Hourly and daily intake patterns among U.S. caffeinated beverage consumers based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2013–2016)

Characterization of 'hour-of-day' or 'day-of-week' caffeine intake for the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) population is limited. No study has focused on patterns from an individual perspective. The NHANES 2013–2016 survey respondents' dietary recalls were analyzed to gain a better understanding of caffeine intake patterns for different caffeinated beverage consumer types - defined by beverage type consumed and daily caffeine intake levels. Dominant caffeinated beverage consumers (≥143 mg) were identified by a reported daily caffeine intake level greater than or equal to the 50th percentile among those 1–80 y. Dominant caffeinated beverage consumers - irrespective of age groups investigated - typically reported the greatest caffeine intake early in the day from coffee. Analyses by consumer type, relevant age brackets and 'hour-of-day' or 'day-of-week' indicated that caffeinated beverage consumers generally do not cluster multiple caffeine intake events over short periods of time (i.e., less than fours). Dominant caffeinated beverage consumers appear to maintain a relatively stable daily caffeine intake by substitution of secondary sources of caffeine. Only a small fraction (4.1%) of individuals within 13–29 y respondents consumed caffeine at levels in excess of 400 mg/day, compared to 14% within the 30–80 y old survey respondent group. •Dominant consumers appear to maintain stable caffeine intake throughout the day.•Caffeinated beverage consumers do not cluster multiple caffeine intake events.•Only 4.1% of 13–29 y respondents consumed caffeine at levels ≥400 mg/day.•Only 1.3% of the total sampled population (1–80 y) reported consuming energy drinks.