If you’re a fan of energy drinks, it’s important to find out exactly how much caffeine you consume when you have them. Drinking too much caffeine can lead to some nasty side effects.
Here, we’ll tell you all about the caffeine content in Celsius products and how they stack up compared to other caffeinated beverages.
Caffeine Content in Celsius
A regular cup of coffee has 80–100 mg of caffeine. How does that stack up against Celsius energy drinks?
Celsius Energy drinks contain 100–300 mg per can, depending on the beverage you choose.
Caffeine Content in Different Types of Celsius
There are more than 20 different types of Celsius energy drinks. They all have different caffeine content.
The five most popular Celsius energy drinks contain this much caffeine:
Health Implications of Caffeine in Celsius
With the exception of Celsius BCAA, most Celsius products have more caffeine than a cup of coffee.
But what are the health implications of consuming this caffeine in Celsius?
Most people consume caffeine to increase their energy, alertness, and focus. However, there are limits to how much caffeine most people should consume, and plenty of studies to back these claims up.
Caffeine is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system and causes various physiological reactions.
The FDA cites 400 mg as the amount of caffeine most adults can consume in a day without experiencing negative side effects. This is equivalent to drinking two Celsius Original, two Celsius Stevia, or one and one-third Celsius Heat.
However, many people are sensitive to caffeine, and drinking this much, while not always dangerous, could produce undesirable side effects.
Some of the most common health implications of caffeine in Celsius include:
1. Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
Caffeine can temporarily raise blood pressure, even in people without hypertension. The connection between blood pressure, heart rate, and caffeine has been studied for years.
When it comes to caffeine's stimulatory effect on blood pressure and heart rate, it’s important to discuss adenosine first. This chemical is found in human cells and is structurally similar to caffeine.
So, what Does Adenosine Do?
Adenosine does several things, including dilating coronary blood vessels and improving blood circulation to the heart. It also leads to blood vessel dilatation and better blood flow through the coronary blood vessels that supply the heart muscles.
However, caffeine inhibits adenosine receptors, which means it can block these effects, and heart rate and blood pressure can rise as a result.
According to the Mayo Clinic, this caffeine-induced rise in blood pressure has largely been found in people who aren’t frequent caffeine users. It’s less common in people who are.
2. Mental Health
Caffeine stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the fight-or-flight response. This response, often experienced as an adrenaline rush, is meant to prepare you to either fight back or flee when faced with a threat.
When your flight or fight response is triggered, you’ll often feel tense, on edge, and anxious. Caffeine mimics this response in some people because it stimulates the production of adrenalin.
In a systematic review of eight studies, each showed a positive correlation between caffeine and anxiogenic (anxiety-inducing) effects and/or panic disorder [1]. These effects are more pronounced with excessive consumption and in those who are more sensitive to caffeine.
Another 2016 study was done specifically on energy drinks and mental health — specifically stress, anxiety, and depression [2]. The study discovered positive correlations between energy drink consumption and symptoms of mental health issues.
Some of the effects of caffeine are more pronounced in caffeinated energy drinks than in other caffeinated beverages.
For example, in a 2007 study, 19% of respondents reported heart palpitations from drinking energy drinks [3]. Significantly, 29% also reported “weekly jolt and crash episodes.”
So, if you’re sensitive to caffeine or have underlying mental health disorders (including anxiety), use caution when consuming high caffeine amounts in energy drinks like Celsius.
3. Sleep Disturbances
Many people consume caffeine to stay awake and alert. Sometimes, these effects go on longer than intended and keep you awake when you want to be sleeping.
This goes back to caffeine acting as an adenosine receptor antagonist. Adenosine is a chemical that builds up in your body during the day and is released at night to promote sleepiness.
When caffeine blocks adenosine, your brain doesn't receive the signal to become tired. If caffeine is consumed too close to bedtime, this can lead to sleep disturbances and even insomnia.
Timing is important to consider in all of this, which is why you should time your caffeine consumption.
In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, caffeine consumed three to six hours before bedtime both showed “significant effects on sleep disturbance” [4].
The study found that consuming 400 mg six hours before bed could reduce total sleeping time by 41 minutes. If this sleep loss continues, it can also negatively affect one's ability to function in the daytime.
