Study examines shifting trends in caffeinated beverage consumption in US
Comparing data over several years, the study highlights decreases in caffeinated beverages, but an increase in caffeine intake.
A recently published study1 analyzed data on caffeine intake habits in the US population, finding some changes over the past 10 years. The study, “An update on beverage consumption patterns and caffeine intakes in a representative sample of the US population,” was published online in Food and Chemical Toxicology in January 2025. The study noted the need for information on the impact caffeinated beverages have on caffeine intake, and that caffeine intakes in the US population have not been examined in the past 10 years.
“We are all aware that the caffeinated beverage market has changed dramatically over the past 10 years, yet no comparable, comprehensive caffeine intake data have been published in recent years,” stated study author Diane Mitchell, in a press release from January 8, 20252.
The Worldpanel’s Enhanced Beverage Service nationally representative survey conducted over a one-year period in 2022 was used for the estimates of US caffeine intakes. The survey collected data from 49,700 participants ages two years and older on information on beverage type, amount, brand and more on beverages consumed the previous day. Caffeinated beverages and caffeine content were categorized into coffee, tea, soft drinks, energy drinks, chocolate drinks, water, and fruit juices.
As noted in the abstract, about 69% of the population in the US consumed at least one caffeinated beverage per day, according to the survey. Ultimately, the study concluded that overall, less of the population is consuming caffeinated beverages, but at higher intake levels. Researchers suggested this could be due a greater proportion of coffee drinkers and higher caffeine intake from coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
Highlighted results also included:
- Across all age groups, caffeine intake from coffee was the largest (69%) followed by carbonated soft drinks (15.4%), tea (8.8%), and energy drinks (6.3%)
- Tea and soft drink consumption decreased significantly, but consumers of tea or soft drinks have increased their caffeine intake compared to data from 10 years ago
- Caffeine intake was highest in individuals ages 50–64 years and lowest in children aged two to five years.
The study also noted that 40% more beverage brands were recorded in the most recent survey than in a similar 2010-2011 survey. Furthermore, the number of products in these the main beverage categories (coffee, soft drinks, tea, and energy drinks) have increased, as well as crossover between categories. The researchers noted that this is possibly due to an increase in drink mixes, an increase in ready-to-drink coffee, and consumption of beverages outside the home.
The study was funded by the Caffeine Committee of the Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences (IAFNS).
References
- Mitchell, DC.; Trout, M.; Smith, R.; Teplansky, R.; Lieberman, HR. An update on beverage consumption patterns and caffeine intakes in a representative sample of the US population. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2025. DOI:10.1016/j.fct.2025.115237. (accessed 2025-01-09).
- Coffee Up, Tea Down as Beverage Mix Evolves in New US Caffeine Survey. Newswise. https://www.newswise.com/articles/coffee-up-tea-down-as-beverage-mix-evolves-in-new-us-caffeine-survey (accessed 2025-01-09).
