Does Cutting Caffeine Out of Your Diet Lead to Weight Gain?

If you’ve ever wondered, “Does quitting coffee cause weight gain?” you’re not alone. 

Many people cut back on caffeine for better sleep, lower anxiety, or to break their dependence on tea and coffee, but they worry about unwanted side effects, especially changes on the scales.

The good news is that cutting caffeine doesn’t directly cause weight gain. However, the changes in metabolism, appetite, and daily habits that follow can sometimes result in a small weight increase. Let’s explore why.

How Caffeine Influences Weight

Caffeine affects more than just alertness. It has a subtle impact on metabolism and appetite:

Metabolism boost – Caffeine is mildly thermogenic, meaning it increases calorie burn slightly. When you stop drinking coffee or tea, this effect disappears, so your resting metabolism may slow a little.

Appetite suppression – Coffee and other caffeinated drinks can blunt hunger. Without them, you may feel hungrier and eat more.

Energy for exercise – Many people rely on caffeine for workout energy. Cutting it can make you feel more sluggish and less active, reducing calorie burn.

Why You Might Gain Weight After Quitting Coffee or Tea

If you’ve noticed weight gain after cutting caffeine, it’s likely due to knock-on lifestyle effects rather than caffeine itself:

Feeling more tired – Lower energy can lead to cravings for quick fixes like sugary snacks.

Replacing coffee with high-calorie drinks – Hot chocolate, sweet teas, or milky alternatives can add significant calories.

Temporary withdrawal – During the adjustment phase, you may feel lethargic, leading to less movement.

The Benefits of Cutting Caffeine for Weight Management

Interestingly, stopping caffeine may actually support weight control in the long term:

Improved sleep – Better rest helps regulate hunger hormones (ghrelin and leptin), reducing overeating.

Lower stress hormones – Caffeine can raise cortisol, which is linked to fat storage. Cutting back may reduce this effect.

Stable energy – Once withdrawal passes, many people find they have steadier energy levels without the caffeine highs and crashes.

Tips to Avoid Weight Gain When Cutting Caffeine

If you want to reduce or quit coffee without gaining weight, try these strategies:

Choose healthy alternatives – Swap coffee for herbal teas, green tea (lower caffeine), or sparkling water.

Snack smartly – Keep nuts, fruit, or protein-based snacks nearby to avoid reaching for sugary treats.

Stay active – Even light daily exercise helps balance the small drop in calorie burn.

Be patient – Withdrawal symptoms usually last about a week. Once your body adjusts, weight often stabilises naturally.

Final Thoughts: Caffeine and Weight Gain

So, does cutting caffeine cause weight gain? Not directly. Any weight changes usually come from changes in appetite, energy, or the types of drinks and foods you replace caffeine with. With mindful choices and a little patience, you can quit coffee or reduce caffeine without worrying about extra pounds creeping on.

Are Caffeine Pouches a Genuine Health Concern for Teens – or Just Media Hype?

In recent months, caffeine pouches have drawn attention from parents, schools, and the media alike. 

Sold in sleek tins and often flavoured like sweets or energy drinks, these small, discreet pouches are marketed as a smokeless, spit-free way to get a caffeine buzz. 

But with rising reports of teens using them, and in some cases, becoming dependent, many are asking: are caffeine pouches a genuine health risk, or is the media fuelling a moral panic?

What Are Caffeine Pouches?

Caffeine pouches are small, teabag-like sachets filled with caffeine, flavourings, and sometimes additional stimulants like taurine or B vitamins. They're placed under the lip for slow absorption through the gums, much like nicotine pouches, with which they are often confused. Most brands advertise them as a convenient pick-me-up alternative to coffee, energy drinks, or pre-workout supplements.

Why Are Teens Using Them?

Several factors contribute to their growing popularity among young people:

Discreet use: Unlike energy drinks or coffee, they’re odourless and nearly invisible during use.

Flavour appeal: Popular options include mint, citrus, cola, and even bubblegum, clearly designed to appeal to younger tastes.

