Energy Drinks

Guide Note

Energy drinks are simply soft drinks that claim they provide an energy boost due to extra caffeine and sugar in the ingredients. Herbs and vitamins are also sometimes added. Energy drinks are usually lower in calories that other soft drinks like soda and juice, but have higher caffeine and sugar which may make the consumer feel more alert and energetic, though there is no scientific evidence that this is so. There is some controversy both over the efficacy of the drinks and the side effects of consuming them, including possible death in some cases.

Fast Facts

1. Contain caffeine and sugar
2. Advertise increased energy and activeness
3. Became popular in the 1990s
4. Energy drinks are sometimes mixed with alcohol
5. 2006: 3 billion cans of Red Bull sold
6. Red Bull is banned in France

1. Caffeine
2. B Vitamins
3. Guarana
4. Taurine
5. Ginseng
6. Creatine
7. Ginkgo Biloba
8. Sugar
9. Yerba Mate