Is YOUR favourite festive drink keeping you up at night? Experts warn coffees at Starbucks, Pret and Costa could lead to sleep deprivation – with one beverage’s caffeine content equating to SIX cups of instant coffee
Christmas-themed drinks at popular barista chains contain as much caffeine as up to six cups of instant coffee, a study has revealed.
Some of Britain’s biggest high street names are once again taking advantage of the festive mood by offering a host of specialist beverages.
But sleep experts are warning the winter treats are made up of so much caffeine they could leave shoppers struggling to enjoy some proper rest.
Many studies have previously shown that up to 400mg of caffeine per day is the maximum amount you should be consuming and that any more can make it harder to fall asleep.
It can also reduce your total sleep time by 30 minutes, or reduce the amount of deep, slow-wave sleep you get, which experts say is critical for feeling refreshed the next day.
Research by MattressNextDay found Pret’s Gingerbread Lattes and Salted Caramel Lattes each contain a huge 360mg of caffeine per serving – the equivalent of six instant coffees or 90% of your recommended daily allowance in one cup.
READ MORE: The Christmas coffees that’ll give you a gut like Santa’s: Festive drinks at Dunkin’ and Starbucks contain up to 1,200 calories and 14 TIMES more sugar than a donut
The sandwich shop is followed on the study’s ‘naughty list’ by Costa Coffee, whose various festive drinks contain around 200mg – equivalent to more than three cups of instant coffee.
Elsewhere, McDonald’s Caramel Waffle Latte and Toffee Nut Latte contain 153 mg, which is closely followed by Greggs’ Christmas line-up with a caffeine punch of 150mg.
Studies report that it takes at least eight hours to metabolise just half of anything you consume, so experts say to make sure such a timeframe is left between enjoying festive drinks and going to bed.
On the researchers’ ‘nice list’ was Caffè Nero, whose Panettone Latte, Florentine Mocha, and Panettone Iced Latte ranges each contain 120mg of caffeine, while Starbucks had the lowest content, with just 66.2mg in its festive drinks.
Martin Seeley, the CEO and sleep expert at MattressNextDay said: ‘Our investigation into the caffeine content of popular Christmas-themed coffees from major chains has uncovered a startling issue that many people may not be aware of.
‘The data reveals shocking caffeine levels in festive drinks, notably Pret’s, which contains the caffeine equivalent of six instant coffees.
‘Similarly, Costa’s Christmas drinks contain the caffeine equivalent of more than three instant coffees, and both McDonald’s and Greggs follow closely behind at around two and a half instant coffees.
Christmas-themed drinks at popular barista chains contain as much caffeine as up to six cups of instant coffee, a study has revealed
‘While there’s nothing wrong with buying a Christmas drink from these chains—after all, it is the last week before Christmas—we would recommend not drinking them in the last eight hours of your day.
READ MORE: Does your coffee have more calories than your Christmas cake?
‘The high caffeine content is likely to impact your sleep, affecting its onset and overall quality.
‘Our aim of the study is to highlight the impact of caffeine on sleep and encourage mindful consumption.
‘The findings underscore the importance of moderating caffeine intake, especially around bedtime.
‘Opting for lower-caffeine alternatives from Starbucks and Caffè Nero in the evening can aid in a more restful sleep, making them the perfect option for those who need a little bit of added energy before tackling the high streets for last-minute Christmas shopping or for those who have their Christmas party after work but need an energy boost beforehand.’
Pret, Costa, McDonald’s Greggs, Starbucks and Caffè Nero have been approached for comment.
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