American Beverage Association Statement on Caffeinated Energy Drinks

In response to "Caffeinated Energy Drinks -- A growing problem," a study to be published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, the American Beverage Association (ABA) issued the following statement:

"It's unfortunate that the authors of this article would attempt to lump all energy drinks together in a rhetorical attack when the facts of their review clearly distinguishes the mainstream responsible players from novelty companies seeking attention and increased sales based solely on extreme names and caffeine content.

Their review confirms that the amount of caffeine in mainstream energy drinks is, in fact, moderate. As a comparison, energy drinks typically contain half the caffeine found in regular coffeehouse coffee. Specifically, a 16-ounce regular blend coffee at a popular coffeehouse contains 320 mg of caffeine, while a comparable size mainstream energy drink contains about 160 mg (see graphic here: http://www.ameribev.org/industry-issues/healthy-balanced-diet/beverage-ingr edients/caffeine/fact-sheets/download.aspx?id=192). So those suggesting that energy drinks should require warning labels need to be aware of the slippery slope this would create: to be consistent, products at coffeehouses also would require such unnecessary labeling.

Furthermore, our companies market their energy drink products responsibly. It's unhelpful to the public that the authors would combine certain extreme products with illicit or suggestive names with other more mainstream energy drinks in an effort to sensationalize and demonize the entire product category and gain exposure for their work.

Our companies meet all government labeling regulations. Consumers can easily find out how much caffeine is in a beverage by calling the company's 1-800 number or visiting its Web site. In addition, some of our member companies voluntarily list the amount of caffeine directly on a product's label.

Quite simply, energy drinks can be part of a balanced lifestyle when consumed sensibly."

The American Beverage Association is the trade association representing the broad spectrum of companies that manufacture and distribute non-alcoholic beverages in the United States.