Caffeine and Ingredients (Explored) – Energy Drink Hub (2024)

Caffeine and Ingredients (Explored) – Energy Drink Hub (1)

The 5-Hour Energy drink has a good reputation when it comes to giving a quick boost for mentally demanding tasks and meeting deadlines around the corner.

The best thing about 5-Hour Energy is that it’s served in 1.93 fl. oz. shots. These shots contain caffeine, sucralose, taurine, glucuronic acid, B-vitamins, and other ingredients.

I get quite amazed at how such a small shot of 5-Hour Energy can contain these many ingredients!

Do you ever wonder what these ingredients actually do?

Let’s find out!

Page Contents

What sweetener is in 5-Hour Energy?

Sucralose is a sweetener in 5-Hour Energy. 5-hour ENERGY shots contain sucralose instead of sugar or HFCS, which is a safe artificial sweetener that adds zero calories and sugar to a product. Sucralose is a yellow artificial sweetener that some add to coffee.

The use of artificial sweeteners is often a contentious issue, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given its approval for their consumption, which indicates that they are safe, especially when used in moderation and consumed in small amounts.

Is 5-Hour Energy unhealthy?

5-Hour Energy is not unhealthy. However, though 5-Hour Energy is usually safe, overconsumption may lead to adverse effects. If taking more than two energy shots would put you over the daily maximum of 400 milligrams of caffeine, stick to just one.

Additionally, an excess of vitamins may have adverse effects. These energy shots have an exceptionally high vitamin content relative to their peers. An eventual vitamin overdose may occur if an excessive amount of vitamins are consumed, which can lead to a vitamin overdose.

5-Hour Energy Nutrition Facts

Have a look at the nutrition facts of 5-Hour Energy below:

Standard Value5-Hour Shots
(1.93 fl.oz)
Caffeine200mg
Protein0g
Fat0g
Carbohydrate0g
Sodium15mg
Potassium15mg
Choline2mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)30mg
Vitamin B650mg
Vitamin B12500mcg
Calories4 calories
Caffeine and Ingredients (Explored) – Energy Drink Hub (2)

5-Hour Energy Caffeine Content

5-Hour Energy has 200 mg of caffeine in a shot of 1.93 fl. oz.

It has quite a lot of caffeine, especially considering its small serving size.

For comparison, a 16 fl. oz. can of Bang energy drink has 300mg of caffeine, which is roughly 18.75mg of caffeine per fl. oz. Meanwhile, 5-Hour Energy has 200mg of caffeine in a 1.93fl. oz. shot — just a little shy of 2fl. oz. — which is pretty intense.

I prefer to keep my daily caffeine intake at around 200mg. This gives me the boost I need without experiencing a caffeine crash afterward. A shot containing 200mg of caffeine is perfect for me. So, it works pretty well when I need an energy boost around mid-day.

However, you should bear in mind that 200mg of caffeine in a shot is a lot. Your body needs to absorb it in a shorter period compared to regular-sized energy drinks. This may be something your body isn’t used to.

For reference, 400mg is the daily limit of caffeine intake by the FDA. If you consume any more than that you may experience some side effects including:

  • irregular heartbeat
  • nausea
  • digestive Issues
  • sleeplessness
  • anxiety
  • caffeine tction

These are things you won’t have to worry about if you drink 5-Hour Energy shots in moderation.

Ingredients In 5-Hour Energy

Here’s a list of Ingredients in 5-Hour Energy:

  • Caffeine
  • Natural and Artificial Flavors
  • Sucralose
  • Potassium Sorbate
  • Sodium Benzoate
  • Malic Acid
  • Taurine
  • Glucuronic Acid
  • EDTA
  • N-Actyel L-Tyrosine
  • L-Phenylalanine
  • Purified water
  • Citicoline
Caffeine and Ingredients (Explored) – Energy Drink Hub (3)

Sugar Content In 5-Hour Energy

5-Hour Energy shot doesn’t contain any sugar. Instead, an artificial sweetener called sucralose is used as a substitute. Bearing that in mind, you don’t have to worry about any sugar crash at all.

The AHA recommends keeping our sugar intake below 36g for men and 25g for women. Or else, you might face complications from consuming too much sugar. These complications include:

  • inflammation
  • higher blood pressure
  • type-2 diabetes
  • weight gain
  • fatty liver disease

Sucralose

5-Hour Energy drink uses sucralose as a substitute for sugar. It is a no-calorie sweetener, popularly known under the brand name Splenda. Sucralose is 600 times sweeter than sugar too.

It’s been approved by the FDA for general use in 1999.

However, its long-term effects are still unknown. I still think it’s best to limit sucralose intake, to be on the safe side.

Other Ingredients In 5-Hour Energy

Aside from the ingredients discussed above, 5-Hour Energy also has B-vitamins, taurine, N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, and glucuronic acid.

Keep reading to find out more about these ingredients.

B-Vitamins

Each shot of 5-Hour Energy contains vitamins B3, B6, and B12.

B vitamins are essential for converting food into our energies. They also create new blood cells and maintain different types of cells. In addition, they are water-soluble and don’t get stored in our bodies. This is why we need to consume foods that are rich in B vitamins daily.

