The world of energy drinks versus coffee is like the classic battle between two heavyweight boxers.
Both have loyal followers, passionate advocates, and vehement critics who claim to know which packs more punch.
Let’s consider whether energy drinks are worse than coffee for your health.
Coffee has been around for centuries, and it seems to be going nowhere soon, with some studies claiming that nearly 64% of Americans drink a cup daily.
On the other hand, energy drinks have exploded onto the scene over the last decade, providing an alternative way for people to get energized throughout their day.
So what exactly sets these two apart from each other?
What beverage is worse for your health, generally?
Energy drinks may be worse than coffee for your health, as most contain large amounts of sugar or other sweeteners, caffeine, and other stimulants.
The high levels of caffeine in energy drinks have been linked to increased risks for heart disease and palpitations.
In comparison, coffee generally does not contain added sweeteners or stimulants besides caffeine, making it a less risky choice for consumption.
Which Has More Caffeine: Coffee Or Energy Drinks?
A typical cup of brewed coffee can contain anywhere from 95-165 milligrams of caffeine – twice as much as a regular 16-ounce energy drink!
If you opt for an Espresso shot instead of a regular cup of joe, the amount of caffeine jumps up even further, with around 75 milligrams in just half an ounce.
That means if you have two shots, your total intake could exceed 200 milligrams!
On the other hand, many popular brands of energy drinks only contain between 60-70 milligrams per serving – far less than what’s usually found in a cup of coffee.
Of course, this assumes that you stick to these recommended serving sizes; some people may consume multiple cans at once and thus increase their overall consumption.
No matter how much or little you take in, it’s important to remember that too much caffeine isn’t good for anyone.
Which Has More Calories: Coffee Or Energy Drinks?
When it comes to caffeine, coffee, and energy drinks may be neck-and-neck.
But when it comes to calories, there’s no contest – coffee is the clear winner!
While many energy drinks are packed with sugar and other sweeteners that add hundreds of extra calories to your daily intake, coffee has virtually none.
A typical serving of coffee contains just 2-3 calories per cup – compare that to some popular brands of energy drinks, which can have upwards of 250 calories or more.
If you’re trying to watch your weight, drinking regular coffee may be better than chugging down an energy drink daily.
Which Has More Sugar: Coffee Or Energy Drinks?
Regarding sugar intake, coffee, and energy drinks are at opposite ends of the spectrum.
While coffee has virtually no sugar content, energy drinks can contain a whopping amount – upwards of 30-40 grams per serving!
That’s more than two times the American Heart Association’s recommended daily allotment for added sugars.
So if you’re trying to watch your waistline or cut down on your sweet tooth cravings, plain coffee might be better than chugging down an energy drink daily.
Additionally, research suggests that there may be other health benefits associated with drinking fewer sugary beverages; one study found that people who consumed fewer sugary drinks had lower levels of insulin resistance and inflammation in their bodies over time versus those who drank more.
Which Has More Nutrients: Coffee Or Energy Drinks?
Regarding nutrients, coffee, and energy drinks are again at opposite ends of the spectrum.
Most energy drinks contain large amounts of sugar and chemical additives like taurine, which may have long-term health effects that we have yet to learn about.
Furthermore, many energy drinks also come packed with vitamins and minerals like B6 and Vitamin C; however, these added ingredients rarely offer any real nutritional value since they’re often derived from synthetic sources instead of natural ones.
So if you’re looking for something that will give you more than just an extra jolt of energy in the morning, then plain coffee is probably your best bet.
Not only does a cup provide all kinds of essential antioxidants and healthy compounds such as magnesium and polyphenols, but it also won’t overload your system with unnecessary sugars or chemicals!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the battle between energy drinks and coffee continues to rage.
While both options have their benefits and drawbacks, it’s clear that coffee is the healthier option regarding calories, sugar content, and nutrient value.
On the other hand, energy drinks tend to contain more caffeine and often come in larger serving sizes, which can lead to overconsumption and potential health risks.
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that moderation is key in caffeine intake, and choosing plain coffee over sugary energy drinks can help you maintain a healthier lifestyle.
I’m the owner and blogger here at SodaPopCraft.Com. I’m a soft drinks enthusiast and I’m bringing you all I know and research from the world of Soda Pop & Kombucha soft drinks.
I hope it inspires you to make your own healthier fizzy drinks at home.
Read more About Me here