Caffeine is a naturally occurring compound found in dozens of plants, legumes, and seeds. With its slightly bitter taste, it forms part of the complex flavor of some beverages. Coffee is known as the most common source of caffeine. Other well-known sources of caffeine include tea, chocolate, energy drinks, and some soft drinks. The amount of caffeine in food and beverage products varies depending on the serving size, the type of product, and the preparation method.
More than 140 regulatory bodies worldwide, including the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Union Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) (which was replaced by the European Food Safety Authority – EFSA in 2003), and Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), recognize that the appropriate use of caffeine in foods is safe.