Coffee vs. Energy Drinks: Which Is Better for Your Heart and Energy Levels?

Coffee and energy drinks are popular options for a quick energy boost. Both caffeinated beverages can support physical endurance, alertness, and reaction time. However, they can also increase heart rate, reduce steadiness, and increase your added sugar intake.123

Coffee and energy drinks can both range in caffeine content, which can affect their impact on energy levels. Coffee drinks vary in caffeine based on the brew method and bean type, but on average, a cup (8 ounces) of coffee contains about 113-247 milligrams of caffeine.

Standard 16-ounce energy drinks can contain anywhere from 70 to 240 milligrams of caffeine. Concentrated 2-2.5 ounce energy shots pack about 113-200 milligrams of caffeine in a much smaller volume.23

It’s important to be aware of how much caffeine you’re consuming and check nutrition labels. However, energy drink manufacturers aren’t required to disclose the caffeine content.3

Research shows consuming high levels of caffeine can raise your blood pressure and heart rate, as well as affect your heart’s rhythm. This risk is especially high for children since their cardiovascular and nervous systems aren’t fully developed.3

Coffee’s effect on heart health is more widely researched than that of energy drinks. Evidence suggests that moderate coffee drinking can support heart health, while heavy consumption increases heart disease risk. How you prepare your coffee also affects the way it impacts your heart. Boiled coffee, like the kind you can make with a French press, can increase your cholesterol levels.4 High amounts of caffeine can also have negative effects on the heart, so many people with existing heart conditions choose decaf coffee out of caution.5

Some case studies show that energy drink consumption can harm heart health, even in young people, but more research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this. Some of the more severe cases include sudden death from drinking an energy drink.16