Here’s an easy-to-read table below with the amount of each B vitamin in 5-Hour Energy:

Name Of VitaminsFunctionsAmount present in 5-Hour Energy
(1.93 fl.oz)
Vitamin B3/Niacinacting as an antioxidant to help the body function, converting nutrients into energy, and repairing DNA30mg
Vitamin B6/Pyridoxinesupporting the central nervous system 40mg
Vitamin B12/Cobalaminmaintaining brain control by producing red blood cells500mcg

Taurine

5-Hour Energy drinks contain around 479.9 g of taurine which s a common ingredient in energy drinks. It’s known to have many benefits.

Some of them are:

  • liver protection
  • added energy when exercising
  • regulate electrolytes and minerals
  • heart health improvement

According to this study, taurine has similar functions as caffeine in energy drinks. Caffeine and taurine both improve cognitive performance. Moreover, they reduce reaction times in the working memory tasks.

Interestingly enough, the two have opposing effects on our central nervous systems. Caffeine acts as a stimulant, while taurine acts as an agonist for GABA receptors.

N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT)

N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, tyrosine for short,is a dietary supplementthat improves alertness, attention, and focus.

It is known for producing important brain chemicals that help nerve cells to communicate and may even regulate mood. It is “generally recognized as safe” by the FDA but it may cause side effects when used with certain medications.

However, the amount of tyrosine in 5-Hour Energy drink is unknown. So, its effectiveness is not certain.

Glucuronic Acid

As per the label of the shot, 5-Hour Energy has glucuronic acid from glucuronolactone. This acid is found in various sources such as xanthan gum and Kombucha tea. It helps to regulate metabolism within the body.

Glucuronic acid is responsible for the detoxification of toxic substances inside our bodies.

It binds itself to substances like hormones, drugs, and toxins. Furthermore, it facilitates and transports these substances around the body.

Thus, we can say that this ingredient can be beneficial in an energy drink.

Calories In 5-Hour Energy

5-Hour Energy drink only has 4 calories. That’s a small amount compared to other energy drinks. For reference, a 16 fl. oz. can of Monster has 210 calories, and an 8.4 fl. oz. can of Red Bull has 110 calories.

The recommended daily calorie intake for an average adult is as follows:

  • 2000 calories for women
  • 2500 calories for men.

A mere 4 calories of 5-Hour Energy wouldn’t add much to your daily calorie intake. I suggest this booster with a meal.

What Is In 5-Hour Energy That Gives You A Boost?

5-Hour Energy drink has a special blend that can give you a quick boost. This energy shot has great ingredients to help enhance your focus and alertness.

Let’s have a look at the ingredients of the special blend:

  • Caffeine
  • Tyrosine
  • Phenylalanine
  • Taurine
  • Citicoline
  • Malic Acid
  • Glucuronolactone

Among these ingredients, people know caffeine for its ability to give an energy boost. Additionally, it’s a stimulant that increases your brain and nervous system activities.

Is 5-Hour Energy Approved By The FDA?

According to the FDA, dietary supplements don’t need to be approved. So, no. 5-Hour Energy drink shots are not approved by the FDA.

However, dietary supplements must comply with the provisions of theDietary Supplement Health and Education Act. This is regulated by the FDA. The FDA also takes action for dietary misbranded supplements that reach the market.

What has more caffeine coffee or 5-Hour Energy?

A typical cup of coffee contains more caffeine than a single serving of 5-Hour Energy. A standard cup of coffee, which is about 8 ounces, can contain anywhere from 95 to 200mg of caffeine.

On the other hand, a 5-Hour Energy shot usually contains around 200 milligrams of caffeine in a 2-fluid-ounce bottle.

How effective is 5-hour ENERGY?

The effectiveness of 5-Hour Energy can vary from person to person. 5-Hour Energy is marketed as a dietary supplement that provides a temporary energy boost, primarily through its caffeine content. It also contains other ingredients like B-vitamins, amino acids, and herbal extracts.

Many individuals report feeling increased alertness and a surge of energy after consuming 5-Hour Energy. However, it is important to note that individual responses can vary, and the effectiveness may depend on factors such as the person’s tolerance to caffeine, overall health, and sensitivity to the ingredients.

Can 5-Hour Energy Make You Crash?

5-Hour Energy drink has a high amount of caffeine, drinking it irresponsibly can cause caffeine crash.

Symptoms of caffeine crash include:

  • extreme tiredness
  • inability to concentrate
  • irritability
  • headache

You should limit yourself to one shot of 5-Hour Energy in a day to avoid caffeine crash.

You can watch this comprehensive video to see whether energy drinks are bad for you or not!

Alternatives To 5-Hour Energy

Here’s a list of other energy drinks that you can try:

  • Red Bull
  • Bang
  • Rockstar
  • Celsius
  • NOS
  • AMP
  • Coca-Cola Energy
  • Game Fuel

Key Takeaways

5-Hour Energy shots give enough energy to beat the afternoon slump and work for long hours. The blend containing caffeine, taurine, glucuronic acid, and other ingredients make it possible.

