Beverage caffeine intakes in the U.S.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Cross-sectional dietary survey analysis
PubMed 24189158 · doi:10.1016/j.fct.2013.10.042
What was done
Analyzed 7-day beverage consumption diaries from a nationally representative sample of 37,602 consumers aged 2 years and older from the U.S. Kantar Worldpanel Beverage Consumption Panel to estimate caffeine intake and identify primary beverage sources.
What was found
Overall, 85% of the U.S. population consumed at least one caffeinated beverage daily. Mean (±SE) daily caffeine intake from all beverages was 165±1 mg/day across all ages combined, peaking at 226±2 mg/day in adults aged 50–64 years. The 90th percentile intake across all ages was 380 mg/day. Coffee was the primary contributor to caffeine intake overall, while carbonated soft drinks and tea accounted for larger shares among those under 18 years. Energy drink consumers comprised ≤10% of participants across all age groups.
Why it matters
It provides detailed, population-level benchmarks for daily caffeine consumption and beverage sources across different age groups in the United States.
Limits
Relies on self-reported 7-day beverage diaries, which are subject to recall and reporting errors. The study assessed only beverages, omitting caffeine contributions from solid foods, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements.
Cited by
- context Ninety percent of adults worldwide consume caffeine.