Prime Energy has attracted a lot of attention for its high caffeine content. While the beverage is not recommended for anyone under the age of 18, Prime Energy was created by two famous YouTube influencers — Logan Paul and KSI (Olajide Olayinka Williams) — making the energy drink especially popular among children and teens.
Caffeine is generally considered safe to consume in moderation [1], but excessive caffeine intake can have adverse health effects, especially for those with sensitivities.
This article explores how much caffeine is in Prime Energy compared to other widely consumed caffeinated drinks and why you should be careful.
Caffeine Content in Prime Energy
One 12 oz can of Prime Energy contains 200 mg of caffeine, making it one of the highest caffeine-containing drinks on the market.
In addition to this, Prime Energy also contains the amino acid taurine and B vitamins, which are added for their energy-boosting properties.
For comparison, here’s how Prime Energy stacks up against other popular energy drinks:
Based on this comparison, Prime Energy contains the same amount of caffeine as two and a half Red Bulls. A can of soda typically contains about 34 mg of caffeine, making one can of Prime Energy equivalent to six cans of soda.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that healthy adults limit their caffeine consumption to less than 400 mg per day. That’s the same amount found in about 4 cups of coffee. Individuals respond to and metabolize caffeine differently, but higher levels of caffeine intake have been associated with certain health implications and health risks.
Health Implications of High Caffeine
Caffeine can be a part of a healthy diet for most people. It's naturally found in the plants we use to make tea, coffee, and chocolate and is also added to foods and beverages for its energy-boosting properties.
While there’s evidence that caffeine may have many health benefits like increasing metabolism and boosting mood, it can have negative effects if consumed in high amounts [2].
Potential Risks of Consuming Too Much Caffeine Include:
- Anxiety [3]
- Rapid Heart Rate [4]
- Insomnia [5]
- Digestive Distress [6]
- High Blood Pressure [7]
- Fatigue [8]
Specific Warnings Related to Prime Energy
Due to the high caffeine content, Prime Energy drinks should be consumed in moderation.
They are not intended for teens and young adults. The labels of Prime Energy drinks specifically state that they are not recommended for consumption by children under the age of 18, those who are pregnant or nursing, or anyone with caffeine sensitivity.
Recommendations for Safe Caffeine Consumption
The FDA recommends daily limits for generally safe caffeine consumption. These guidelines are associated with a lower risk for side effects but can vary based on age, gender, health status, and more.
FDA Caffeine Consumption Guidelines:
- Healthy Adults — adults should not consume more than 5 mg for every 2.2 lbs. of body weight, or about 400 mg for a 175 lb. adult [9]
- Children — Caffeine is not recommended for children under the age of 12
- Teens — Children between the ages of 12 to 18 should limit their daily intake to 100 mg or less
- Pregnancy — For those who are pregnant or nursing, less than 200 mg per day is suggested[10]
Market Response & Regulations
The viral status of Prime Energy among children and teens has raised concerns from parents, health experts, school officials, and lawmakers alike.
Prime Energy is marketed to younger demographics despite the health and safety concerns over safe caffeine consumption for younger adults.
This has led to actions being taken by schools, governing agencies, and regulatory bodies.
Actions Taken by Lawmakers & Health Experts
New York Senator Chuck Schumer has called on the FDA to investigate Prime Energy’s caffeine content and the associated health risks.
Additional concerns by health officials resulted in the drink being banned in parts of the UK, Canada, and Australia.
Pediatricians warn against the risk of consumption of energy drinks and recommend parents offer healthier alternatives to their children.
Public & Media Reactions
The media has highlighted concerns of parents and health advocates about the appeal of Prime Energy to younger consumers. The response has been a growing number of advocates for more oversight on the marketing and the sale of potentially harmful caffeinated beverages to children.
Some support the need for more stringent controls, while others prefer to support consumer choice.
Consumer Preferences for Caffeine Sources
Preferences for caffeine consumption vary depending on taste, convenience, and lifestyle.
The energy drink market has grown exponentially in recent years due to its popularity among children and teens.
Younger demographics are drawn to the fruity flavors and added sugars, and often purchase these in larger quantities unaware of the potential risks [11].
Future Implications for Energy Drink Regulations
Ongoing debates may lead to more comprehensive regulations on the marketing and sale of high-caffeine energy drinks, particularly those targeting younger demographics.
The FDA does not limit the amount of caffeine allowed in food and beverages in the United States. However, they do require that any product containing caffeine be labeled as such [12].
Public pressure has resulted in more companies readily labeling their products with their caffeine content information.
Additional labeling could help consumers make more informed choices in the future.
Prime Energy Compared to Traditional Coffee
Coffee is the most widely consumed caffeinated beverage on Earth. Here, we look at several types of popular coffee drinks and their caffeine content to see how Prime Energy stacks up.
Caffeine Content in Various Types of Coffee
One Prime Energy drink has the same amount of caffeine as two standard cups of coffee or two espresso shots.
This means two Prime Energy drinks would put the average healthy adult at or above the recommended daily caffeine limit.
FAQs: Caffeine in Prime Energy
Have some more questions? Here are some more answers to the most common questions regarding caffeine content and Prime Energy.
1. How much caffeine does one can of Prime Energy contain?
Prime Energy contains 200 mg of caffeine per 12 fl oz can making it one of the higher caffeinated beverages on the market. This is equivalent to about two cups of standard coffee.
