Did you know that in 2011, 1,499 adolescents aged 12-17 went to the emergency room for an energy drink-related emergency?1 Energy drinks have exploded in popularity, especially among teens and young adults drawn to promises of improved energy, focus, and performance. However, these highly caffeinated beverages are not without risks.
Excessive consumption has been linked to health problems like insomnia, anxiety, increased heart rate, and blood pressure. Some of the most popular energy drinks can contain up to 500 mg of caffeine per can or bottle – equivalent to 4 or 5 cups of coffee.
As energy drink sales continue to surge, it’s important to know what you’re putting in your body. Here are 15 of the unhealthiest energy drinks and why you should think twice before chugging that can.
Red Bull
Red Bull may give you wings, but it could also give you a host of health problems. A 16 oz. can contain a whopping 51 grams of added sugar (101% of the suggested daily intake) and 151 mg of caffeine. It also exceeds the recommended percentages of several vitamins and minerals, with 470% of Vitamin B6, 160% of Vitamin B12, and 190% of Niacin.
Consuming excessive amounts of sugar has been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The high caffeine content can lead to jitteriness, anxiety, and sleep disruption. While Red Bull may provide a temporary energy boost, the potential long-term consequences make it a drink to avoid.
Monster Energy
Monster Energy is another popular choice that’s anything but healthy. Each 16 oz. can contain 54 grams of added sugar (108% of the suggested daily intake) and 160 mg of caffeine. It also contains excessive amounts of certain vitamins, including 240% of Vitamin B6, 500% of Vitamin B12, and 250% of Niacin.
The high sugar and caffeine levels in Monster Energy can lead to a rapid spike in blood sugar and energy, followed by an inevitable crash. Over time, regularly consuming such large quantities of sugar can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of chronic diseases. The extreme vitamin levels are also concerning, as excessive intake of certain vitamins can have adverse effects.
Rockstar
Rockstar may have a cool name, but its nutritional profile is far from impressive. A 16 oz. can contain 63 grams of added sugar (126% of the suggested daily intake), which is more than any other energy drink on this list. It also has 160 mg of caffeine and 100% of the daily recommended intake for Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, and Niacin.
Consuming such large amounts of sugar can lead to tooth decay, insulin resistance, and an increased risk of heart disease. The high caffeine content can also cause restlessness, irritability, and digestive issues in some individuals.
Bang
Bang markets itself as a healthier alternative to sugary energy drinks, but don’t be fooled. While it contains zero grams of sugar, it makes up for it with a staggering 300 mg of caffeine per 16 oz. can. That’s nearly double the amount found in many other energy drinks and close to the FDA’s recommended daily limit of 400 mg.
Consuming such high levels of caffeine can lead to a range of unpleasant side effects, including insomnia, headaches, and rapid heartbeat. It can also increase anxiety and lead to caffeine dependence over time. While Bang may not have the sugar content of other energy drinks, its excessive caffeine makes it a drink to approach cautiously.
Reign
Reign is another energy drink that boasts zero sugar but makes up for it with an alarmingly high caffeine content. Each 16 oz. can contain 300 mg of caffeine, the same amount found in Bang. It also has 200 mg of sodium, which is higher than many other energy drinks.
The excessive caffeine in Reign can lead to the same negative side effects as Bang, including sleep disruption, jitteriness, and increased heart rate. The high sodium content is also concerning, as consuming too much sodium can contribute to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues.
Full Throttle
Full Throttle is an energy drink that lives up to its name in all the wrong ways. Each 16 oz. can contains 58 grams of sugar, 160 mg of caffeine, and 160 mg of sodium. It’s a trifecta of unhealthy ingredients that can be harmful to your body.
The high sugar content in Full Throttle can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The caffeine and sodium levels are also concerning, as they can contribute to dehydration, high blood pressure, and sleep issues. While the name may sound appealing, Full Throttle is best left on the shelf.
NOS Energy
NOS Energy may be named after nitrous oxide, but the only thing it will fuel is potential health problems. A 16 oz. can contains 54 grams of sugar and 160 mg of caffeine, along with a range of artificial colors and flavors.
The high sugar content in NOS Energy can contribute to obesity, insulin resistance, and other chronic health issues. The caffeine can cause jitters, anxiety, and sleep disruption, while the artificial ingredients may have unknown long-term effects on the body. It’s best to steer clear of this high-octane drink.
