When dinner is over and the evening winds down, there’s nothing like a sweet treat to top it all off.

For coffee lovers, a scoop of coffee ice cream seems like the perfect way to indulge.

But before you settle in for the night, have you ever wondered if your frozen dessert is packing a hidden dose of caffeine?



Here at The GrayVine, we know how valuable a good night’s sleep is.

That’s why we’re diving into the caffeine content of coffee ice cream and whether it could be keeping you up at night.


Coffee ice cream isn’t just about the flavor—it actually contains caffeine.

According to registered dietitian Alissa Steinberg, a single serving can have between 30 to 60 milligrams of caffeine.

That’s about the same as a third of a cup of coffee.

Some premium brands take it even further, packing over 80 milligrams per serving—almost as much as a shot of espresso.

If you process caffeine quickly, a scoop of coffee ice cream might not disrupt your sleep.

But if you're sensitive to caffeine or have already consumed a lot during the day, it could make a difference.



Steinberg explains that adults can safely consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine daily.

That’s roughly the equivalent of three cups of coffee.

Pregnant individuals should stick to a lower limit, capping intake at 300 milligrams per day.

To put that into perspective, a single venti brewed coffee from Starbucks has 410 milligrams—already over the daily recommendation.

For younger people, the guidelines are even stricter.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against caffeine consumption for adolescents.

The Dietary Guidelines for America 2020-2025 recommend that children under two avoid caffeine entirely.



Not everyone handles caffeine the same way.

Some people may feel jittery or restless even after a small amount.

Genetics play a major role in caffeine sensitivity, but other factors like age, pregnancy, and certain medications can make the effects stronger.

So, when should you stop having caffeine for the day?

Steinberg suggests cutting it off six to eight hours before bedtime to prevent sleep disturbances.

For most adults, caffeine’s half-life is five to six hours, meaning half of it is still in your system hours later.

If you aim to go to bed at 10 p.m., try to avoid caffeine past 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

For those extra sensitive, cutting it off even earlier—around noon—might be best.
Have you ever been surprised by the caffeine content in unexpected foods? Do you have a go-to nighttime snack that doesn’t interfere with your sleep? Or have you found a coffee ice cream that’s light on caffeine? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Also read: Cardiologists reveal the one type of coffee that's damaging your heart health every day!