As the Monster Energy drink story continues to make the rounds, Consumer Reports issued a story on the results of its testing of the caffeine levels of various energy drinks and "shots." Caffeine levels ranged from 6 mg in the 5-Hour Energy Decaf shot (an oxymoron?) to 242 mg in the 5-Hour Energy Extra Strength shot. The highest levels in beverages were in the NOS High Performance Energy Drink (224 mg in a 16-oz. can) and Monster's X-presso (221 mg in a 6.8-ounce container).
In addition to noting the broad range of caffeine levels in these energizing liquids, Consumer Reports called out the fact that on the 16 products that did label the amount of caffeine, five had more than 20 percent more caffeine than label claim. Eleven of the 27 products tested did not label caffeine levels, whether due to "proprietary" ingredient mixtures or a lack of federal regs insisting that caffeine levels be called out on labels.
Given the concerns that have been expressed at a federal level by regulators and legislators (yes, Sen. Durbin, that means you), as well as the growing media attention around the safety of these products, not to mention the trend of consumers reading labels and asking for more information--not less--about the ingredients in their products, should companies be providing info on caffeine levels? Would it make a difference in the purchasing decision or consumption patterns?
In addition to noting the broad range of caffeine levels in these energizing liquids, Consumer Reports called out the fact that on the 16 products that did label the amount of caffeine, five had more than 20 percent more caffeine than label claim. Eleven of the 27 products tested did not label caffeine levels, whether due to "proprietary" ingredient mixtures or a lack of federal regs insisting that caffeine levels be called out on labels.
Given the concerns that have been expressed at a federal level by regulators and legislators (yes, Sen. Durbin, that means you), as well as the growing media attention around the safety of these products, not to mention the trend of consumers reading labels and asking for more information--not less--about the ingredients in their products, should companies be providing info on caffeine levels? Would it make a difference in the purchasing decision or consumption patterns?
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