Caffeine Clash!

Caffeine Clash!
Posted :: Apr 19, 2004 by Haggs

Nearly every computer enthusiast has their favorite caffeinated drink, but which one offers the best caffeine to cost ratio? Which ones actually taste good? Do things like Guarana, Taurine, or sugar actually have a noticeable impact? With all of the debate about which is the best choice, we set out in search of a champion. But first let's take a look at what the experts have to say about Caffiene, Guarana, and Taurine.

Here's a picture of the chemical makeup of caffeine aka C8H10N4O2.

The Ingredients:
Caffeine
According to http://www.dictionary.com, caffeine is "A bitter white alkaloid, C8H10N4O2, often derived from tea or coffee and used in medicine chiefly as a mild stimulant and to treat certain kinds of headache." A stimulant is "an agent, especially a chemical agent such as caffeine, that temporarily arouses or accelerates physiological or organic activity." Since it accelerates activity, it keeps most people feeling awake much longer than without it's aid. So there you have it: the official dictionary definition of what caffeine is, where it comes from, and what it does.

Guarana
Guarana is a known source of caffeine and also acts to "prevent fatigue." Gamers will also be glad to know that it is supposed to improve reaction time. Since Guarana contains caffeine along with the added bonus of lowered fatigue, it may explain why drink manufacturers like to put it in energy drinks (i.e. Bawls).

Taurine
Taurine is nothing other than one of the human body's many amino acids. It has a few medical applications such as preventing certain types of heart disease and "protecting the retina." More information about the medical uses of Taurine can be found at http://www.thorne.com/altmedrev/fulltext/taurine3-2.html. From my research I was unable to find an energy related benefit to Taurine intake.

Sugar
According to a CNN Article
there is no correlation between sugar intake and hyperactivity. The article suggests that increased energy from sugar is a psychological effect, not a physical one. While sugar is converted into energy by the body, it is not much different than the energy harnessed from other starches.

The Drinks (all data is for a 12oz. serving):
Coke by Coca-Cola

Approximate cost: $0.25
46mg caffeine
41g sugar
0g Taurine
0g Guarana

Mountain Dew by Pepsi

Approximate cost: $0.25
55mg caffeine
47g sugar
0g Taurine
0g Guarana

Mello Yello by Coca-Cola

Approximate cost: $0.25
53mg caffeine
48g sugar
0g Taurine
0g Guarana

Redbull

Approximate cost: $3.00
120mg caffeine
41g sugar
1g Taurine
0g Guarana

Bawls

Approximate cost: $1.25
80mg caffeine
32g sugar
0g Taurine
Xg Guarana (unable to find an exact quantity)

Amp by Pepsi

Approximate cost: $3.00
107mg caffeine
45g sugar
0g Taurine
0g Guarana

Brewed Coffee

Approximate Cost: $1.00
137-231mg caffeine depending on brew strength
0g sugar
0g Taurine
0g Guarana

Cost to Caffeine Ratio Graph:

Mountain Dew and Mello Yello shined in our study, but both were beat by strong coffee. If you can handle the bitter flavor and can find some cheap, concentrated brew, then a cup of java is the way to go.

Conclusion:
From our study of many of today's most popular caffeine and energy drinks we learned that Taurine probably provides little benefit, while Guarana is another source of caffeine (much like coffee beans). If you're looking for the most caffeine for your buck and don't mind brewing times and hassle, then your best choice is some strong coffee. If you're not into coffee or in a place where brewing is unfeasible, Mountain Dew (with Mello Yello in close second) is the best choice.

References: