We all know the feeling: It’s 2pm, and you’re starting to crash. You need a pick-me-up, stat! Who can blame you? Between working 9-5, driving the kids around, cooking dinner, and maintaining a social life, we could all use a caffeinated beverage (or two) from time to time to help us make it through the day.
Whether you’re into energy drinks, soda, good old-fashioned coffee, or new-fangled caffeine-spiked sparkling water, the good news is there are more options to choose from than ever. So many, in fact, that it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. Wondering what to reach for when you need a little boost? Here’s a quick guide to each state’s most sought-after source of caffeine.
The Most Popular Caffeine Source in Every U.S. State
The results are in! There’s no denying it: Americans love caffeine. A study found that about 85% of adults in the United States consume caffeine on the daily. Each state has its preferred method of getting its caffeine fix, whether it’s coffee, tea, or one of the many options in between.
Some of the most populous states like Texas, New York, and California run on tea leaves, while several states like Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee reach for supplements when they want to get moving. Meanwhile, Hawaii takes a more traditional route and sticks with good old coffee (which makes sense … it is the home of Kona coffee, after all).
So what are the most popular caffeine sources nationwide?
- Tea – 15 states: Is it any surprise that this refreshing, antioxidant-rich beverage is so popular? Tea has been around for almost 5000 years, and its popularity is only growing. It’s no wonder so many states consider it their caffeinated beverage of choice!
- Energy Drinks – 13 states: Ever since Jolt Cola took America by storm in 1985, energy drinks have been a popular choice for those needing an extra boost. Today, there are dozens of brands to choose from, and whether it’s the more traditional brands like Red Bull or Monster or a newer brand like Celsius, the data shows that Americans definitely love their energy drinks.
- Supplements – 10 states: Who says you need a beverage to enjoy caffeine? Caffeine supplements come in many forms (pills, powders, liquids). They’re popular among athletes and busy professionals who want the perks of caffeine without the added time of downing a beverage.
But wait, whatever happened to reaching for a good ol’ cuppa? We were surprised to see that coffee (the classic American caffeine vehicle), only took top honors in three states and the District of Columbia. This may be due to a decline in popularity among the younger crowd. A recent survey found that almost 63% of Gen Zers never touch the jitter juice.
Closing Thoughts
With so many uplifting options available right now, it’s easy to find a caffeine source that works for you. So, green tea or Red Bull? It’s really up to you (or maybe even what state you live in).
No matter how you get your caffeine fix, there’s no doubt that it’s an essential part of the daily routine for most of us. At Shane Co., we know a coffee date is often a go-to first date (even for non-coffee drinkers), and we certainly appreciate how caffeine keeps us going for many of life’s special moments. So keep on sipping, and may your cup runneth over with your caffeinated beverage of choice!
Methodology
To find out what caffeine sources help each state get through the day, we sourced information from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and looked at seven caffeine-related keywords on Google Trends from October 2017 to 2022.
