I enjoy my caffeine in many different forms. But sometimes, coffee is a better choice than an energy drink.
In terms of biology, caffeine is caffeine is caffeine. However, sometimes, coffee offers things energy drinks cannot. Sometimes, coffee is better than an energy drink.
Hi. I’m Caffeine Scientist GreenEyedGuide. In this episode of the Caffeine at Midnight podcast, I’ll share 5 benefits of choosing coffee versus energy drinks.
You can listen to this short podcast below or on your platform-of-choice by clicking the button.
Podcast and Show Notes
This post is inspired by Fire Dept Coffee
"Fire Dept Coffee is run by firefighters who are passionate about roasting high-quality, great-tasting coffee for hardworking people everywhere." - FireDeptCoffee.com
If you love coffee and/or first responders, you should check out Fire Dept Coffee. Ten percent (10%) of all net proceeds to organizations which support firefighters and first responders who are injured on the job mentally or physically, or those facing serious illness.
Fire Dept Coffee and I (GreenEyedGuide) share similar goals - we both want to help first responders stay safe, alert, and energized. That's why I'm happy to give them a little shout out here. Note, this is NOT a sponsored post. I was not paid to write this. To learn more about Fire Dept Coffee, please go check them out at FireDeptCoffee.com
5 Ways Coffee is Better Than Energy Drinks
The "Let's Grab Coffee" Effect
Coffeehouses have always been places of intellectual thinking and discussion. Even during times of COVID, there's something comforting about the offer to "Grab a Coffee" with a friend.
Coffee is Usually Savored
Chugging caffeine is bad. For example, multiple studies [see Reference 1, below] show that drinking 32 ounces of a caffeinated drink in less than an hour can increase blood pressure. Therefore, it's wise to sip and savor that caffeine. This is build into the culture of coffee - people normally savor the taste and smell. Furthermore, it's difficult to "chug" coffee because it could burn your throat.
Centuries of Safety
Since coffee has been around for decades longer than energy drinks, there's decades more research on its impact on the human body. [see Reference 2, below]
Less Complex Recipe Means Less Risk
It's easier to trust a cup of coffee from a random gas station than an energy drink from an unknown brand. The variety of energy drink ingredients means it's easier for fly-by-night supplement scammers to give you a product that's not safe. See Reference 3, "Confessions of a Shady Supplement Supplier".
Coffee is Warm
On a cold day, a warm cup of coffee sure beats a cold, refreshing energy drink.
References
1. “Randomized Controlled Trial of High-Volume Energy Drink Versus Caffeine Consumption on ECG and Hemodynamic Parameters” – Journal of the American Heart Association
2. Are You a Monster or a Rock Star: A Guide to Energy Drinks – How They Work, Why They Work, How to Use Them Safely [Amazon]
3. Confessions of a Shady Supplement Supplier – GreenEyedGuide blog