The International Energy Drink Association seeks to disseminate objective, factual, and science-based information about energy drinks to the widest possible audience, thereby contributing to informed decision-making and responsible consumption.
Consumers expect three main things from a real ENERGY DRINK:
Provide ENERGY, as the name suggests. It should contain sugar, since sugar is one of the main sources of energy for the body and brain. This energy is measured in calories and becomes directly usable by the body in the form of glucose. A typical energy drink contains around 45 kcal per 100 ml.
Support ALERTNESS, therefore it should contain caffeine, which contributes to increased alertness and improved concentration. A typical energy drink contains around 32 mg of caffeine per 100 ml.
CONTAIN VITAMINS and other beneficial ingredients, including vitamins and other substances that may help reduce tiredness and support mental and physical performance.
Note: so-called “sugar-free” energy drinks can be good sources of caffeine or vitamins. However, due to the absence of sugar, they contain little to no calories and therefore do not provide meaningful energy to the body.
Download the EFSA Research, which defined the maximum recommended daily caffeine intake.
Energy drinks are formulated for healthy adults to support temporary increases in energy and alertness and contain high levels of vitamins.
The safety of their key ingredients has been evaluated and confirmed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
The original formulation was created in Japan more than 60 years ago and has been consumed globally ever since.
The formulations of energy drinks may vary between brands. Detailed information regarding the exact composition is always provided on the product packaging.
The most commonly used ingredients include the following:
One of the most important components of every energy drink is water, which is essential for the proper functioning of the body.
Sugar is one of the most important sources of fuel for the body, providing the energy needed for the brain and muscles to function. You can compare the sugar content of energy drinks with that of other products.
Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in many plants (e.g., coffee, tea). It blocks adenosine receptors, thereby reducing the feeling of fatigue. You can compare the caffeine content of energy drinks with that of other products.
Most energy drinks contain a significant amount of B vitamins (B2, B3, B5, B6, B12) — enough to meet the recommended daily intake. B vitamins are essential for energy-producing processes.
Energy drinks may be beneficial in certain situations; however, as with all food and beverage products, they should be consumed responsibly and in moderation.
Excessive consumption of energy drinks, especially due to their caffeine content, can have negative effects. Before consuming energy drinks, individuals sensitive to caffeine or those with health issues are advised to consult their doctor.
Consuming energy drinks together with alcohol does not counteract the effects of alcohol.
Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine, C₈H₁₀N₄O₂) is present not only in energy drinks but also in a wide range of other foods and beverages. Irrespective of its source, caffeine exerts the same physiological effects on the human body. By selecting the charts below, the caffeine content of each product can be reviewed.
(There is more caffeine in 1 L of cola
than in one can of energy drink.)
