Coffee For Kids: Right Age, Safe Quantity And Side Effect

Avoid giving caffeinated drinks to your children until they are five years old.

Reviewed by Jennifer Swallow, MS, RDN, LDN Jennifer Swallow Jennifer SwallowMS, RDN, LDN MomJunction on FacebookFollow MomJunction on TwitterFollow MomJunction on LinkedinFollow MomJunction on YouTubeFollow MomJunction on Instagram Specialty: Dietetics/ NutritionExperience: 14 years
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Coffee For Kids

Image: Shutterstock

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed caffeinated beverages worldwide. Adults enjoy it because of its taste, pleasant aroma, and tendency to improve attentiveness. While for most adults, it is a vital part of their morning routine, coffee for kids is generally not advised.

The caffeine component in coffee is a major health concern for children since too much of this stimulant might lead to adverse consequences.

Read this post to know about children’s coffee intake, including its side effects and health benefits, to assist children and parents in making educated decisions.

In This Article

Can Children Drink Coffee?

Coffee loaded with sugar and whipped cream is unhealthy for children

Image: Shutterstock

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends avoiding caffeinated beverage options, such as coffee, for children up to five years of age (1). Older children and teens should preferably avoid or at least limit coffee intake (2) (3).

The sweetened coffee drinks that children and adolescents usually like (as plain black coffee is bitter) have zero nutritional value. Besides, they are usually high in calories due to sugar and other additives, like whipped cream. Sustained consumption of sugary drinks may pose health risks, like childhood obesity.

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Children and young adults are among the fastest-growing caffeine users, with their caffeine consumption rates increasing by up to 70% in the past few decades (14).

How Much Caffeine Is Too Much For Children?

The US FDA has not set a limit on caffeine consumption in children (4). However, other experts recommend that adolescents (12 to 18 years) limit their caffeine consumption to 100mg per day (one cup of coffee) (5) (6).

Government regulators in Canada have the following recommended maximum caffeine intake values for children from ages four to 12 years (7).

Age (years)Maximum Recommended Intake (mg/day)
4 to 645
7 to 962.5
10 to 1285

 Source: Government of Canada

Apart from coffee, some of the most commonly consumed caffeinated drinks among children and teens are hot chocolate, tea, energy drinks, and soda. These drinks should also be limited to keep the caffeine intake in check.

What Is The Right Age For Children To Drink Coffee?

There is no recommended right age for children to start consuming coffee. The US FDA recommends speaking to your child’s healthcare provider for advice regarding the consumption of caffeinated beverages (4). Younger children should avoid coffee. Older children and adolescents may have it in moderation if they are unwilling to replace it with safer options like healthy drinks for kids. For parents who are concerned about the caffeine content in coffee, decaffeinated options are available and can be a safer choice for kids who want to enjoy the taste of coffee. It’s also essential to select beans that are fresh and of high quality to avoid any potential side effects.

How Does Caffeine Affect Children?

Caffeine is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system (CNS) of children, just like it does in adults.

However, children and teens can be sensitive to even small doses of caffeine due to their smaller body size (3).

Here are some general effects of caffeine that may occur both in adults and children, who regularly consume coffee (8).

  • Increase in alertness and boost in energy due to the stimulation of CNS.
  • Increase in urine output due to the diureticiA substance or medication used to expel excess water and salts through increased urine production effects of caffeine.
  • Increase in the release of acid in the stomach leading to an upset stomach or acid refluxiReflux (backward flow) of stomach contents to the food pipe causes burning and discomfort in the chest .

    Caffeine may cause acid reflux in children

    Image: IStock

  • Possible interference with calcium absorption.
  • Increase in the blood pressure and heart rate.

Is Coffee Bad For Children?

Coffee is not harmful when consumed in limited quantities, but there is no recommended safe intake level for children. The body of a child is still growing, and it is not yet known how caffeine affects their CNS, circulatory system, and other organs. Children could also accidentally over-consume caffeinated beverages, such as coffee (5).

