Red Bull vs coffee (Caffeine & nutrients compared)

Red Bull Vs Coffee - Which Is Better For Energy? 

There’s been a debate for years about whether drinking Red Bull or drinking coffee is better for giving you energy. 

There are some similarities and some differences with the drinks, and I've given you a breakdown of all the key factors here:  

1. Caffeine Content  

Red Bull has, on average, 80mg of caffeine per can. It’s designed to give you a quick boost, and you'll feel the effects very quickly.  

Coffee generally has 95mg of caffeine per 8 ounces, which is noticeably more than Red Bull.[1] Some coffees may taste stronger than others, but they will typically still contain about 80-100mg. 

It's important to keep in mind that most American coffee shops serve coffees in 12 ounce cups or larger, so calculate caffeine accordingly.

If you’re looking for extra energy to quickly perk you up, then Red Bull is probably best. If you want a slower release of energy, then you should choose coffee. 

2. Sugar Content 

Red Bull has a high sugar content of 11 grams per 100ml. This is a lot and helps explain the sudden rush of energy you get when you drink it.

There are diet versions of Red Bull available which can reduce the sugar intake, but you’re best off avoiding it if you’re on a diet.  

Coffee in its most basic form actually has no sugar in it at all.[2]

3. Calorie Content 

A standard can of Red Bull contains 117 calories, which is the equivalent of eating an apple (without the vitamins and minerals).[3]

The calories in coffee massively depend on what type you order. A standard black coffee contains basically 0 calories, but milk and sugar will cause that to rise quickly.

An Americano with skimmed milk is around 12 calories, but milky coffees are a lot more. 

A cappuccino has about 100 calories (not including any chocolate dusting), and a latte has 150 calories (without any sugar syrup added).  

If you're counting your calories closely, then you should drink coffee, but be careful what you order because some coffees can be deceptively calorific. 

4. Taurine Content  

Red Bull contains a lot of taurine, and there's 80mg in 100ml of the drink. This, combined with the caffeine, is how the energy drink gives you that boost and stimulates your mind.[4]

Coffee, on the other hand, contains no taurine. This makes it the safer option but means you won’t get that same amount of an energy kick.  

5. Antioxidants 

Antioxidants are really good for you. They basically help your body overcome free radicals in your system, which, if left unchecked, can turn into cancer or other illnesses. 

Red Bull only contains trace amounts of antioxidants and shouldn’t be used as a primary source. 

Coffee, on the other hand, contains a lot of different antioxidants, particularly hydrocinnamic acids and polyphenols.

If you’re looking to boost your overall health, then coffee is the better choice. It’s definitely worth keeping your antioxidant levels up to keep your body fighting fit.  

6. Energy Boosting 

Red Bull is known for giving you a big energy boost, and it's one of the main reasons people drink it.

Within 15-30 mins of having a Red Bull, you should feel more awake, more alert, and more focused. This will typically last 2-3 hours before your body starts to crash.  

Coffee, on the other hand, is a bit more of a slow burn. You should feel the effects in about 30 mins, but it won’t be as much of a shock to the system.

Coffee will continue to provide energy for about 4-6 hours before it starts to wear off.  

If you’re looking to quickly spike your energy before a workout or other activity, then Red Bull is the one for you. If you want to have energy released over several hours while working, then coffee is the better choice.  

7. Health Effects  

Red Bull also has several health benefits. It contains vitamin B, B6, which helps support your immune and nervous system, and B12, which helps support your digestive system.

It also contains pantothenic acid, which can help with allergies or stress, and riboflavin can help reduce muscle cramps.  

Coffee also has some health benefits, with B vitamins in it, along with manganese, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

All of these help to support your body and are particularly effective in helping your immune system.  

Neither Red Bull or coffee are made as beverages that support your health, but both Red Bull and coffee have ingredients your body will benefit from. Red Bull contains more vitamins and minerals than coffee, but your body may not be able to digest them all in one go.  

8. Price Comparison  

A can of Red Bull will cost about $2 across the US.

A coffee shop coffee will cost you between $2 and $5 depending on your exact order, or you can make your own coffee at home for under $1.

This makes coffee a lot cheaper if you make it at home.