The reason why energy drinks are not a "borrowing of energy."

Posted on September 28, 2022 | Last updated February 10, 2025

Are energy drinks a borrow of energy? Do they make you high? What about the crash?
Energy drinks are often associated with an image of boosting energy, so many people think that drinking them can make them wake up, feel high, or have an increase in excitement... and then experience a crash afterward.

In conclusion, since energy drinks are just slightly caffeinated beverages, there's no need to worry too much. If you're drinking an energy drink to get high, it’s pointless—it's better to spend that 200 yen on something else.

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.

Have you ever felt high after drinking coffee and carbonated beverages?

The main ingredients in energy drinks are caffeine and sugar. Other ingredients, such as arginine and B vitamins, are present in trace amounts and are not enough to provide noticeable effects.

Caffeine content ranges from 80 to 150mg per can, which is roughly the same as one cup of coffee. The sugar content is similar to that found in Coca-Cola, Fanta, orange juice, or apple juice. While this may seem underwhelming, this is the reality.

There are occasional posts online claiming that people feel high after drinking energy drinks, but if you’ve ever felt high or had an energy boost after drinking coffee or juice, then it’s likely the same effect.

Sometimes, conspiracy theories pop up claiming that energy drinks contain dangerous substances not listed on the label. But if such substances were included in drinks like cola, milk, or barley tea and sold in the same refrigerator, that would be a huge issue.

For more details, please visit the page on "Energy Drink Nutritional Information."

Fear of the crash after drinking an energy drink

The well-known yet somewhat absurd phrase "Energy drinks are borrowing energy" suggests that while energy drinks can boost your energy temporarily, they do not actually relieve fatigue, and you should be careful of the crash afterward.

The severity of the crash can vary from person to person. However, if you've ever experienced a drop in blood sugar after drinking cola or orange juice, both of which contain similar amounts of sugar as energy drinks, you might experience the same effect with energy drinks.

That said, the cause is primarily the rise and fall in blood sugar levels after sugar intake, so there’s no need to worry. It’s not a matter of borrowing energy, nor is the "crash" severe enough to be of concern.

While it's fine to have high expectations or fears about energy drinks, it’s a good idea to check the nutritional information on the back and compare it with other beverages. Don't get discouraged about spending 200 yen on something that may not have much effect. Energy drinks are products of image, and it’s the vibe and branding they create that you’re really enjoying!