On most mornings, Sarah Hisham does not feel awake until she has had her first cup of coffee. Sometimes, it is the first of five. Like millions of Egyptians, the 29-year-old social media manager relies on caffeine to power through long workdays, social obligations, and the fast pace of life. Caffeine permeates daily life in Egypt, from the black tea traditionally offered to guests to the ever-present sodas and energy drinks found on store shelves. However, many consumers are still unaware of caffeine’s effects on the body. Egyptians rank among the world’s most avid caffeine consumers, with black tea topping the list of preferred beverages, whereas a 240 ml cup of black tea contains around 47 mg of caffeine, 60–76 mg for instant coffee, 80–150 mg for energy drinks, and about 23 mg for a can of soda. A 2018 study found that 61.4 percent of the population drinks at least one caffeinated beverage daily, with 36.6 percent exceeding the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) recommended limit of 400 milligrams, reaching close to 760 mg of caffeine per day. “Tea is a staple in every Egyptian household,” Hisham said. “I’m…
