Coffee vs energy drinks: the impact on our health

These caffeinated drinks have their own advantages and disadvantages, and as they continue to proliferate among all age groups, it is important to understand how they affect our health.

Coffee as a natural energy drink

Coffee is popular for its rich aroma and stimulating effect. It contains a naturally high amount of caffeine and contains almost no additives or preservatives and is almost calorie-free if you drink it black and sugar-free. It contains vitamins B2 and B5, potassium, niacin and magnesium. Regular consumption of coffee is associated with a number of benefits, such as improved concentration, physical performance and prevention from certain diseases such as diabetes and Parkinson's disease. Coffee also contains antioxidants that can protect cells from damage.

A great advantage with coffee is that you can control and influence the strength and taste of your brewed cup. You can decide for yourself if you add sugar to your coffee and possibly how much, and whether you want your coffee with or without milk. There are a lot of options.

However, excessive coffee consumption can lead to insomnia, nervousness, upset stomach and increased heart rate. It is easy to get used to caffeine and if you don't have coffee, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches.

How does an energy drink work?

Although coffee is an absolute classic and has been around much longer, energy drinks are becoming increasingly popular, especially among young people. These drinks quickly boost energy and performance levels. They contain high levels of caffeine, often along with taurine, guarana and other stimulants. Add to that the way energy drinks are consumed compared to coffee. Energy drinks are drunk quickly, sometimes simply to quench thirst. You can consume them anywhere, anytime.

Energy drinks and their harmfulness

One of the main problems with energy drinks is the high sugar content. Sugar provides quick energy but can cause a spike in blood sugar levels and contribute to obesity or tooth decay, for example. The combination of caffeine and sugar can lead to high blood pressure, heart problems and digestive problems.

Energy drinks and their composition

What else do energy drinks often contain? Check out the amount of caffeine and other substances in the best-selling energy drinks:

Monster energy drink: 36 mg caffeine per 100 ml, 11 g sugar per 100 g, salt, Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), vitamin B6 and B12

RedBull energy drink: 30 mg caffeine per 100 ml, 11 g sugar per 100 g, salt, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12

Big Shock energy drink: 32 mg caffeine per 100 ml, sugar, taurine, vitamin c, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin b6, vitamin b2, folic acid, citric acid

Tiger energy drink: 32 mg caffeine per 100 ml, taurine, sugar, niacin, vitamin B6 and B12, pantothenic acid, citric acid, colouring

Semtex energy drink: 32 mg caffeine per 100 ml, sugar, glucose-fructose syrup, taurine, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B2

Crazy wolf energy drink: 30 mg caffeine per 100 ml, sugar, drinking water, vitamin B12, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), niacin, taurine, inositol,

Kamikaze energy drink: 43 mg of caffeine per 100 ml, drinking water, sucrose, guarana, anchor clover, tomka scented coffee, hemp seeds, chilli and orange bitters, thiamine, B6, B12

Albert energy drink: 32 mg caffeine per 100 ml, water, sucrose, glucose, carbon dioxide, taurine, niacin, pantothenic acid, B6, B12

Amount of caffeine in coffee and energy drinks

A cup of drip coffee (approx. 240 ml) contains on average 80-100 mg of caffeine.
Espresso can contain around 63 mg of caffeine per 30 ml.

An average energy drink (about 250 ml) may contain 80-150 mg of caffeine, but some varieties may contain more caffeine, up to about 200 mg.

The recommended daily intake of caffeine is generally set at 400 mg for an adult.

Magnet for the younger generation. Energy drink and age of consumers

Energy drinks in cans of different colours and themes are sometimes a bit of a crowd pleaser on the shelves. However, for teenagers, energy drinks are something that is popular and something they almost always take home after a visit to the supermarket . There are several reasons why energy drinks are so popular with young people.

Social status

Energy drinks have become something of a part of modern culture and can serve as a social drink associated with youth activities.

Media influence

Theaggressive marketing and massive promotion of energy drinks have an undeniable influence on their popularity among youth. Images of daring adventures, fun and carefree can create a sense of entering a world of excitement and fun after consuming these drinks .

Comparison: drinking coffee vs. drinking energy drinks

Coffee	Energy drink
0 kcal	46 kcal per 100 ml
60-100 mg caffeine	80-200 mg caffeine
coffee you can drink without added sugar	average 12g of sugar per 100 ml
an important source of antioxidants	risk of ADHD in adolescents *study 2016
prevention of degenerative disorders	negative effects on the cardiovascular system **study 2022