Good question, also we're not scientists but as dads who teeter between full-time jobs and family obligations, and crazy popup adventures like running through Scotland or company relay races in Portland, we stay busy. So what is OUR position on caffeine usage based off the science we've read to fuel our adventures...
The Science-Backed Standards
The foundation for caffeine safety comes from rigorous research and federal health guidelines. The FDA has cited 400mg per day as an amount not generally associated with negative effects for most adults — that's roughly equivalent to four 8-ounce cups of coffee or about five cans of FKTea's Original blend.
A 2017 systematic review of health outcomes associated with caffeine intake by the Institute for the Advancement of Food and Nutrition Sciences confirmed the safety of the 400mg a day level for most adults, structured to meet gold standards for systematic reviews.
But here's what matters for endurance athletes and everyday warriors: it's not just about the total amount—it's about the source, timing, and how your body processes it.
Where FKTea Fits the Performance Sweet Spot
FKTea Original and Sweet deliver 70mg of natural caffeine per can. That's intentionally calibrated for sustained performance, not maximum stimulation. For context, an 8-ounce cup of coffee contains 80-100mg, while energy drinks range from 41mgs to 246mg.
Why 70mg works for endurance:
- Multiple servings possible: You can consume 2-3 cans throughout a long training session while staying well under the 400mg daily limit
- No crash, sustained energy: Natural caffeine from Japanese tea combined with L-theanine provides smooth, extended focus
- Room for other sources: Leaves space for your morning coffee or pre-workout without overdoing it
For those feats that need something extra, our OG-Sama delivers 124mg of natural caffeine — still moderate compared to synthetic energy drinks, but with more firepower for intense training days or competitions.
The Endurance Athlete's Caffeine Strategy
Runners have spreadsheets showing how much caffeine they want to take in at what time, because there's a keen science to success, and it's not about maximum stimulation—it's about strategic fueling.
For Training Days:
- Morning: Coffee (80-100mg) + FKTea Original during session (70mg) = 150-170mg total
- Afternoon sessions: FKTea as standalone fuel = 70mg
For Competition:
- Pre-race: FKTea Sama (124mg) for higher intensity demands
- During race: FKTea Original (70mg) for sustained energy without overstimulation
- Recovery: FKTea Sweet (70mg) for a refreshing post-comp taste, and natural compounds supporting cellular repair
This approach keeps athletes well under daily limits while optimizing performance across different training scenarios.
The Family Factor: Caffeine and Our Kids
As fathers, we have to address the elephant in the room: caffeine and children. The science is clear and concerning.
Medical experts advise against energy drinks for children and teens because of the levels of sugar and caffeine, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. More specifically:
Children Under 12: No amount of caffeine is proven safe for kids 12 and under. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry states there's currently no proven safe dose.
Adolescents 12-18: Guidelines suggest a limit of 100mg of caffeine per day, which is about two cans of soda or eight ounces of coffee. That's like drinking one 8-ounce cup of coffee — maximum.
The Reality: About 73% of children in the United States consume caffeine each day via soda, chocolate, sports drinks, etc. With too much caffeine in children and teens causing increased heart rate, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, anxiety, and sleep problems, digestive problems and dehydration.
Energy Drinks: The Dangerous Exception
The American Academy of Pediatrics makes it clear: Stimulant-containing energy drinks have no place in the diets of children and adolescents. Period.
Why energy drinks are different:
- Standard energy drinks are 16 ounces, doubling the caffeine per serving noted on the label, greatly exceeding the maximum amount of caffeine per day for teens
- Energy drinks contain 80 to 500 mg (or more) of caffeine — potentially 5-7 times more than FKTea
- More than 40% of U.S. poison control center calls tied to energy drinks involved children younger than 6
Our Family Standard
We only make products we'd put in our bodies and fuel our close friends and family with. That means:
For Adults: FKTea fits comfortably within daily caffeine limits, whether you choose 70mg (Original/Sweet) or 124mg (Sama). Natural sources, science-backed dosing, no synthetic stimulants.
For Teens: If parents choose to allow occasional caffeine, one FKTea Original (70mg) stays within recommended limits. But we designed FKTea for adults pursuing challenging goals, not as a beverage for developing bodies.
For Children Under 12: Like all caffeine sources, FKTea isn't appropriate. Growing bodies need proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and natural energy, not stimulants. A solution is inbound 👀
The Performance Perspective
There is wide variation in both how sensitive people are to the effects of caffeine and how fast they eliminate it from the body. What works for one athlete might not work for another.
Signs you're in the right zone:
- Sustained energy without jitters
- Improved focus during training
- No afternoon crashes
- Quality sleep at night
- No dependency for basic function
Signs you might need to dial it back:
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Sleep disruption
- Needing caffeine just to feel normal
- Heart palpitations
- Digestive issues
The Bottom Line
Life is an endurance sport, and endurance requires sustainable fuel—not just for one workout, but for the long haul. For career, family, and the challenges that don't end when the race does.
FKTea delivers natural caffeine in amounts that support performance while respecting your body's limits. We're not trying to create the most extreme product on the market. We're creating the most effective one for people who understand the difference.
For adults balancing demanding lives: 70-124mg of natural caffeine fits your performance needs and daily caffeine budget.
For parents: We support informed decisions based on medical guidelines, not marketing hype.
For endurance athletes: Strategic caffeine use enhances performance; excessive caffeine use compromises it.
Your next challenge is waiting. Choose fuel that works with your body, not against it.
Sources:
- FDA Consumer Update: "Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine is Too Much?"
- American Academy of Pediatrics position statements on caffeine and energy drinks
- What's Erythritol? and is it bad for you?
- Mayo Clinic caffeine consumption guidelines
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recommendations