Low Caffeine Energy Drinks: How Much Caffeine Is Enough?
If a full-strength energy drink leaves you feeling wired, you are not alone. More people are looking for energy drinks with less caffeine: enough for a lift, not so much that it takes over your afternoon. Here is what 'low caffeine' actually means, how it compares to coffee, and what to check on the label.
What is a low caffeine energy drink?
There is no official definition, but a useful rule of thumb is 100mg of caffeine or less per can. Many mainstream energy drinks contain 150mg to 300mg per can, so a drink with 80mg to 100mg sits at the lighter end of the category, closer to a cup of coffee than a 'max strength' can.
How much caffeine is in coffee, tea and energy drinks?
Typical amounts, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
| Drink | Typical caffeine |
|---|---|
| Caffeinated soft drink (12 oz) | 30 to 40mg |
| Green or black tea (8 oz) | 30 to 50mg |
| Brewed coffee (8 oz) | 80 to 100mg |
| Energy drinks (per 12 fl oz) | 100 to 300mg |
| Aspire Healthy Energy (12 oz can) | 80mg |
Energy drink cans are often 12 to 16 ounces, so always check caffeine per can, not just per serving.
Which energy drinks have the least caffeine?
Caffeine varies widely by brand, and sometimes by flavor within the same brand, so the label is the only reliable answer. Look for the caffeine amount listed per can and compare cans of the same size. Drinks in the 50mg to 100mg range are generally the lowest caffeine energy drinks you will find. Below that, you are closer to iced tea or soda territory.
Is 80mg of caffeine a lot?
80mg is about the same as an 8 oz cup of brewed coffee, based on the FDA range above. The FDA cites 400mg a day as an amount not generally associated with negative effects for healthy adults, so one 80mg can is about a fifth of that. Sensitivity varies from person to person, so start with one can and see how it fits your day.
How much caffeine per day is too much?
The FDA cites up to 400mg a day for healthy adults, while noting that people differ in how sensitive they are to caffeine and how quickly they process it. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or managing a health condition, ask your doctor what is right for you. Energy drinks, including Aspire, are not intended for children.
Why choose a lower caffeine energy drink?
- More control. A smaller dose is easier to plan around and easier to stop at one.
- Afternoon friendly. A lighter can is easier to fit into the second half of the day. The FDA lists trouble sleeping as one sign of too much caffeine, so timing and total amount both matter.
- Room for your morning coffee. If you already have a cup in the morning, an 80mg can later keeps your daily total moderate.
The FDA notes that too much caffeine can lead to effects like insomnia, jitters, feeling anxious and a fast heart rate. Keeping each serving moderate is a simple way to stay well inside your own limits.
What to look for in a low caffeine energy drink
- Caffeine per can, clearly listed on the label.
- Caffeine source, for example coffee, green tea, guarana or added caffeine.
- Sugar per can. The American Heart Association suggests limiting added sugar to about 25g a day for women and 36g for men.
- Calories, if you are watching them.
- Can size, so you are comparing like with like.
- A flavor you enjoy, because you will actually reach for it.
How Aspire fits
Aspire Healthy Energy was built around moderate caffeine. Each can has 80mg of caffeine from green tea and guarana, zero sugar and zero calories, plus vitamins B and C, in a lightly sparkling can. Energy, not anxiety.
- Mango Lemonade: tropical and bright, a fan favorite
- Strawberry Watermelon: summer sweet and crisp
- Raspberry + Acai: our go to coffee alternative
- Top Picks Variety 12-Pack: try three favorites at once
Prefer to buy in person? Use our store locator to find Aspire near you.
Frequently asked questions
What energy drink has the least caffeine?
It depends on the brand and flavor, so check caffeine per can on the label. Energy drinks with 100mg or less per can are at the low end of the category. Aspire has 80mg per 12 oz can.
Does fruit punch have caffeine?
Traditional fruit punch and juice drinks generally do not contain caffeine. Fruit punch flavored energy drinks, including Aspire Fruit Punch, do contain caffeine, so check the label.
Does acai have caffeine?
Acai berries are not a meaningful source of caffeine. Acai flavored energy drinks get their caffeine from added sources. Aspire Raspberry + Acai gets its 80mg from green tea and guarana.
Does mango have caffeine?
No, mango is caffeine-free. The caffeine in Aspire Mango Lemonade comes from green tea and guarana.
Can a low caffeine energy drink replace coffee?
For many people, yes: an 80mg can is in the same range as an 8 oz cup of brewed coffee. See our guide to coffee alternatives with caffeine.