Caffeine seems to be the most important ingredient in this energy shot. Its benefits improve mental alertness, boost long-term memory, and increase metabolism rate.

However, 5-Hour Energy has 200 mg of caffeine in a tiny bottle, so the caffeine is highly concentrated. Caffeine gets delivered to the bloodstream quicker than other regular-sized energy drinks.

5-Hour Energy shots may be more suited to you if you have two to three cups of coffee every day. Just remember to limit it to one shot per day!

Related Articles

  • AMP Energy Drink Caffeine and Ingredients (Explored)
  • Caffeine and Ingredients in Celsius (Full Details!)
  • Nutrition Facts of Red Bull (With Details)
Caffeine and Ingredients (Explored) – Energy Drink Hub (2024)

FAQs

What is the energy drink study 2024? ›

The most comprehensive study of its kind, published on the 15th January 2024 in the Public Health journal, has found that drinking energy drinks is associated with an increased risk of mental health issues among children and young people, including anxiety, stress, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

Are energy drinks good for ADHD? ›

Energy drink consumption was also associated with increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, psychological distress, depression, anxiety, insulin resistance, and dental issues.

Is it safe to drink Lipovitan every day? ›

Can be taken daily to promote well-being and maintain health. Best to drink when doing physical or mental work, eganged in sports or body exercise, when feeling tired and weak.

How are the ingredients in energy drinks helpful to someone expecting a lot of energy? ›

(8) They concluded that consuming energy drinks 10-60 minutes before exercise can improve mental focus, alertness, anaerobic performance, and endurance in adults, largely through the effects of caffeine.

What energy drink is banned by the NCAA? ›

Ingredients such as ginseng and L-carnitine have also been found to invoke rapid heartbeat and blood pressure fluctuation. Guarana and taurine are ingredients in many other energy drinks such as Monster Energy, Rockstar Energy, and Red Bull, which have all subsequently been banned by the NCAA.

Can caffeine worsen ADHD? ›

Because ADHD has different causes, treatments can affect people differently. Some people find that caffeine helps their ADHD, while others find that it doesn't offer any benefit at all, or even makes their focus worse. Pay attention to your body and work with your doctor to find out what is best for you.

Can caffeine replace Adderall? ›

So is caffeine as effective as Adderall for learning? Evidence shows that Adderall, for most people, does cause a longer-lasting, non-jittery period of focus than caffeine does. People with difficulty focusing, like those with ADHD, find that it helps them study more effectively for many hours at a time.

Is one energy drink a day ok? ›

“People who are young and otherwise healthy who drink energy drinks in moderation - meaning no more than one drink a day - won't experience long-term health issues due to energy drinks,” Dr. Sue said. “But patients who are hypertensive or have heart irregularities, when they take stimulants, they get more palpitations.

What are the symptoms of too many energy drinks? ›

High levels of sugar and caffeine may produce symptoms including irritability, anxiety, sleeplessness, and nausea severe enough to require hospitalization. One hidden danger of mixing alcohol and energy drinks is they may be unaware of how intoxicated they are and attempt to drive, or drink to extreme excess.

What happens to your body when you stop drinking energy drinks? ›

The severity of symptoms vary from individual to individual, and most commonly include a headache, fatigue, decreased energy/activeness, decreased alertness, drowsiness, decreased contentedness, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and feeling foggy/not clearheaded.

What are healthy alternatives to energy drinks? ›

Healthy alternatives to energy drinks include beverages like coconut water, green tea, yerba mate, and matcha, which can provide a boost of energy without the negative effects. These alternatives also offer significant health benefits, such as improving hydration and providing essential nutrients.

Is 2 monsters a day bad? ›

Up to 400 mg of caffeine per day is generally safe. Still, drinking more than four, 8-ounce (240-ml) servings of energy drinks per day — or two, 16-ounce (480-ml) cans of Monster — may cause negative effects due to excess caffeine, such as headache or insomnia ( 9 , 10 ).

What do energy drinks do to your body long term? ›

“The combination of caffeine and added sugars in energy drinks is associated with decreased insulin sensitivity and increased blood sugar, so they may not be a smart choice for those with diabetes,” she continues. Downing an energy drink may also put you at risk for things like: Anxiety. Depression.

What is the future of energy drinks? ›

In the US, healthier options continue to drive growth in the energy drinks market. While traditional energy drinks still top the consumption charts, better-for-you options (natural energy drinks, fitness energy drinks) have seen the biggest increase in consumption between January 2023 and 2024.

What is the recent study on caffeine? ›

At the conclusion of the study, the researchers found that long-term increases in circulating caffeine may help lower body weight and a person's risk of osteoarthrosis and osteoarthritis.

What are the soft drink market trends in 2024? ›

Major trends in the forecast period include low/no-calorie and sugar-free options, premium and craft soft drinks, sustainable packaging and practices, diversification of flavors and ingredients, alternative and sustainable sweeteners.

What is the energy drink craze? ›

According to a report by Grand View Research, the energy drink market is predicted to reach $177 billion in sales by 2030. According to the American Heart Association, 30% of people between ages 12 and 17 consume energy drinks regularly, and this number is only increasing as adolescent consumption is on the rise.

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