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| Meta Title | Coffee vs. Energy Drinks: Which Is Better for Morning Energy? |
| Meta Description | Wondering if coffee or energy drinks are better for you? Discover their pros, cons, and the healthiest way to get your caffeine fix. |
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| Boilerpipe Text | Key Takeaways
Coffee is the healthier choice for your daily caffeine, as energy drinks often contain high amounts of caffeine and added sugar.
Consuming high amounts of energy drinks can pose health risks.
Children, teens, and adults are especially at risk from consuming energy drinks.
Coffee is a
natural source of caffeine
with health benefits, while energy drinks have become popular for a quick boost but may carry risks, especially for kids and teens. Coffee is the healthier choice for daily caffeine.
Energy Drinks Offer More Caffeine
The
caffeine content of coffee
and energy drinks varies by type and brand. Energy drinks generally contain more caffeine per serving.
Canned coffee drinks often have the amount of caffeine listed on the can. The caffeine in coffee can be harder to determine if you’re making the coffee yourself or ordering it from a coffee shop. Factors that affect the caffeine content of coffee include:
Type of coffee beans
Roast level (light roast has more caffeine than dark roast)
Brewing method
Energy drinks vary widely in the amount of caffeine they contain, depending on the brand and can size. Some energy drinks contain additional sources of caffeine, such as guarana, thereby increasing their caffeine content.
1
Coffee
Energy Drinks
6 oz. instant coffee prepared with water: 46 milligrams (mg)
Rockstar: 158 mg
6 oz brewed coffee: 71 mg
Red Bull: 75 mg
1 oz espresso: 64 mg
​
Energy Drinks Usually Contain More Sugar
Plain, black coffee doesn’t contain sugar. Sugar in coffee drinks comes from added syrups, sugar packets, or sweetened creamers. Milk can also add sugar to coffee, but usually only in small amounts—unless it is sweetened.
Energy drinks, on the other hand, often contain a lot of added sugar unless they are purposefully low-sugar or sugar-free. One 8-oz can of Red Bull has 26 grams (g) of sugar,
2
and one can of Rockstar contains 59 g of sugar.
3
Many energy drink brands offer low-sugar or
sugar-free versions
of their products.
Energy Drinks Offer More of an Energy Boost
Thanks to their caffeine content, both coffee and energy drinks provide a perceived energy boost. Studies show that the high caffeine content of energy drinks increases alertness, memory, and mood.
4
The sugar content of energy drinks may provide an additional (albeit short-term) energy boost.
5
Â
However, coffee may be better for sustained energy because drinkers sip it slowly.
Coffee is the Healthier Option
Plain coffee is a natural drink made of coffee beans and water. On the other hand, energy drinks are manufactured products to provide caffeine and often have additional ingredients, such as sugar, B vitamins,
taurine
, ginseng, and carnitine.
1
Â
Although plain coffee contains fewer ingredients, buying or preparing sweetened or specialty coffee drinks can quickly add to the list, including sugar, milk/cream, syrups, and other flavoring agents.
Coffee vs. Energy Drink Nutrition
The table below compares an 8-ounce serving of black coffee to the same-sized serving of an energy drink.
Nutrient
Black Coffee
Energy Drink
Calories
2Â kcal
110-160 kcal
CaffeineÂ
80-100 mgÂ
70-160 mgÂ
SugarÂ
0 gÂ
24-37 gÂ
CarbohydratesÂ
0 gÂ
28-40 gÂ
ProteinÂ
0.3 gÂ
1-2 gÂ
FatsÂ
0 gÂ
0 gÂ
B VitaminsÂ
MinimalÂ
High (B3, B6, B12)Â
AntioxidantsÂ
HighÂ
Low to moderateÂ
Artificial Additives
None
Often presentÂ
Side Effects and Risks
For most adults, about 400 mg of caffeine a day generally doesn’t lead to negative effects.
6
However, how much caffeine is tolerable can vary, and some people may be more sensitive to it than others.
