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Does Irn Bru Energy Drink Actually Work? (Answered)

Irn Bru is a UK energy drink manufactured by AG Barr. It was first introduced in 1901 as a carbonated soft drink.

In 2019 Irn Bru energy was launched. It has two versions Irn Bru Energy (with sugar) and Irn Bru Energy no sugar.

Irn Bru Energy claims to provide significant energy to those who consume it.

If you want to discover more about Irn Bru Energy, read on until the end.

Nutrition Facts Of Irn Bru Energy

The table below shows the nutrients in Irn Bru energy.

NutrientsAmount
Per Serving
Energy153 calories
Carbohydrates
(of which sugar)
36g
(35g)
Salt0.25g
Caffeine120mg
Niacin15.84mg
Vitamin B61.386mg
Vitamin B122.475mcg
Protein0g

Ingredients In Irn Bru Energy

Below are the ingredients that you can have in a 330ml can of Irn Bru.

  • Calories
  • Caffeine
  • Carbohydrates
  • Sugar (in regular version only)
  • Salt
  • Niacin
  • Vitamin B6
  • Vitamin B12
  • Sweeteners: Aspartame and Acesulfame K (In sugar-free versions only)
  • Preservative E211
  • Carbonated water
  • Taurine
  • Quinine
  • Citric acid
  • Ammonium ferric citrate
  • Colours: Sunset Yellow FCF, Ponceau 4R
Ingredients of Irn Bru

Caffeine In Irn Bru Energy

Coffee beans
A can of Irn Bru has 120mg of caffeine.

Irn Bru Energy has 120mg of caffeine in every 330ml can.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) suggested that a healthy adult consumes only 400mg of caffeine daily. However, too much caffeine may lead to caffeine overdose, and you may experience the following symptoms:

  • dizziness
  • diarrhoea
  • increased thirst
  • insomnia
  • headache
  • fever
  • irritability

However, there are more severe symptoms that need immediate medical attention, such as:

  • difficulty of breathing
  • vomiting
  • hallucinations
  • confusion
  • chest pain
  • irregular heartbeat
  • uncontrollable muscle movements
  • convulsions

The best way to avoid caffeine overdose is to have a moderate consumption of caffeine. Like in consuming Irn Bru Energy, you must have limitations. One can is actually enough to cater to your energy needs.

Want to try highly caffeinated drinks? read: What Are The Strongest Energy Drinks? (Highly Caffeinated)

Sugar In Irn Bru Energy

Sugar cubes
A can of Irn Bru contains 36g of sugar

A 330ml of Irn Bru Energy has 36g of sugar.

The amount of sugar in Irn Bru E energy is relatively high and is beyond the recommended limit set by the National Health Service (NHS), which is 30g for a 24hour period.

Excessive sugar consumption may put you at higher risk for:

  • cardiovascular disease
  • cognitive problems
  • colon cancer
  • diabetes
  • hypertension
  • kidney disease
  • liver disease
  • obesity
  • pancreatic cancer
  • retina damage
  • muscle and nerve damage

The sugar in Irn Bru is way too much, and if you don’t want that amount and want to avoid future problems, you can switch to Irn Bru Energy no sugar.

The video shows the signs of too much sugar consumption.

If you’re cutting sugar in your diet, you might want to read: 10 Best Sugar-Free Energy Drinks (Detailed List)

Artificial Sweetener In Irn Bru Energy

Irn Bru Energy no sugar contains Acesulfame potassium and aspartame as sugar alternatives.

Acesulfame potassium is an artificial sweetener that’s 200 times sweeter than sugar, but it has a slightly bitter aftertaste.

It’s usually combined with other sweeteners because of the bitter aftertaste.

There’s a wide variety of food and drinks that contains acesulfame potassium, including:

  • sodas
  • fruit juices
  • non-carbonated drinks
  • tabletop sweeteners
  • dairy products
  • ice cream
  • desserts
  • jam, jelly, and marmalade
  • baked goods
  • marinades
  • yoghurt
  • milk products
  • breakfast cereals
  • salad dressings
  • condiments
  • sauces

Aspartame is a popular artificial sweetener it is usually added to diet soda. It’s low-calorie, odorless, and 200 times sweeter than sugar.

However, a person with phenylketonuria and tardive dyskinesia shouldn’t use aspartame due to adverse effects.

B Vitamins In Irn Bru Energy

Let’s have a quick look at the table of B Vitamins in Irn Bru and their benefits.

B VitaminsBenefits
Vitamin B3Lower cholesterol
Decrease joint pain
Prevents congenital disabilities
Vitamin B6Promotes brain health
Prevents and treat anemia
Reduces symptoms of depression
Vitamin B12Improves mental function
Improves concentration
Boosts mood

Taurine In Irn Bru Energy

Taurine is a common ingredient in an energy drink. Based on research, a combination of caffeine and taurine will result in improved mental performance.

