A 16 fl. oz can of AMP Energy contains a total of 220 calories, 58 g sugar, and 142 mg caffeine along with other energy-boosting components like taurine, B-Vitamins, ginseng, and guarana extracts with simple and complex carbohydrates like maltodextrin.
Mountain Dew’s AMP Energy Drink is designed and marketed as a potent creation that can provide a reviving dose of energy to anybody, anywhere, and at any moment.
If you’ve arrived here, you’re obviously curious about the ingredients in AMP Energy Drink and how exactly it provides a quick energy boost.
For the nitty-gritty details, read on!
Before further discussion, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients list along with the nutrition facts to analyze what exactly goes inside a can of AMP Energy Drink.
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AMP Energy Drink VS Game Fuel
Game Fuel and AMP Energy are good options. However, Game Fuel is a much better option for your health due to the fact that it contains a lot less sugar and calories overall. On the other hand, the amount of caffeine that is found in each of them is similar.
There is no denying that AMP Energy will keep you going for a brief period of time, but if you want an energy drink that will keep you going all day long, day in and day out, then Game Fuel is the better bet.
Is AMP a good energy drink?
AMP is a good energy drink. However, due to its high sugar content and use of high fructose corn syrup, AMP Energy Drink is not the healthiest option for consumers seeking an energy drink; therefore, drinking AMP in moderation is strongly advised.
Even though it is not at all unhealthy for you to consume an Amp Energy Drink once in a while, doing so on a daily basis will add a significant amount of sugar to your diet, which is not the best thing for your overall well-being.
AMP Energy Drink Ingredients & Nutrition Facts
Here’s a quick rundown of the nutritional value of AMP energy drink to give you an idea of what you get in a can.
| Value (Standard Serving) | AMP Energy Drink (16 fl. oz.) |
| Energy | 220 calories |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates (Of which Added Sugar) | 58 g (58 g) |
| Sodium | 140 mg |
| Caffeine | 142 mg |
| Vitamin B2/Riboflavin | 0.7 mg |
| Vitamin B3/Niacin | 4 mg |
| Vitamin B5/Pantothenic Acid | 2 mg |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine | 0.3 mg |
| Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) | 1.2 μg |
Here’s a quick list of all the AMP ingredients:
- Carbonated Water
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Caffeine
- Taurine
- Citric Acid
- Concentrated Orange Juice
- Natural Flavors
- Sodium Benzoate
- Sodium Polyphosphates
- Guarana Seed Extract
- Gum Arabic
- Panax Ginseng Root Extract
- Ascorbic Acid
- Calcium Disodium EDTA
- Riboflavin
- Niacinamide
- Calcium Pantothenate
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
- Cyanocobalamin
AMP Energy Drink Calories
AMP Energy Drink has a total of 220 calories per 16 fl. oz. can, which is a bit more than what you would get in most energy drinks of this size.
Generally, the daily recommended limit is about 2,000 to 2,500 calories on a regular basis, depending on your health condition and lifestyle. In that sense, a can of AMP energy drink contains about 1/10th of the number of calories you should be having in a day.
But if you’re on a strict diet or closely monitoring your calorie intake, you can either restrict your AMP consumption or limit it to one can a day.
With that being said, have an AMP when you think you need a fast and immediate energy boost. But don’t consume too much of it, and don’t use it as a substitute for a balanced diet.
AMP Energy Drink Caffeine Content
The caffeine content in a standard 16 fl. oz. can of AMP Energy is 142 mg, which is pretty average for an energy drink of this size.
Caffeine is the primary ingredient of energy drinks, and it is responsible for its ability to keep you awake, increase your response speed, and aid in overall cognitive control.
Caffeine consumption has several short-term benefits, including:
- improved athletic performance
- improved awareness and reaction times
- improved overall cognitive function
While AMP isn’t that much of a powerful energy drink with a moderate amount of caffeine, it may also seem too much or overwhelming to some, particularly caffeine-sensitive people.
The energy boost you get from AMP can vary based on your caffeine metabolism and overall lifestyle. Therefore, you need to know your limitations before you decide to include AMP drink in your routine diet.
Just remember to restrict your caffeine intake to a safe level, or whatever your personal limit is.
