A cross sectional survey of 4757 Australians to assess usual daily consumption of caffeine from all sources was conducted. Individual variations in type and strength of coffee drunk were noted. Average caffeine consumption was 240 mg/day, equivalent to approximately five 150 ml cups of medium strength instant coffee. One third of the population had intakes at this level or higher and may be considered to be physically dependent on caffeine. Only 3 per cent of the population were true abstainers from caffeine. Caffeine consumption patterns were similar for men and women of all ages, although younger persons consumed more coffee and less tea than older persons. Tea, coffee and caffeine consumption were all positively associated with tobacco consumption, but only tea consumption was significantly correlated with alcohol intake (negatively).