What is the difference between coffee and an energy drink? Read on as we compare the two caffeine-filled beverages. 

Caffeine, a substance that some might argue keeps today’s fast-paced world from collapsing in on itself. Any sleep-deprived and overwhelmed university student will tell you of the marvels contained within a can of Monster Energy. At the same time, some literally cannot start their day without their morning coffee. Your local coffee-snob might dismiss the idea of an energy drink even being put in the same category as a cup of coffee, but, for the purpose of this article, we’ve decided to ignore those guys. 

It seems that there is somewhat of a double standard when it comes to the consumption of caffeine, whereas energy drinks are seen in a negative light, being outright banned in certain schools, while coffee is seen as a tolerable means of consuming caffeine. This is despite the fact that an average cup of coffee actually contains more caffeine than a can of Monster. For example, a fluid ounce of filter coffee (about 30ml) contains 18mg of caffeine whereas a fluid ounce of Monster has 10mg of caffeine. 

However, the caffeine content is not the only factor to consider when pitting these two beverages against each other. There are other factors to consider, for instance: 

• Energy drinks usually contain sugar as well as caffeine, whereas coffee on its own does not (it’s really just an optional extra). A can of monster contains about 54grams of sugar. 
• The effects of coffee have been researched a lot more than the effects of energy drinks.
• Coffee is typically sipped whereas energy drinks are consumed a lot faster, which is why it has a quicker effect. 

In the case of coffee, it is an all-natural beverage, with little to no additives and preservatives (depending on the brand of course.) It also has no calories, making it perfect for those wishing to cut down on their calories. Coffee can also be weakened or strengthened in its flavour and effectiveness, according to the individual. Ultimately, coffee, as we have seen from some of the crazier Starbucks orders, is very customizable and can be tailored to fit the individual. 

Energy drinks, on the other hand, contain large amounts of sugar, as well as amino acids, vitamins and other ingredients. Energy drinks have a controlled amount of caffeine in them and are therefore not as customizable as a cup of coffee. There is also an alarming amount of energy drink abuse cases, where teens have ended up in emergency rooms due to their overuse of energy drinks. 

So when it comes down to it really, the only thing that energy drinks and coffee have in common is that they both contain large amounts of caffeine. For the most part, they are completely different beverages.