Skip to Content

Is Irn-Bru Energy Bad for You? (Detailed Answer)

Irn-Bru is an energy drink with 120g of caffeine, 36g of sugar, and additional vitamins. A regular can and a sugar-free version of the beverage are available.

To answer the question above: Irn-Bru isn’t bad for you as long as you consume in moderation.

In this article, I’ll tell you everything about Irn-Bru Energy and whether or not the effects are bad for you.

Let’s begin.

Irn-Bru Energy

Ingredients In Irn-Bru Energy

A can of 330ml of Irn-Bru Energy has these ingredients:

  • Carbonated water
  • Taurine
  • Quinine
  • Citric acid
  • Ammonium ferric citrate
  • Sweeteners: Aspartame and Acesulfame K (No Sugar version only)
  • Preservative E211
  • Colours: Sunset Yellow FCF, Ponceau 4R

Nutrients In Irn-Bru

330ml Irn-Bru contains these nutrients. 

Calories153
Fat0g
Caffeine120mg
Saturated fatty acid0g
Carbohydrates36g
Sugar36g
Protein 0.5g
Salt0.25g
Niacin4.8mg
Vitamin B60.42mg
Vitamin B120.75
Irn-Bru Nutrients and Ingredients

Caffeine In Irn-Bru

A can of Irn-Bru Energy contains 120mg. 

According to European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), a healthy adult shouldn’t consume more than 400mg of caffeine in a single day, which means that 120mg is below the limit.

I honestly think Irn-Bru Energy has the right amount of caffeine since 120mg of caffeine isn’t too much or too little. Because Irn-Bru contains a low level of caffeine, a serving of this beverage can help you feel more energized while performing a job and enhance your overall workflow.

Having caffeine can have the following benefits for your body:

  • Increased alertness
  • Reduce fatigue
  • Increase energy levels
  • Speed up your metabolism

However, having too much caffeine isn’t recommended. If you think that 120mg of caffeine is too much to handle, consider trying other energy drinks

Overconsuming too much caffeine isn’t safe for your body, as it causes these side effects:

  • Dehydration
  • Headaches
  • Anxiety
  • Increased Heart Rate
  • Increased Blood Pressure

Sugar In Irn-Bru Energy

Irn-Bru Energy has 36g of sugar in the regular can. Meanwhile, Ace-K and aspartame sugar-free version.

According to the National Health Service (NHS), an adult shouldn’t take more than 30 grams of sugar in a 24-hour period, which means that the amount of sugar is too much.

Excessive sugar consumption can result in problems such as the following:

  • Weight Gain
  • Increased Risks of Heart Disease
  • Acne
  • Cellular Aging

If this much sugar concerns you, you can always go for the sugar-free option of Irn-Bru. Since that the sugar-free version doesn’t add any calories to your diet, there’ll be no dangers as long as you don’t drink excessive amounts.

Aspartame is a popular sweetener included in over 6000 goods, including Irn-Bru Energy.

If you avoid sugar, aspartame is a healthy component in goods that can help you maintain your weight.
To avoid aspartame overdose, be sure to not overconsume more than one can of Irn-Bru Energy sugar-free at a time.

The second sweetener in Irn-Bru is Ace-K which is a sugar-free energy drink that’s 200 times sweeter than sugar.

If you’re curious about Aspartame, here’s a video to help educate you:

Aspartame Effects

Can You Drink Irn-Bru Energy Every Day?

You can have Irn-Bru Energy every day. 

While the caffeine content is below the recommended limit, I still wouldn’t advise you to have a can of Irn-Bru Energy every day. since it contains 36g of sugar which is too much for your body according to the standards of NHS. 

If you have a can of Irn-Bru Energy every single day, that means you’re consuming 36g of sugar at once, which isn’t healthy since it may cause many side effects which I have mentioned earlier in the article.

I suggest you take the sugar-free version and not the regular one if you plan on consuming it every day.

If you want to learn more about this matter, check this article I wrote: Can You Drink Irn-Bru Every Day? (Details)

Side Effects Of Irn-Bru Energy

It’s normal for energy drinks to have side effects, especially if you don’t consume in moderation, so keep that in mind.

Excessive consumption of caffeine can lead to some health problems and consuming it regularly for long periods of time can have these negative impacts on your health:

  • Heart Disease
  • Confusion
  • Vomiting
  • Drowsiness
  • Miscarriage 

Another thing you should be concern about before consuming Irn-Bru Energy is sugar.

However, you can always go for sugar-free Irn-Bru Energy as it will eliminate all the side effects sugar can cause. People who have diabetes and people who don’t want much sugar in their diet can always opt for the sugar-free option.

But still, if you decide to have a can of Irn-Bru Energy with sugar, you should be aware of these side effects before consuming:

  • Weight Gain
  • Diabetes
  • Weak Immune System
  • Dental Cavity
  • Depression

Having a can of Irn-Bru once in a while isn’t an issue, but having it on daily basis can lead to some serious health problems. 

Is Irn-Bru Gluten-Free?

IngredientsGluten-Free?
Carbonated waterYes
TaurineYes
QuinineYes
Citric acidYes
Ammonium ferric citrateYes
Aspartame Yes
AcesulfameYes
Preservative E211Yes
Sunset Yellow FCFYes
Ponceau 4RYes

In accordance with the components listed above, there are no traces of wheat, barley, rye, or any other glutinous substances in this beverage.

Therefore, whether you have a gluten-related illness such as celiac disease, wheat allergy, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, it’s still a safe drink for you to consume.

