Energy drinks have exploded in popularity in the UK over recent years. According to a BBC Good Food article, 30 percent of millennials and generation Z say that they consume energy drinks. As the name suggests, energy drinks can make consumers feel more energetic and alert due to their sugar and caffeine content. But what else is inside an energy drink? Are Energy Drinks UPF? In this article, we will examine the ingredients of the most popular energy drinks sold in the UK.
1. Red Bull
Red Bull has been on sale in the UK since the 1980s. Originally created in Thailand by Chaleo Yoovidhya under the Thai name Krating Daeng, Red Bull is an extremely lucrative product for its owners. In 2019, over 7.5bn cans were sold worldwide. Red Bull is extremely well known for its sponsorship of sports teams – including the Formula 1 team Red Bull Racing, athletes – including male tennis player Dominic Thiem, and extreme events – including the Cliff Diving World Series.
A 473ml can of Red Bull (what a strange size) contains the following ingredients:
Water, Sucrose, Glucose, Acid (Citric Acid), Carbon Dioxide, Taurine (0.4 %), Acidity Regulators (Sodium Carbonates, Magnesium Carbonates), Caffeine (0.03 %), Vitamins (Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, B6, B12), Flavourings, Colours (Plain Caramel, Riboflavins)
Is Red Bull UPF?
Based on this ingredient list, yes Red Bull is UPF.
2. Prime Energy Drink
Prime Energy Drink is a range of sports drinks founded by Youtubers Logan Paul and Olajide Olatunji -better known as KSI. Initially released in 2022 with a tidal wave of hype, Prime’s popularity has dwindled with reports that some shops in the UK have cut prices by up to 87 percent. Prime was initially very popular with children and teenagers, with some schools in the UK making the decision to ban them. Although the future for Prime isn’t looking bright, as of time of writing, they are still available in major UK supermarkets.
A 330ml can of Prime Energy Drink Blue Raspberry contains the following ingredients:
Carbonated Water, Coconut Water, Acid (Citric Acid), Flavouring, Calcium, Potassium, Sodium Citrate, Caffeine, Sweeteners (Sucralose, Acesulflame K), Theanine (Camellia Sinensis), Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate), Inositol, Glucuronolactone, Taurine, Stabilisers (Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum), Glycerol Esters of Wood Rosins), Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12
Is Prime Energy Drink UPF?
Based on this ingredient list, yes Prime Energy Drink is UPF.
3. Lucozade
Lucozade was first sold in the UK in 1927 under the name Glucozade. It was created by UK pharmacist William Walker Hunter and was initially marketed as an energy drink to aid recovery from sickness. Since the 1980s, it has been marketed as a sports drink with the potential to aid performance. Despite being almost 100 years old, Lucozade remains popular. In fact in 2024, Lucozade formed a partnership with Liverpool Football Club as its official sports hydration partner – today I learned that teams need official hydration partners.
A 500ml bottle of Lucozade Energy Orange contains the following ingredients:
Carbonated Water, Glucose Syrup (11%), Orange Juice from Concentrate (6%), Acid (Citric Acid), Acidity Regulator (Sodium Gluconate), Flavourings, Preservative (Potassium Sorbate), Sweeteners (Sucralose, Acesulfame K), Stabiliser (Acacia Gum), Caffeine, Antioxidant (Ascorbic Acid), Niacin (Vitamin B3), Colour (Beta Carotene)
Is Lucozade UPF?
Based on this ingredient list, yes Lucozade is UPF.
4. Monster Energy
Monster Energy was brought to market by Hansen Natural Company in 2002. Since rebranding as Monster Beverage Corporation, the company has tried to position its product as a rival to Red Bull by also sponsoring extreme events, such as UFC, Bellator MMA, and the FIA World Rallycross Championship. In fact, in 2023, Monster Energy partnered with Formula 1 racing team McClaren – a direct rival to the branded Red Bull Racing team.
