Sugar Free Red Bull Energy Drink - Functional Foods

Sugar Free Red Bull Energy Drink

So who hasn’t heard of Red Bull?  From the time it was first rolled out in 1987, it’s spawned a legion of imitators, detractors and devotees.  The company is still going strong with only three basic products: Red Bull Cola, Red Bull Energy Shot and Red Bull Energy Drink.  The latter comes in regular and sugar-free versions.

Manufacturer’s Description: Red Bull® Energy Drink is a functional beverage with a special formulation and combination of ingredients. It has been specially developed for times of increased mental and physical exertion. In addition, Red Bull vitalizes the body and mind.

Red Bull’s effects are appreciated throughout the world by top athletes, busy professionals, active students and drivers on long journeys.

Product Label:

Serving Size: 1 Can (12 fl oz/355 ml)
Calories 15
Total Fat 0g
Sodium 290mg
Total Carb 4g
Sugars: 0g
Protein less than 1g
Niacin 140%
Vitamin B6 360%
Vitamin B12 120%
Pantothenic Acid 70%
Ingredients: Carbonated Water, Sodium Citrate, Taurine, Glucuronolactone, Caffeine, Acesulfame K, Aspartame, Inositol, Xanthan Gum, Niacinamide, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine HCl, Vitamin B12, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Colors.

Comments: I’ve never been one for energy drinks per se, as I prefer coffee/tea, and make use of various pre-workout boosters. And – since I’m not a member of the target demographic – I never really sensed I was missing out on anything.  Nonetheless, Red Bull is an icon, so I figured I should take a crack at it.

Now that I have, I still don’ t think I’ve missed out on anything…

Sugar free Red Bull is rather tart…and the tartness is emphasized by the carbonation.  It has a vaguely citrus-y taste, that’s not bad, but not particularly memorable, either…it’s not the sort of beverage that would appeal to someone with a sweet tooth. It also has a slight (but persistent) “chemical” aftertaste.

It did provide a lift, though, which was noticeable within just a few minutes of drinking. I felt alert, without feeling particularly wired.  Thus, the claim that it can increase concentration and reaction speed seem justified – especially when there’s also some supporting research

I can’t say the effect is substantively different or better than other supps and stimulant ingredient combos I’ve tried, however, so I doubt I’ll be a regular consumer.  Nonetheless, Sugar Free Red Bull is certainly an option for a low calorie pick-me-up, especially if you’re away from home and need a little something to keep you going.  If nothing else, it’s considerably more refreshing than an energy shot or capsule/tablet.

[usrlist “Taste:3.0” “Quality:3.0” “Efficacy:4.5” “Value:3.5″ avg=”true”]

Author: elissa

Elissa is a former research associate with the University of California at Davis, and the author/co-author of over a dozen articles published in scientific journals. Currently a freelance writer and researcher, Elissa brings her multidisciplinary education and training to her writing on nutrition and supplements.

1 Comment

  1. I am domestic and administrative assistant, and some days being at seventhirty and end at eleven thirty. In addition to long hours, it requires an immaculate attention to detail …which I can sometimes lack when tired, distracted, busy, etc. I need to be able to site a months worth of events to my boss while ironing his clothes and answering calls. I also work out.

    Sugarfree redbull gives me an instant lift, and is my favorite daily refresher. I have to say I may go a littttle overboard on it, but it increases job effectiveness and enables me to kee a great attitude while doing it.

    Bravo to sugarfree red bull!

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