The FDA recommends a caffeine intake limit of no more than 400mg per day as a guideline. Anything more than that can result in unfavorable side effects, such as:
- insomnia
- restlessness
- headaches
- stomachaches
- dizziness
- dehydration
- anxiety
Sugar Content in AMP Energy Drink
Amp Energy Drink has 58 g of sugar per 16 fl. oz can, which is a lot for an energy drink of this size.
The American Heart Association (AHA) suggests no more than 25 grams of sugar a day for women and 36 grams for men per day. And a single can of Amp Energy contains much more sugar than what you should consume in a day.
Although it’s fine to treat yourself to some sugary treats now and then, having too much sugar on a regular basis will lead to a variety of health issues, including:
- weight gain
- increased risk of heart disease
- type II diabetes
- acne
- increased risk of depression
Aside from that, you’re more likely to experience a sugar crash as a result of the spike and fall in blood sugar, particularly after the effects of caffeine wore off.
Sodium Content in AMP Energy Drink
A single serving (16 fl. oz) of AMP Energy Drink contains 140 mg of sodium.
It’s not even near the required 1500 mg of sodium a day as recommended by the American Heart Association. So, a can of AMP energy drink won’t make a significant difference in your sodium levels.
However, I would suggest you monitor how much sodium you’re consuming in total per day because too much sodium can cause serious health issues such as cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
B-Vitamins in AMP Energy Drink
Another big selling point of AMP Energy Drink is that it contains a lot of B-Vitamins.
The vitamins B3, B5, B6, and B12 in AMP Energy Drink are synthetic vitamins (chemically produced vitamins).
For example, natural vitamin B3 is referred to as niacin, while in AMP vitamin B3 is referred to as niacinamide because it is synthetically produced.
According to some research, synthetic B3 and B6 are significantly more difficult to digest than their normal counterparts. Nonetheless, most experts agree that synthetic supplements are chemically similar to natural vitamins.
If you have a cobalt allergy or Leber’s disease, you should avoid taking cyanocobalamin (artificial vitamin B12).
Overall, studies have shown mixed opinions and results regarding synthetic supplements.
Another thing to keep in mind that energy drinks are definitely not the only way to get a good dose of B-Vitamins. In fact, the amount of vitamins present in it is very minimum. So never depend on a can of AMP or any other energy drinks for vitamins.
I’ve listed the B-Vitamins present in AMP energy drink in an easy-to-read table below:
| Name Of Vitamins | Functions | Amount present in AMP Energy Drink (16 fl.oz) |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | maintains tissue integrity by aiding in digestion and absorption of nutrients. | 0.7 mg |
| Vitamin B3/Niacin (as Niacinamide) | converts nutrients into energy, repair DNA, and acts as an antioxidant to help the body function properly. | 4 mg |
| Vitamin B5/Pantothenic Acid (as Calcium pantothenate) | promotes healthier skin by breaking down fats, proteins, and coenzyme A. | 2 mg |
| Vitamin B6/Pyridoxine (as Pyridoxine hydrochloride) | supports the central nervous system which keeps the metabolism running smoothly. | 0.3 mg |
| Vitamin B12/Cobalamin (as Cyanocobalamin) | maintains brain control and nervous tissue integrity by producing red blood cells. | 1.2 µg |
| Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid | acts as an antioxidant that helps to keep muscles, skin, and blood vessels healthy. |
Check out this video if you would like to know more about B-vitamins.
High Fructose Corn Syrup in AMP
HFCS (High-Fructose Corn Syrup) is a corn-based sugar substitute used in food and beverages as an alternative to sugar.
Consuming HFCS-containing foods and beverages on occasion is apparently healthy, but consuming a significant volume of it on purpose has a range of drawbacks.
HFCS may have a number of negative consequences on your health, including:
- obesity
- weight gain
- diabetes
- liver diseases
Although a single can of AMP Energy Drink won’t affect your health right away, drinking anything that contains HFCS on a daily basis is not a good idea. S
o make sure to keep track of how much AMP Energy Drink you’re consuming regularly.
Citric Acid in AMP Energy Drink
Citric Acid is a weak organic acid, commonly present in citrus fruits like lemon, orange, etc. But it is most commonly processed as an acidifier, flavoring, or chelating agent.
The citric acid in energy drinks is often derived from synthetic sources, despite the fact that it is available in nature.
Apart from its acidic flavor, citric acid is mostly used as a preservative and to adjust the pH of beverages like AMP Energy Drink.
Concentrated Orange Juice in AMP
Concentrated Orange juice is basically a squeezed orange from which the majority of the water removed, resulting in a really acidic mixture.
