An energy-drink sampler
These five brands rated best of 10 drinks sampled in a recent taste test. Caffeine, calories and sodium levels are based on a 16-ounce portion, although the suggested serving size is typically 8 ounces.
Red Bull
Caffeine: 154mg*
Calories: 213
Sodium: 387mg
“Strong, sweet, a bit syrupy. Like carbonated apple juice.”
SoBe Essential
Caffeine: 78mg
Calories: 230
Sodium: 30mg
“Tart, fruity, berry-grape flavor. Like liquid Jolly Rancher.”
Full Throttle Fury
Caffeine: 141mg
Calories: 220
Sodium: 160mg
“Strong orange flavor and aroma. Like Tang if it came bottled.”
Socko
Caffeine: 160mg
Calories: 120
Sodium: 150mg
“Light, mild, citrusy. Like weak green Kool-Aid.”
Nos
Caffeine: 250mg
Calories: 220
Sodium: 230mg
“Sweet and tangy, like grapefruit. Some aftertaste.”
The caffeine factor
Energy drinks
typically contain about the same amount
of caffeine as drip-brewed coffee, which provides an average of 170mg per 16 ounces,
according to the
International Food
Information Council. The caffeine content of the drinks shown at right was obtained from the website
energyfiend.com,
but actual amounts may be overstated.
A study in the Journal of Analytical
Toxicology last March found 66.7mg of
caffeine in an 8.3-ounce can of Red Bull, or about 15 percent less than stated on the label. The same study also found that one of the most caffeinated brands of soda, Mountain Dew Live Wire, contained about 65mg per 16 ounces, or about half as much as Red Bull.
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*Red Bull is sold in
8- and 12-ounce portions only.
