Nutritional Information of Energy Drinks(Japan)

Posted on March 2, 2021 | Last updated February 10, 2025

Nutritional Information of Energy Drinks
It is understandable that people might think energy drinks contain mysterious and potentially dangerous ingredients. However, dangerous substances wouldn't even make it to the market in the first place. So, take a moment to check the back of the product. If you come across any unfamiliar ingredients, you can refer to the "List of Main Ingredients in Energy Drinks" for more information.

With that said, let's dive into an explanation of the nutritional information listed on the back of energy drink products.

Author information Author: Energy Drink-kun

In 2001, while living in the United States, I encountered energy drinks through the dance scene and was deeply impressed. After returning to Japan, I found that energy drinks were considered novelty beverages, so I established a comprehensive website in 2013 to share the true appeal of energy drinks. As an energy drink enthusiast, I began drinking them seriously again, collecting over 7,000 varieties of energy drinks from various countries. I am also active as a critic and expert, receiving media interviews.

Nutrition Facts in Japan

Until now, Japan had three different labeling rules for different purposes: the Food Sanitation Act, the JAS Law, and the Health Promotion Act. However, these were consolidated into the Food Labeling Act in 2015. A "transitional period" was established to switch from the previous labels to those in compliance with the new Food Labeling Act, which ended in March 2020, five years after the enforcement date.

By the end of this transitional period, energy drinks also transitioned to the new nutrition facts labeling in accordance with the new Food Labeling Act.

The following changes were made to the mandatory labeling based on the new standards:

Old Standards (Optional) – Energy, Protein, Fat, Carbohydrates, Sodium
New Standards (Mandatory) – Energy, Protein, Fat, Carbohydrates, Equivalent Amount of Salt

The previously listed "sodium" has now been changed to "equivalent amount of salt." This change makes it easier to understand the recommended daily intake of salt.

By the way, this "equivalent amount of salt" is not specifically listed because salt is added. It represents the amount of sodium in the product, converted into the equivalent amount of salt. Therefore, it is rare for energy drinks to contain an amount of salt that significantly affects the taste. (For example, products like Matsukiyo Body and Salt are exceptions.)

Reference Sites

Now, let's take a look at the actual nutritional facts labeling of domestic energy drinks. I compared the back label of Monster Energy Original.

Nutritional Information of Energy Drinks
As you can see, the label has been changed to show "equivalent amount of salt" (Sodium content (mg) × 2.54 ÷ 1000 = Equivalent Amount of Salt).

Since 2015, during the transitional period, nutritional facts labeling has gradually been changed like this.

Ingredients List

Nutritional Information of Energy Drinks
It is well known that ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, and this is indeed the case.

Even if the exact amounts are not listed, you can understand which ingredients are the most abundant from left to right.

Food Additives Listing

Nutritional Information of Energy Drinks
Food additives are regulated under Article 12 of the Food Sanitation Act, and only those designated by the Minister of Health, Labour, and Welfare (designated additives) can be used.

In addition to designated additives, other existing additives that are widely known to be safe, natural flavors extracted from plants and animals, food colorants or fruit juices, and other additives from general foodstuffs can be used.

All food additives included in processed foods must be listed according to the Food Labeling Act. So, there is no need to worry about "mysterious dangerous ingredients" being hidden in energy drinks. I have linked a list of additives in the reference sites below for those who are curious.

Reference Sites

However, just seeing the names of the listed additives doesn't tell us what they are and how they affect the body. Since it's impossible to summarize everything, if you encounter something unfamiliar in the nutritional facts of an energy drink, it's a good idea to Google and verify it. Public institutions or reputable sources like major manufacturers’ articles are useful references.

Generic Name Listings

Although the Food Labeling Act requires the listing of all additives, some food additives are grouped under generic names.

The reason for grouping them is that they are only effective when combined with other substances, and there is no need to list each one separately.

(Examples: Yeast Food, Gum Base, Kansui, Enzyme, Glossing Agents, Flavors, Acidulants, Seasonings, Tofu Coagulants, Bitterness Agents, Emulsifiers, pH Adjusters, Leavening Agents, Softening Agents)

Exemptions from Listing

On the other hand, there are some food additives that are exempt from being listed.

Substances used during processing that are removed, neutralized, or present in trace amounts with no effect
Substances that are present in the raw materials but do not have an effect in the final product
Vitamin, mineral, and amino acid nutritional supplements

Reference Sites

If You Have Doubts, It's Recommended to Do Thorough Research

This article covers the nutritional facts and additives included in energy drinks as well as other food products in Japan. The information is based on credible sources like national institutions and other authoritative organizations.

If you have any concerns, it's always best to research using trustworthy sources. It is risky to blindly believe social media or online news without citing credible references.