Don't have my book in front of me but I believe Dr. Atkins states that caffeine has been known to cause insulin spikes and therefore can initiate cravings.
In my opnion, there is no benefit to drinking caffeine...after all it is just another addiction is it not?
And one will never know whether it did or did not affect your weight loss if you did not cut it out....but it is a decision each person must make. It may slow down the weight loss but if you are willing to make that concession then by all mean enjoy!
Froufy