A couple weeks ago, McDonalds Canada sent me a nice package with a mug, coupons for their new McCafe espresso drinks, and some chocolate covered coffee beans.
I had never eaten chocolate covered coffee beans until that parcel arrived.
And well, now I am addicted.
After eating a half of the bag when I first opened the package, my usual speed was pushed up to full on sprint. You guys who have met me in person can imagine what Janice on a major hit of caffeine must be like. Yes, it is a bit wild.
After that initial coffee bean experience, I got a little scared off. Clearly this was not a safe drug of choice for me.
But, of course, I ended up going back for more.
The next time, I only ate about four. It was a safer, more reasonable amount — a caffeine hit that I could tolerate.
So I got braver. Well, a little stupid. The other afternoon, when I was super tired and had tons of work to do, I drank two Coke Zeros and ate about 15 of these delicious dark chocolate covered coffee beans.
Not a good idea. Oh my word. Anxious, edgy and my hands were noticeably shaking. But the side effects didn’t end when I went to bed. I ended up waking up early in the morning, with my chest tight with anxiety and pressure. It was intense!
So, you think that I would be cured of ever wanting any more of that chocolatey stimulant.
BUT NO — this morning, I couldn’t resist dipping into the remainder of the bag. They are oh so good people!
And now, I am buzzing as my little fingers fly across the keyboard.
Which made me wonder, how much caffeine is in chocolate covered coffee beans?
Why am I so incredibly sensitive to this form of caffeine — having a stronger reaction to them then I do to drinking coffee?
A search online led me to this incredibly helpful chart of information about caffeine from the BC government.
According to that chart, it is not surprising that I was affected by the coffee beans. I had seriously OVERDOSED on caffeine consumption — yes, far too much caffeine Janice!
To compare the caffeine amount I have been consuming in the chocolate covered coffee beans, I have posted a sampling of the items covered in the caffeine content chart:
In three chocolate covered coffee beans there is 36mgs of caffeine.
(In only THREE! I have eaten more than a dozen and a half at a time! Which means, I have at times eaten more than 540mg — that is the caffeine content equivalent to more than 13 shots of Arabica espresso or 5 shots of Robusta espresso! ONE can of cola has the amount of caffeine as THREE beans! Oh my word.)
Colas and some root beers (regular or diet) 355 mL (1 can) — 36-46mgs
Espresso (from arabica beans) 30 mL — 40mgs
Espresso (robusta beans) 30 mL — 100mgs
Coffee, variety of brews 350 mL — 177-268mgs
Frozen mochas (‘fast food’ versions) 300 mL — 35-70mgs
Tea, black or green 240 mL — 8-55mgs
‘Energy’ Drinks varies — 70-170mgs
Guarana drinks 355 mL — 30-800mgs
Yerba drinks 355 mL — 100-200mgs
Milk Chocolate 30 g — 7mgs
Dark Chocolate 30 g — 19-58mgs
Chocolate covered coffee beans 3 beans — 36mgssource: BC Community Nutritionists Council, School Food Advisory Committee
TELL US: Are you sensitive to caffeine or have negative caffeine side effects? Have you ever “overdosed” on caffeine? Do you depend on caffeine to get you going through the day?
Written by Janice Croze, co-founder of 5 Minutes for Mom.
Wanna chat? Find me at: @5minutesformom, @janicecroze and Facebook.com/5minutesformom.
5 Minutes for YOU to read, relax, & connect with other moms. We're here to inspire, encourage & empower you.
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh my, you poor thing. I never knew how much caffeine was in a chocolate covered coffee bean, but I’ve eaten them before and remember that I wasn’t prepared for the “high” I received. WOW, that is a lot of caffeine you consumed. When I drink coffee (Starbucks) I always have to get extra shots. I think I have become immune. And yes, cannot function without my caffeine. I know that I can, but do I want to? Nope. I can drink coffee all day long and still sleep at night. Although now that I am 45, I am sure that will catch up to me at some point. Happy detoxing!
Lol – that is quite a commitment to your coffee.
I JUST started coffee/caffeine two years ago! Up until then, I didn’t use it. Now, I am a bit hooked. But not every day. It makes me edgy.
I can only imagine the hyper that even a handful of those beans could produce! WOW.
I do know they are wicked good for migraines… guess the sheer amount of caffeine is why!
Yes – next time I have a migraine… lol
Oh my! So funny : D
It was! I was laughing at myself! lol
I ended up throwing out the bag, I couldn’t stop myself from eating them. I lived off them back in University. They work so well and are so goooooooooood!!!
Don’t throw those out!!! Send them to me. I am now an addict.
DM me your address, I’m sending you a care package!
I tend to get migraines if I have too much caffeine. And, oddly, certain kinds of caffeine seem worse than others. The caffeine in a regular mocha or latte will give me a stomachache and possibly a migraine. But a couple of Diet Cokes or a chai is fine. I try to stick to under 100 mg in a day. Usually just one Diet Coke.
interesting! Chocolate can give me headaches, but coffee and coke work well to help.
I don’t have much of a reaction to caffeine, but all I drink is soda. Last year, my brother in law sent me some chocolate covered coffee beans when he was traveling in Cuba and they sounded so gross I couldn’t get myself to try them. Considering how much I love chocolate, I think I’d better just stay away completely.
They are SO good! So hard to stop eating them!!!
Oh Janice, I HAVE met you in person and I can’t imagine a person who needs choc covered coffee beans less than you m’dear!
You are turbo woman!
LOL – but I can only sustain that energy for so long! lol Hence the need for the beans.
Onyl ODd once… I thought I was immune to coffees effect then one day I stupidly had that third cup and whamo I started shaking like a leaf on a tree. I had no idea what to do or if there was an antidote. I am stopping at two from now on. I know two, what a wuss.