A Modern Study on Consumption
Caffeine: A Modern Study on Consumption
Written by: Sam Torres
As society advances, caffeine consumption has skyrocketed. This is a tale as old as time. Humans have been using caffeine for as long as we can remember. While this is well‑documented, it has never been a major health concern. Energy drinks, however, tell a different tale. The rise of energy drinks is a story best told from another source, as I am simply here to study the demographics and statistics. I’d also like to touch on a few key points that I noticed during my research.
Coffee vs. Energy Drinks
What is the purpose of this article? Before we begin, let’s look at some differences. Coffee and energy drinks are two completely different things that are used for the same result. That’s about all they have in common. Coffee is one ingredient with water. Energy drinks are a mystery bottle of additives, flavors, sugars, and other ingredients.
Many energy drinks include high amounts of sugar, acids, and extra stimulants or additives that may increase cardiovascular stress, disrupt sleep patterns, and contribute to dental erosion when consumed often. According to a recent systematic review, energy drink consumption has been linked to increased heart rate, raised blood pressure, and ECG changes including QTc interval prolongation; all signs of cardiovascular strain.
Coffee, on the other hand, delivers caffeine in a simpler, more predictable way. That simplicity is part of why coffee consumption tends to be safer overall than the volatile mix in energy drinks.
Who Drinks What: Demographics & Patterns
Energy drinks are particularly popular among younger people seeking quick energy boosts, long study or work sessions, or high‑intensity activity. Coffee tends to be consumed more broadly across age groups, often as part of a daily routine, morning ritual, or work habit.
Health Effects: Why Coffee Looks Better
Moderate coffee consumption has been linked with multiple long‑term health benefits. A recent large review shows that drinking coffee regularly (commonly 3–5 cups/day) is associated with lower overall mortality and reduced risk of major diseases including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and some cancers.
Specifically for the liver, regular coffee intake has been associated with decreased risk of chronic liver disease, lowered incidence of cirrhosis and fibrosis, and significant reduction in liver cancer risk. In one meta analysis, drinking two extra cups per day was linked to a ~43% reduced risk of liver cancer.
In a large cohort study with long follow-up (median 24 years), individuals drinking three or more cups of coffee per day had lower risk of liver‑related hospitalizations compared with non‑drinkers.
These findings suggest coffee may protect liver health over time, likely due to its antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory compounds, as well as its ability to modulate liver enzymes and reduce fat accumulation in the liver.
Why Energy Drinks Remain Riskier
Because energy drinks combine caffeine with sugar, acids, and sometimes additional stimulants or additives, their effect is more aggressive and less predictable. That mix can lead to cardiovascular strain; increased heart rate and blood pressure and ECG changes . Especially in frequent users.
Moreover, energy drinks’ sugar and acidity content can contribute to dental erosion and tooth decay when consumed regularly.
Finally, unlike coffee, the health benefits associated with frequent energy‑drink use are poorly supported, while the risks accumulate.
Conclusion
Coffee and energy drinks may share a common goal, but their differences are profound. Energy drinks deliver that boost in a heavy, mixed‑ingredient cocktail that carries risks: cardiovascular stress, potential heart issues, dental damage, and unpredictable stimulant effects. Coffee delivers a cleaner, classier form of caffeine; and decades of research link it to long‑term health benefits such as lower mortality, better liver health, and reduced risk of chronic diseases. Coffee is the superior choice, and trailing behind, is more coffee.
Energy drinks may offer a quick jolt, but at what cost?
Shop Driveblend Here.
References
Ke, C., et al. (2024). Moderate coffee consumption is associated with lower risk of developing multiple cardiometabolic diseases. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Press release.
Schlienger, G. L., & Di Costanzo, A. (2025). Coffee’s impact on health and well‑being: a comprehensive review. Nutrients, 17(15), 2558. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17152558
Ding, M., Bhupathiraju, S. N., Chen, M., van Dam, R. M., & Hu, F. B. (2014). Caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and a dose–response meta-analysis. Diabetes Care, 37(2), 569–586. (See review in comprehensive meta-analyses of coffee benefits.)
Bravi, F., Bosetti, C., Tavani, A., Gallus, S., et al. (2013). Coffee consumption and hepatocellular carcinoma risk: a meta-analysis. BMC Gastroenterology, 13, 34. http://doi.org/10.1186/1471-230X-13-34
Bravi, F., et al. (2007). Coffee consumption and risk of liver cancer: a meta-analysis. Hepatology, 47(1), 348–351.
Polimeni, M., & Schneider, L. M. (2015). Coffee consumption decreases risks for hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis: a meta-analysis. European Journal of Public Health, 25(6), 963–970. (as in meta-analysis of coffee and cirrhosis risk)
Basseri, R., et al. (2019). Coffee consumption and liver-related hospitalizations and deaths: the ARIC study. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 114(11), 1779–1787.
Grasser, E. K., & Theiler, R. (2025). The effects of energy drinks on the cardiovascular system: a systematic review. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine. (Review summarizing cardiovascular risks associated with energy drinks).
