Caffeine Pouches vs Energy Drinks: Which Is Better?

• Caffeine pouches are sugar-free, discreet, and contain virtually no calories.
• The effects of caffeine pouches can be perceived to be faster than those of energy drinks.
• Pouches are often cheaper per serving than traditional energy drinks.
• Pouches are portable and suitable for use in meetings, travel, or during exercise.
• Many energy drinks contain sugar and calories (though sugar-free options are available).

Caffeine pouches are small, pre-portioned pouches that are placed under the lip. 

They look similar to tobacco-free nicotine pouches, but they are nicotine-free and contain caffeine.

Some caffeine pouches contain ingredients like ginseng, amino acids, or vitamins, in which case they are called energy pouches.

Energy drinks are caffeinated beverages that contain caffeine and other ingredients that are associated with wakefulness, such as taurine, guarana, or ginseng.

Compared to energy drinks, caffeine pouches offer several benefits:

• Hands-free
• Can be used where food and drink are not allowed
• Very discreet
• No sugar
• Typically contain ~0 calories
• Effects may be perceived more quickly than traditional caffeine sources
• Travel-friendly
• Typically cheaper per serving 
• No fluid intake (which may reduce need for bathroom breaks)

The table below compares caffeine pouches and energy drinks when it comes to cost, caffeine content, calorie and sugar content, and duration and perceived onset of caffeine effects.^{1, 2}

There is currently no research on the onset of the effects of caffeine in caffeine pouches. However, they are likely to work in a similar way to caffeinated chewing gum, as both deliver caffeine through the oral lining.

Research on the effects of energy drinks is also limited. The figures given are based on general observations of caffeine.

Caffeine pouches do not necessarily deliver caffeine faster than energy drinks overall. 

However, some people may feel the effects sooner when compared with caffeinated drinks.

This is because caffeine from pouches or chewing gum can begin to be absorbed in the mouth as soon as the product is used, while caffeine from drinks is absorbed after swallowing.

As a result, some users may perceive that caffeine pouches deliver effects quicker.¹

It’s also worth noting that using caffeine on an empty stomach may make its effects feel stronger and faster.

400 mg is the daily caffeine intake recommended for most healthy adults.

Read more about managing your caffeine intake on our Caffeine Pouch page.

There are several places where it may be more practical to use caffeine pouches instead of caffeinated drinks:

• In a meeting
• Before or during exercise
• Driving
• Hiking
• Customer-facing roles
• During exams
• Travelling and public transport
• In cold weather (when drinks are awkward to handle)
• Concerts and conferences
• Museums and galleries

Caffeine pouches fit these situations because they:

• Are hands-free
• Will not spill anything
• Have no smell or noise
• Are discreet and portable

Want to get started with caffeine pouches? These are ones most purchased by our customers:

Caffeine pouches provide a discreet, low-calorie alternative to energy drinks, with the convenience of hands-free use and potentially quicker effects.

They are versatile for various environments, making them a practical choice for adults seeking caffeine on the go.