Is There Caffeine in Coffee Ice Cream? Explained

8 min read APR 18, 2024

Feeling that late-night sweet tooth calling but hesitant about indulging due to caffeine concerns? Let's delve into the question that's keeping you up: "Does coffee ice cream have caffeine?"

Indeed, coffee ice cream contains caffeine. Specifically, you'll find approximately 95 mg of caffeine in every eight-ounce serving. Picture this: you're cozily nestled in your bed when a craving for something sweet suddenly strikes. You venture into your kitchen, scouring the fridge, only to discover that your only ice cream option is coffee-flavored. The pressing question arises: Will this coffee ice cream disrupt your sleep?

Like many, the last thing you want is to compromise your much-needed rest for a late-night treat, especially if it means being groggy for an important meeting the next day. While it's clear that coffee ice cream does indeed contain caffeine, the amount can vary among different brands.

Before you make a decision, about indulging in that late night craving it's worth delving into the topic. Continue reading to discover more about how the caffeine content can vary among coffee ice cream brands and whether your favorite scoop is likely to keep you awake.

Ben & Jerry's BuzzBuzzBuzz: A High-Caffeine Coffee Ice Cream Delight


For coffee ice cream enthusiasts, Ben & Jerrys BuzzBuzzBuzz is a standout option. This flavor combines chocolate with espresso notes creating a truly satisfying experience for your taste buds. The ice cream itself is rich and creamy. Has a brown hue that resembles a perfectly brewed cup of espresso.

What sets Ben & Jerrys BuzzBuzzBuzz apart is its caffeine content. Each box contains 70 mg of caffeine making it one of the caffeinated choices in the realm of coffee flavored ice creams. This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a caffeine boost along with their dessert.

Haagen-Dazs Coffee Ice Cream

Haagen Dazs holds a prominent position in the market for coffee ice cream. It is well known for its exceptional use of Brazilian coffee beans.
This ice cream stands out from others with its authentic coffee aroma thanks to the beans used. You can clearly taste the dedication to quality and flavor in every scoop as it provides an immersive coffee experience.

When it comes to caffeine content Haagen Dazs Coffee Ice Cream contains 58 mg of caffeine per box. Although slightly lower than Ben & Jerrys BuzzBuzzBuzz it still offers a significantly amount of caffeine that appeals to those who enjoy a presence of caffeine in their dessert. This level of caffeine provides a boost without overpowering the balance of flavors.

Baskin-Robbins 'Jamoca' Ice Cream

Baskin Robbins "Jamoca" Ice Cream is unique due to its unique blend of flavors and lower caffeine content delivering a subtle experience for coffee ice cream enthusiasts. Each container of this treat contains 20 mg of caffeine making it an ideal choice, for those who prefer a milder touch of caffeine in their desserts.

The "Jamoca" ice cream is renowned for its texture and the harmonious combination of smoky undertones. Its flavor profile pleasantly deviates from the bitterness often associated with coffee based desserts. It's a choice for those who prefer a sweeter taste rather than a bitter one offering a satisfying yet gentler coffee flavor.

Talenti Cold Brew Sorbetto

Talenti Cold Brew Sorbetto is an example of coffee infused desserts with a low caffeine content. Each serving of two thirds of a cup contains 0.002 mg of caffeine which is practically negligible. This makes it an ideal option for individuals who enjoy the taste of coffee but want to avoid its stimulating effects.

The Sorbetto showcases a blended combination of Colombian cold brew coffee resulting in a rich and nuanced flavor profile. Talenti has expertly crafted this dessert to emulate the texture and richness typically found in gelato enhanced by notes of coffee. This delicate hint of coffee elevates the experience without overpowering the flavors present in the dessert.

Does Coffee Ice Cream Affect Sleep?


The impact that coffee ice cream may have on your sleep is nuanced, for those who're sensitive to caffeine. Even though there might be a small amount of caffeine in coffee flavored ice cream it could potentially affect your ability to fall back asleep.

The crucial factor to consider here is the ratio of coffee to cream in brands of ice cream as it can vary significantly.

If you happen to devour a container of a caffeine-rich flavor packed ice cream, like espresso coffee, chances are you might find yourself wide awake and alert at an unwelcome time. This effect is not solely attributed to the caffeine present; the sugar content in the ice cream also plays a role. Sugar has the potential to stimulate your brain resulting in a rush of thoughts and a restless mind.

Making Your Homemade Decaf Coffee Ice Cream:


Creating your coffee ice cream at home provides an excellent solution for those who are conscious about their caffeine intake. This approach allows you to have control over the caffeine levels ensuring a caffeine experience without the need to meticulously examine labels while shopping.

