PERSONAL HEALTH : Measuring Out a Cuppa Caffeine

Guess which hot beverage contains the most caffeine per serving:

A. Cappuccino

B. Espresso

C. Brewed coffee

D. Tea

E. Hot chocolate

Surprise! The amount of caffeine in espresso and cappuccino is about the same--if not less-- than in a regularly brewed cup of coffee.

The reason?

According to the Mayo Clinic Health Letter, espresso and cappuccino are usually made from arabica beans, as opposed to the robusta beans common in regularly brewed coffee. This means the stronger coffee taste does not signify more caffeine.

Here’s how the choices stack up in milligrams of caffeine based on a normal restaurant serving:

* Cappuccino (five-ounce serving): 90-120 milligrams.

* Espresso (two-ounce serving): 90-120 milligrams.

* Brewed coffee (five-ounce serving): 90-140 milligrams.

* Brewed tea (five-ounce serving): 35-50 milligrams.

* Hot chocolate (five-ounce serving): 1-2 milligrams.