Does Coffee Ice Cream Have Caffeine? Here’s the Truth
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Coffee ice cream is a favourite for many coffee lovers — creamy, sweet, and with that unmistakable coffee flavour. But if you’re sensitive to caffeine or avoiding it later in the evening, you may be wondering: Does coffee ice cream have caffeine?
The short answer: usually, yes — but the amount varies a lot.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Does Coffee Ice Cream Contain Caffeine?
Most coffee ice creams do contain caffeine, because they are typically made using:
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brewed coffee
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espresso
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coffee extract
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instant coffee
However, the caffeine content is usually much lower than what you’d find in a cup of brewed coffee.
How Much Caffeine Is in Coffee Ice Cream?
The amount varies by brand, but on average:
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½ cup (around 100g) of coffee ice cream contains 20–45 mg of caffeine.
For comparison:
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A standard cup of coffee (240ml) contains 80–120 mg of caffeine
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A cup of decaf coffee contains 2–5 mg
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A can of cola contains 30–40 mg
So coffee ice cream has some caffeine, but far less than a brewed coffee.
Does Coffee Ice Cream Always Have Caffeine?
Not always — but usually.
Some brands may use coffee flavouring instead of real coffee. These versions may contain:
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very little caffeine, or
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No caffeine at all
But you’ll need to check the ingredients list or the manufacturer’s information to know for sure.
If you’re caffeine-sensitive or avoiding caffeine altogether, a safer option is to enjoy decaf coffee rather than coffee-flavoured desserts.
Try our smooth, rich decaf range:
Is Coffee Ice Cream Safe During Pregnancy?
Most guidelines suggest limiting caffeine intake to 200 mg per day during pregnancy.
Since most coffee ice creams contain 20–45 mg per serving, they are generally considered safe in moderation — but portion size still matters.
For full clarity, see:
Does Decaf Coffee Ice Cream Exist?
A few brands make decaf coffee ice cream, but it’s not very common.
If you want the flavour of coffee without the caffeine, you can also make homemade decaf coffee ice cream using one of our clean-processed decaf coffees:
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Conclusion
So, does coffee ice cream have caffeine?
Most of the time, yes. The caffeine content is typically 20–45 mg per serving, which is significantly less than a cup of coffee but enough to matter if you are sensitive to caffeine, avoiding caffeine, or pregnant.
If caffeine is an issue for you, choosing a decaf coffee dessert or a homemade decaf ice cream is a great alternative.