Caffeine is a stimulant that can have different effects on athletes and the general population, depending on the dose, individual sensitivity and context of consumption. The aim of this research was to examine the intake of caffeine among recreational athletes and the general population, and to determine possible health risks due to excessive caffeine consumption. A one-time observational study was conducted by using the study specific questionnaire that included questions on general and socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometrics, physical activity, eating habits and consumption of foods and supplements containing caffeine. Answers of 205 participants, age 18 to 68, 41% men and 59% women were analysed. Median caffeine consumption was 94.7 mg/day (46.8 – 143.5), mostly from coffee. General population consume more caffeine from coffee (p=0.042) while recreational athletes consume more caffeine from cola (p=0.011) and energy drinks (p=0.001). One participant consume 432.9 mg/day only from foods, and exceeds the safe 400 mg of caffeine/day. Additional five participants consume between 312.9 mg and 385.3 mg of caffeine from foods, of which two are recreational athletes and the remaining from the general population. When contribution of supplements to daily caffeine consumption is considered, the number of participants at risk of side effects increases to 11 (six recreational athletes, five from the general population). Side effects after caffeine consumption were reported by 16% of participants. More men and recreational athletes are sure that caffeine improved their training performance in comparison to women (40% vs 21%) and general population (53 vs 48%), respectively. More participants from the general population are sure that caffeine had no effect in comparison to recreational athletes (74% vs 26%).