Guarana and coffee both contain caffeine, but the way you notice it differs. Guarana releases its caffeine more slowly, so people often describe the effect as more gradual. In this blog we put guarana and coffee side by side: how much caffeine, how the effect differs and when to choose which. Want to try guarana yourself? You'll find loose guarana powder in our energy herbs.
How much caffeine is in guarana and coffee?
Guarana seed naturally has a high caffeine content, around 4 percent, higher than a coffee bean. But you use much less guarana per serving than coffee, so it comes down to the dose you take. For comparison:
- Cup of coffee: about 80 to 100 mg of caffeine
- Serving of guarana (about 1 to 2 grams of powder): about 40 to 80 mg of caffeine
Exactly how much you get depends on your dose. So start low and build up.
Why does guarana feel different from coffee?
The difference is mainly in the release. In guarana the caffeine is bound to tannins and fibres from the seed. This makes the caffeine enter your blood more slowly than with coffee, where it's absorbed quickly. Many users therefore describe guarana as a calmer, longer-lasting feeling, with less of a sharp peak and less of a crash. Note: this is how people experience it, it varies per person.
Taste and use
Coffee is brewed as a drink with a clear bitter taste. Guarana powder has a more neutral, slightly bitter taste and dissolves in hot water, tea or a smoothie. You taste it less strongly, handy if you don't want the coffee flavour but do want the alertness.
When do you choose which?
- Need a fast, strong boost? Coffee gives the quickest peak.
- Prefer gradual and longer? Then guarana fits better.
- Sensitive to the coffee jitters? Many people switch to guarana for exactly that reason.
- Little volume, lots of strength? A guarana extract 3:1 is more concentrated than powder.
Combining or alternating guarana
You don't have to choose. Some people drink coffee in the morning and take guarana later in the day instead of a second cup, to limit evening restlessness. Yerba mate is also a popular plant-based alternative with caffeine. Find more options in our energy herbs.
What to watch for
- Guarana contains caffeine, so don't use it too late in the day if you're sensitive to it.
- Build up gently and stick to the recommended dose on the packaging.
- Pregnant, breastfeeding or on medication? Consult a doctor first.
Frequently asked questions
Does guarana have more caffeine than coffee?
Per gram of seed yes, but you use much less guarana per serving. In practice a cup of coffee often gives you more caffeine than a normal serving of guarana.
Does guarana keep you awake longer than coffee?
Many people experience the effect as longer-lasting due to the slower release, but that varies per person.
Can I take guarana and coffee together?
You can, but then the caffeine adds up. Start carefully and watch how you feel.
Where do I buy guarana?
Loose guarana powder and the 3:1 extract are in our energy herbs and extracts.
