Energy drinks are functional non-alcoholic beverages designed for busy and active people who need a boost to get through the day.

The Australian energy drinks market has some of the most stringent regulations in the world. All ingredients used in energy drinks are approved for use by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). Energy drinks fall under general food law and must comply with Food Standard 2.6.4: Formulated Caffeinated Beverages (FCBs) under the Food Standards Code.

Energy drinks typically contain caffeine alongside vitamins and micro-nutrients. Energy drinks contain up to 80mg of caffeine per 250ml, which is the same as a 250ml cup of instant coffee made with a teaspoon of coffee.

Even though energy drinks contain about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee, energy drink manufacturers do not recommend that energy drinks be consumed by children, pregnant or lactating women, and people who are sensitive to caffeine.

Vitamins and micro-nutrients are found in many energy drinks, including vitamin B12, vitamin B6 or niacin. These are commonly found in many foods, such as meat, poultry, cereals, eggs, cheese, green and leafy vegetables, nuts and fruit.

The Australian Beverages Council has dedicated consumer information on energy drinks here. In addition, the industry agreed to seven commitments as part of the responsible sale and promotion of energy drinks in Australia, which can be viewed below.

Energy Drinks An Industry Commitment

• A 250mL serving of energy drink contains 80mg of caffeine – about the same as a cup of instant coffee (with one teaspoon)
• Humans have consumed caffeine for hundreds of years for its positive effects
• B vitamins help the body convert carbohydrates into energy