caffeine

Everyday

Caffeine is a natural chemical in coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks and chocolate that makes people feel more awake and alert. tree →

In the lessons

In health and science lessons, children learn that caffeine is a stimulant: it can make the heart beat faster and make it hard to sleep, and too much is bad for children. Energy drinks have a lot of caffeine and are not for children; in some countries shops will not sell them to children. Food labels show how much caffeine is in a drink. Phrases: «full of caffeine», «caffeine-free».

Examples

• Coffee has caffeine in it. tree →
• Caffeine can stop you sleeping. tree →
• Energy drinks are not for children because of the caffeine. tree →
• Mum drinks caffeine-free tea at night. tree →
• Cola contains some caffeine. tree →
• Dark chocolate has a little caffeine. tree →
• Too much caffeine can make your heart race. tree →
• Check the label to see how much caffeine is in it. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Spelling trap: caffeine breaks the «i before e» rule (it is «ei»). Pronounced «KAF-een». «Decaffeinated» or «decaf» means most of the caffeine has been taken out.