With over $1 billion in sales for 2004, energy drinks like RedBull are the fastest growing division of the beverage industry.However, consumers better beware for such drinks can pack a powerfulpunch.
Similar to coffee, the surge of energy comes from high caffeinecontent, and for energy drinks there's lots of it: A typical 8-ouncecan of Red Bull, for example, contains 80 milligrams of caffeine--whichits maker states is comparable to coffee--and is still more thantwice the caffeine in a 12-ounce can of Pepsi or Coke.
And, despite the outrageous cost of $2 per can, sales for theseenergy drinks continue to skyrocket. Aside from Red Bull, additionalbrands stocking grocery and convenient store shelves include:
- Amp
- Atomic
- No Fear
- Adrenaline Rush
When Abused, Energy Drinks Become Lethal
Mixing energy drinks with alcohol, which is combining a stimulantwith a depressant, has become an increasingly popular occurrenceat bars. When mixed with alcohol, drinks like Red Bull are instantlymorphed into popular club drinks like "Vodka Bulls" and"Yager Bombs."
However, some countries like France and Denmark have banned salesof Red Bull, claiming such drinks are associated with potentialhealth dangers due to high caffeine content. The action followedseveral reported deaths of people who mixed the energy drink withalcohol. Moreover, while caffeine drinks succeed in making drinkershyper, they can also raise heart rate and blood pressure.
In response to safety concerns, Red Bull strongly supports itsproduct, stating the drink is regulated by the Food and Drug Administrationand meets the agency's safety and labeling guidelines. A spokespersonrepresenting Red Bull claims there is no recognized connection betweenthe drink and the deaths mentioned.
Caffeinated Beer?
Along with mixing high-energy drinks with hard liquor, beer hasbeen added to the scene: Anheuser-Busch has released a caffeinatedbeer with ginseng and guarana called B(E). The beverage sells forabout $6 for four 10-ounce cans; and with its 54 milligrams of caffeineand blackberry and cherry aromas, this tartly sweet drink has beenprojected for success.
WGAL-TVFebruary 4, 2005
BostonGlobe February 2, 2005