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Posted on January 17, 2022 | Last updated February 10, 2025

When Do You Drink Energy Drinks?
When do you drink energy drinks?
What are the most common situations when people tend to drink them?

Author informationAuthor: Energy Drink-kun

In 2001, while living in the United States, I encountered energy drinks through the dance scene and was deeply impressed. After returning to Japan, I found that energy drinks were considered novelty beverages, so I established a comprehensive website in 2013 to share the true appeal of energy drinks. As an energy drink enthusiast, I began drinking them seriously again, collecting over 7,000 varieties of energy drinks from various countries. I am also active as a critic and expert, receiving media interviews.

Opinions from 500 People Who Frequently Drink Energy Drinks

In a survey by Trend Research Center, 500 men and women in their 20s to 40s who regularly drink energy drinks were asked, "When do you drink energy drinks?" Here are the results:

1st place (45%) - When I need to get motivated for work or studying
2nd place (37%) - When I want to refresh myself
3rd place (26%) - When I want to replenish nutrients
4th place (17%) - When I’m thirsty
4th place (17%) - When I want to boost my mood during fun activities

Even if you don’t have a clear purpose, you might often reach for an energy drink in situations like these.

If You Want a Real Answer, It Might Be Better to Drink After Concentrating Rather Than Before

Blood Sugar Fluctuations that Cause Drowsiness and Decreased Focus

The sugar in energy drinks is a high-GI food, meaning it is absorbed quickly. After consumption, blood sugar rises rapidly (causing drowsiness) and then drops suddenly (leading to decreased focus and hunger).

While how long you want to stay focused after drinking an energy drink can vary from person to person, considering the "spikes" caused by blood sugar fluctuations, it might be better to drink it after you’ve started concentrating. Also, it’s best not to expect too much from energy drinks in terms of performance.

Energy Drink as an Energy Replenishment (Glucose Supplement)

The 2nd place answer in the survey, "When I want to refresh myself," might actually be the ideal time. After intense focus or exercise, when your body’s glycogen is depleted, drinking something sweet like an energy drink could be quite beneficial.

It’s Fine to Drink Energy Drinks When You Want to—That’s All

Energy drinks are essentially just regular soft drinks. The caffeine content is equivalent to one cup of coffee, or at most two. The sugar content is comparable to cola or other carbonated drinks, and the other ingredients are in such small amounts that you can’t expect any significant effects from drinking them.

Although they do contain energy-boosting ingredients, energy drinks should be considered more of an image product or a drink to enjoy for the atmosphere it creates.

As the concept behind energy drinks suggests, enjoying them for the mood or image is perfectly fine. The best time to drink one is simply when you feel like it. It’s a bit like eating eel when you need energy—it’s about the experience.