Coffee with flavor-enhancing additives such as high quantities of added sugar, cream, and other additives, such as chocolate chips, could contribute to high sugar consumption. It may pose a health risk in the long run.

Excess consumption of coffee can expose children and teens to a high dose of caffeine, causing the following side effects (4) (5) (9).

  1. Might decrease appetite: A review study indicated that consumption of caffeine about half an hour to four hours before a meal might suppress appetite (10). However, why and how it does is unclear and still under research.
  1. Can increase anxiety and nervousness: According to the American Psychological Association, high amounts of caffeine can stimulate a child’s immature neurological systems and cause symptoms, such as reduced attention capacity, increased anxiety, nervousness, and insomnia (11).

    High amounts of caffeine can lead to anxiety in children

    Image: Shutterstock

  1. Can cause dental cavities: Sweetened coffee is high in sugar, which could cause bacterial growth in the mouth. The bacteria produce acid, which erodes the tooth enamel, thus triggering tooth decay in children (12).
  1. Can cause bone loss: High caffeine intake is associated with reduced calcium bioavailability and increased calcium excretion contributing to bone loss (13) (14). Poor calcium levels during puberty disrupt the normal growth and development of the child.
  1. Can cause caffeine dependency: Teens are likely to develop caffeine dependency since they may notice that it helps them stay awake and focused (6). However, as tolerance to caffeine increases, the caffeine intake also increases. A sudden limitation or avoidance of caffeine develops a sense of withdrawal  (15). Some of the common withdrawal symptoms are fatigue, reduced energy, nervousness, irritability, and recurrent headaches (16).

    Caffeine dependency may lead to headaches

    Image: IStock

Besides the above conditions, overconsumption of coffee may cause immediate effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and increase in blood pressure (6). Hence, its intake must be monitored.

protip_icon Research finds
Excessive caffeine consumption can contribute to morning fatigue, drowsiness in class, irritability, and lower academic achievement, negatively affecting a child’s performance in school (23).

Are There Any Health Benefits Of Drinking Coffee?

Regular consumption of unsweetened coffee in moderation is associated with improved heart health, lowered risk of type-2 diabetes, enhanced mental health, and increased liver protection (17) (18). Most of these health benefits are due to coffee’s bioactive compoundsiNatural components found in both plants, animals, and microbes that have therapeutic properties , like chlorogenic acid, caffeine, trigonelline, and diterpenes, that possess antioxidantiAbility of a substance to prevent or slow down cell damage caused due to harmful molecules called free radicals , hypoglycemiciFall in blood sugar levels to lower than the normal range , and hypolipidemiciA property of a medicine or a substance that helps reduce the levels of lipids in the blood effects (19). These health effects are well-researched in adults but not in children and teens. Hence, these benefits of coffee may not be applicable to children and teens.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should kids brush their teeth after coffee?

Brushing immediately after consuming anything acidic could damage the teeth’ enamel. It is recommended to wait around 30 minutes before brushing teeth after eating or drinking anything acidic; else, it can weaken the tooth enamel (20). Coffee is acidic and the same principle for brushing applies to it..

2. Can kids with braces or aligners drink coffee?

Children with metal braces should rinse their mouths with water immediately after drinking coffee. Whereas those with clear aligners (have plastic) need to remove the trays before consuming hot drinks such as coffee as the heat may warp the plastic (21).

3. Does caffeine help children with ADHD?

A limited group study suggests caffeine might increase executive functioning in children with ADHD by reducing hyperactivity, impulsivity, and aggression. However, despite their calming effects, caffeine may harm the child as it may lead to sleep deprivation and dependence issues (11).

4. Can caffeine cause early puberty?

Although limited research supports this association, a study discovered that excessive caffeinated beverages could potentially increase the risk of early menarche in girls (22).

5. How does caffeine affect children’s sleep patterns?

Excessive caffeine intake may cause sleep disturbances in children as caffeine also influences alertness (3).

