Coffee Vs. Energy Drinks: Which Is Healthier? Dietitians Explain

Let’s face it: Sometimes we just need caffeine to help us kickstart our morning. There’s no shame in looking for ways to increase your energy and alertness beyond just trying to get enough sleep. For many people, that means relying on energy-boosting drinks. When it comes to coffee vs. energy drinks, is one better for you?

Meet the experts: Samantha Peterson, M.S., R.D.N., a functional medicine dietitian and founder of Simply Wellness; Amy Davis, R.D., L.D.N., a registered dietitian based in New Orleans, LA.

Here, dietitians explain the key differences between coffee and energy drinks, plus which drink is a smarter choice to include in your diet.

“Coffee and energy drinks are both go-to solutions for fighting fatigue, but they’re not interchangeable,” says Samantha Peterson, M.S., R.D.N., a functional medicine dietitian and founder of Simply Wellness. Here’s how they stack up in a few key categories.

Both coffee and energy drinks rely on caffeine to offer a stimulating energy boost. While the amount of caffeine in a cup of brewed coffee is relatively consistent, typically falling around 96 milligrams (mg) per eight ounces, according to the Mayo Clinic, the amount of caffeine in an energy drink can vary. For this reason, energy drinks tend to be better tolerated by people who aren’t at all sensitive to caffeine. “Energy drinks tend to work best for people who are caffeine-tolerant, not prone to anxiety, and mindful of timing,” says Peterson. “Energy drinks are generally less forgiving when it comes to sleep disruption and nervous system overload, especially if consumed later in the day.” It’s important to note that energy drinks may not be safe for some groups, and drinking more than a serving size comes with its own host of potential side effects. Be sure to consult your healthcare provider if you are experiencing extreme fatigue, and/or if you have any underlying health issues that caffeine may exacerbate.

Once you get past the caffeine, coffee and energy drinks start to differ dramatically. “Coffee contains naturally occurring compounds, like antioxidants, that support overall health beyond just stimulation,” says Peterson. The polyphenols (antioxidant compounds) in coffee have been shown to increase longevity, improve heart health, and even lower your risk of certain cancers, among other benefits. Plus, Peterson notes that black coffee doesn’t contain any of the added sugars, artificial sweeteners, flavoring agents, or other additives that are often found in energy drinks.