Experts question energy drink claims

Caffeine is often referred to as the world’s most widely used drug. Studies show that the stimulant creates higher levels of alertness and awareness. While some individuals prefer coffee for their caffeine intake, energy drinks are also immensely popular. However, some experts are questioning whether the liquids actually offer anything more than the equivalent of one caffeine pill.

The New York Times recently explored how energy drink companies have started promoting their products as more than just vessels for caffeine. Red Bull promises it “gives you wings” while Monster Energy says it is a “killer energy brew.”

This blog has previously discussed how the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating many of the drinks, following multiple deaths of individuals who consumed a large amount of energy drinks before they died.

According to the news source, promoting a message beyond caffeine has enabled the beverage makers to charge premium prices. For example, a 16-ounce energy drink that sells for $2.99 a can contains about the same amount of caffeine as a tablet of NoDoz that costs 30 cents.

Energy drinks often push individuals to experience the caffeine faster, as they are consumed cold or even sold as concentrates.

“These are caffeine delivery systems,” Dr. Roland Griffiths, a researcher at Johns Hopkins University who has studied energy drinks, told The Times. “They don’t want to say this is equivalent to a NoDoz because that is not a very sexy sales message.”

It’s important for food and drink companies to put forth a truthful advertising campaign for their products. In order to draw customers’ attention, creating colorful and glossy labels could be greatly beneficial. Investing in a Primera LX900 color label printer can help businesses in their quest to design custom labels that put their product ahead of the competition.