What is the proper amount of energy drinks?

Posted on February 2, 2022 | Last updated February 10, 2025

What is the proper amount of energy drinks?
If you're interested in knowing the safe amount of energy drinks you can consume in a day, please read "How many energy drinks can you drink in one day?"

This section focuses on the "proper amount," rather than the "safe amount."

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.

One can of Red Bull or Monster Energy is the proper amount

Caffeine Proper Amount

It is better to avoid caffeine altogether if possible. Particularly after the evening, caffeine can affect your sleep, so it's safest to consume energy drinks before evening.

A 250ml can of Red Bull contains 80mg of caffeine, which is equivalent to one cup of coffee. Monster Energy contains a slightly higher amount, 142mg. For those who drink coffee regularly, the caffeine content in energy drinks is not that high.

According to Health Canada (HC), in 2010, the daily caffeine intake limit for healthy adults was set at 400mg (equivalent to about 3 cups of coffee), while pregnant, breastfeeding, or women planning to become pregnant should limit it to 300mg (about 2 cups of coffee).

Moreover, the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for caffeine, which would not cause health problems if consumed throughout a lifetime, has not been set in Japan or internationally, as it varies greatly between individuals.
Source: Excessive Intake of Caffeine in Food – Q&A (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)

If you're looking to get energized before studying or exercising, you might drink a bit more, but in daily life, one can of Red Bull or Monster Energy is a reasonable amount.

As mentioned earlier, consuming too much can affect sleep, so it’s important to adjust the timing.

Proper Amount of Sugar

Unless you are doing physical labor or engaging in daily athletic training, most people already get enough carbohydrates (sugars) from their meals. When considering a healthy lifestyle, consuming additional sugar from energy drinks, sodas, and fruit juice-based beverages may be unnecessary.

For the proper amount, it would be best to choose a small-sized 250ml can of Red Bull, or a sugar-free product such as Red Bull Sugarfree, Monster Energy Zero Sugar, Monster Energy Ultra, or Monster Energy Ultra Paradise, all of which are fine options.

Due to the caffeine content mentioned earlier, even with sugar-free products, one can per day is a reasonable limit.