What’s in Energy Drinks?

Posted on January 17, 2022 | Last updated February 10, 2025

What’s in Energy Drinks?
What ingredients are in energy drinks? I feel like there might be some dangerous ingredients in them.

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.

Main Ingredients in Energy Drinks

Many energy drinks sold in Japan contain caffeine, sugar, arginine, and B vitamins. Caffeine is typically equivalent to one cup of coffee, and at most two cups in most products. Sugar content is similar to that found in carbonated drinks, usually around 10% of the total volume. Therefore, just because it's an energy drink, it doesn't contain an excessive amount of these ingredients.

Other ingredients like arginine are included in amounts much smaller than those found in supplements, so you likely won’t feel any noticeable effects from them.

Some products may also contain guarana, maca, BCAAs, and fruit juices, depending on the brand.

Are There Any Dangerous Ingredients?

Energy drinks often carry the impression that they can "energize you" or offer a "boost," but the energy drinks sold domestically are carbonated soft drinks produced by large, trusted companies, and are generally safe.

For more detailed information, you can check the nutritional label on the product, so if you're concerned about any particular energy drink, it's worth taking a look.