Guarana is a South American fruit that resembles an eyeball, having a luscious white fruit surrounding dark brown seeds. These seeds are about the size of coffee beans, but they have more than twice the caffeine content. The US Food and Drug Administration considers guarana to be “generally recognized as safe” as a supplement.
The guarana vine originated in the Amazon basin, where locals have traditionally used its stimulant powers. Guarana has been used in Brazilian soft drinks since 1909, although it was not commonly used in the United States until recently when energy drinks became popular.
Energy drinks with catchy names like Full Throttle, Monster, and Rockstar all include the natural ingredient guarana. However, you might be wondering if your favorite energy drink red bull contains guarana or not.
The answer is negative. Red Bull does not include guarana in its formula, neither the classical one nor any other editions contain guarana. However, a distinct source states that Red Bull Malaysia has launched a product named Red Bull Zero Plus, but I didn’t find any of the officials confirming such a claim, YET.
Please read on if you wish to know more about Red Bull and Guarana.
What is guarana?
Guarana is a Brazilian plant endemic to the Amazon basin.
It’s a climber plant appreciated for its fruit, also known as Paullinia Cupana.
The size of a mature guarana fruit is comparable to that of a coffee berry. It looks like a human eye, with a crimson shell encasing a black seed surrounded by a white aril. Guarana extract is created by powdering the seeds.
How does guarana work?
When you encounter guarana and caffeine on an ingredient list, read the guarana as more caffeine. and it includes trace levels of theophylline and theobromine which are comparable to caffeine but have slightly different effects on the body.
Guarana also includes tannins, which some believe cause the caffeine in guarana to dissipate slowly, resulting in a long-lasting energy plateau. The fact that guarana does not dissolve easily in water is said to contribute to its long-lasting benefits, although no one has proven that the body processes guarana-derived caffeine differently than caffeine contained in coffee beans or tea leaves.
Benefits of Guarana
Today, the beverage industry uses 70% of the guarana produced in soft and energetic beverages, while the remaining 30% is processed into powder.
Here are a few scientifically proven guarana advantages.
- Rich in antioxidants
- Can reduce fatigue and improve focus
- May help you learn better
- May promote weight loss
- May relieve chronic diarrhea and treat constipation
- May boost heart health
I have added a youtube video showing more about guarana.
Side Effects of Guarana
Guarana has a high safety rating and is commonly available. According to studies, guarana has little toxicity in low-to-moderate dosages.
Guarana may have negative effects comparable to excessive caffeine consumption in large dosages, including:
- Heart palpitations
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Anxiety
- Nervousness
- Upset stomach
- Shakiness
Caffeine, in high enough doses, can be addictive and lead to dependency.
Pregnant women should avoid or limit their consumption of guarana because caffeine can permeate through the placenta. Caffeine consumption may result in growth problems in your child or raise the risk of miscarriage.
However, don’t fret! Red Bull has a few other ingredients that can help you with more energy.
Nutrition Facts of Red Bull Energy Drink
The nutrition facts of Red Bull Energy Drink have been given below.
| Nutrition Facts | Amount Per Serving | Recommended Daily Amount |
| Calories | 110 | 2000-2500 |
| Total Fat | 0g | 65g |
| Carbohydrate | 28g | 300g |
| Of which sugar | 27g | 50g |
| Protein | >1g | 50g |
| Sodium | 105g | 2400g |
| Niacin | 100% | 20mg |
| Pantothenic Acid | 50% | 20mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 250% | 2mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 80% | 6mcg |
Red Bull is an excellent energy drink with low calorie, carbohydrate, and sugar content. This traditional energy drink also contains a few critical vitamins and a low amount of salt to keep you hydrated and refreshed.
What’s there in a single serving of Red Bull?
I believe Red Bull’s components are not as potent as those found in other energy drinks, but they function extremely well together. Here’s a quick rundown of the primary active components found in Red Bull.
