How healthy is energy drink?
Is energy drink healthy? Best kept occasional. Energy drink scores 12/100 on the HowHealthyIs Score: 100 g provides 62 kcal and 25 mg vitamin C. A regular energy drink is a sweetened soda with caffeine and often added B vitamins. A 250 ml can holds about 35 g of sugar and roughly as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. Source: USDA FoodData Central.
Score explained
The score compares nutrient density per 100 kcal across every food we cover (NRF9.3 method). Energy drink ranks higher than 12% of them.
Counts in favor (% daily value per 100 kcal)
- Vitamin C45%
- Protein1%
- Potassium0%
- Fiber0%
- Vitamin A0%
- Vitamin E0%
- Calcium0%
- Iron0%
- Magnesium0%
Counts against
- Saturated fat0%
- Added sugars45%
- Sodium3%
Raw NRF9.3: 47 minus 48 = -1. The score is not a verdict on whether to eat a food; portion, the whole meal and your own health matter more. Full methodology
How many calories are in energy drink?
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per portion | %DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy and macronutrients | |||
| Calories | 62 kcal | 161 kcal | |
| Protein | 0.4 g | 1.1 g | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g | 39 g | 14% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 14 g | 36 g | |
| Added sugars | 14 g | 36 g | 72% |
| Fat | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Omega-3 fats | 0 g | 0 g | |
| Vitamins | |||
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 25 mg | 65 mg | 72% |
| Vitamin D | 0 µg | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin K | 0 µg | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.5 µg | 6.5 µg | 271% |
| Folate | 283 µg | 736 µg | 184% |
| Minerals | |||
| Calcium | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 10 mg | 26 mg | 1% |
| Magnesium | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0% |
| Zinc | 0.6 mg | 1.6 mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 48 mg | 125 mg | 5% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, "Beverages, Energy Drink with carbonated water and high fructose corn syrup" (FDC 174821). Values rounded.
Why is energy drink good for you?
- 6.5 µg vitamin B12 in 1 can (250 ml), 271% of the daily value. Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells.
- 736 µg folate in 1 can (250 ml), 184% of the daily value. Folate contributes to normal blood formation.
- 65 mg vitamin C in 1 can (250 ml), 72% of the daily value. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
Good ways to use it
- Choosing a coffee or tea for caffeine instead
- Keeping to one small can on rare occasions
What should you watch out for?
- Not suitable for children or during pregnancy. Large cans or several a day can add a lot of caffeine and sugar; mixing with alcohol masks how drunk you feel.
What can you eat instead of energy drink?
Foods you can use the same way with a higher HowHealthyIs Score.