Signs of having had
too much caffeine
include:
6
Heart palpitations
High heart rate
Jitters
Anxiety
Sleep problems
Hypertension
Headache
Nausea and upset stomach
Mixing alcohol with energy drinks
is a common and significant problem. Alcoholic beverages that contain energy drinks can lead to adverse health effects such as high blood pressure, dehydration, and irregular heartbeat, as well as increased risk of binge drinking, alcohol-impaired driving, injury, and unwanted or unprotected sex.
7
Risks for Children and Teens
Energy drink safety
 has been questioned for several years, especially for children and teens. Negative health associated with high caffeine intake and
energy drink consumption
includes:
4
Serious cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks, in teenage boys
Negative neurological and psychological effects, such as daily headaches
Gastrointestinal and metabolic problems from the high sugar content
Dehydration
Dental erosion
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our
editorial process
to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
By
Emily Brown, MPH
Emily is a health communication consultant, writer, and editor at EVR Creative, specializing in public health research and health promotion. With a scientific background and a passion for creative writing, her work illustrates the value of evidence-based information and creativity in advancing public health.
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback? |
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# Coffee vs. Energy Drinks: Which Is Better for Morning Energy?
By [Emily Brown, MPH](https://www.verywellhealth.com/emily-brown-mph-5120406)
Published on March 06, 2026
Medically reviewed by [Maggie Moon, MS, RD](https://www.verywellhealth.com/maggie-moon-8663555)
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/VWH-Coffee-vs-Energy-Drink-template-d8a27d186654453092eeb1329277abbf.jpg)
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/VWH-Coffee-vs-Energy-Drink-template-d8a27d186654453092eeb1329277abbf.jpg)
If you want a daily caffeine boost, coffee tends to be the healthier option compared with energy drinks.
Photo composite by Amelia Manley for Verywell Health; Getty Images
Table of Contents
View All
Table of Contents
- [Caffeine](https://www.verywellhealth.com/coffee-or-energy-drinks-for-morning-caffeine-11917153#toc-energy-drinks-offer-more-caffeine)
- [Sugar](https://www.verywellhealth.com/coffee-or-energy-drinks-for-morning-caffeine-11917153#toc-energy-drinks-usually-contain-more-sugar)
- [Energy](https://www.verywellhealth.com/coffee-or-energy-drinks-for-morning-caffeine-11917153#toc-energy-drinks-offer-more-of-an-energy-boost)
- [Coffee is the Healthier Option](https://www.verywellhealth.com/coffee-or-energy-drinks-for-morning-caffeine-11917153#toc-coffee-is-the-healthier-option)
- [Coffee vs. Energy Drink Nutrition](https://www.verywellhealth.com/coffee-or-energy-drinks-for-morning-caffeine-11917153#toc-coffee-vs-energy-drink-nutrition)
- [Side Effects](https://www.verywellhealth.com/coffee-or-energy-drinks-for-morning-caffeine-11917153#toc-side-effects-and-risks)
### Key Takeaways
- Coffee is the healthier choice for your daily caffeine, as energy drinks often contain high amounts of caffeine and added sugar.
- Consuming high amounts of energy drinks can pose health risks.
- Children, teens, and adults are especially at risk from consuming energy drinks.
Coffee is a [natural source of caffeine](https://www.verywellhealth.com/coffee-or-energy-drinks-for-morning-caffeine-11917153) with health benefits, while energy drinks have become popular for a quick boost but may carry risks, especially for kids and teens. Coffee is the healthier choice for daily caffeine.
## Energy Drinks Offer More Caffeine
The [caffeine content of coffee](https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-much-caffeine-is-in-a-cup-of-coffee-8584205) and energy drinks varies by type and brand. Energy drinks generally contain more caffeine per serving.