- Caffeine
- Carbonated Water
- Sucrose
- Glucose
- Citric Acid
- Taurine
- Sodium Bicarbonate
- Magnesium Carbonate
- Niacinamide
- Calcium Pantothenate
- Pyridoxine HCl
- Vitamin B12
- Natural and Artificial tones & Flavors
Although the actual composition of Red Bull varies per country. Let’s take a deeper look at the following data table to have a better idea of the exact amount and function of these ingredients:
| Ingredients | Amount | Function |
| Caffeine | 80 mg | Stimulates brain function and also increases alertness and concentration. |
| Added Sugar | 27 g | Boosts energy. |
| Inositol | 50 mg | Mood-booster that helps the brain use serotonin. |
| Glucuronolactone | 600mg | The precursor of taurine helps improve memory and concentration. |
| Niacin/Vitamin B3 | 5.1 µg (100% of recommended daily intake, RDI) | Helps in the formation of energy. |
| Pantothenic acid/Vitamin B5 | 5.1 µg (50% of RDI) | Improves mood and boosts metabolism. |
| Pyridoxine/Vitamin B6 | 5 mg (250% of RDI) | Turns food into energy and helps create neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine. |
| Cobalamin/Vitamin B12 | 5.1 µg (80% of RDI) | Produces energy by metabolizing fat and proteins. |
| Taurine | 1000 mg | A natural amino acid that helps regulate heartbeat, muscle contractions, and energy levels. |
Things I Like About Red Bull
I have added a list of things I like about Red Bull.
- Provides energy
- Provides nourishment through included vitamins
Things I Don’t Like About Red Bull
I have added a list of things I don’t like about Red Bull.
- Includes a high amount of sugar
Caffeine Content in Red Bull
Red Bull has a moderate quantity of caffeine (80 mg), which is comparable to the amount found in a cup of coffee.
Caffeine is a naturally stimulating molecule that works by inhibiting the sleep-promoting brain chemical ‘Adenosine,’ causing the body to experience an adrenaline surge.
That being said, 80 mg of caffeine may not be enough to provide the boost you seek, but this is entirely dependent on your caffeine tolerance.
For example, if you are a habitual caffeine drinker, the caffeine in one can of Red Bull may not be sufficient for you, and you may not feel the benefits as intensely.
To avoid harmful effects, do not consume too much Red Bull or any other caffeinated beverage.
It is critical to limit the amount of caffeine you ingest in a single day. For healthy adults, this research advises 400 mg of caffeine per day.
Caffeine overdose may result in the following adverse effects:
- High blood pressure
- Fatigue
- Nervousness.
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Rapid heart rate
All of this can be avoided by drinking in moderation.
You should be completely safe from any potential negative effects as long as you consume Red Bull in moderation and manage your consumption according to your specific limits.
Sugar in Red Bull Energy Drink
The original Red Bull has 27 grams of sugar per can, which isn’t much for an energy drink but is still a lot.
This study recommends that men and women limit their daily sugar intake to 36 g and 25 g, respectively.
According to that assessment, the sugar content of Red Bull is more than the recommended daily sugar intake for women.
And, as we all know, too much sugar in a drink can easily lead to a blood sugar surge followed by a collapse, which we don’t want.
Red Bull does a wonderful job with its blend of components in terms of energy, but I don’t think it’s a good idea to take more than one can per day in terms of sugar.
Does Red Bull include Bull Sperm?
Despite popular belief, Red Bull does not include bull sperm, bull urine, or any other animal-derived materials.
Taurine is a crucial ingredient in energy beverages such as Red Bull. It improves muscle function, athletic performance, endurance, and anxiety reduction, among other things.
The whole debate surrounding Red Bull carrying bull sperm began with the moniker ‘Taurine.’
Taurine was named after the Latin word Taurus, which means ox or bull because it was initially derived from bull sperm and ox bile.
Taurine, on the other hand, is now synthesized in laboratories. According to the official website of Red Bull, the taurine used in their energy beverages is synthetically created.
The word ‘Bull’ in the name does not necessarily imply that the ingredients are derived from bulls.
Consider this: a business, especially one as well-known as Red Bull, would not jeopardize their best-selling product by including sperm or any other animal-derived ingredients in their beverage.
Is Red Bull safe?
For daily consumption? No. Especially for individuals with pre-existing medical issues.