If you’re still not persuaded, I recommend that you contact the producer themselves to inquire about whether or not Irn-Brus is gluten-free or not.

How Many Irn-Bru Energy Can You Have In A Day?

You can have only one can of Irn-Bru daily. 

Irn-Bru Energy has 120mg of caffeine and 36g of sugar which is a hefty amount, so I suggest you only stick one can.

Having two or more cans in a day means you will be consuming more than 240mg of caffeine and more than 72g of sugar.

If you really need to consume an energy drink, then try not to consume more than 1 can in a day as more than 1 can of Irn-Bru can lead to serious health issues. 

Does Irn-Bru Energy Actually Work?

Irn-Bru does work and it gives you benefits as long as you don’t overconsume.

Based on caffeine present, it’s enough to boost your energy to make you more alert. However, if you’re someone with a low caffeine tolerance, 120mg can be too much for you.

The B vitamins present in Irn-Bru Energy can also have great benefits for your health, which is a huge plus since some vitamins are known to be not produced by your body.

In the end, it still depends from person to person, since you have different preferences. However, I believe that Irn-Bru does benefit you in a ton of ways, so if Irn-Bru works for you, then keep enjoying it.

Is Irn-Bru Energy Good For You?

Irn-Bru Energy is good for you because of the many benefits it provides you.

Irn-Bru Energy has many ingredients which provide benefits to your body, you can have many nutrients by consuming a can of Irn-Bru Energy but only if you consume it in a controlled amount. 

Remember to not go overboard with energy drinks since they cause a negative impact on your health.

Remember to not go overboard with energy drinks since they cause a negative impact on your health. Consuming a can of Irn-Bru Energy occasionally won’t harm your health but consuming it excessively can cause harm to your body. 

If you’re someone who has a healthy lifestyle and has an active routine then consuming a can of Irn-Bru once in a while won’t cause any problem for you. Just be wary of you’re intake regardless if you’re physically active or not.

Is Irn-Bru Energy Bad For You?

Irn-Bru Energy isn’t bad for you if you don’t overconsume.

Irn-Bru Energy contains ingredients like Taurine and B Vitamins which can be beneficial for your body, and having these ingredients in an energy drink can be great.

The Taurine in Irn-Bru, also known as amino sulfonic acid, is naturally produced by the human body. Taurine protects the body from harmful matters and improves performance as well.

Taurine has other great benefits, such as:

  • Regulated Immune System
  • Reduced Blood Pressure
  • Improved Mental Performance

Irn-Bru also contains B Vitamins which are essential for your body as it breaks down fatty acid to provides energy to your body.

The caffeine in Irn-Bru isn’t a harmful amount as long as you limit yourself to one can a day.

You can have all of these benefits only if you consume Irn-Bru Energy in moderation. Otherwise, it can have negative effects on your body.

Irn Bru isn’t bad as long as you consume in moderation.

Is Irn-Bru Energy Drink suitable for regular consumption?

Irn-Bru is not suitable for regular consumption due to its high caffeine and sugar content. While energy drinks can provide a temporary boost of energy, relying on them for daily energy needs is not a sustainable or healthy practice. It is important to obtain energy through balanced nutrition.

Instead of depending on energy drinks, it is advisable to focus on maintaining a well-balanced diet, getting sufficient rest, and engaging in physical activity to enhance energy levels naturally. If you need an occasional energy boost, consider to only drink a minimal and moderate amount.

Can regular consumption of Irn-Bru Energy Drink lead to addiction?

Regular consumption of Irn-Bru Energy Drink, which contains caffeine, can potentially lead to caffeine dependence or addiction. Caffeine is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system and can create a psychological and physical dependency when consumed in high amounts over an extended period.

It is important to be mindful of your caffeine intake and gradually reduce consumption if you feel dependent on energy drinks. If you suspect caffeine addiction or struggle with reducing your intake, seeking guidance from a healthcare professional can be helpful in managing and overcoming addiction.

Irn-Bru Flavours

There’s only one flavour available in Irn-Bru Energy which is the original sparkling flavoured Irn-Bru soft drink.

Although it would be preferable if Irn-Bru offered a wider variety of energy drink flavours, it’s worth noting that the company does offer a sugar-free variant.

Personally, I believe that more energy drink flavours are required, and I hope that there will be more available in the future since if there were more flavours in Irn-Bru Energy, it would be better since there would be more options to choose from.

Where Can You Buy Irn-Bru Energy From?

You can get Irn-Bru Energy delivered right to your doorstep.

You can buy Irn-Bru Energy online, but then you would have to pay shipping charges. A pack of 12 typically charges for around $15.

Irn-Bru is available for purchase through Amazon and British Corner Shop, and you can learn more about the sugar-free version on the company’s official site.

Alternatives To Irn-Bru Energy Drink

If you’re looking for an energy drink other than Irn-Bru Energy then here are some similar options for you:

Final Thoughts

In my opinion, Irn-Bru energy is a great drink. It has the right amount of caffeine to boost your energy, there are some ingredients that benefit your health.

I think one can of Irn-Bru is enough to make you energetic for the whole day and make you focus and perform better at your task. However, the sugar content present in Irn-Bru is something you should be concerned about.

However, there’s a sugar-free option which is great for people with diabetes and for people who are on a diet. 

I wouldn’t suggest you have a can of Irn-Bru regularly, but having it occasionally won’t cause any harm to your health.

Keep enjoying your Irn-Bru and always remember that moderation is key.

Related Articles

Skip to content