HOW MUCH CAFFEINE IS IN RED BULL?
Since bursting onto the scene in 1987 Red Bull has been one of the most popular energy drinks in the United States. It is estimated that 7.9 billion cans were sold worldwide in just 2020 alone.
Today Red Bull maintains their popularity through several unique marketing approaches including ownership of professional sports teams, a record label and their own extreme sports events.
Thanks to their amazing success a ton of spin off brands have launch in the United States like Monster, Redline and Bang. But how much caffeine does Red Bull actually have?
Can Size | Caffeine (MG) |
Sugars (G) |
8.4 oz | 80 | 26 |
12 oz | 114 | 34 |
Red Bull actually falls in the middle of the pack in terms of their caffeine per 8.4 ounce can. The 80mg is actually about the same as a standard cup of coffee and well short of Bangs' 300mg per can.
So why is Red Bull so popular? Well aside from the approach above, and maybe one of the best slogans even created in "Red Bull Gives You Wings", the drink became popular among college students who needed a pick me up before class. Even better, Red Bull became extremely popular as a mixed drink at night with the Red Bull and Vodka dominating college bars.
Do Other Red Bull Flavors Have More Caffeine?
Red Bull has been extremely consistent over the years in their caffeine content and relatively basic approach to the energy drink market. Unlike some brands which have 50 flavors, Red Bull has stuck to what has worked.
Below is their current breakdown of flavor options.
Red Bull - The Classic Can - 8.4 oz
Key Drink Facts:
Caffeine | 80 mg |
Sugar | 26 grams |
Calories | 110 |
Carbs | 29 grams |
B12 | 80% DV |
Contains Taurine? | Yes |
Red Bull Sugar Free - 8.4 oz
Key Drink Facts:
Caffeine | 80 mg |
Sugar | 0 grams |
Calories | 10 |
Carbs | 2 grams |
B12 | 80% DV |
Contains Taurine? | Yes |
Red Bull ZERO - 8.4 oz
Key Drink Facts:
Caffeine | 80 mg |
Sugar | 0 grams |
Calories | 10 |
Carbs | 1 gram |
B12 | 80% DV |
Contains Taurine? | Yes |
Red Bull Editions - 8.4 oz
Key Drink Facts:
Caffeine | 80 mg |
Sugar | 27 grams |
Calories | 110 |
Carbs | 28 grams |
B12 | 80% DV |
Contains Taurine? | Yes |
Editions is available in multiple flavors. See them all on Amazon.
Red Bull Organics - 8.4 oz
Key Drink Facts:
Caffeine | 32 mg |
Sugar | 22 grams |
Calories | 100 |
Carbs | 23 grams |
B12 | 120% DV |
Contains Taurine? | Yes |
Is Red Bull's Caffeine Content Safe?
With roughly the same caffeine per can as a standard cup of coffee (Unless you drink Black Insomnia which has 4x more), Red Bull's caffeine level is generally considered safe for the average adult.
Red Bull's Caffeine content would not be considered high when compared to other energy drinks and a standard 8oz cup of coffee.
The Mayo Clinic states that 400mg of caffeine per day is generally considered safe for most healthy adults. Those with health conditions, especially related to the heart, should always consult their doctor before drinking any energy drink. Not recommended for children, pregnant or nursing women and persons sensitive to caffeine.
On top of the caffeine, taurine and B12 are stimulants which can work alongside caffeine and possibly even amplify caffeine's potency.
Ingredients in Red Bull (Not including Organics)
Ingredients Carbonated Water, Sucrose, Glucose, Citric Acid, Taurine, Sodium Bicarbonate, Magnesium Carbonate, Caffeine, Niacinamide, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine HCI, Vitamin B12, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Colors
Sources: Information on Red Bull's website and Red Bull cans.
Caffeine In Similar Drinks | |
Red Bull Zero Sugar | |
Bang Energy Drinks |
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