Red Bull contains caffeine and sugar, both of which are potentially harmful to your health. The other active chemicals are in little amounts, so they are unlikely to harm your system.
If consumed in moderation, I believe Red Bull is a safe substance. The problem with energy drinks begins when you exceed the daily intake limitations.
If you consume more than three or four cans of Red Bull every day, and more than one can in a row, you will feel jittery and your stomach will most likely revolt.
You may begin to feel a variety of health difficulties such as anxiousness, heart palpitations, and so on. Nonetheless, if you drink more than four cups of coffee, the same thing will happen.
But if you don’t binge drink it or just open a can of Red Bull now and then to get through your next meeting/sports activity, you can relax.
Overall, if consumed within a safe limit, Red Bull will not hurt your health. It’s not a healthy drink, but it’s a great energy booster! So try and use it only when you need a strong pick-me-up.
Flavors of Red Bull
Here’s a quick rundown of the Red Bull flavors currently on the market:
- Original (amber)
- Sugar-free
- Total Zero
- Red
- Ruby/Red
- Blue
- Yellow/Tropical
- Orange/Mandarin
- Green/Dragonfruit
- White/Coconut
- Peach
- Orange Sugar-free (orange)
- Pear Sugar-Free
- Lime Sugar-Free
- Purple/Acai Sugar-Free
- Purple/Acai
- Lime (lime-lemon)
- Winter Edition (plum-cinnamon)
- Summer Edition (beach breeze)
What does Red Bull taste like?
When you first sample it, regular Red Bull tastes like a Coke mixed with medicine, but it also has its own sugary tang to it. It appears to be an acquired taste. Many people dislike the taste of energy drinks at first but eventually come to enjoy them.
A Red Bull is best described as a fizzy, syrup-like substance, while the flavor is difficult to pin down.
Its different flavors are more akin to your typical energy drink and soda flavors. So, if you prefer something more known to you, go with those instead.
Red Bull Price
A regular 24-pack 8.4 fl. oz Red Bull costs around $27.90, depending on where you buy it and whether or not shipping is included.
Red Bull has a fairly normal price for an energy drink, with a single 8.4 fl. oz can costing around $1.16, but you can sometimes acquire one for even less if you happen to snag one during a sale.
A 12-pack of Red Bull won’t break the bank, but only buy them when absolutely required, as the cost quickly mounts up.
Red Bull Energy Drink Alternatives
Looking for an alternative to Red Bull for your energy drink needs? Here are some more fantastic brands to check out:
- Bang
- Monster
- Rockstar
- Reign
- 3D Energy
- Celsius
- Full Throttle
- NOS Energy
- C4 Energy
- Raze Energy
- AMP Energy
If you like powdered energy drinks, however, these products may be more appealing:
- G-Fuel
- Zipfizz
- Advocare Spark
- REIZE Energy Drink (my fav)
Personally, I like energy drink powders because they are more convenient, adaptable, and usually less expensive than their ready-to-drink equivalents.
REIZE (10 Out Of 10)
REIZE is a tasty powdered energy drink that comes in handy in 4g packets. Each sachet has 50mg of caffeine, it’s sugar-free, and includes only 11 calories.
REIZE also contains a variety of helpful components, including taurine, ginseng, and B-group vitamins. This clever blend provides the ideal energy boost without the dreaded crash.
Best of all, you can have REIZE delivered right to your door for as little as $1 for each drink which in my opinion is an excellent value for money.
Try REIZE today, and I’m confident you’ll agree it’s a better choice than Red Bull.
Final Verdict
- Red Bull does not use guarana in its formula, either traditional or edition. However, a reliable source claims that Red Bull Malaysia has launched a product called Red Bull Zero Plus, although I have yet to locate any official confirmation of this allegation.
- The guarana vine originates in the Amazon basin, where its stimulating properties were widely employed by people. Guarana has been used in Brazilian soft drinks since 1909, although it was not widely used in the US until recently when energy drinks became popular.
- A few benefits of Guarana have been provided below:
- Rich in antioxidants
- Can reduce fatigue and improve focus
- May help you learn better
- May promote weight loss