March is National Caffeine Awareness month! Caffeine has been safely consumed for thousands of years, yet there are many myths about this common substance. Caffeine is one of the most studied ingredients in the food supply and has been proven to be safe time and time again. Here are some of the facts: 

Caffeine is caffeine, no matter the source. The caffeine in energy drinks is just like the caffeine in coffee and tea. Regardless of whether consumed hot or cold, naturally occurring or added to a product, there is no chemical difference. This means that drinking an energy drink would have the same effects as drinking coffee or tea with comparable levels of caffeine. 

A typical 16-oz energy drink contains 160 mg of caffeine. This is about half the caffeine of a similar-sized cup of coffeehouse coffee, which typically has 330 mg of caffeine per 16-oz. 

Energy drinks represent only one of many sources of caffeine in the U.S. diet, including for teens. A study found that of the respondents who indicated consumption of caffeinated beverages, more than half reported consuming coffee (55%) and tea (53%) while 14% reported drinking chocolate milk, 4% reported consuming energy drinks and less than 1% reported drinking energy shots. 

The effects and benefits of caffeine have been understood for centuries and can vary from person to person. According to the Food and Drug Administration, 400 mg of caffeine a day is an amount “not generally associated with dangerous, negative effects” for healthy adults except for pregnant and nursing women. 

Our members clearly state on labels the total caffeine per container from all sources, so you have the information you need to make the choice that’s right for you. 

To learn more about caffeine and its safety, visit EnergyDrinkInformation.com.