Although juice concentrates seem to be nutritious, they lack many of the ingredients that make fruit juice what it is, such as fiber and natural sugars from fruits.
However, since AMP Energy also contains a significant volume of sugar for an energy drink, we can presume that the concentrate is mostly used for flavoring and maintaining pH balance.
Guarana Seed Extract
Guarana is best known for its ability to reduce fatigue and increase concentration, which isn’t surprising given that caffeine makes up a significant portion of the plant.
Guarana hails from Brazil and boasts a remarkable range of both energizers and cancer-prevention agents for your benefit.
Considering that AMP already contains a reasonable amount of caffeine, it’s tough to tell if you’re separately benefiting from guarana. But altogether, the total caffeine content in AMP will serve you well with a quick energy boost.
Gum Arabic
Acacia gum or Arabic gum is a resin obtained from acacia trees that are widely used in food as a flavor enhancer.
Although Gum Arabic is mostly used to emulsify and stabilize liquids, it also provides an effect of making you feel fuller than you actually are, which aids in calorie reduction.
Gum Arabic also has some antimicrobial activity that can help in dental remineralization i.e it may be used in dentistry.
The amount of Gum Arabic is not mentioned in the nutrient facts of AMP energy drink, so there’s no way of knowing exactly how effective it is.
However, I’m guessing it works more as a stabilizing agent than a source of fiber, but I could be wrong though.
Taurine in AMP Energy Drink
Taurine, a popular ingredient in energy drinks, is an amino acid with a number of possible health benefits.
Many of the most notable Taurine effects include assisting nerve development as well as lowering blood pressure.
Although taurine has been reported to increase cognitive capacity, studies have shown that when it comes to energy drinks, caffeine plays the same function as taurine in that regard.
As a result, it’s difficult to say how much value taurine has, but there’s no risk in consuming it, so there’s no need to stress over that.
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Ginseng is an aromatic herb that is commonly used in traditional medicines and cuisines, as well as in energy drinks.
Appropriate doses of ginseng can have notable benefits such as:
- increased energy
- improved cognitive performance
- anti-inflammation properties
- reduced blood sugar
Is AMP Bad For You?
AMP Energy Drink isn’t actually harmful to you if you drink in moderation.
But it’s normally not considered a healthy drink due to its high sugar content.
The issue with consuming AMP daily is that it brings an unhealthy amount of sugar to your diet, and with all the sugar comes calories. And we all know how bad sugar can be.
So, save AMP for when you really need to keep your blood sugar level up, or when you need a blast of energy to finish a task.
You should be fine with a can or two of AMP Energy Drink every now and then, as long as you know how to keep your caffeine and sugar consumption in order.
If you’re interested in knowing more about how AMP Energy Drink could be bad for you, check out this article I’ve written.
How do ingredients in energy drinks provide energy?
Energy drinks provide a temporary energy boost through a combination of ingredients. Caffeine, a common stimulant, blocks adenosine receptors in the brain, increasing alertness.
Sugar offers a quick source of energy by rapidly elevating blood sugar levels. B-vitamins assist in energy metabolism. Taurine, an amino acid, may enhance muscle function and cellular energy production. Some energy drinks also contain herbal extracts like guarana or ginseng for additional stimulation.
What is the main purpose of energy drinks?
The main purpose of energy drinks is to provide a temporary boost in energy, mental alertness, and focus. They are often consumed by individuals who need an extra energy boost to stay awake, improve concentration, or enhance physical or mental performance.
Energy drinks are formulated with ingredients to help combat fatigue, increase wakefulness, and enhance performance.
AMP Energy Drink Flavors
AMP comes in four different flavors.
- Original Dew
- Tropical Punch
- Strawberry Limeade
- Cherry Blast
AMP Energy Drink Alternatives
If you want to try out energy drinks that are similar to AMP, here are few suggestions:
Final Thought
AMP’s caffeine and other ingredients altogether make it ideal for achieving the prime purpose of an energy drink.
The combination of the energy-boosting components will help you stay stimulated for a good few hours.
Although AMP energy drink is awesome on occasions, too much of it may cause you health problems.
I think the best would be to limit your AMP energy drink intake to one can a day. That way, you can avoid all the negatives and enjoy the positives for a longer period.
Just make sure that you’re aware of your caffeine and sugar intake limits and you’re good to go!