Work

Beverage-based caffeine intake and high consumption trends among Korean adults, 2016–2024: a nationwide population-based study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance worldwide, yet nationally representative evidence on long-term consumption trends remains limited in Korea. This study aimed to evaluate temporal trends in beverage-derived caffeine intake among Korean adults between 2016 and 2024, identify major beverage sources, and examine demographic factors associated with high caffeine intake (≥400 mg/day). Methods: Data were obtained from the 7-9th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. We included adults aged ≥19 years with valid 24-h dietary recall data. Caffeinated beverages were identified using beverage food codes and product information recorded in the dietary database and classified into five categories: coffee, tea, energy drinks, cola-type beverages, and cocoa-based beverages. Daily caffeine intake was estimated using beverage-specific caffeine concentrations derived from national monitoring data. Survey-weighted linear and logistic regression models accounting for the complex sampling design were used to assess temporal trends and associations with high caffeine intake. Results: Among 48,991 adults, mean daily caffeine intake increased over time (β = 1.66 mg/day per year; 95% CI, 1.05-2.27), and the odds of high caffeine intake also increased (OR = 1.05 per year; 95% CI, 1.02-1.07). Coffee was consumed by 90.8% of caffeine consumers, with a shift from coffee mixes toward brewed coffee. Women aged 30-44 years had higher odds of high caffeine intake (aOR = 1.62; 95% CI, 1.21-2.16), whereas adults aged ≥65 years had lower overall odds (men: aOR = 0.37; 95% CI, 0.25-0.53; women: aOR = 0.23; 95% CI, 0.12-0.44). Conclusions: Caffeine intake among Korean adults has increased, driven by shifts in coffee consumption. The rising odds of high caffeine intake among working-age adults highlights the need for continued surveillance and targeted public health guidance.

Source: Frontiers in Nutrition

DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2026.1913422

Authors: Jinmi Kim, Gyu Lee Kim, Young Jin Tak, Seung Hun Lee, Young Jin Ra, Yu Hyeon Yi

Institutions: Pusan National University Hospital, Pusan National University

Language: English

Topic: Coffee research and impacts

Subfield: Pharmacology (medical)

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801