Perceived safety: Marketed as “healthier than energy drinks,” many teens assume they’re harmless.=

Social influence: TikTok trends and peer use have helped normalise their consumption, sometimes with hashtags like #CaffeineChallenge.

The Health Risks

Caffeine isn’t inherently dangerous in small doses, after all, it’s found in tea, coffee, chocolate, and over-the-counter medicines. 

But there are genuine concerns when it comes to caffeine overuse, especially in adolescents:

Dependency: Regular high-dose caffeine use can cause physical dependency, with withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, irritability, and fatigue.

Heart concerns: Large doses can elevate blood pressure and heart rate, which may be risky for teens with undiagnosed heart conditions.

Sleep disruption: Caffeine affects sleep cycles, which are already vulnerable during teenage years.

Mental health: High caffeine use has been linked to increased anxiety, jitteriness, and mood swings , all especially concerning for developing minds.

Some pouches contain as much as 100-150mg of caffeine, equivalent to 1–2 strong energy drinks, and there’s a risk of teens using multiple pouches a day.

Media Hype vs. Measured Concern

Media reports often lean into alarmism, with headlines like “The New Drug Addicting Our Children”. While these articles raise awareness, they can sometimes obscure the truth in favour of sensationalism.

That said, experts in paediatrics and public health are issuing cautious warnings. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has called for better regulation of high-caffeine products, especially those clearly marketed in a youth-friendly way. In the US and parts of Europe, some schools have even started confiscating caffeine pouches alongside of vapes.

Should Parents and Educators Be Concerned?

Yes, but calmly and constructively. The issue isn’t just the caffeine itself, but the way it’s being marketed and consumed. Open conversations with teens about the risks, rather than scare tactics, are more likely to be effective.

Schools, too, can educate students about stimulant overuse, just as they do with vaping or alcohol. Regulation may eventually catch up, but until then, awareness is key.

Conclusion: Not Just Hype, But Not a Crisis Either

Caffeine pouches do represent a real public health concern, particularly in how they're being targeted and used by teenagers. However, we’re not looking at an epidemic — yet. With appropriate education, parental engagement, and policy oversight, their risks can be managed before they become widespread.

Are Energy Drinks Really That Bad for You? And What Are the Healthier Alternatives?

Doesn't look appealing

In today’s modern world, energy drinks have become the go-to pick-me-up for students, professionals, athletes, and even busy parents. 

With promises of improved focus, enhanced stamina, and a quick energy boost, they’re hard to resist. 

But are energy drinks really that bad for you? And if they are, what are some safer and more effective alternatives?

What's Inside an Energy Drink?

Most energy drinks contain a mix of:

Caffeine – anywhere from 80mg to over 300mg per can (a typical cup of coffee has about 95mg)

Sugar – often upwards of 20g per serving, though some are sugar-free

Taurine, B vitamins, guarana, ginseng – various ingredients marketed as performance-enhancing

While these ingredients may provide a temporary energy surge, they come with significant risks, especially when consumed in large quantities or combined with alcohol.

The Health Concerns

Experts have raised several red flags about energy drinks:

Heart problems: High caffeine levels can lead to elevated heart rate, raised blood pressure, and in extreme cases, heart rhythm issues.

Sleep disruption: Caffeine can remain in your system for up to 8 hours, interfering with sleep and leaving you more tired the next day.

Anxiety and jitters: Too much caffeine can cause nervousness, irritability, and even panic attacks in sensitive individuals.

Weight gain and dental health: The high sugar content can contribute to obesity and tooth decay.

Risk for teens and children: The NHS warns against energy drink consumption in under-16s, and many UK supermarkets have banned sales to minors.

So... Are They Really That Bad?

Occasional consumption in moderation may not cause harm for healthy adults. However, if you're relying on energy drinks regularly to get through the day, it's a sign your energy levels may need addressing in a more sustainable way.

