Energy drinks promise quick boosts of energy, focus, and alertness, but have you ever looked beyond the caffeine and sugar to see what else is inside those cans? As someone who’s researched the ins and outs of these popular drinks, I can tell you that what’s hidden in that ingredient list might just surprise you. Energy drinks are often packed with additives that are not as well-known or understood but can have lasting effects on your health. In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at some of those hidden ingredients, what they do, and whether they’re worth the risk.
The Basics: What We Expect
Most of us know that energy drinks contain caffeine and sugar – they’re the headliners. Caffeine is the star of the show, providing that jolt of energy most of us are seeking. It works by stimulating the central nervous system, giving us the feeling of awareness. On average, energy drinks can contain anywhere from 80 mg to 300 mg of caffeine per can, depending on the brand. Then there’s sugar. Some drinks contain as much as 60 grams in a single serving – that’s significantly more than a typical can of soda.
But sugar and caffeine are just the tip of the iceberg. As we dig deeper into the ingredient list, we start encountering additives that most people wouldn’t recognize or even think to question. Let’s dive into a few of those buried ingredients and explore why you should pay closer attention to what you’re drinking.
Taurine: The "Energy" Amino Acid
Taurine is often highlighted in energy drink marketing, with some brands implying that it’s a key factor in boosting mental and physical performance. Taurine is naturally found in animal-based foods, including meat, fish, and dairy, and plays a crucial role in bodily functions like maintaining electrolyte balance, supporting eye health, and regulating cardiovascular function.
However, the taurine used in energy drinks is synthetic. Studies on taurine are mixed. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that taurine, when combined with caffeine, improved endurance performance in athletes. However, a review in the European Journal of Nutrition cautioned that while taurine is essential in small amounts, there just isn’t enough evidence to support its benefits at the doses normally found in energy drinks.
Another issue with taurine is its interaction with caffeine. Taurine is often paired with caffeine in energy drinks to create the perception of enhanced energy. However, there’s limited understanding of how taurine interacts with high levels of caffeine, and concerns have been raised about whether taurine amplifies the negative effects of caffeine, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Artificial Sweeteners: Zero Calories, But At What Cost?
Artificial sweeteners are used in many energy drinks to offer a sugar-free alternative, but their long-term effects on health are still up for debate. Common sweeteners found in energy drinks include aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K).
Research on artificial sweeteners has been conflicted. For instance, a 2017 study published in PLOS Medicine found that artificial sweeteners could alter gut microbiota, which might contribute to metabolic issues and weight gain over time. The study noted that sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose, while low in calories, might not be as harmless as once thought. Another study in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggested that artificial sweeteners might even lead to increased sugar cravings, as they confuse the body’s natural response to sweetness.
There are also concerns regarding long-term consumption. Aspartame, for example, has been under scrutiny for years, with some studies linking it to neurological effects, though these claims are still controversial. Sucralose has also raised concerns about its potential to break down at high temperatures, creating harmful compounds, according to a study published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health.
While artificial sweeteners allow energy drinks to advertise as “zero sugar,” it’s important to weigh the potential long-term risks, especially for frequent consumers of these beverages.
B Vitamins: Super Supplement or Overhyped?
Energy drinks often boast about their high content of B vitamins, promoting them as essential for energy metabolism. B vitamins like B12 and B6 play an important role in helping the body convert food into energy, which is why they’re often included in energy drinks. However, the doses found in these drinks can be astronomical.
For example, a can of one popular energy drink contains more than 8,000% of the daily recommended value of vitamin B12. While B vitamins are water-soluble and excess amounts are typically excreted through urine, consistently consuming such high doses can raise questions about whether the body can truly benefit from such massive amounts. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), most people already get enough B vitamins through their diet. Foods like eggs, meat, dairy, and leafy greens are rich in B vitamins, making it unnecessary to consume supplements unless there’s a deficiency.
In rare cases, high doses of niacin (B3), which is also prevalent in energy drinks, can cause side effects like skin flushing or even liver toxicity. A 2014 report from the Journal of the American Medical Association linked energy drinks with cases of niacin toxicity in individuals who consumed multiple cans in a short period.
Guarana: The Double Dose of Caffeine
Guarana is often included in energy drinks without much thought, but it can have a significant impact on caffeine levels. The seeds of the guarana plant contain about four times more caffeine than coffee beans, and guarana extract is frequently used to boost the caffeine content of energy drinks.
The danger with guarana is that it’s often listed separately from caffeine, meaning consumers might not realize how much total caffeine they’re consuming. For example, an energy drink might contain 200 mg of caffeine per serving, but with added guarana, the actual caffeine content can be much higher.
According to a study in the American Journal of Cardiology, high levels of caffeine, especially when consumed in combination with other stimulants like guarana, can lead to increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and even heart palpitations. The study noted that guarana’s inclusion in energy drinks can contribute to caffeine toxicity, particularly when consumers drink multiple servings in a short period.
Preservatives and Colorings: The Unnecessary Additives
Preservatives like sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate are used to extend the shelf life of energy drinks, while artificial colorings such as Red 40 and Yellow 5 are added to make the drinks more visually appealing. While these ingredients may seem harmless, their potential health risks have sparked debate.
For example, sodium benzoate, when combined with ascorbic acid (vitamin C), can form benzene, a known carcinogen. A 2007 study by the FDA found that while most energy drinks contain benzene levels considered safe, those levels could increase over time, especially if the drinks are stored improperly. Similarly, artificial colorings like Red 40 and Yellow 5 have been linked to hyperactivity in children, according to research published in the Lancet.
While these additives are usually present in small amounts, the cumulative effect of regular consumption could pose long-term health risks, especially for individuals who drink energy drinks daily.
Inositol: A Misunderstood Sugar Alcohol
Inositol is a sugar alcohol that’s commonly included in energy drinks as a way to enhance mood and cognitive function. It plays a role in regulating serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects mood and behavior, which is why it’s often marketed as a way to prevent the “crash” that comes after the caffeine high.
However, research on inositol’s effectiveness is mixed. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition noted that while inositol can help improve mood in people with depression, the doses needed to produce these effects are far higher than what’s found in energy drinks. The study concluded that inositol in energy drinks is unlikely to provide any kind of significant mental health benefits.
The Bottom Line: What Should You Look Out For?
So, what should you be looking for when choosing an energy drink? While some of the hidden ingredients might not seem immediately harmful, it’s important to be mindful of how these drinks affect your body over time. Excessive caffeine, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and additives might give you a temporary boost, but the long-term effects could be a different story.
As consumers, we have the power to choose what we put into our bodies. By paying attention to ingredient labels and understanding what those unfamiliar names really mean, we can make better decisions about our health. If you’re looking for a cleaner, more natural boost of energy, consider drinks that rely on simpler ingredients—such as naturally occurring caffeine from green tea or organic sources of sweetness like honey or agave.
The energy drink market is evolving, and with it, more options are emerging for those who want to avoid the synthetic and artificial ingredients that have dominated the space for so long. It’s not about giving up energy drinks entirely, but rather being more conscious of what’s inside that can and how it aligns with your health goals.