Energy drink (Red Bull)
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Red Bull is a carbonated, pale-yellow energy drink with a sharp, sweet-tart flavor and a slightly syrupy texture. It delivers a quick hit of caffeine and sugar, providing a noticeable boost in alertness. Nutritionally, it's essentially a concentrated source of simple carbohydrates with minimal protein or fat.
💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its distinctive, slightly medicinal taste and the immediate, reliable jolt of energy it provides, making it a staple for late-night study sessions, early morning drives, and pre-workout routines.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sugar content (over 10g per 100ml) can lead to a sharp blood-sugar spike followed by a crash. The caffeine may cause jitters or disrupt sleep for sensitive individuals. To mitigate, avoid drinking it on an empty stomach, pair it with a source of protein or fat to slow sugar absorption, and stick to a single serving.
Key benefits
- Provides a rapid source of energy from simple sugars.
- Contains caffeine to enhance mental alertness and focus.
- Offers a convenient, portable pick-me-up.
- Often used as a mixer in cocktails and mocktails.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The original formula was inspired by a Thai drink called Krating Daeng, which means 'red gaur' (a type of large bovine), and was marketed to truck drivers and laborers.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 89.2 g |
| Energy | 43.0 kcal |
| Protein | 0.46 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.00 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 10.2 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 10.2 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 6.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.06 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 19.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 0.00 mg |
| Potassium, K | 3.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 39.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.01 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.00 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.20 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.04 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.10 mg |
| Niacin | 9.8 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 2.2 mg |
| Folate, total | 0.00 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 0.00 ug |
| Choline, total | 0.30 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 2.0 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 2.0 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.00 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 29.0 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
How much caffeine is in a standard can?
A standard 250ml (8.4 oz) can contains approximately 80mg of caffeine, which is roughly equivalent to a small cup of coffee.
Is it the same as coffee for energy?
While both contain caffeine, Red Bull also provides a large dose of sugar for quick energy, whereas black coffee has virtually no calories. The sugar rush from Red Bull is more immediate but less sustained.
Can I mix it with alcohol?
It's a popular mixer, but be cautious. The stimulant effect of caffeine can mask the depressant effects of alcohol, potentially leading to overconsumption and increased risk-taking behavior.