Sociodemographic correlates of energy drink consumption with and without alcohol: Results of a community survey

ObjectiveWe examined the sociodemographic correlates of energy drink use and the differences between those who use them with and without alcohol in a representative community sample.MethodsA random-digit-dial landline telephone survey of adults in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area responded to questions about energy drink and alcohol plus energy drink use.ResultsAlmost one-third of respondents consumed at least one energy drink in their lifetime, while slightly over 25% used energy drinks in the past year and 6% were past-year alcohol plus energy drink users. There were important racial/ethnic differences in consumption patterns. Compared to non-users, past-year energy drink users were more likely to be non-Black minorities; and past-year alcohol plus energy drink users when compared to energy drink users only were more likely to be White and younger. Alcohol plus energy drink users also were more likely to be hazardous drinkers.ConclusionsOur results which are among the first from a community sample suggest a bifurcated pattern of energy drink use highlighting important population consumption differences between users of energy drinks only and those who use alcohol and energy drinks together.

Research Highlights► Important racial/ethnic differences were found in energy drink consumption patterns. ► Past-year energy drink users were more likely to be non-Black minorities. ► Past-year alcohol plus energy drink users were more likely to be White. ► Our results from a community sample suggest a bifurcated pattern of energy drink use.