Canned coffee drinks often have the amount of caffeine listed on the can. The caffeine in coffee can be harder to determine if you’re making the coffee yourself or ordering it from a coffee shop. Factors that affect the caffeine content of coffee include:
- Type of coffee beans
- Roast level (light roast has more caffeine than dark roast)
- Brewing method
Energy drinks vary widely in the amount of caffeine they contain, depending on the brand and can size. Some energy drinks contain additional sources of caffeine, such as guarana, thereby increasing their caffeine content.1
| | |
|---|---|
| Coffee | Energy Drinks |
| 6 oz. instant coffee prepared with water: 46 milligrams (mg) | Rockstar: 158 mg |
| 6 oz brewed coffee: 71 mg | Red Bull: 75 mg |
| 1 oz espresso: 64 mg | ​ |
## Energy Drinks Usually Contain More Sugar
Plain, black coffee doesn’t contain sugar. Sugar in coffee drinks comes from added syrups, sugar packets, or sweetened creamers. Milk can also add sugar to coffee, but usually only in small amounts—unless it is sweetened.
Energy drinks, on the other hand, often contain a lot of added sugar unless they are purposefully low-sugar or sugar-free. One 8-oz can of Red Bull has 26 grams (g) of sugar,2 and one can of Rockstar contains 59 g of sugar.3 Many energy drink brands offer low-sugar or [sugar-free versions](https://www.verywellhealth.com/artificial-sweeteners-5184450) of their products.
## Energy Drinks Offer More of an Energy Boost
Thanks to their caffeine content, both coffee and energy drinks provide a perceived energy boost. Studies show that the high caffeine content of energy drinks increases alertness, memory, and mood.4 The sugar content of energy drinks may provide an additional (albeit short-term) energy boost.5
However, coffee may be better for sustained energy because drinkers sip it slowly.
## Related Stories
[Why You Should Try the Viral 'Yogurt Coffee' That Packs in 11 Grams of Protein :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/VWH-GettyImages-2236897369-b8eb82440714477383a313872e675837.jpg) :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/VWH-GettyImages-2236897369-b8eb82440714477383a313872e675837.jpg)](https://www.verywellhealth.com/greek-yogurt-coffee-protein-11936787)
[What Happens to Your Liver When You Drink Coffee Every Day? :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-2157352074-9ba64316ca7d449c8566cf87f82958d2.jpg) :max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-2157352074-9ba64316ca7d449c8566cf87f82958d2.jpg)](https://www.verywellhealth.com/liver-health-when-you-drink-coffee-every-day-11940458)
## Coffee is the Healthier Option
Plain coffee is a natural drink made of coffee beans and water. On the other hand, energy drinks are manufactured products to provide caffeine and often have additional ingredients, such as sugar, B vitamins, [taurine](https://www.verywellhealth.com/taurine-benefits-side-effects-functions-7497788), ginseng, and carnitine.1
Although plain coffee contains fewer ingredients, buying or preparing sweetened or specialty coffee drinks can quickly add to the list, including sugar, milk/cream, syrups, and other flavoring agents.
## Coffee vs. Energy Drink Nutrition
The table below compares an 8-ounce serving of black coffee to the same-sized serving of an energy drink.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrient | Black Coffee | Energy Drink |
| Calories | 2 kcal | 110-160 kcal |
| Caffeine | 80-100 mg | 70-160 mg |
| Sugar | 0 g | 24-37 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g | 28-40 g |
| Protein | 0\.3 g | 1-2 g |
| Fats | 0 g | 0 g |
| B Vitamins | Minimal | High (B3, B6, B12) |
| Antioxidants | High | Low to moderate |
| Artificial Additives | None | Often present |
## Side Effects and Risks
For most adults, about 400 mg of caffeine a day generally doesn’t lead to negative effects.6 However, how much caffeine is tolerable can vary, and some people may be more sensitive to it than others.