Another study of over 53,000 participants found that drinking one to three energy drinks per month was linked to a heightened risk of disturbed sleep [5].
4. Caffeine Withdrawal
Caffeine withdrawal is another risk of consuming energy drinks with high caffeine content.
In a recent report on the pathophysiology of caffeine withdrawal, the most common withdrawal symptoms were listed as [6]:
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Decreased energy/activeness
- Decreased or increased blood pressure
- Decreased alertness
- Drowsiness
- Depressed mood
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Joint pain
These symptoms were seen in some people, even with low doses of caffeine, and range in severity from mild to extreme.
Headache was the most common symptom in about half of all cases. "Clinically significant distress" was seen in 13% of cases.
The average onset of caffeine withdrawal started between 12 and 24 hours after cessation and peaked within 20-51 hours of cessation. For most people, these withdrawal symptoms remained for two to nine days.
Withdrawal symptoms can occur after as little as three days of caffeine exposure, and the severity of symptoms increases with longer exposure (7 or 14 days).
Recommendations for Caffeine-Sensitive Individuals
Those who are caffeine-sensitive tend to experience more pronounced effects, even from lower doses. This can include jitteriness, rapid heartbeat, nervousness, and digestive discomfort.
In these cases, cutting down on caffeine will reduce the chances of these unpleasant side effects.
If you regularly consume Celsius and are experiencing negative side effects, you could slowly try to withdraw from caffeine, reducing your overall intake.
You could also switch to drinks that have less caffeine.
For example, rather than drinking a can of Celsius Original (for a total of 200 mg of caffeine), you could switch to Cafely’s BanMe Coffee, which totals 120–150 mg of caffeine per cup.
Even though this is the strongest coffee type in the world, it still contains less caffeine than a can of Celsius.
If you are particularly sensitive to caffeine, it’s best to avoid Celsius and other energy drinks. Drinking low-caffeine coffee, tea, or decaffeinated beverages are better options.
Comparing Celsius with Other Caffeinated Beverages
We showed you an example of Celsius vs. Cafely coffee above, but let’s compare Celsius to even more caffeinated beverages next.
As a reminder, a standard Celsius Original has 200 mg of caffeine per 12 oz. Here’s how it compares to other caffeinated beverages:
Cafely coffees have between 120–150 mg of caffeine per cup compared to the 200 mg+ found in most energy drinks.
If you want to control your caffeine consumption but still enjoy delicious caffeinated beverages, Cafely is the way to go. To begin, check out this 100% Robusta HaNoi Coffee.
Consumer Reviews and Experiences
Next, let’s turn our attention to consumer reviews of Celsius products and what experts say about its caffeine content.
First, many people are quick to say they don’t notice any adverse effects when they drink Celsius.
1. Positive Celsius Reviews
"I don't notice any jitters even the few times I've drank an entire can; it's just clean energy," reports one consumer in an Amazon review.
Another user adds, "This is the only energy drink that has ever actually managed to give me energy and keep me awake when I need it! This is also the only drink that NEVER gives me that jittery/shaky feeling, which is a huge plus because I hate that feeling."
2. Negative Celsius Reviews
Some people haven’t had such positive experiences.
One user reports, "I drink a ton of caffeine. Pretty much everything you can think of — Coffee, black tea, green tea, guayusa, diet soda, etc. None of these forms of caffeine ever affect my ability to go to sleep. Celsius does.”
Another user explained, “Made my heart skip beats/palpitate. I'm someone who can tolerate multiple 16 oz strong coffees in a day with no issues. Somehow, this "Guarana" caffeine ("Found in the Amazon rainforest, Guarana provides a natural source of caffeine...") gives me the same heart palpitations as synthetic caffeine.”
3. What Do the Experts Say?
Here’s what emergency medicine specialist Joe Whittington, MD, has to say about these energy drinks and their caffeine content:
“Drinks with such high caffeine content can lead to dependency and addiction, causing individuals to consume more energy drinks to maintain the same level of alertness, leading to a cycle of dependence. This is especially true in adolescent populations who may not be aware of the risks.”
Recommendations for Celsius Consumption
Follow these tips to consume Celsius safely:
Drink Celsius at the Right Time
Drinking caffeine in the morning or early afternoon is ideal for those who follow a standard schedule. This is when you will enjoy the increased energy Celsius provides — when you need it most.
