Is caffeine a banned substance for athletes?

    Last Updated: October 13, 2024

    Caffeine is a “monitored” substance — i.e. WADA continues to monitor caffeine to detect patterns of misuse in sport — but it is not currently on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) prohibited list for in or out-of-competition use. However, athletes should check the yearly updates to WADA’s prohibited list as well as the specific rules published by the governing body of their sport (e.g., the NCAA).