Coffee Vs. Energy Drinks: Which Is Better for You? Dietitians Explain

“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.

Caffeine

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.

Additional ingredients and nutrients

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.

The combination of these additional ingredients and the way that energy drinks can differ by brand also makes your body’s response to them less predictable, says Peterson. “Most people have a good sense of how their body responds to coffee, while energy drinks can feel more intense or inconsistent,” she explains. “For those looking for focus and alertness without overstimulation, coffee is often the more stable, go-to option.”

Price and convenience

Typically, brewed coffee is much more affordable than individual energy drinks, says Amy Davis, R.D., L.D.N., a registered dietitian based in New Orleans, LA. If digestive issues are disruptive to whatever you’re busy with, an energy drink may also be the more convenient pick. “Someone who doesn’t tolerate coffee well due to acidity or digestive sensitivity may find a low-acid, lightly caffeinated energy drink easier to handle,” Peterson says.

The experts we spoke to agreed that there are some instances in which you might choose an energy drink over coffee—but it’s crucial to be smart in your pick, and if you have any underlying health issues, to consult your physician before adding one to your routine. “Generally speaking, some are better options than others,” says Davis. In choosing an energy drink, she recommends looking for the following:

• Less than 10 grams of added sugar
• No artificial sweeteners
• 150 mg or less of caffeine
• Functional add-ins such as B vitamins, electrolytes, or L-theanine

“Some options made with naturally caffeinated ingredients, such as yerba mate or tea-based sources, can provide a smoother, more sustained lift compared to highly processed energy drinks,” Peterson adds. “These tend to come with naturally occurring compounds that support steadier energy rather than a sharp spike and crash.” Finally, the shorter the ingredient list on your energy drink, the better.

“Generally speaking, coffee is a healthier everyday choice,” says Davis. “It provides a gentler energy boost than energy drinks, plus antioxidants such as polyphenols with far less additives and processing.” Davis and Peterson agree that coffee is a better choice for everyday use, while energy drinks may function as a once-in-a-while tool when you need an extra boost.

“Ultimately, the better choice is the one that supports steady energy, clear focus, and good sleep without creating reliance or crashes,” Peterson says. “If a drink regularly leaves someone feeling wired, shaky, or exhausted later, it’s probably not doing them any favors, regardless of where the caffeine comes from.”