How Much Coffee Is Too Much? [Australia]

Coffee is a daily ritual for millions of Australians, but how much is too much? Whether you're chasing energy or just love the taste, it's easy to cross the line into overconsumption. This article explores safe caffeine limits, health risks of too much coffee and why many Aussies are switching to functional mushroom coffee for a gentler, more sustainable alternative.

Caffeine Consumption in Australia: What’s Normal?

Australia is one of the highest coffee-consuming countries per capita. On average, Aussies drink around 1.91 cups of coffee per day, but for many, it’s far more.

According to Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), the recommended maximum daily caffeine intake for healthy adults is 400 mg. Roughly:

4 cups of brewed coffee
5-6 espresso shots
8 cups of instant coffee

Three coffee portafilters, one filled with coffee beans, one filled with decaf coffee and one filled with Earthrise coffee alternative

What Happens If You Drink Too Much Coffee?

Caffeine is a stimulant that affects your nervous system, adrenal glands, and sleep cycle. Exceeding your daily tolerance regularly can lead to a range of symptoms, some of which people mistake for unrelated health issues.

Signs You’re Drinking Too Much Coffee:

Anxiety or jitteriness
Headaches or migraines
Heart palpitations
Digestive issues (e.g. acid reflux, cramping, diarrhoea)
Insomnia or poor-quality sleep
Energy crashes or “afternoon fog”
Dependency or withdrawal symptoms when skipping a day

Caffeine Sensitivity Is Highly Individual

Some people metabolise caffeine slowly due to genetic differences. If you’re caffeine-sensitive, even one coffee a day might trigger:

Irritability
Rapid heartbeat
Stomach upset
Trouble sleeping

This is even more important for pregnant people, those with anxiety, perimenopausal women, and individuals with gut issues or high stress levels.

Is Decaf the Answer?

Decaf still contains small amounts of caffeine (around 5–15 mg per cup). For people aiming to reduce stimulant intake entirely, or break the dependency cycle, it’s often not enough.

A person sipping on a mug of Earthrise coffee alternative, patting their dog and looking at their laptop.

So... How Much Coffee Is Too Much?

Here’s a general guide for Australians:

Group	Recommended Max Caffeine (Daily)
Healthy adults	~400 mg (about 4 cups)
Pregnant people	~200 mg
Teens (14–17 years)	~100 mg
Caffeine-sensitive adults	<200 mg or less

If you're feeling tired despite drinking coffee, or experiencing any negative symptoms, you're likely drinking too much for your body... even if you're under the official limit.

A Smarter Switch: Why Aussies Are Turning to Mushroom Coffee

If you’re looking to cut back without giving up your ritual, Earthrise offers a better path.

Earthrise Mushroom Coffee:

Caffeine-free
Organic, vegan, and made in Australia
Features Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, and Reishi for:
- Focus and clarity
- Calm, natural energy
- Stress and hormone support

Compared to Coffee:

	Coffee	Earthrise Mushroom Coffee
Caffeine	95–120mg/cup	0mg
Energy	Spike + crash	Smooth, sustained
Gut impact	Acidic, harsh	Low-acid, gentle
Sleep disruption	Common	None
Stress response	Triggers	Regulates

There’s no universal rule for “how much coffee is too much,” but if you’re feeling jittery, tired, or anxious, it might be time to take a step back.

Earthrise gives you a way to keep your morning ritual and feel better doing it.
No caffeine. No crash. Just calm clarity, made right here in Australia.

As of writing this article, we have $33 off Starter Kits. Bonkers. Check it out.

FAQs

What is a safe amount of coffee in Australia?

According to FSANZ, up to 400 mg of caffeine per day is safe for most adults, equal to about 4 regular coffees. But your personal tolerance may be much lower.

Is coffee addictive?

Yes. Caffeine is habit-forming, and withdrawal symptoms can include headaches, fatigue, and irritability. Many people drink more than they need just to avoid these effects.

Can I drink Earthrise instead of coffee?

Absolutely. Earthrise is formulated to replace both the function and feeling of coffee, minus the stimulant. It supports energy, focus, and mood using functional mushrooms, not caffeine.

Is mushroom coffee better for anxiety?

Yes. Unlike coffee, Earthrise contains no caffeine, which is a known anxiety trigger. It also includes adaptogens like Reishi and Lion’s Mane to support calm and mental clarity.

Is Earthrise made in Australia?

Yes. All blends are crafted and packed in Melbourne, with certified organic ingredients and fast Australia-wide shipping.