Healthier Alternatives for a Quick Energy Boost

If you're looking to avoid the crash-and-burn of energy drinks, here are some safer options to keep your energy up:

Water

Dehydration is one of the most common causes of fatigue. A big glass of cold water can do wonders for alertness.

Green or Black Tea

Lower in caffeine than coffee or energy drinks, and rich in antioxidants. Green tea in particular offers a gentler, longer-lasting energy lift.

A Handful of Nuts or Seeds

Packed with healthy fats and protein, these can stabilise blood sugar and offer a slow-release energy source.

Banana or Apple

Natural sugars combined with fibre and nutrients make fruit an ideal energy snack.

A Short Walk or Fresh Air

Sometimes physical movement is the best way to kick-start your brain. Even 10 minutes can help.

Cold Shower or Face Splash

Stimulates circulation and sharpens mental focus.

B Vitamins from Food

Instead of relying on synthetic blends, eat foods rich in B vitamins such as eggs, spinach, legumes, and whole grains for long-term energy support.

In Summary

Energy drinks may deliver a temporary buzz, but the risks, especially for young people, shouldn't be ignored. Though they’re not inherently evil, but they’re far from essential. When you need a lift, consider turning to more natural and less risky methods.

Supercharged Sweets: Caffeine Candy Startup Ruly Launches in the UK

'Flavour-first' Ruly aims at hitting the sweet spot between function, energy and confectionery. 

This is a UK market-first: unlike sports focussed single-dose energy gummies, the energy sweets are made by expert confectioners, rather than supplement manufacturers and are designed as a full-bag treat that you eat like sweeties, and that taste just like sweeties. 

Each 42g pack contains 80mg of caffeine, with guarana and B vitamins,too.

Ruly was founded in 2024 by restaurant founder turned management consultant Sophie Murray and Finance Director Lydia Franks. 

The demanding jobs of the founders inspired Ruly:  they needed  flavour-first, tasty pick-me-ups to power through the afternoon slumps, and an alternative to the office birthday cake, sickly energy drinks, or a bit-too-late-in-the-day cup of coffee. 

They came up with a gummy-style sweet that gives a sustained, controlled energy to help you 'rule the day' - which also had the additional benefit to help give them a boost for their weekend runs. 

This is energy that you control: one gummy at a time. Ruly lets you Microboost when you need it, so you're always in charge of your energy - not the other way around. 

The founders say 'micro-boosting' caffeine is the way to control your energy boost and not experience the crash that sugary energy drinks can cause, and the name Ruly is inspired by ruling the day, and to be the opposite of 'unruly' - being in control.

Sophie Murray told That's Food and Drink: “We're giving consumers control of their energy! Energy drinks are typically consumed in one go, while Ruly gives you ultimate convenience and control: grab a bag and snack at your own pace - we're calling it 'micro-boosting'.  

"Choose to enjoy the whole bag for maximum effect or space them out across the day for a gentle, sustained boost. Ruly's micro-boost format lets you consume a sweet at a time, avoiding jitters and energy crashes -  thanks to its slower release, in contrast to a traditional energy drink.”

Currently available in Berry Delicious and Tropical Crush flavours.

A box of 12 is £29.99 excluding delivery. (£2.49 per 42g bag excluding delivery).

A box of 24 is £54.99 with free delivery. (£2.29 per 42g bag).

Buy now at rulyruly.com.

Follow them instagram.com/weareruly 

Dry Brew Launches in the UK: A Game-Changing Coffee Chew Now Available at drybrew.co.uk

Dry Brew, the revolutionary water-free chewable coffee that's changing the way people consume caffeine, has officially launching in the UK. 

The US patented product has had an incredible success story in the States with consumers, hotel chains and airlines all becoming eager and satisfied customers. Dry Brew is now available at www.drybrew.co.uk — bringing a bold, convenient, and delicious caffeine kick to British consumers.

Dry Brew is not a coffee powder — it's a compact chew made with real coffee, designed for on-the-go lifestyles. Whether you're commuting, working out, or just need a quick pick-me-up, Dry Brew delivers the benefits of coffee without the cup.

