How long do energy drinks last?

An energy drink is a type of beverage specifically formulated to provide mental and physical stimulation. These drinks typically contain stimulant substances, with caffeine being the most common. 

The caffeine content in energy drinks can vary significantly, ranging from 80 mg to over 500 mg per serving. To put this into perspective, a small cup of coffee typically contains around 80 to 100 mg of caffeine. It's worth noting that energy drinks often have high sugar content as well. For instance, a leading brand can contain up to 27 grams of sugar in a 250 ml can, exceeding the recommended daily intake of sugar.

While energy drinks may provide an initial energy boost, excessive sugar consumption can lead to negative health consequences, including obesity and associated complications. It's important to be mindful of the potential risks and consider moderation when consuming these beverages.

Although they were invented in ‘49, Red Bull made energy drinks famous, or infamous, in 1997. The original beverage was created to replace carbohydrates and electrolytes during intense athletic performance. To champion life, our grandparents brewed cups of ‘joe, but this generation wants a colorful, sugary beverage. As a result of the growing demand, the ED industry has soared to a massive $9.4 billion market in 2020 (1). And, it’s constantly growing.

Rockstar and Monster claim to vitalize the body for hours. Since we’re genuine fans of Clean Energy (and athletes), we wanted to see if the mainstream brands deliver on those promises.

Awareness about what’s in our food and drink is ever-evolving. Reading the fine print is key. The most familiar ingredients aren’t hard to find on store shelves. Here’s what you’re likely to see under ‘Nutrition Facts’:

• Common ingredients: caffeine, B vitamins (to aid metabolism), electrolytes (sodium and potassium), aminos (i.e. taurine), and sugars (2,3). This familiar fusion fuels the body with extra energy.

• Added ingredients include (but are not limited to): Stevia, natural flavors, guarana, ginseng, ginkgo biloba and L-carnitine – to name a few (4). These additives are often used to improve taste and mental dexterity. Unless drinks are labeled otherwise, the majority of ingredients are non-organic.

Due to the lack of regulation for supplements and energy drinks, studies have revealed concerns about long-term use. We took up the torch to create a Clean Energy option. Before we share our solution, let’s dive deeper into the details.

Wits University in South Africa warns college students ”Coffee and energy drinks typically take approximately 30 to 45 minutes to "kick in" or to be absorbed into the blood stream.” (5). The body requires time to absorb nutrients and convert them to energy. This doesn’t happen immediately. Once you feel the surge of power, it doesn’t last as long as you think. 

According to Cincinnati Children’s, after the first gulp you can expect:

Within 10 Minutes –– blood pressure and heart rate will begin to rise

Between 15 and 45 Minutes –– alertness and concentration are heightened as caffeine levels peak in the bloodstream

From 30 Minutes to Hour 1 –– the liver absorbs caffeine and sugar is absorbed into the bloodstream, giving the desired lift (6)

• Ethan’s Tip: Always consider caffeine sensitivity before trying new drinks. A “regular dose” for one person may overwhelm the system of someone who’s highly sensitive to small servings.

After that one hour window you’ll notice a plateau. The body returns to regular energy levels, but the absence of sugar and caffeine can leave you feeling depleted. That’s not all. Drinks with unsustainable sources often come with undesired side effects.

“Regulation of EBs, including content labeling and health warnings, differs across countries, with some of the laxest requirements existing in the United States,” reports one Mayo Clinic study (7). All responsibility is left to drink creators to not overstimulate consumers. 

Even though we take care of our neighbors, not every brand does.

In 2010, the Mayo Clinic Medical Journal insisted that after constant overindulgence the chances of developing heart disease and dependency go up (7). Symptoms are more pronounced in young adults. Energy drinks cause over an 8% increase in blood pressure and heart rates. More research is needed to uncover long-term outcomes.

Anxiety and restlessness erupt from overstimulation. A 2020 Nursing report showed clinical workers who relied on energy drinks noticed decreased sleep and elevated stress (8). Both factors work against the body’s sleep rhythm.

In people ages 15 to 18, power drinks – especially when combined with processed foods –  were linked to mental health challenges and risky behaviors (9). Norway, Denmark, and France banned Red Bull for these reasons (7).

Having too much of a supplement is an added risk of ingredient imbalance. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine notes drinking one 8-ounce power beverage can exceed daily intake amounts between 6 to 16 more than necessary (3). An adequate diet provides most of the nutrients our bodies need for strength. Supplements are designed to fill in the gaps the diet may be missing. When drinks contain more than enough vitamins or electrolytes it can put us over-the-top nutritionally.

• Ethan’s Tip: Be open to revitalize your dietary intake. Whole, unprocessed, natural foods supply us with superb energy. 

Our Clean Energy drinks are plant-based and organic with unbeatable quality. Ethan’s is naturally good to you and for you. Now, for the moment of truth. 

Let’s contrast our brand with conventional energy “shots”.

We’ve pioneered the functional Clean Energy shot. So you can master our day. No jitters and no crash. 

What makes Ethan’s so gratifying? We source the purest, organic ingredients that won’t hurt you in the long run. In fact, that’s exactly why we created our shots and mixes; because the industry is giving detrimental drinks to the masses. 

We’re here to change that. Expect first-class quality. 

Green Tea 

Green Tea, the eighth world wonder, contains neuroprotective compounds that provides peak alertness and fights “mental fatigue” (10,11). 

Guayusa

This herb is the key to beat fatigue naturally (12). 

B Vitamins

“...a collection of 8 water-soluble vitamins essential for various metabolic processes,” according to Better Health Channel (13). 

Adaptogens

Medicinal fungi combats stress and provide a natural source of physical strength (14). 

All of our ingredients are plant-based and Dietician-approved. Plus, we’re giving you all the organic bang for your buck.

The duration of energy drink effects can be influenced by various factors. Understanding these factors is crucial for individuals who consume energy drinks. Some key factors include:

Caffeine Content and Metabolism

The caffeine content plays a crucial role influencing the duration of energy drinks. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, increasing alertness and energy levels. The half-life of caffeine, which is the time it takes for the body to eliminate half of the caffeine consumed, affects the duration of energy drink effects. Individual variations in caffeine metabolism, such as genetic factors and enzyme activity, can also impact how long the effects last.

Other Stimulants and Ingredients

There are many different types of stimulants and ingredients present in an energy drink. Those stimulants and ingredients contribute to the duration. Taurine is known for enhancing energy and improving mental focus. B-vitamins play a vital role in energy production within the body. Additional ingredients like guarana, ginseng, and L-carnitine may also influence the duration of energy drink effects.

Personal Factors

Personal factors further affect energy drink duration. Body weight and metabolism can influence how quickly the body processes and eliminates the drink's ingredients. Tolerance to caffeine and stimulants may also affect the intensity and duration of the effects experienced. Lastly, overall health and potential interactions with medications can impact the duration and safety of energy drink consumption.

Your body and mind deserve the ultimate energy sources. We don’t compromise, which is why we hope you’ll ditch the sugar-loaded energy drinks. Your health and longevity is most important. After all, that what’s the health journey is about, right? 

Try Ethan’s and you’ll feel the difference.