Caffeine is the most widely consumed stimulant in the world.
While many people turn to coffee for their caffeine fix, others prefer an energy drink like Red Bull.
You may wonder how these popular drinks compare in terms of caffeine content and health effects.
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Nutrient comparison
The nutrition contents of Red Bull and coffee vary significantly.
Red Bull
This energy drink comes in numerous flavors, including original, sugar-free, and several sizes.
One standard, 8.4-ounce (248-mL) can of regular Red Bull provides:
- Calories: 112
- Protein: 1 gram
- Sugar: 27 grams
- Magnesium: 12% of the daily value
- Thiamine: 9% of the daily value
- Riboflavin: 21% of the daily value
- Niacin: 160% of the daily value
- Vitamin B6: 331% of the daily value
- Vitamin B12: 213% of the daily value
Sugar-free Red Bull differs in calorie and sugar content and levels of certain vitamins and minerals. One 8.4-ounce (248-mL) can of Red Bull delivers:
- Calories: 13
- Protein: 1 gram
- Carbs: 2 grams
- Magnesium: 2% of the daily value
- Thiamine: 5% of the daily value
- Riboflavin: 112% of the daily value
- Niacin: 134% of the daily value
- Vitamin B6: 296% of the daily value
- Vitamin B12: 209% of the daily value
Sugar-free Red Bull is sweetened with the artificial sweeteners aspartame and acesulfame K.
The regular and sugar-free varieties contain taurine, an amino acid that may boost exercise performance.
Coffee
Coffee is produced from roasted coffee beans.
One cup (240 mL) of brewed black coffee contains two calories and trace amounts of minerals, including 14% of the daily value for riboflavin. This vitamin is necessary for energy production and normal cell function.
Coffee also boasts polyphenol antioxidants, which combat oxidative stress in your body and may reduce your risk of several diseases.
Remember that milk, cream, sugar, and other add-ins affect your cup of joe’s nutritional value and calorie count.
Summary: Red Bull packs a significant amount of B vitamins, whereas coffee has antioxidants and is almost calorie-free.
Caffeine content
Caffeine acts on the nervous system to increase energy, alertness, and brain function.
Coffee and Red Bull offer similar amounts of this stimulant per serving, though coffee has a little more.
Regular and sugar-free Red Bull contain 75–80 mg of caffeine per 8.4-ounce (248-mL) can.
Meanwhile, coffee packs around 96 mg per cup (240 mL).
That said, the amount of caffeine in coffee is affected by several factors, including the type of coffee bean, roasting style, and serving size.
Studies suggest that healthy adults can safely consume up to 400 mg of caffeine daily, equivalent to approximately 4 cups (945 mL) of coffee or five regular cans (42 ounces or 1.2 liters) of Red Bull.
Pregnant women are advised to consume no more than 200–300 mg of caffeine daily, depending on the health agency. This amount is equivalent to 2–3 cups (475–710 mL) of coffee or 2–3.5 cans (16.8–29.4 ounces or 496–868 mL) of Red Bull.
Summary: Coffee and Red Bull contain comparable amounts of caffeine per serving, although coffee generally boasts a bit more.
Red Bull’s effects on health
Significant controversy surrounds the health effects of energy drinks like Red Bull, particularly among teenagers and young adults.
Studies demonstrate that Red Bull significantly increases blood pressure and heart rate, particularly in people who don’t regularly consume caffeine.
Although these increases tend to be short-lived, they may raise your risk of future heart problems if you have an underlying heart condition or drink Red Bull regularly or in excess.
Suggested read: Caffeine during pregnancy: How much is safe?
The original variety also harbors added sugar, which ups your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes if you consume too much.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that men and women consume no more than nine teaspoons (36 grams) and six teaspoons (25 grams) of added sugar per day, respectively.
For comparison, a single 8.4-ounce (248-mL) can of Red Bull packs 27 grams of added sugar — 75% of the daily limit for men and 108% for women.
However, occasional Red Bull intake is likely safe. Owing primarily to its caffeine content, it can boost energy, focus, and exercise performance.
Summary: Red Bull has briefly increased blood pressure and heart rate, but it can boost focus and exercise performance when drunk in moderation.
Coffee’s effects on health
Most of coffee’s benefits are linked to its antioxidants.
A review of 218 studies associated 3–5 daily cups (0.7–1.2 liters) of coffee with a lower risk of cancer, heart disease, and heart-related death.
The same review linked coffee intake to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s.
Like Red Bull, coffee can increase energy, as well as both mental and exercise performance.
Nonetheless, heavy coffee intake during pregnancy is tied to a higher risk of low birth weight, miscarriage, and preterm birth.
Furthermore, this beverage may increase blood pressure and heart rate — but typically only in people who don’t often consume caffeine.
Overall, more extensive research on coffee is needed.
Summary: Coffee may lower your risk of several chronic diseases while providing an energy boost. However, pregnant women and caffeine-sensitive individuals should limit their intake.
Summary
Red Bull and coffee are ubiquitous caffeinated beverages that differ significantly in nutrient content but contain similar levels of caffeine.
Suggested read: Is Red Bull Vegan?
Due to its antioxidants and low calorie count, coffee may be a better choice if you consume caffeine daily. Red Bull is better enjoyed on occasion because of its added sugars. That said, Red Bull packs many B vitamins that coffee doesn’t.
With either of these drinks, it’s best to monitor your intake so that you don’t drink too much caffeine.