Dry Brew is for people on the go; it's a quick and convenient way to get your caffeine hit. On a train, plane or car just keep a Dry Brew nearby for a delicious 'cup of coffee in a single bite.' No need for water, heat, or preparation, Dry Brew is perfect for gym bags, desk drawers, or travel kits.

“Not quite like anything I've tried before - a great alternative for an on the go or pre work out coffee! absolutely recommend” – facebook.com/drybrewuk review

- Made with real coffee

- Convenient, portable format

- No prep or clean-up required

- Vegan-friendly and gluten-free

- Available now at drybrew.co.uk

Dry Brew is now shipping UK-wide.

FACTFILE:

Dry Brew is a first-of-its-kind coffee chew designed for life on the go. With a focus on clean energy, convenience, and real coffee flavour, Dry Brew offers a modern solution for caffeine lovers who want more flexibility and less fuss.

Are Energy Drinks Bad for You?

Energy drinks always look luminous 

Energy drinks have become a ubiquitous part of modern life, often marketed as a quick fix for fatigue and a boost for productivity. 

These beverages, which typically contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants, promise increased energy, improved concentration, and enhanced physical performance. 

But are they really as beneficial as they claim to be? Or do they pose significant health risks? Let’s dig into the details.

The Ingredients in Energy Drinks

Caffeine: The primary active ingredient in most energy drinks is caffeine. It is a central nervous system stimulant that can improve alertness and reduce the perception of fatigue. However, the caffeine content in energy drinks can be exceptionally high, often exceeding that found in a standard cup of coffee.

Sugar: Many energy drinks are loaded with sugar, contributing to their high-calorie content. Excessive sugar intake is associated with various health issues, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dental problems.

Other Stimulants and Additives: Ingredients like taurine, guarana, ginseng, and B vitamins are commonly added to energy drinks. While these substances can have stimulating effects, their combined impact, especially in high doses, is not well understood.

The Health Risks

Cardiovascular Issues: High caffeine intake can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure. In extreme cases, this can result in palpitations, arrhythmias, or even more severe cardiovascular events, particularly in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions.

Metabolic Concerns: The excessive sugar content in energy drinks can contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance, increasing the risk of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

Mental Health: Regular consumption of energy drinks has been linked to anxiety, sleep disturbances, and mood swings. The stimulating effects of caffeine, coupled with other additives, can exacerbate these issues, particularly in young people and adolescents.

Addiction and Dependence: Caffeine is an addictive substance, and regular consumption of energy drinks can lead to dependence. Withdrawal symptoms can include headaches, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

Are There Any Benefits?

While energy drinks can provide a temporary boost in alertness and physical performance, these effects are often short-lived and come at the cost of subsequent crashes in energy levels. For some individuals, particularly athletes or those in need of a quick energy boost, energy drinks can be beneficial if used sparingly and responsibly.

Moderation and Alternatives

The key to minimising the health risks associated with energy drinks is moderation. The NHS recommends that adults should consume no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day. Given that a single energy drink can contain upwards of 150 mg, it's easy to exceed this limit.

Instead of relying on energy drinks, consider healthier alternatives such as:

Hydration: Sometimes, fatigue is a result of dehydration. Drinking water can often help improve alertness.

Balanced Diet: Consuming a diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, can naturally boost energy levels.

Regular Exercise: Physical activity can enhance overall energy and improve sleep quality.

Adequate Sleep: Ensuring you get enough rest is crucial for maintaining energy levels and overall health.

Conclusion

While energy drinks can offer a quick and convenient energy boost, the potential health risks associated with their consumption are significant. The high levels of caffeine and sugar, along with other stimulants, can have detrimental effects on cardiovascular, metabolic, and mental health. Moderation is essential, and exploring healthier alternatives can provide a more sustainable and safe way to maintain energy levels. Ultimately, making informed choices about energy drink consumption is crucial for long-term health and well-being.