A 500ml Monster Energy Drink contains the following ingredients:
Carbonated Water, Sucrose, Glucose Syrup, Acid (Citric Acid), Flavourings, Taurine (0.4%), Acidity Regulator (Sodium Citrates), Panax Ginseng Root Extract (0.08%), L-Carnitine L-Tartrate (0.04%), Preservatives (Sorbic Acid, Benzoic Acid), Caffeine (0.03%), Colour (Anthocyanins), Vitamins (B3, B6, B2, B12), Sweetener (Sucralose), Sodium Chloride, D-Glucuronolactone, Guarana Seed Extract (0.002%), Inositol, Maltodextrin
Is Monster Energy UPF?
Based on this ingredient list, yes Monster Energy is UPF.
5. Gatorade
Gatorade is a range of sports drink manufactured by PepsiCo. It was originally developed by Robert Cade at the University of Florida in 1965. It is sold in over 80 countries worldwide, including the UK. In 2024, Gatorade became a sponsor of Wrexham AFC – a football club owned by American celebrities Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. In 2024, PepsiCo was sued in federal court in the USA after Issam Asinga, a sprinter, blamed Gatorade Recovery Gummies for a failed drugs test.
A 500ml bottle of Gatorade Cool Blue contains the following ingredients:
Water, Sugar, Maltodextrin, Acid (Citric Acid), Mineral Salts (Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Monopotassium Phosphate, Magnesium Oxide), Emulsifiers (Gum Arabic, Glycerol Esters of Wood Rosins), Natural Flavouring, Sweeteners (Sucralose, Acesulfame K), Colour (Brilliant Blue)
Is Gatorade UPF?
Based on this ingredient list, yes Gatorade is UPF.
6. Huel Daily A-Z
Huel is the latest company to join the incredibly competitive energy drink market. Huel is a meal replacement product, which has become increasingly popular in recent years. In an earlier article, we examined is Huel UPF? Huel is marketed as being convenient, nutritionally complete, and affordable. Its Huel Daily A-Z range has been designed to offer “a refreshing energy drink that doubles as your daily multivitamin”. Consumers of energy drinks are usually not health conscious, so it will be interesting to see if this line of products will be a success.
A 330ml can of Huel Daily A-Z Cherry & Raspberry Sparkling Multivitamin Energy Drink contains the following ingredients:
Water, Fruit Juices from Concentrate (5.6%) (White Grape, Sour Cherry, Raspberry), Soluble Vegetable Fibre (Chicory, Corn), Micronutrient Blend (Minerals (Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Selenium, Magnesium, lodine, Zinc, Molybdenum, Chromium), Vitamins (C, E, Niacin, A, K2, Pantothenic Acid, D3, Biotin, Folate, B12, D2, B6, B1, K1, B2) Choline), Natural Flavourings, Acerola Cherry Powder, Natural Caffeine (from Coffee Bean) (0.03%), Colour Concentrate (Carrot, Blueberry, Blackcurrant), Sweetener: Sucralose, Acidity Regulators: Citric Acid, Malic Acid
Is Huel Daily A-Z UPF?
Based on this ingredient list, yes Huel Daily A-Z is UPF.
Are Energy Drinks UPF?
In conclusion, we have examined six different energy drinks sold by major brands in the UK. So, are energy drinks UPF? We can state conclusively that yes, energy drinks are UPF.
For people looking to give up Ultra Processed Foods, giving up energy drinks is a great place to start. Replacing an energy drink with a cup of coffee or tea is a straightforward swap for those that feel that they need a drink with caffeine to get through a busy day. For those who like energy drinks for their sugar, I’d recommend a glass of water and a piece of fruit. Alternatively, a glass of lemon infused water is a quick and easy replacement. To read up more about giving up Ultra Processed Food, take a look at our article How Do I Eat Less UPF. You can also take a look at this article to identify the Top 6 UPF Ingredients to Avoid.