Signs of having had [too much caffeine](https://www.verywellhealth.com/too-much-caffeine-11802174) include:6
- [Heart palpitations](https://www.verywellhealth.com/heart-palpitations-1745232)
- High heart rate
- Jitters
- Anxiety
- Sleep problems
- [Hypertension](https://www.verywellhealth.com/hypertension-7368341)
- Headache
- [Nausea and upset stomach](https://www.verywellhealth.com/are-energy-drinks-bad-for-your-liver-11890200)
[Mixing alcohol with energy drinks](https://www.verywellhealth.com/caffeine-and-alcohol-11908269) is a common and significant problem. Alcoholic beverages that contain energy drinks can lead to adverse health effects such as high blood pressure, dehydration, and irregular heartbeat, as well as increased risk of binge drinking, alcohol-impaired driving, injury, and unwanted or unprotected sex.7
### Risks for Children and Teens
[Energy drink safety](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-do-energy-drinks-do-to-your-body-11780293) has been questioned for several years, especially for children and teens. Negative health associated with high caffeine intake and [energy drink consumption](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-do-energy-drinks-do-to-your-body-11780293) includes:4
- Serious cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks, in teenage boys
- Negative neurological and psychological effects, such as daily headaches
- Gastrointestinal and metabolic problems from the high sugar content
- Dehydration
- Dental erosion
Read more:
- [Prevention & Treatment](https://www.verywellhealth.com/prevention-and-treatment-4158390)
- [Diet and Nutrition](https://www.verywellhealth.com/nutrition-diet-and-healthy-eating-5202128)
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our [editorial process](https://www.verywellhealth.com/verywell-editorial-process-4777042) to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. [Energy drinks](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/energy-drinks).
2. U.S. Department of Agriculture. [Beverages, energy drink, Red Bull](https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/173210/nutrients).
3. U.S. Department of Agriculture. [Beverages, energy drink, Rockstar](https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/171937/nutrients).
4. Alsunni AA. [Energy drink consumption: beneficial and adverse health effects](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4682602/). *Int J Health Sci (Qassim)*. 2015;9(4):468-474.
5. UCLA Health. [For kids and teens, energy drinks may have harmful side effects](https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/teens-energy-drinks-side-effects).
6. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. [Spilling the beans: How much caffeine is too much?](https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much)
7. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [Effects of mixing alcohol and caffeine](https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/about-alcohol-use/alcohol-caffeine.html).
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/DSCF6173-38484f8bf31d4edab31a527348b734b0.JPG)
:max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/DSCF6173-38484f8bf31d4edab31a527348b734b0.JPG)
By [Emily Brown, MPH](https://www.verywellhealth.com/emily-brown-mph-5120406)
Emily is a health communication consultant, writer, and editor at EVR Creative, specializing in public health research and health promotion. With a scientific background and a passion for creative writing, her work illustrates the value of evidence-based information and creativity in advancing public health.
[See Our Editorial Process](https://www.verywellhealth.com/verywell-editorial-process-4777042)
[Meet Our Medical Expert Board](https://www.verywellhealth.com/meet-our-medical-expert-board-11762003)
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| Readable Markdown | ### Key Takeaways
- Coffee is the healthier choice for your daily caffeine, as energy drinks often contain high amounts of caffeine and added sugar.
- Consuming high amounts of energy drinks can pose health risks.
- Children, teens, and adults are especially at risk from consuming energy drinks.
Coffee is a [natural source of caffeine](https://www.verywellhealth.com/coffee-or-energy-drinks-for-morning-caffeine-11917153) with health benefits, while energy drinks have become popular for a quick boost but may carry risks, especially for kids and teens. Coffee is the healthier choice for daily caffeine.
## Energy Drinks Offer More Caffeine
The [caffeine content of coffee](https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-much-caffeine-is-in-a-cup-of-coffee-8584205) and energy drinks varies by type and brand. Energy drinks generally contain more caffeine per serving.
Canned coffee drinks often have the amount of caffeine listed on the can. The caffeine in coffee can be harder to determine if you’re making the coffee yourself or ordering it from a coffee shop. Factors that affect the caffeine content of coffee include:
- Type of coffee beans
- Roast level (light roast has more caffeine than dark roast)
- Brewing method
Energy drinks vary widely in the amount of caffeine they contain, depending on the brand and can size. Some energy drinks contain additional sources of caffeine, such as guarana, thereby increasing their caffeine content.1
| | |
|---|---|
| Coffee | Energy Drinks |
| 6 oz. instant coffee prepared with water: 46 milligrams (mg) | Rockstar: 158 mg |
| 6 oz brewed coffee: 71 mg | Red Bull: 75 mg |
| 1 oz espresso: 64 mg | ​ |
## Energy Drinks Usually Contain More Sugar
Plain, black coffee doesn’t contain sugar. Sugar in coffee drinks comes from added syrups, sugar packets, or sweetened creamers. Milk can also add sugar to coffee, but usually only in small amounts—unless it is sweetened.
