Data

This is mainly due to the fact that the consumption of energy drinks is usually occasional without  being part of the daily diet and because energy drinks have a unique ingredient profile. They are sold mainly in small packages and their special flavor is suitable for special occasions.

In its 2015 scientific report on the safety of caffeine, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) stated that the contribution to total caffeine intake by energy drinks is insignificant in children and reduced in adolescents. By far the majority of caffeine consumption at all ages comes from other sources such as  coffee, tea, chocolate, and cola drinks. This clearly shows that other very popular products, such as coffee, tea, chocolate and cola drinks, are consumed more regularly and constitute the main source of caffeine in Europe.

This is similar to what happens in Europe, US studies show that consumption of energy drinks only accounts for a small percentage of total caffeine consumption. In a large-scale study carried out in 2013, the consumption of caffeine ingested through beverages was determined by consulting a representative selection of US consumers. It was clear that 96% of the caffeine consumed through beverages comes from coffee, tea and soft drinks. Additionally, coffee was shown to account for the majority of caffeine consumption from beverages among US consumers (Mitchell et al., 2014). Recently, a new study (Branum et al., 2014) has confirmed this. That study found that the percentage of caffeine consumption from energy drinks among young people between the ages of 12 and 18 during the years 2009–2010 has even decreased compared to the years 2007–2008.

In short, there are different scientific studies and authorized bodies that show that the consumption of energy drinks in Europe and the USA is low. The widely held view that energy drinks contribute significantly to total caffeine consumption is simply false.