Amp Energy
Amp Energy may promise to amplify your energy levels, but it could also amplify your health risks. Each 16 oz. can contain 58 grams of sugar, 142 mg of caffeine, and a range of artificial ingredients, including high fructose corn syrup.
Excess sugar in Amp Energy can lead to weight gain, cavities, and an increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Caffeine can cause restlessness, irritability, and digestive issues, while artificial ingredients may have negative effects on overall health. This is one drink that’s best left unplugged.
5-Hour Energy
Don’t be fooled by the small size of 5-Hour Energy shots. These concentrated beverages pack a powerful punch, with each 1.93 oz. bottle containing about 200 mg of caffeine, and high levels of certain B vitamins, such as 20,000% of the daily recommended intake of Vitamin B12.
Consuming such high amounts of caffeine in a short period can lead to a rapid heartbeat, jitteriness, and potential caffeine toxicity in some individuals. Mega doses of certain vitamin B can have negative health effects. It’s best to get your energy from natural sources rather than relying on these potent shots.
Redline Xtreme
Redline Xtreme is an energy drink that takes things to the extreme in terms of caffeine content. Each 8 oz. bottle contains a jaw-dropping 316 mg of caffeine and a proprietary blend of stimulants and amino acids.
The extremely high caffeine content in Redline Xtreme can lead to a range of negative side effects, including insomnia, anxiety, digestive issues, and even heart palpitations in some individuals. The proprietary blend of ingredients is also concerning, as the long-term effects of consuming these substances are not well understood. This is one drink that’s best left on the sidelines.
Spike Hardcore Energy
Spike Hardcore Energy is another drink that pushes the boundaries of what’s considered safe in terms of caffeine content. Each 16 oz. can contains a whopping 350 mg of caffeine, along with high levels of certain B vitamins and a range of artificial ingredients.
Consuming such large amounts of caffeine can lead to serious health risks, including irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, and potential caffeine toxicity. The excessive B vitamin levels and artificial ingredients are also concerning, as they may have negative effects on overall health. This is one hardcore drink that’s best avoided altogether.
VPX Bang
VPX Bang is another energy drink that relies on extremely high caffeine levels to provide a boost. Each 16 oz. can contains 300 mg of caffeine, along with a range of amino acids and other ingredients.
The excessive caffeine in VPX Bang can lead to the same negative side effects as other high-caffeine drinks, including sleep disruption, anxiety, and rapid heartbeat. The additional ingredients, such as amino acids, may also have unknown long-term effects on the body. While the flashy packaging may be tempting, it’s best to leave this bang-er of a drink on the shelf.
Cocaine Energy Drink
Yes, you read that right. There’s actually an energy drink called Cocaine, and it’s just as problematic as its namesake. Each 8.4 oz. can contain 280 mg of caffeine and a blend of other stimulants and ingredients.
The extremely high caffeine content in Cocaine Energy Drink can lead to serious health risks, including heart palpitations, anxiety, and potential caffeine toxicity. The other stimulants in the drink may also have negative effects on the body, particularly when consumed in combination with such high levels of caffeine.
This is one drink that’s best avoided at all costs.
Wired X505
Wired X505 is an energy drink that takes things to the extreme in terms of both caffeine and sugar content. Each 16 oz can contain a staggering 505 mg of caffeine (hence the name) and 50 grams of sugar, along with a range of other ingredients.
Consuming more than 500 mg of caffeine in a single serving can lead to severe health risks, including irregular heartbeat, seizures, and even death in rare cases. The high sugar content is also concerning, as it can contribute to weight gain, tooth decay, and an increased risk of chronic diseases. This is one wired drink that’s best left unplugged.
Redline Cognitive Candy
Topping our list of the unhealthiest energy drinks is Redline Cognitive Candy. Each 2.5 oz. bottle contains an astounding 350 mg of caffeine, along with a proprietary blend of nootropics and other ingredients.
The extremely high caffeine content in Redline Cognitive Candy can lead to serious health risks, including heart palpitations, anxiety, and potential caffeine toxicity. The proprietary blend of nootropics is also concerning, as the long-term effects of consuming these substances are not well understood.
While energy drinks may provide a temporary boost, the potential health risks associated with these beverages are not worth it. Many popular energy drinks contain excessive amounts of caffeine, sugar, and other questionable ingredients that can have negative effects on the body.
Instead of relying on these unhealthy drinks, try natural energy boosters like staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a balanced diet. Your body will thank you in the long run.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