Coffee for kids should be avoided until they reach the age of five. It is also suggested that older children and teenagers avoid or restrict their caffeine intake to 100mg per day (one cup of coffee) since too much caffeine can have negative impacts on children. In addition, coffee includes a lot of added sugar, cream, and other additives, which might be harmful to your child’s health. Therefore, as a parent, you should educate your child to pick healthy alternatives to coffee and gradually limit their coffee intake in their daily life.

Infographics: How To Reduce Your Child’s Caffeine Intake

Banishing caffeine from your child’s diet can be easier said than done. So, rather than fretting about your child guzzling caffeinated beverages, focus on ways to reduce their caffeine intake. Our infographic brings you tips that can make your job easier.

how to reduce your child’s caffeine intake (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Key Pointers

  • Children, in general, must avoid caffeinated beverages.
  • Children’s bodies are smaller, making them more susceptible to even modest quantities of caffeine, amplifying its effects.
  • Caffeine intake may reduce their appetite, causing anxiety and dental cavities.
  • If you wish to introduce coffee to kids, check the intake amount with your pediatrician.

Illustration: Coffee For Kids: Right Age Safe Quantity And Side Effect

Coffee For Kids_illustration

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

Is coffee good for kids? Find out in this informative video! Learn the pros and cons of giving coffee to children and make an informed decision.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

1. Recommended Drinks for Young Children Ages 0-5; Healthy Children; AAP
2. Trends in Caffeine Intake Among US Children and Adolescents; AAP
3. Is Coffee Bad for Kids?; John Hopkins
4. Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine is Too Much?; FDA
5. Parents, Perk Up to the Dangers of Caffeine for Teens; Michigan Health
6. Top 4 Reasons for Teens to Limit or Quit Caffeine; Cincinnati Children’s
7. Caffeine in Food; Government of Canada
8. Caffeine; MedlinePlus; U.S National Library of Medicine
9. Is it Safe for Children to Drink Coffee?; Australian Institute of Food Safety
10. Matthew M Schubert et al.; Caffeine, coffee, and appetite control: a review; NCBI
11. A sip into dangerous territory; American Psychological Association
12. Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Tooth Decay; University of Delaware
13. Kids and Caffeine; American Bone Health
14. Jennifer L. Temple; Caffeine Use in Children: What we know, what we have left to learn, and why we should worry; NCBI
15. Caffeine; Better Health; Victoria State Government
16. Karima R. Sajadi-Ernazarova et al.; Caffeine Withdrawal; NCBI
17. The latest scoop on the health benefits of coffee; Harvard Health
18. Health Benefits of Coffee; RUSH University Medical Center
19. Coffee; Oregon State University
20. Brushing immediately after meals? You may want to wait; Columbia University, Irving Medical Center
21. How to drink coffee without staining your teeth; Orthodontics, Australia
22. Noel T Mueller et al; (2015); Consumption of caffeinated and artificially sweetened soft drinks is associated with risk of early menarche; NCBI
22. Richards GA and Smith AP (2016); Caffeine Consumption and General Health in Secondary School Children: A Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Analysis; NCBI

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Jennifer Swallow
Jennifer SwallowMS, RDN, LDN
Jennifer Swallow has 14 years of experience with the plant-based diet. She has studied nutrition and with a dietetics license from the state of Florida, she works as a clinical and wellness dietitian. Jennifer graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutrition and Bowling Green State University with a Masters in Nutrition.

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Swati Patwal
Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA
Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

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Rohit Garoo
Rohit GarooBSc, MBA
Rohit Garoo is a writer-turned-editor with over 9 years of experience in content writing, editing, and content marketing. He did his bachelors in Science at St. Xavier's College, Hyderabad, and masters in Business Administration at Osmania University.

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Shinta Liz Sunny
Shinta Liz SunnyM.Tech
Shinta is a biotechnologist who is highly intrigued by science and technology. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University.

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