due to lack of sleep, I like chai, chilled fruit juice, some dark chocolate. You can also get those iced coffees or latte drinks that come in packs; they don't taste that coffee-ish and they should be okay on sugar.

Answer 2

Well, you could try caffeine pills like no-dose. I have no idea what they cost though...

In terms of alternate sources, chocolate has quite a lot of caffeine. If you prefer to stay away from processed sugars, though, how about natural sugars - fruit or fruit juice?

If you're interested in healthy though, I'd avoid popping caffeine altogether. Why do you get sleepy in the early afternoon?
- Is it right after a big lunch? Maybe try smaller meals.
- Is your body actually tired - could you do a 20 minute power nap? Or get better rest at night?
- What about more exercise? It's a great way to boost your energy overall. A regular exercise program could help. Alternatively, if you're sitting a desk all day, you may just need some small amount of exercise in the early afternoon to get your blood flowing again - if going to the gym at lunch isn't an option, you could try going for a quick, fast walk just to get yourself going.
- Again, if it's a desk issue, try some stretching exercises regularly during the day.
- Are you bored at work - maybe you just need something more challenging to keep you interested? Alternatively, maybe you need a brain break to recharge.

It's kind of hard to give good advice without being quite sure what's causing the sleepiness, but I hope this helped some.

Answer 3

Why not black tea? Red Rose has a little more caffeine than Lipton or Tetley. Salada is good, too, or for a bit more money try Bigelow Earl Grey or Constant Comment - YUM! Make it at home (or at work with a HotShot or immersion heater) with BOILING (not just hot) water and let it steep for 5 minutes. I put a little milk in mine (especially if I forget it and it gets really strong), or you can use lemon or just drink it black. No need to put sugar in tea; you can just skip that. Tea is really cheap, and you could make a whole pot of it with 3-4 tea bags if one cup isn't enough.

Siberian ginseng, also sometimes called eleuthero, is good but more expensive than tea. And there's something about drinking a nice cuppa that goes beyond the caffeine....it's relaxing and stimulating at the same time.

Answer 4

..I Trader`s Joe they are selling caffeine candy..either it`s in chocolate form or caffeine beans it self. It make my heart palpitate for a bean or 2. You can buy it in plastic bag for less than $200.

Answer 5

A coke product called Vault or my favorite Vault Zero (sugar free). I find in PA for $1.00 a six pack on sale or $2.50-$3.00 regular

Answer 6

caffeine pills

Answer 7

JOLT- if you can find it