IFIC Spotlight Survey: Caffeine Consumer Consumption Habits & Safety Perceptions
March 15, 2022
Research Type
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Caffeine is well-entrenched in the lives of most Americans. Whether it’s drinking a cup of joe in the morning, turning to a soda or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up, or indulging in coffee ice cream or tiramisu to end the day, caffeine-containing products have become an integral part of our daily food choices. But exactly what types of caffeinated products are Americans choosing, and what are people’s reasons for consuming caffeine in the first place? What do Americans know about caffeine safety and the amount of caffeine in various products, and what are their labeling preferences? This survey aimed to find out.
The International Food Information Council (IFIC) commissioned an online research survey with consumers based in the US to measure knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about caffeine consumption. One thousand adults aged 18+ years completed the survey from February 3-8, 2022, and responses were weighted to ensure proportional results.
Key findings include:
- Over nine in ten (93%) Americans report consuming caffeine.
- Three in four (75%) caffeine consumers have caffeine at least once a day, and one in four (25%) consume it three or more times a day.
- Most Americans underestimate the safe amount of caffeine to consume for a healthy adult on a daily basis, while three in ten (29%) say they don’t know what the safe amount is.
- From preferred caffeine sources to reasons for its consumption, perspectives on caffeine vary by age.