2. Is Prime Energy suitable for children?
Health experts recommend that children under 12 not consume caffeine. Anything over 100 mg is considered potentially adverse. It is not recommended that children or teens consume Prime Energy.
3. How does Prime Energy's caffeine compare to a cup of coffee?
A single Prime Energy drink contains the same amount of caffeine as two cups of coffee or two shots of espresso. The caffeine content of coffee can vary depending on how it is prepared, but a standard cup of drip coffee generally contains 95 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup.
Related: How Much Caffeine is in Vietnamese Coffee?
4. Are there any caffeine-free versions of Prime drinks?
Prime Hydration is the caffeine-free beverage offered in the Prime product line. They do contain B vitamins, but no caffeine or Taurine. They come in many of the same flavors as the Prime Energy options.
5. What are the recommended safety guidelines for caffeine intake?
According to health guidelines and the FDA, healthy adults should limit caffeine intake to no more than 400 mg per day. Teens should not consume more than 100 mg per day, and pregnant women should limit their intake to 200mg of caffeine per day.
Related: How Long Does Caffeine Last?
6. Can consuming Prime Energy lead to caffeine overdose?
While caffeine consumption is generally considered safe, it is possible to consume it at levels that can cause overdose symptoms. Consuming Prime Energy in large quantities far exceeding recommended caffeine limits could potentially lead to overdose symptoms [13].
7. What are the symptoms of too much caffeine?
Symptoms of overconsumption of caffeine can include jitteriness, muscle spasms, anxiety, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, and insomnia. Individuals metabolize and react to caffeine differently depending on many factors like age, weight, health status, and lifestyle [14].
Related: What's a Caffeine Withdrawal?
8. Is Prime Energy drink regulated by health authorities?
All ingredients used in Prime Energy are FDA-approved. However, there is concern regarding the marketing towards children and teens. There is currently no limit on how much caffeine an energy drink can contain in the United States.
9. How does the public perceive the caffeine content in Prime Energy?
The appeal to younger demographics has raised some concern from health experts and parents. The high caffeine content can pose a health risk to children and teens. Countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia have banned Prime Energy in schools.
10. What alternatives are available for those sensitive to caffeine?
There are many caffeine-free options, including decaffeinated coffee, herbal tea, and fruit juices. Prime also offers its caffeine-free Prime Hydration drink as part of its product line.
References
- Temple, J. L., Bernard, C., Lipshultz, S. E., Czachor, J. D., Westphal, J. A., & Mestre, M. A. (2017). The safety of ingested caffeine: a comprehensive review. Frontiers in psychiatry, 8, 80.
- de Mejia, E. G., & Ramirez-Mares, M. V. (2014). Impact of caffeine and coffee on our health. Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, 25(10), 489-492.
- Sweeney, M. M., Weaver, D. C., Vincent, K. B., Arria, A. M., & Griffiths, R. R. (2020). Prevalence and correlates of caffeine use disorder symptoms among a United States sample. Journal of caffeine and adenosine research, 10(1), 4-11.
- Riksen, N. P., Rongen, G. A., & Smits, P. (2009). Acute and long-term cardiovascular effects of coffee: implications for coronary heart disease. Pharmacology & therapeutics, 121(2), 185-191.
- Watson, E. J., Coates, A. M., Kohler, M., & Banks, S. (2016). Caffeine consumption and sleep quality in Australian adults. Nutrients, 8(8), 479.
- Nehlig, A. (2022). Effects of coffee on the gastrointestinal tract: a narrative review and literature update. Nutrients, 14(2), 399.
- Temple, J. L., Ziegler, A. M., Graczyk, A., Bendlin, A., Sion, T., & Vattana, K. (2014). Cardiovascular responses to caffeine by gender and pubertal stage. Pediatrics, 134(1), e112-e119.
- Mattioli, A. V., Pennella, S., Farinetti, A., & Manenti, A. (2018). Energy Drinks and atrial fibrillation in young adults. Clinical Nutrition, 37(3), 1073-1074.
- Ishak, W. W., Ugochukwu, C., Bagot, K., Khalili, D., & Zaky, C. (2012). Energy drinks: psychological effects and impact on well-being and quality of life—a literature review. Innovations in clinical neuroscience, 9(1), 25.
- Gleason, J. L., Tekola-Ayele, F., Sundaram, R., Hinkle, S. N., Vafai, Y., Louis, G. M. B., ... & Grantz, K. L. (2021). Association between maternal caffeine consumption and metabolism and neonatal anthropometry: a secondary analysis of the NICHD fetal growth studies–singletons. JAMA Network Open, 4(3), e213238-e213238.
- Heckman, M. A., Weil, J., & De Mejia, E. G. (2010). Caffeine (1, 3, 7‐trimethylxanthine) in foods: a comprehensive review on consumption, functionality, safety, and regulatory matters. Journal of Food Science, 75(3), R77-R87.
- Schneider, M. B., Benjamin, H. J., & Committee on Nutrition and the Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness. (2011). Sports drinks and energy drinks for children and adolescents: are they appropriate? Pediatrics, 127(6), 1182-1189.
- Bigard, A. X. (2010). Dangers des boissons énergisantes chez les jeunes Risks of energy drinks in youths. Archives de pédiatrie, 17(11), 1625-1631.
- Lichvar, A., Pabla, A., Nguyen, N. E., & McDonnell, P. (2024). Caffeinated Energy Drinks and Supplements: A Wake-Up Call for Consumers and Healthcare Providers. Patient Safety 6(1).
