Beverages
The Australian Beverages Council Limited (ABCL) is the leading peak body representing the non-alcoholic beverages…
Read MoreEnergy drinks are non-alcoholic functional beverages that contain caffeine and are specifically formulated to provide a stimulating effect and enhance mental performance.
In Australia, energy drinks are legally classified as ‘Formulated Caffeinated Beverages’ under Standard 2.6.4 of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. This means that every energy drink on the market must comply with strict requirements to ensure safety, transparency, and consistency for both consumers and industry.
Regulatory Requirements
Caffeine limits:
- Energy drinks cannot contain more than 320 mg/L of caffeine from all sources (added or naturally occurring).
- This means that a standard 250 ml can of energy drink may contain up to 80 mg caffeine – approximately the same as a cup of instant coffee made with one teaspoon of coffee.
Permitted substances:
- In addition to caffeine, a small number of permitted substances are allowed to be added as ingredients to energy drinks, within defined maximum levels.
- These include taurine, Inositol, Glucoronolactone and six B-vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12).
Labelling Requirements
All energy drinks must provide clear and accurate labelling, including:
- The average quantity of caffeine per serving and per 100 mL.
- An advisory statement that the product is not recommended for children, pregnant or lactating women, or individuals sensitive to caffeine.
- A statement that the product Contains Caffeine.
- When permitted substances are added, directions to not exceed the recommended daily intake.
In addition to complying with the Food Standard Code, ABCL members involved in the manufacture or distribution of energy drinks have voluntarily agreed to additional industry Energy Drink Commitments.
- A 250 mL can of energy drink contains about 80mg of caffeine – the same as a cup of instant coffee made with one teaspoon of coffee.
- In Australia, the majority of caffeine in diets comes from tea and coffee.
- B-vitamins play an important role in energy metabolism in the body, helping convert food into energy.
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