In small quantities, caffeine may boost energy, alertness, and even athletic performance. Energy drinks typically contain anywhere from 17 to 242 mg caffeine per serving (not always per container). Caffeine also is naturally present in dark chocolate and in some ingredients found in energy drinks, including guarana. Most consumers have long gotten caffeine from coffee, tea, and soda. In fact, Monster Energy drinks, one of the most popular brands, were originally labeled as supplements and, in compliance with ABA guidelines, were reclassified as beverages and product labeling was revamped accordingly.6Įnergy drinks can contain several ingredients from caffeine to herbal stimulants to vitamins and minerals to amino acids.Īs the world's most commonly consumed central nervous system stimulant, caffeine isn't a new ingredient in beverages. A small sampling of seven energy drinks found that six had less caffeine (<1% to almost 12% less) than declared on the label, and one had 11% more than was listed on the label.5 While it's true that most energy drinks are labeled as beverages and do carry a Nutrition Facts label, a regulatory twist leaves the decision of whether to label their products as beverages or supplements up to manufacturers, and some smaller companies label their products as supplements, which have less stringent labeling regulations. The ABA states that members, which represent 95% of the energy drinks sold in the United States, must comply with its recommendations and voluntarily provide caffeine content on the label.4 But it turns out that labeling may not always accurately reflect caffeine content. However, the FDA doesn't require manufacturers to provide the caffeine content or label the amounts of other ingredients, such as taurine and guarana. The ABA also requires that the total amount of caffeine in the container (not just per serving) be displayed on the Nutrition Facts label. While the American Beverage Association (ABA) recommends energy drinks be labeled as conventional foods and beverages, not as dietary supplements, not all products follow those guidelines. And possibly the most easily recognized slogan, "gives you wiiings." Some lesser-known brands even claim to "burn body fat." Such tag lines are incredibly appealing, especially to young consumers. Past and present energy drinks are associated with provocative slogans: "Drink it in seconds, feel it in minutes, lasts for hours." "Drinks like a soda, kicks like an energy drink." One deemed itself "the legal alternative" to illegal narcotics. In reality, energy drinks are unpredictable you will likely feel good for a brief period of time, then you'll crash." They're promoted as a way to boost energy, decrease fatigue, and enhance concentration.3 The biggest misconception about energy drinks, says Kelly Pritchett, PhD, RDN, CSSD, an assistant professor of health science at Central Washington University and national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, is that "they will keep you energized throughout the day or give you a boost. These drinks generally are sold in cans or bottles in grocery stores, vending machines, convenience stores, and bars, and other places where alcohol is sold.
Today there are more than 500 energy drinks on the market, and consumption is on the rise.1 The global energy drink market is forecast to exceed $61 billion by the year 2021.2
Energy drinks were introduced to the United States in 1997.
Taurine in monster mean bean drink plus#
Consumer demand for these beverages is huge, but their safety continues to be questionable.Įnergy drinks, not to be confused with sports drinks, are defined as beverages that typically contain large amounts of caffeine, added sugars, and legal stimulants, such as guarana, taurine, and L-carnitine, plus any number of vitamins, minerals, and herbs, which together can increase alertness, attention, and energy, while also raising blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing.
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