Avoid drinking Celsius later in the day (four to six hours before bedtime). Avoiding caffeine in the late afternoon can help prevent sleep disturbance and ensure the restorative night’s sleep your body and mind require.
Listen to Your Body
Those new to Celsius or anyone with caffeine sensitivity should start with one can (or less). That way, you can gauge how you feel before deciding if you want to ingest more caffeine from energy drinks.
If one energy drink does the trick without any side effects, you can stick with that amount. However, if you notice you feel jittery, anxious, or are unable to sleep, cut back on energy drinks and other caffeinated beverages.
Always listen to your body and find the right balance for you.
Related: Is It Bad to Drink Coffee Every Day?
FAQs: Caffeine in Celsius
Want to learn more about Celsius energy drinks and caffeine?
We cover everything you need to know in these frequently asked questions:
1. How Much Caffeine is Safe to Consume Daily?
Most adults can safely consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day as recommended by the FDA. Drinking more than this can be detrimental to sleep and may induce side effects.
2. Can Consuming Celsius Improve Workout Performance?
Celsius may enhance workout performance, but moderation is key to avoiding negative side effects. Sticking to regular coffee or caffeinated pre-workout drinks is likely better.
3. Is Celsius Suitable for Caffeine-Sensitive Individuals?
No. Celsius offers a range of caffeine contents, but even the lower-caffeine options may be too much for those sensitive to caffeine. The lowest caffeine option is Celsius BCAA, with 100 mg per 12 oz.
4. How Does the Caffeine in Celsius Compare to a Cup of Coffee?
A 12 oz can of Celsius Original (200 mg per can) contains over twice the caffeine of an eight oz cup of regular coffee (80–100 mg).
5. Are There Any Caffeine-Free Versions of Celsius?
Not currently. All Celsius products contain caffeine — no caffeine-free options are available as of 2024.
6. What Are the Signs of Too Much Caffeine Intake From Celsius?
Jitteriness, headache, faster-than-normal heart rate, and an upset stomach are signs of excessive caffeine intake from Celsius. These are signs that the body is reacting to a "caffeine overload."
7. How Long Does the Caffeine Effect From Celsius Last?
The effects of caffeine from Celsius can last several hours, depending on individual metabolism.
Caffeine takes an average of 11 or 12 hours to dissipate from the bloodstream. However, the energizing effects usually last for four to six hours.
8. Is it Safe to Drink Celsius Every Day?
While it can be safe, it is important to monitor your total daily caffeine intake and not exceed the recommended limit of 400 mg per day. Celsius's high caffeine content makes this easy to exceed, so consider trying coffee and other caffeinated beverages instead.
9. Can Children Consume Celsius?
No, Celsius is not recommended for children under 18 due to its high caffeine content. Celsius also does not recommend it for those sensitive to caffeine or pregnant and nursing women.
10. Are There Any Natural Alternatives to Celsius With Less Caffeine?
Options like green tea (with 30–50 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup) provide a milder caffeine boost with additional health benefits. Most eight-ounce coffees also have less caffeine than the standard energy drink.
References:
- Vilarim, M. M., Rocha Araujo, D. M., & Nardi, A. E. (2011). Caffeine challenge test and panic disorder: a systematic literature review. Expert review of neurotherapeutics, 11(8), 1185-1195.
- Richards, G., & Smith, A. P. (2016). A review of energy drinks and mental health, with a focus on stress, anxiety, and depression. Journal of caffeine research, 6(2), 49-63.
- Reissig, C. J., Strain, E. C., & Griffiths, R. R. (2009). Caffeinated energy drinks—a growing problem. Drug and alcohol dependence, 99(1-3), 1-10.
- Drake, C., Roehrs, T., Shambroom, J., & Roth, T. (2013). Caffeine effects on sleep taken 0, 3, or 6 hours before going to bed. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 9(11), 1195-1200.
- Kaldenbach, S., Hysing, M., Strand, T. A., & Sivertsen, B. (2024). Energy drink consumption and sleep parameters in college and university students: a national cross-sectional study. BMJ open, 14(2), e072951.
- Sajadi-Ernazarova, K. R., Anderson, J., Dhakal, A., & Hamilton, R. J. (2017). Caffeine withdrawal.
