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- 25 Aug 2025
- Blog
Energy Drinks Unpacked: 5 Key Ingredients and What They Do
In today’s non-stop world, staying alert and energised has become more of a necessity than a luxury. Whether you’re tackling a demanding workday, heading to the gym, or pushing through an all-nighter, energy drinks have become a go-to solution for millions. Their popularity reflects a growing need for quick, convenient energy support that aligns with the fast pace of modern living.
But not all energy drinks are made equal. There are countless formulations available—ranging from sugary sodas with a caffeine kick to zero-sugar, vitamin-rich energy shots. Each blend contains a different combination and concentration of ingredients that work synergistically to provide focus, stamina, and alertness.
So, what’s really in an energy drink? Let’s unpack 5 of the most common ingredients you’ll often find—and what they actually do.
1. Caffeine – The Classic Stimulator
Caffeine is arguably the most well-known ingredient in any energy drink. It stimulates the central nervous system, helping to reduce fatigue, improve focus, and increase alertness. It works primarily by blocking adenosine—a neurotransmitter responsible for making you feel drowsy.1
Depending on the drink, caffeine content can vary widely, so it’s essential to choose products that provide a clean, controlled dose, lest consumption causes unwanted jitters or other adverse reactions.
2. Taurine – The Energy Supporter
Taurine is a naturally occurring amino acid that plays a key role in many physiological functions—including cardiovascular health, electrolyte balance, and cellular energy production.2 In particular, taurine is involved in mitochondrial function, helping cells generate ATP—the primary unit of energy used by the body.3
In energy drinks, taurine is often added for its ability to support endurance and reduce fatigue by helping regulate fluid balance and improving the efficiency of energy metabolism. When paired with caffeine and B-vitamins, taurine enhances overall performance by supporting both the muscular and neurological systems.
3. B-Vitamins – The Metabolic Support Team
B-vitamins—such as B3 (niacin), B6, B9 (folic acid), and B12—are essential for converting food into usable energy. Increasingly found in modern energy drinks, they support a wide range of bodily functions including red blood cell formation, brain function, and metabolism.4
Since your body doesn’t store B-vitamins long-term, replenishing them regularly through diet or supplementation is important—especially during periods of physical or mental exertion.
4. L-Tyrosine – The Focus Enhancer
L-tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid involved in the production of dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline—neurotransmitters that help regulate mood, stress, and focus.5
In energy drinks, L-tyrosine is often included for its ability to enhance mental performance under stressful or fatigued conditions. It can be particularly beneficial during tasks requiring high cognitive demand.
5. L-Phenylalanine – The Mood & Memory Supporter
L-phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that serves as a building block for neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.6 These brain chemicals play a key role in regulating mood, attention, and the body’s response to stress—all of which affect how energised and motivated you feel.
By supporting the synthesis of these neurotransmitters, L-phenylalanine may help enhance memory and promote a balanced mood.7 While not as commonly recognised as caffeine or B-vitamins, it’s a valuable addition to energy drink formulations aimed at boosting both physical and cognitive performance
Why Choose 5-hour ENERGY®?
With so many options on the market, it’s important to choose an energy drink that offers effective ingredients without unnecessary fillers or sugar. 5-hour ENERGY® delivers a concentrated blend of caffeine from green tea, essential B-vitamins, L-tyrosine, L-phenylalanine, and more—all in a small, sugar-free shot that’s convenient enough to carry anywhere.
Whether you’re at work, the gym, or in need of a late-night productivity boost, 5-hour ENERGY® provides lasting energy that’s readily available whenever you need it.
Get your shots of 5-hour ENERGY® now at the official e-store.
References
1. Fredholm, B. B., Bättig, K., Holmén, J., Nehlig, A., & Zvartau, E. E. (1999). Actions of caffeine in the brain with special reference to factors that contribute to its widespread use. Pharmacological Reviews, 51(1), 83–133.
2. Ripps, H., & Shen, W. (2012). Taurine: A “very essential” amino acid. Molecular Vision, 18, 2673–2686.
3. Jong CJ, Sandal P, Schaffer SW. The Role of Taurine in Mitochondria Health: More Than Just an Antioxidant. Molecules, 26(16):4913.
4. Kennedy, D. O. (2016). B vitamins and the brain: Mechanisms, dose and efficacy—A review. Nutrients, 8(2), 68.
5. Deijen, J. B., & Orlebeke, J. F. (1994). Effect of tyrosine on cognitive function and blood pressure under stress. Brain Research Bulletin, 33(3), 319–323.
6. Fernstrom, J. D., & Fernstrom, M. H. (2007). Tyrosine, phenylalanine, and catecholamine synthesis and function in the brain. The Journal of Nutrition, 137(6), 1539S–1548S.
7. Tabassum, N., Rasool, S., Malik, Z., & Ahmad, F. (2012). Natural Cognitive Enhancers. Journal of Pharmacy Research, 5. 153-160.