For a quick pick-me-up, many people turn to energy drinks. These beverages provide a high dose of caffeine, and Bang Energy drinks pack quite a punch, with 300 mg of caffeine in each can.
At more than double the other leading energy drinks, it's important to look at the recommended daily intact levels of caffeine before you start imbibing.
Let’s look at how much caffeine a can of Bang Energy contains compared to other popular caffeinated drinks, and how much is safe to drink.
Caffeine Levels in Bang Energy Drinks
Energy drinks offer a high dose of caffeine (and other ingredients) and are promoted to boost your energy, physical performance, and mental alertness [1].
Bang Energy drinks are a popular choice as they contain significantly more caffeine than other caffeinated beverages (300 mg per can), which is more than three times the caffeine levels in average cup of coffee.
Comparison of Caffeine Levels in Popular Caffeinated Beverages:
Anhydrous (Semi-Synthetic) Caffeine
Energy drinks “wake you up” because the caffeine makes you feel more alert by inhibiting the effects of adenosine — which is a sleep-promoting neurotransmitter in the brain [2].
Most energy drinks (including Bang) use a synthetic form of caffeine called anhydrous caffeine. While this form of caffeine is extracted from the seeds and leaves of a coffee plant, just like regular coffee, it is further refined in a lab to create a pure and highly concentrated form of caffeine. In fact, eating a single teaspoon of this potent chemical is equivalent to drinking 28 cups of coffee [3].
Health Implications of High Caffeine Consumption
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), most healthy adults can safely consume 400 mg of caffeine a day [4].
400 mg of caffeine is equal to about:
- 4 or 5 cups of coffee
- 8 cups of tea
- or 2 standard energy drinks
However, because of its high caffeine content, drinking more than one can of Bang per day may put you at risk of adverse health effects, including:
- Anxiety or Nervousness — This can be caused by the release of adrenaline, triggering your “fight-or-flight” response.
- Jitteriness — As a stimulant, excessive caffeine can cause physical agitation or tremors.
- Insomnia — Taking longer to fall asleep or causing you to wake up earlier.
- Diarrhea or Vomiting — Due primarily to caffeine’s laxative properties.
- Addiction — As a habit-forming product, it can lead to psychological or physical dependency.
- High blood pressure — Caused by stimulation of the nervous system.
- Heart Palpitations and Chest Pains — Including increased heart rate. These symptoms are especially common in young people who consume energy drinks [5].
- Withdrawal Fatigue — As the caffeine leaves your system, you lose the energy boost you gained and crash.
- Frequent Urination — Caffeine is a known diuretic that leads to peeing more than usual.
- Headache, dizziness, or delirium — These can be caused when caffeine interferes with your circulation and the movement of blood vessels in the brain.
If you experience any of these symptoms after drinking a caffeinated beverage or think you have consumed unhealthy levels of caffeine, seek medical attention immediately.
Who Should Avoid Bang Energy Drinks?
Bang Energy states that its products are not recommended for children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with a sensitivity to caffeine.
While most healthy adults can drink Bang Energy drinks in moderation without any adverse effects, many demographics are encouraged to stay away from them.
It’s also suggested to avoid using these products if you suffer from the following conditions:
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Bleeding disorders
- Heart conditions
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- High blood pressure
- Parkinson’s disease
- Schizophrenia
And don’t forget that everyone is different. The FDA’s recommended daily intake is only a guideline, and everyone has their own personal tolerance levels. You should never consume more caffeine than you can safely handle.
The Evolution of Bang Energy
Bang Energy drinks hit the shelves in 2012 and quickly became the fourth-highest-selling energy drink in 2023. However, things quickly turned around after that when the CEO and founder of Bang Energy made unfounded claims that the beverages could help cure Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological disorders.
Following a multimillion-dollar lawsuit from Monster, Bang Energy declared bankruptcy in 2023 and was then acquired by its competitor.
The company used to sport a wide range of products such as Bang Keto Coffee (suitable for alternative diets) or Bang Natural (which contained less caffeine that was derived from natural sources), but these all have been discontinued.
