This collection presents sources on energy drink safety, composition, physical and cognitive performance, driving and metabolism. Our own research presents MESZ studies; external research summarises scientific publications and regulatory assessments.
Findings are specific to each study. A finding concerns the formulation, dose, participants, methods and outcomes tested; it cannot automatically be generalised to all energy drinks or consumers.
Our own research
Laboratory comparison of the caffeine content of seventeen espressos
One espresso was purchased at each of 17 locations and its caffeine content was measured in a laboratory. Portions contained 44–129 mg of caffeine, averaging 93 mg. Eleven coffees contained more caffeine than the reference energy drink of 80 mg per 250 ml.
Limitation: Sampling was not representative and took place on a single day. Results concern the coffee portions purchased; the energy drink reference of 80 mg is a label value.
Measurement data and methods on Zenodo
External research
Caffeine and taurine together: favourable peak power findings
In the pooled analysis, combined caffeine and taurine intake was associated with moderately greater peak power than placebo. No clear difference in heart rate was found.
Limitation: The results cannot be generalised to all energy drinks and do not establish an independent effect of taurine.
Six Continents Index – Energy Drinks 2026
The international ranking compared product and packaging characteristics of energy drinks against 36 criteria. According to the project, the ten highest-scoring products also underwent laboratory checks in Switzerland.
Limitation: One selected product per brand was included; laboratory checks covered the ten finalists.
The detailed MESZ summary →
Energy expenditure, fat oxidation and cognitive performance
In this study of 60 participants, short-term energy expenditure increased after the caffeinated drink versus placebo; fat oxidation was higher only at certain measurements on day 1.
Limitation: These short-term measurements do not establish lasting fat loss or effects from other formulations; the funding disclosed in the original paper must also be considered.
Official testing of energy drinks – Nébih, 2024
Nébih’s 2024 Szupermenta energy drink test covered food safety, composition and labelling, with results for the products examined.
Limitation: The findings concern the product samples tested at the time of the assessment.
B vitamins in broccoli, carrots and spinach: laboratory measurements
The name of a vegetable alone does not tell us the vitamin content of a portion. Péter Hajdú commissioned measurements of four B vitamins in three vegetables. The published table gives vitamin B₂ contents of 0.018 mg per 100 g of carrots, 0.062 mg per 100 g of broccoli and 0.118 mg per 100 g of spinach. Results describe the composition of specific samples.
Limitation: Sampling was not representative. The public account does not include a complete laboratory report or an identifiable peer-reviewed study. These measurements alone do not demonstrate a decline in vitamin content over time, and did not assess health benefits of drinks or supplements.
Reaction time and short-duration maximal performance
In this experiment, the tested energy drink produced faster visual reaction times and higher Wingate power and handgrip results than placebo.
Limitation: The small sample, consisting exclusively of male students, limits how widely the findings can be applied.
Five-kilometre running performance
In the experiment, participants completed a five-kilometre treadmill time trial faster after 500 ml of the tested energy drink than after placebo.
Limitation: The tested drink differed from the placebo in several ingredients, so the independent effect of each ingredient cannot be determined.
Caffeine safety – EFSA scientific opinion
EFSA’s comprehensive scientific assessment of single and daily caffeine intake, the population groups considered and potential interactions.
Limitation: The assessment concerns caffeine intake from all dietary sources; it is not a consumption recommendation for any single product.
Prolonged simulated driving performance
After prolonged simulated motorway driving, the tested 250 ml drink improved lane-position control and reduced reported sleepiness compared with placebo.
Limitation: The experiment measured simulated driving outcomes, not crash risk. Caffeine does not make driving while dangerously tired safe.
Cycling time-trial performance
In the experiment, the trained cyclists completed the simulated time trial faster after 500 ml of the tested energy drink than after placebo, with no difference in perceived exertion.
Limitation: Results from a small sample of trained cyclists and one formulation cannot be extended to every cyclist or energy drink.
Memory and speed of attention
In the experiment, the whole tested drink improved secondary-memory and speed-of-attention test scores compared with placebo. Other cognitive and mood measures did not improve.
Limitation: Results from short laboratory tasks do not establish lasting cognitive improvement.
Sleepiness and alertness while driving
In the experiment, the tested 250 ml drink reduced sleep-related driving incidents and reported sleepiness during the first 90 minutes of simulated driving compared with the control drink.
Limitation: The study measured the effect of one drink under specified conditions; the result cannot be generalised to every driving situation.
Selection and interpretation criteria
Sources should be read alongside the original publication. Methods, participant numbers, study duration, control conditions, limitations and funding all matter. Including a source does not mean automatically endorsing every conclusion or interpretation it contains.