If you're worried about the amount of caffeine found in store bought coffee ice creams making your own batch, at home offers an alternative. By opting for coffee in your recipe you can savor the flavors of coffee ice cream without experiencing any side effects related to caffeine. This DIY approach is quite gratifying. Provides the flexibility to tailor it to your flavor preferences.

Decaf Coffee Ice Cream: A Homemade Delight Recipe

Preparation Time:


Approximately 4 hours

Necessary Equipment:


  • Stove
  • Non-stick saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Glass Bowl
  • Plastic Wrap
  • Ice Cream Maker

Ingredients:


  • 1 cup of whole milk
  • One tablespoon of ground decaf coffee
  • 2 cups of your preferred heavy cream
  • Five egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup of sugar

Recipe Steps:


  • Brewing the Coffee: Begin by brewing your ground decaf coffee.
  • Gently warm the whole milk and slowly blend it with the brewed coffee. Let this mixture sit for a bit.
  • Combine the milk coffee mixture, sugar, and heavy cream in a medium-sized non-stick saucepan. Heat this mixture over medium heat, continuously whisking to ensure a smooth blend. Once the mixture starts to simmer, remove it from the heat.
  • In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk the egg yolks. Gradually incorporate the hot milk mixture into the yolks, then return the combined mixture to the saucepan.
  • Over low heat, continue to whisk the mixture until it achieves a thicker consistency.
  • After turning off the heat, transfer the mixture into a glass bowl. Allow it to cool down before covering it with plastic wrap.
  • Refrigerate the custard for at least four hours, allowing it to thoroughly chill.
  • Once chilled, pour the custard into your ice cream maker and follow the machine's instructions.
  • Transfer the finished ice cream to a clean glass container and freeze overnight for a firmer texture.

Top 3 Decaf Coffees for Homemade Ice Cream


When crafting the perfect homemade decaf coffee ice cream, the coffee you choose is just as important as the recipe itself. Understanding that decaf coffee should retain the delightful aroma and recognizable bitterness, Life Boost has handpicked three exceptional decaf coffee varieties to elevate your dessert experience. Each offers a unique flavor profile to match any palate, from dark to light roasts.

Dark Roast Decaf Coffee:

This selection boasts a deep, rich flavor with a full-bodied character. Priced at $24.60 for 12 ounces, it's a superb choice for those who love a bold coffee taste. Crafted from toxin-free, mountain shade-grown beans, this dark roast is USDA-approved and Swiss water decaffeinated. It's perfect for an ice cream recipe that requires a strong, distinct coffee presence.

Medium Roast Decaf Coffee:

With 1326 glowing reviews, this medium roast is priced at $24.60 for 12 ounces. It offers a harmonious blend of aroma, flavor, and mild acidity. The beans are hand-selected and carefully processed to ensure a smooth, creamy taste with hints of chocolate and dried fruit. This decaf coffee is ideal for those who prefer a balanced, less intense coffee flavor in their ice cream.

Light Roast Decaf Coffee:

This light roast is an excellent choice for those who enjoy a brighter, slightly acidic flavor profile. Priced at $24.60 for 12 ounces, it's cultivated on small farms in the South American rainforests. The coffee beans are handpicked, and spring water washed, resulting in a light roast that captures the true flavor notes of the premium Lifeboost coffee beans.

These decaf coffees are carefully crafted to bring out the best in your homemade ice cream, providing a range of flavors from robust dark roasts to bright and acidic light roasts. Whether you prefer a bold or subtle coffee flavor, these decaf options are sure to make your ice cream a gourmet treat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does coffee ice cream contain caffeine?


Yes, coffee ice cream typically contains caffeine. The amount varies depending on the brand and flavor, with some brands containing as much as 95 mg per eighth-ounce serving.

Can coffee ice cream affect my sleep?


It can, especially if you're sensitive to caffeine. The caffeine content, combined with sugar in the ice cream, might keep you awake or disrupt your sleep pattern.

Are there dietary considerations with these decaf coffees?


Yes, all the recommended decaf coffees are non-GMO, dairy-free, and free from sugars or carbs, making them suitable for various dietary preferences.

What is a simple recipe for homemade decaf coffee ice cream?


A basic recipe includes 1 cup whole milk, 1 tbsp ground decaf coffee, 2 cups heavy cream, five egg yolks, and 3/4 cup sugar. Brew the coffee, mix it with milk, add sugar and cream, and then incorporate whisked egg yolks. Chill, churn in an ice cream maker, and freeze.

Check out Lifeboost Coffee Espresso.

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