Sugar and artificial sweeteners contribute to the high calorie and carbohydrate content of the drink, which can lead to weight gain and metabolic issues. Additionally, the various stimulants such as taurine and guarana can have potential negative effects on the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
In recent years, the consumption of energy drinks by young adults and athletes has risen significantly, but concerns have been raised about the potential health risks associated with excessive consumption. These concerns include cardiovascular problems, nervous system disorders, and the potential for addiction.
However, the consumption of EDs, particularly in large quantities, is associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular events such as cardiac arrhythmias, chest pain, hypertension, and even sudden cardiac death (2). As such, the safety of the long-term consumption of EDs is questionable.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded in its 2015 scientific opinion on the safety of caffeine that an intake of up to 400 mg per day (equivalent to five 250 ml cans of Red Bull or five cups of coffee a day) does not raise safety concerns for healthy adults.
Red Bull Energy Drink contains B-group vitamins (niacin, pantothenic acid, B6, B12), which contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Red Bull Energy Drink contains sugar, a fast-absorbing form of carbohydrate involved in a wide range of biological processes and an energy source for the brain and muscles.
There's no single "worst" energy drink, but popular ones like Monster, Red Bull, and Rockstar often rank poorly due to high levels of caffeine, sugar (or artificial sweeteners in sugar-free versions), and excessive B vitamins, leading to energy crashes, jitters, and potential heart/neurological issues, with larger cans (like Monster) packing double the ingredients of smaller ones (like Red Bull). Energy drinks like 5-hour Energy are also flagged for their concentrated ingredients and potential risks, especially when mixed with alcohol.
Put down the Red Bull, energy drinks are worse than soda
Researchers measured everyone's blood pressure at the start of the study, as well as one, two, four, six and 24 hours after drinking the beverages. Heart activity also was measured with an electrocardiogram.
Caffeine addiction: Energy drink addiction and caffeine addiction are closely linked since energy drinks primarily contain caffeine, which is a stimulant. Overconsumption of caffeine leads to dependence, with symptoms such as headaches, irritability, and fatigue when consumption is reduced or stopped.
Although acute mood effects associated with energy drinks appear often to be positive, chronic use tends to be associated with undesirable mental health effects.
Addiction not only changes priorities; it also numbs emotions, making it difficult for addicts to feel empathy, concern, or connection. The more entrenched the addiction becomes, the less likely they are to care about anything besides the substance.
Energy is a Key Driver for Energy Drinks
Lack of energy is even more concerning among the younger Generation Z and Millennial generations. That is why consumer trends research by Innova Market Insights shows that these younger Gen Z and Millennial consumers have solid and ongoing demand for energy drinks.
There's no single "number one" unhealthiest soda, as different ones rank poorly for different reasons (sugar, acidity, dyes), but Mountain Dew, Fanta Grape, and orange sodas often top lists due to high sugar, potent citric acid for enamel erosion, and potentially carcinogenic artificial dyes (like Red 40), making them particularly damaging for teeth and overall health, notes this article from Eat This, Not That! and this article from Fowler Orthodontics. Dark sodas (like Coke/Pepsi) are also very unhealthy due to sugar, caffeine, and caramel coloring, while clear sodas (Sprite/7Up) are generally less harmful but still packed with sugar, says this article from MEL Magazine.
There's no single "number 1" healthiest energy drink, as it depends on your needs, but top contenders for healthier options use natural caffeine (green tea, coffee bean), minimal sugar/sweeteners (like stevia), and added benefits (electrolytes, adaptogens), with ZOA, Zevia, Nooma, Celsius, and Mati frequently cited for being cleaner alternatives to traditional drinks by avoiding artificial ingredients and offering functional nutrients.
Did you know? The 80 mg of caffeine contained in one 250 ml can of Red Bull Energy Drink is about the same amount as in a cup of coffee.
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Red Bull
The gold standard for energy drinks.
A man successfully sued **Red Bull** for "false advertising" after claiming the energy drink did not enhance performance beyond that of a normal cup of coffee.
Drink water, tea, or coffee (with little or no sugar). Limit milk/dairy (1-2 servings/day) and juice (1 small glass/day). Avoid sugary drinks. The more veggies — and the greater the variety — the better.
Red Bull Zero is inspired by the original Red Bull Energy Drink, but with zero sugars. Red Bull Zero's functional ingredients are: caffeine, taurine, some B-group vitamins. The sugars are replaced with low- and non-caloric sweeteners.
That's why it's recommended that you consume any energy drinks between 9-11:30 a.m. (or a couple hours after waking) when your cortisol levels have lowered, and you can get the energy-boosting effect from your drink rather than the stress-inducing one.
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Alkhoudr says. They also have tools at their fingertips to support better health. Digital devices make it easier than ever to access nutrition information, track caffeine use, connect with therapists and support groups, stream exercise videos and find other supports for better health.