Energy drinks and your diet

Energy drinks and other caffeine-containing products are enjoyed by many people throughout the world. The best way for consumers to avoid overconsumption of caffeine is to become familiar with the many sources of caffeine, to read product labels and to moderate consumption of caffeine-containing products.

Energy drinks are functional beverages including a variety of ingredients which deliver a beneficial effect for those who want to be active. They include performance-enhancing substances such as caffeine and a mixture of vitamins.

Energy drinks are offered in a wide range of different flavours to meet consumers’ preferences.

“Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. The fundamental cause of obesity and overweight is an energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended”

World Health Organization, WHO

Also, genetic factors determine the development of obesity. Overweight and obesity can lead to other health consequences, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes or psychological effects.

Soft drinks and energy drinks are not responsible for obesity. They contribute less than 3% of calories to the average daily diet in Europe.

Overweight and obesity, as well as their related health consequences, are largely preventable through a healthy choice of foods and regular physical activity. Nutrition experts agree that it is important to consume foods and beverages from many different sources and in moderation. Of course, this is also true for energy drinks, which can be part of a balanced and varied diet as well as a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, like all foodstuffs, it is recommended to consume energy drinks in moderation.

Besides physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle, the daily diet is an important aspect of weight control. Within a balanced diet, energy drinks deliver only a minor part of the total caloric intake. People who want to maintain or reduce their body weight often select food products with fewer calories. Many energy drink producers offer sugar-free variants to meet consumers’ desire for low-calorie products. Those energy drinks replace sugar by sweeteners like aspartame to reduce the caloric value. The actual caloric value of an energy drink is labelled within the nutrition facts section of the product so that weight-conscious consumers can make the choice that is best for them.