Coffee and energy drinks are globally popular beverages. The global coffee market is estimated at over $86 billion while energy drink sales could surpass $70 billion by 2026. Both beverages provide productivity boosts that improve alertness for work, study or sports purposes; making them both great choices to have on hand! But which beverage offers better overall health benefits? Both coffee and energy drinks contain caffeine as a stimulant; the main differences lie in how each one is consumed as well as its overall effects on wellbeing.

Caffeine itself isn’t necessarily harmful, but excess consumption may have negative side effects like stomach upset, heart palpitations, nervousness or insomnia. Therefore, it is recommended to limit how much caffeine you consume on a daily basis as too much could lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

Coffee differs significantly from energy drinks in that its ingredients are natural; many top energy drink brands contain significant amounts of added sugar as well as additives such as taurine, guarana and ginseng which may or may not be healthy for us. Energy drinks have been linked with obesity as well as other health problems; an average 16oz can of energy drink can contain 80 grams of added sugar which exceeds recommended daily allowance. Even sugar-free varieties that use artificial sweeteners still contain plenty of calories.

Coffee on the other hand has much fewer calories; one cup of plain, black coffee typically only has two. Adding milk or cream will raise this figure slightly but still remains significantly less than an energy drink. Coffee can also help those trying to lose weight maintain a calorie deficit.

Coffee is packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants that have been linked to reduced risks of several diseases, such as liver disease and certain forms of cancer. Coffee has also been proven to enhance athletic performance during workouts, helping those who struggle to sleep during the night sleep better; it may even aid pregnancy women and those suffering from certain cardiovascular issues. But excessive caffeine consumption should be avoided for pregnant women or those who suffer from cardiovascular conditions.