Typical energy drink ingredients
Recipes differ. Open each infographic for details; for the exact composition, always refer to the current product label.
WaterOpen details
Water is the principal component of most energy drinks. It forms the liquid base in which the other ingredients dissolve.
SugarOpen details
In sugar-containing energy drinks, sugar is the main source of energy. It provides readily available carbohydrate that the body can use for energy. Sugar-free products contain no more than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 ml, so their energy contribution from sugars is small but not necessarily zero. Their total energy content can be checked on the label.
CaffeineOpen details
Caffeine also occurs naturally, for example in coffee and tea. EFSA’s scientific assessment found that, in adults, a serving containing at least 75 mg of caffeine may increase alertness and improve attention; the effect also depends on the dose and individual sensitivity. A typical energy drink contains about 32 mg of caffeine per 100 ml, but the exact value can differ by product.
VitaminsOpen details
Many energy drinks contain B vitamins, such as B2, B3, B5, B6 or B12. Vitamin types and quantities vary by product; health claims apply only when a product meets the required quantities.
Other ingredientsOpen details
Depending on the recipe, products may contain carbon dioxide, food acids, flavourings, colours, sweeteners, minerals, inositol, glucuronolactone or plant extracts, among other ingredients. Some contain preservatives; others are preserved through pasteurisation.
Preservatives and pasteurisation
Pasteurisation is a heat treatment, whereas a preservative is an ingredient. A product can be both pasteurised and made with preservatives. The database lists the available preservation information separately from the complete ingredient list.
Search products by ingredient →Editor: Hungarian Energy Drink Association · Page updated: 15 October 2026.