So engrained into our culture, it is easy to forget that caffeine is, in fact, a drug.
The psychoactive substance is a stimulant that tricks your mind and constricts the blood vessels. It impacts the central nervous system and blocks adenosine, the sleep-inducing neurotransmitter, turning its function on its head to make you feel more awake, alert and energetic.
“That’s why it’s in the same category as other (much stronger) psychoactive substances”, explains Tina Lond-Caulk, The Nutrition Guru. “It changes how we think, feel, and react, albeit in a much gentler way”.
Can’t live without your morning cuppa? Headache when you missed your regularly scheduled brew? That’s caffeine for you. But it’s not all crashes, jitters and sleepless nights. While addictive, there are many benefits to caffeine consumption - from fighting off Parkinson's and lowering the risk of cancer, to preventing chronic liver disease cirrhosis and reducing the risk of developing diabetes.
For exercise too, the jolt of energy that it provides will spurs cardio lovers, but the substance takes it further than that and has been said to have ergogenic properties, which means it may boost performance by lessening perceived exertion and helping the muscles use glycogen more efficiently.
Caffeine and coffee are generally synonymous, but of course, caffeine comes in many forms. As well as java, there are tea, chocolate, fizzy drinks, gel sachets, energy drinks, shots and the latest to gain attention, caffeine tablets that provide a speedy hit.
In the caffeine tablet arena, you will likely be familiar with the brand leader – Pro Plus – but there are many more available. Before we dive into the caffeine tablets that we have been trialling, expert nutritionist Tina Lond-Caulk aka The Nutrition Guru decode everything we need to know about their intake.
Are caffeine pills safe?
“If you’re used to sipping a flat white or a cup of Earl Grey, the idea of taking caffeine in pill form might seem strange”, she begins. “Yet, when taken responsibly, caffeine pills are generally safe for most people. The typical caffeine pill contains around 100 to 200 mg of caffeine, giving a precise dose that can be easier to monitor than a cup of coffee or an energy drink, where caffeine content can vary widely”.
She continues, “For many, the safety of caffeine comes down to the dose. The NHS suggests keeping caffeine intake under 400 mg daily—roughly four cups of coffee—to avoid adverse effects like anxiety, jitters, or sleeplessness. Since caffeine pills come in measured doses, they can be easier to track than your average coffee shop order. But it’s also easy to overdo it if you take more than one, so caution is essential. And if you’re someone with caffeine sensitivity, you may feel effects from even a small dose”.
What are the benefits of caffeine pills?
“Caffeine has long been celebrated for its stimulating effects on the brain, increasing alertness, focus, and physical endurance”, Lond-Caulk reveals. “The benefits are similar whether you get your caffeine from a pill or a mug of coffee. For some, caffeine pills are particularly convenient because they deliver these benefits without the fuss of making a drink”.
She adds, “If you’re looking to stay focused at work or need an extra push before the gym, a caffeine pill can offer a quick energy boost. Many athletes use caffeine as a pre-workout supplement, and research supports its effectiveness for increasing endurance, delaying fatigue, and even improving strength. Pills also skip the sugar and calories often found in energy drinks, making them a simpler option for those watching their intake”.
What are the downsides of caffeine pills?
Should you replace your cup of coffee with a pill?
It all comes down to lifestyle says the nutritionist. “Caffeine pills offer a reliable and portable energy boost without added calories or sugar, making them ideal for those seeking simplicity and control. However, coffee’s antioxidants and the pleasure of a good brew keep it a popular choice for many”.
Shop the best caffeine pills below
SiS GO Hydro + Caffeine Cola 20 Tablets
SiS is likely best known for its energy gels - which you’ll find at marathons around the world, including in New York but also has a notable range of electrolytes and hydration-boosting formulas. These tablets are created to replace lost minerals and fluids but add 75 mg of caffeine into the mix for a performance boost at the same time - both physically and mentally.
Buy now £6.99, Holland & Barrett
Form Nutrition Boost Capsules
Boost by name, boosting by nature. These capsules from Form Nutrition make their intention clear: to provide you with energy and combat fatigue. Introducing just one into your routine on a day when you just can’t seem to shake the tiredness should do the trick to improve focus and stamina. The formulation includes 100mg of caffeine as well as the amino acid L-Theanine to balance out the stimulant and prevent jitters from occurring.
Buy now £17.10, Healf
Bulk Caffeine 200mg 100 Tablets
Exercise performance-enhancing supplements are the Bulk MO and that’s exactly why these caffeine tablets were created. Designed to be consumed before working out, they provide a concentrated and fast-acting hit of the stimulating substance that will not only ensure you can go harder for longer in HIIT training, running and cardio but you get benefits for concentration and alertness too.
Buy now £3.99, Bulk
MyVitamins Pure Caffeine Tablets
The wonder of caffeine is its impact on both the mind and body and its inclusion as the star ingredient in this supplement from MyVitamins is all about maximising the performance of both. With that in mind, it’s not just for athletes but anyone looking for improved concentration. In this variation, there is a pure 200mg dose so one a day is the recommended maximum consumption advice.
Buy now £4.26, MyProtein
Peak Supps Caffeine Tablets 200mg
You may be familiar with the signature triangular exterior of the Peak Supps collection for its protein powders but this exterior reveals caffeine tablets within, intended as a pre-workout supplement over its post shake contemporary. Each contains a high-grade 200mg dose of caffeine with the intention of fighting fatigue so you can achieve your fitness goals.
Buy now £5.99, Amazon
Dirtea Chaga Gummies
Best for: Boosting energy
Chaga is a medicinal mushroom which is currently having its moment in the wellness world due to its powerful antioxidant properties and its ability to combat inflammation.
Formulated in the UK, these chaga gummies are perfect for providing a caffeine-free energy boost to help you power through your day. The two-a-day gummies are loaded with 3000 milligrams of chaga mushroom extract, along with vitamin C and zinc. The added vitamin C is crucial for immune function, especially now, during cold and flu season; and zinc plays a key role in cell growth and repair.
The vegan, sugar-free gummies have a refreshing lemon flavour that comes from natural fruit juices. We love their eco-friendly packaging - recyclable cardboard tubes with a fully compostable internal wood-pulp pouch.
Buy now £34.00, Dirtea
Known Pre-Workout Vegan Gummies
When you don’t have time to whip up a shake or you’re on the go, a supplement in gummy form will come in handy – and it was with this in mind that Known launched its tasty treat. With a raspberry and yuzu flavouring, you will look forward to its consumption and of course, the energy-boosting effect. There is 80mg of caffeine, 100mg of taurine, vitamin B6 and vitamin D contained in each gummy. You can take up to four at once.
Buy now £12.99, Known
MyVitamins Creatine Gummies
When you're feeling tired and unmotivated, going to the gym feels like a real chore. Luckily, with MyVitamins' gummies in your sports bag, you can easily combat fatigue with the unique blend of creatine, caffeine and vitamin B6 - leaving you to make the most of your workout.
Buy now £25.99, MyVitamins