Energy drinks, on the other hand, often contain a lot of added sugar unless they are purposefully low-sugar or sugar-free. One 8-oz can of Red Bull has 26 grams (g) of sugar,2 and one can of Rockstar contains 59 g of sugar.3 Many energy drink brands offer low-sugar or [sugar-free versions](https://www.verywellhealth.com/artificial-sweeteners-5184450) of their products.
## Energy Drinks Offer More of an Energy Boost
Thanks to their caffeine content, both coffee and energy drinks provide a perceived energy boost. Studies show that the high caffeine content of energy drinks increases alertness, memory, and mood.4 The sugar content of energy drinks may provide an additional (albeit short-term) energy boost.5
However, coffee may be better for sustained energy because drinkers sip it slowly.
## Coffee is the Healthier Option
Plain coffee is a natural drink made of coffee beans and water. On the other hand, energy drinks are manufactured products to provide caffeine and often have additional ingredients, such as sugar, B vitamins, [taurine](https://www.verywellhealth.com/taurine-benefits-side-effects-functions-7497788), ginseng, and carnitine.1
Although plain coffee contains fewer ingredients, buying or preparing sweetened or specialty coffee drinks can quickly add to the list, including sugar, milk/cream, syrups, and other flavoring agents.
## Coffee vs. Energy Drink Nutrition
The table below compares an 8-ounce serving of black coffee to the same-sized serving of an energy drink.
| | | |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrient | Black Coffee | Energy Drink |
| Calories | 2 kcal | 110-160 kcal |
| Caffeine | 80-100 mg | 70-160 mg |
| Sugar | 0 g | 24-37 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g | 28-40 g |
| Protein | 0\.3 g | 1-2 g |
| Fats | 0 g | 0 g |
| B Vitamins | Minimal | High (B3, B6, B12) |
| Antioxidants | High | Low to moderate |
| Artificial Additives | None | Often present |
## Side Effects and Risks
For most adults, about 400 mg of caffeine a day generally doesn’t lead to negative effects.6 However, how much caffeine is tolerable can vary, and some people may be more sensitive to it than others.
Signs of having had [too much caffeine](https://www.verywellhealth.com/too-much-caffeine-11802174) include:6
- [Heart palpitations](https://www.verywellhealth.com/heart-palpitations-1745232)
- High heart rate
- Jitters
- Anxiety
- Sleep problems
- [Hypertension](https://www.verywellhealth.com/hypertension-7368341)
- Headache
- [Nausea and upset stomach](https://www.verywellhealth.com/are-energy-drinks-bad-for-your-liver-11890200)
[Mixing alcohol with energy drinks](https://www.verywellhealth.com/caffeine-and-alcohol-11908269) is a common and significant problem. Alcoholic beverages that contain energy drinks can lead to adverse health effects such as high blood pressure, dehydration, and irregular heartbeat, as well as increased risk of binge drinking, alcohol-impaired driving, injury, and unwanted or unprotected sex.7
### Risks for Children and Teens
[Energy drink safety](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-do-energy-drinks-do-to-your-body-11780293) has been questioned for several years, especially for children and teens. Negative health associated with high caffeine intake and [energy drink consumption](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-do-energy-drinks-do-to-your-body-11780293) includes:4
- Serious cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks, in teenage boys
- Negative neurological and psychological effects, such as daily headaches
- Gastrointestinal and metabolic problems from the high sugar content
- Dehydration
- Dental erosion
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our [editorial process](https://www.verywellhealth.com/verywell-editorial-process-4777042) to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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By [Emily Brown, MPH](https://www.verywellhealth.com/emily-brown-mph-5120406)
Emily is a health communication consultant, writer, and editor at EVR Creative, specializing in public health research and health promotion. With a scientific background and a passion for creative writing, her work illustrates the value of evidence-based information and creativity in advancing public health.
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