It’s naturally found in :

  • meat
  • fish
  • dairy products
  • human milk

Taurine has many benefits, such as:

  • Fights diabetes
  • Improves heart health
  • Boosts exercise performance
  • Reduces anxiety
  • Improved mood

Quinine In Irn Bru Energy

Quinine is a compound derived from the cinchona tree and is usually found in South America, Central America, the Caribbean Islands, and the west coast of Africa.

It was first developed as a treatment for malaria in the early 20th century.

Quinine is commonly found in tonic water in small doses and is safe to consume. However, too much quinine can cause the following adverse effects:

  • nausea
  • stomach cramps
  • diarrhoea
  • vomiting
  • ringing in the ears
  • confusion
  • nervousness

Does Irn Bru Energy Actually Work?

Moderate consumption of Irn Bru Energy will provide you with several benefits.

The caffeine content of Irn Bru is an adequate amount to increase your energy levels and mental alertness. You will make you stay awake for hours and reduce mental fatigue.

However, the effect will still depend on a person’s caffeine tolerance. Some people prefer to have 150-200mg of caffeine, while others prefer 50-120mg.

Irn bru also contains B Vitamins that promote your overall health, boost immunity, and prevent certain diseases.

Is Irn Bru Energy Good For You?

Irn Bru Energy is good for you and can benefit you if you have it in moderation.

Irn Bru’s main ingredient is caffeine which can provide several benefits if consumed in moderation.

These benefits include:

  • improves mood
  • improves brain function
  • boosts metabolism
  • fat burning
  • enhances exercise performance
  • protection from heart disease
  • protection against diabetes
  • liver protection

Remember that you don’t have to go beyond caffeine maximum intake because it may cause adverse effects and health problems.

Is Irn Bru Energy Gluten-Free?

Gluten Free
Irn Bru is gluten free

Irn Bru Energy is gluten-free.

When you look at the ingredients of Irn Bru Energy, you’ll see that there is no gluten in it.

If you’re on a gluten-free diet or have gluten intolerance, Irn Bru is safe for you to drink.

But if you want to be more sure, you can confirm with the manufacturer if Irn Bru Energy is gluten-free.

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

You should limit your consumption to one can per day to avoid any adverse effects.

Irn Bru contains 120mg of caffeine, which is still within the maximum limit, but consuming two cans a day will give you 240mg of caffeine, almost half of the maximum limit.

It would help if you considered that other food and drinks contain caffeine that you may consume within the day, along with Irn Bru Energy. There’s a possibility that you may go beyond the limit, which is not suitable for you.

Another is the sugar content which is 36g, and that amount is beyond the recommendation of NHS, which is 30g. The sugar in Irn Bru is 6g higher than the recommended limit.

However, the best way is to limit your consumption to one can per day to avoid any adverse effects.

And if you’re worried about the sugar in Irn Bru, you can simply switch to Irn Bru no sugar.

What Happens If You Consume Too Much Irn Bru Energy?

Consuming too many energy drinks will result in different adverse effects.

Excessive caffeine consumption will lead to several side effects, such as:

  • anxiety
  • insomnia
  • digestive issues
  • muscle breakdown
  • addiction
  • high blood pressure
  • rapid heart rate
  • fatigue
  • frequent urination

Since Irn Bru contains sugar, and too much sugar can cause:

  • tooth decay
  • inflammation
  • overeating
  • increased waist size
  • weight gain
  • skin ageing
  • wrinkles

What Does Irn Bru Taste Like?

The taste of Irn Bru is quite unique and refreshing, it’s hard to describe the exact flavor, at first you’ll taste the fruity bubblegum-like flavor and the aftertaste is quite similar to orange or cream soda

The taste of Irn Bru is undoubtedly good for me.

However, I hope they would release more Flavours in the future

Irn Bru Flavours

There are only two flavors of Irn Bru Energy.

  • Irn Bru Energy Original
  • Irn Bru Energy No Sugar

Alternative To Irn Bru Energy

If you want to try other energy drinks as an alternative to Irn Bru, I will recommend you the following:

Final Verdict

Irn Bru Energy works because of the combination of caffeine and ingredients. It’ll give you significant energy levels and enhance mental and physical performance to suit an active lifestyle.

However, you consume Irn Bru Energy in moderation to avoid any adverse effects and possible health conditions.

It’ll help if you consume one can per day of Irn Bru Energy to experience the utmost benefit of this energy drink.

And if you want a healthier option, you can switch to the no-sugar version of Irn Bru.

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