What Users Think of Bang Energy Drinks
Bang Energy drinks are very popular, selling over 47 million cases in 2021. They are quickly rising in the fitness industry and also found an important place in the keto diet.
Consumer reviews of Bang Energy products are very mixed. In fact, social conversations about Bang Energy dropped by over 560% from 2023 to 2024. This is partly due to the marketing trends, such as consumers' preference for healthier beverage options, making many people leery of Bang’s high caffeine content.
Not only that, rankings of the “most popular flavor” vary widely (although Black Cherry Vanilla seems to always make it near the top of the list). So, if you are thinking about trying out Bang Energy drinks, you have 12 flavors to choose from, including everything from Peach Mango to Rainbow Unicorn!
Alternatives to High-Caffeine Energy Drinks
If the high-caffeine content of Bang or other energy drinks has you worried, there are many lower-caffeine alternatives you can try for a healthier energy boost, such as:
- Traditional coffee — such as Cafely OG SaiGon, which is a strong dark-roast coffee made of a mix of arabica, robusta, and peaberry that offers a rich flavor with a natural boost of energy.
- Black tea — still offers the benefits of caffeinated drinks without worrying about ingesting too much when consumed in moderation.
- Kombucha — is a fermented drink that gives a gentle energy lift with its B vitamins and other ingredients and contains only 10-15 mg of caffeine per 8oz serving.
- Coconut water — is loaded with electrolytes that quickly replenish and boost your energy (plus it is caffeine-free).
- Protein shakes — are excellent post-workout beverages that can replenish nutrients and give a natural energy boost.
FAQs: Bang Energy Caffeine Content
If you are still wondering about the caffeine content of Bang Energy Drinks, here are the answers to commonly asked questions:
1. How much caffeine is in a Bang Energy drink compared to a cup of coffee?
A can of Bang contains roughly three times as much caffeine as an average cup of coffee.
2. Is it safe to drink Bang Energy drinks every day?
While a single can of Bang falls under the daily caffeine intake recommended by the FDA, daily consumption is not recommended for everyone, especially for prolonged periods.
3. Can Bang Energy drinks cause caffeine overdose?
Yes, consuming multiple cans within a short period of time, or even within a single day, can lead to caffeine overdose.
4. Are there any caffeine-free versions of Bang?
No, all available Bang Energy drinks contain the same high amount of caffeine.
5. How does Bang's high caffeine content affect workout performance?
Bang can increase alertness and energy, potentially improving workout intensity.
6. Is Bang suitable for children?
No, Bang energy drinks are not recommended for children due to their high caffeine content.
Related: Is Caffeine Bad for Kids?
7. Is Bang suitable for adults?
Bang Energy drinks are not recommended for pregnant or nursing women or those with caffeine sensitivity.
8. How does Bang’s caffeine content compare to other energy drinks?
Bang Energy drinks have a higher caffeine content than most other energy drinks.
9. Can Bang Energy drinks help you lose weight?
While often marketed as a weight loss aid, energy drinks are often associated with poor weight loss behaviors and unhealthy body image [7].
10. What are some natural alternatives to Bang?
Natural coffee blends, like Cafely Sai Gon OG, have lower caffeine levels and are a healthier and more natural alternative to energy drinks.
References:
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Energy drinks. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/energy-drinks
- Ribeiro, J. A., & Sebastião, A. M. (2010). Caffeine and adenosine. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease: JAD, 20 Suppl 1(20), S3-15. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-2010-1379
- Commissioner, O. of the. (n.d.). Spilling the beans: How much caffeine is too much? U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much
- USDA. (2020). Dietary Guidelines For Americans. Ninth Edition. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans_2020-2025.pdf
- A;, M. A. S. A. (n.d.). Energy drinks and atrial fibrillation in young adults. Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28527645/
- Higgins, J. P., Tuttle, T. D., & Higgins, C. L. (2010, November). Energy beverages: Content and safety. Mayo Clinic proceedings. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2966367/
- EG;, J. A. H. K. (n.d.). Energy Drinks, weight loss, and disordered eating behaviors. Journal of American College Health : J of ACH. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24635529/
