Key findings
- 1Energy drinks contain synthetic caffeine manufactured from industrial chemicals, not extracted from coffee
- 2A single can may contain 150-300mg caffeine, equivalent to 2-4 cups of coffee
- 3Coffee or tea are single-ingredient alternatives for caffeine with no additives
- 4In our analysis, energy drinks average a Processing Score of 7.2, which is Level 3
Why is Energy Drinks Level 3 on average?
Energy drinks are built almost entirely from manufactured ingredients. Synthetic caffeine is manufactured from urea and chloroacetic acid. Taurine is industrially synthesized. The B-vitamins are added in doses far exceeding daily requirements. Artificial colors (Yellow 5, Blue 1) and preservatives (sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate) complete the manufactured formulation. Even "natural" energy drinks with green tea extract undergo significant processing. In our analysis, energy drinks average a Processing Score of 7.2, which is Level 3.
How 119 energy drinks products break down
Share of products at each processing level, in our analysis.
Energy Drinks brand comparison
From least to most processed in our database.
How to read a energy drinks label
- 1
Mainstream energy drinks (Red Bull, Monster, Rockstar) all rely on synthetic caffeine, sweeteners and additives
- 2
Synthetic caffeine is listed separately from guarana or green tea extract
- 3
Sucralose, acesulfame-K, and aspartame are synthetic sweeteners to watch for
- 4
"Energy blend" or "proprietary blend" labels obscure individual ingredient amounts
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Frequently asked questions
Is Red Bull ultra-processed?
Red Bull contains synthetic caffeine, taurine, added colors, and B vitamins added well above the daily value. Search Red Bull to see its own average.
Are natural energy drinks less processed?
Slightly. Energy drinks using green tea extract and natural flavors may score somewhat lower, but most still contain multiple additives and are significantly more processed than plain coffee or tea.