Short answer: Bucked Up energy drink is non-vegan.
A healthy vegan diet isn’t a reason to avoid energy drinks entirely. Still, you should carefully check your favorite brand’s ingredients label to determine if it contains any animal-derived substances.
The solution is right there in the can’s packaging in the instance of Bucked Up. The company’s emblem is a massive deer head stamped with the American flag.
Except for deer antler velvet, none of the ingredients in Bucked Up are derived from animals, effectively making the drink non-vegan.
Bucked Up is a new energy drink that has recently hit the market. This great Ready to Consume Energy Drink eliminates the need for messy granules or shaker bottles; snap the cap and glass.
It works well as a coffee alternative, an afternoon pick-me-up at work, or a pre-workout energy drink.
Bucked Up Energy Drinks, manufactured by Das Labs, contain a lot of caffeine and other energetic chemicals.
Keep reading to know why a non-vegan drink is not suitable for you and more information on Bucked Up energy drink.
Page Contents
What does Vegan mean?
All animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs, are prohibited in a vegan or plant-based diet.
Vegan diets can be highly nutritious, minimize the risk of chronic diseases, and promote weight loss when followed correctly.
Vegan diets are nutrient-dense and low in saturated fats. According to research, eating a healthy diet can enhance heart health, prevent cancer, and reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes.
People who eat purely plant-based foods, on the other hand, should be more aware of how to get certain minerals, such as iron, calcium, and vitamin B-12, that are typically found in an omnivorous diet.
The video below will provide you with details about the effects of a vegan diet on individuals.
Ingredients in Bucked Up Energy Drink
Given the purpose of an energy drink, the beefed-up ingredients will spark your interest. While this product contains no fillers, it does include 300mg of caffeine each dose and a non-vegan component.
Beta-alanine and taurine are also present, which help to promote muscle growth and improve pumps. It is best to drink it first thing in the morning before working out because it contains no added sugar or salt.
- Carbonated Water
- Natural Flavors
- Citric Acid
- Sucralose
- Sodium Benzoate
- Caffeine Anhydrous
- Beta-Alanine
- L-Theanine
- Acesulfame Potassium
- Deer Antler Velvet
- Korean Red Ginseng
- Huperzine-A
- Taurine
- Methylliberine (as Dynamine)
- Alpha GPC
Deer Antler Velvet (Non-Vegan Component)
Deer antler velvet is the soft, fluffy hair that protects the bone and cartilage of newly formed antlers that haven’t yet calcified or hardened.
Deer antlers are unique in that they are among the fastest-growing bones in the animal kingdom. Every year, deer and elk shed and regenerate their antlers.
The female sex hormones estrone and estradiol are found in deer velvet, among other things. It also contains compounds that may aid in cell growth and function.
IGF-1, or “insulin-like growth factor 1,” is a growth hormone found in deer antler velvet.
According to Leon Popovitz, an orthopedic surgeon and founder of New York Bone & Joint in Manhattan, “Early research reveals that IGF-1 may be useful in mending some cartilage and tendon injuries.”
It is used in energy drinks like Bucked Up to support athletic performance by increasing energy levels, providing strength, and supporting the increase of eyesight and muscle improvement due to the properties of rapid cell-building power.
It has the following benefits to the human body:
- Boost strength and endurance
- Improve the functioning of the immune system
- Promote rapid recovery from an illness
- Treat asthma, indigestion, blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
- Protect liver from toxins
- Stimulate the circulation of blood
- Increase the production of red blood cells
- Increase the level of estrogen and testosterone
Beta-Alanine
Beta-alanine is an amino acid that helps to keep lactic acid from building up in muscles.
High-intensity exercise increases hydrogen ions, which causes weariness and impairs performance by increasing acidity in the muscle (lowering muscle pH).
By “soaking” up hydrogen ions, carnosine (which is made up of amino acids and beta-alanine) modulates muscle acidity (pH), increases fatigue resistance, and may improve training capacity and performance.
Benefits of Beta-Alanine are:
- Increased muscle endurance
- Antioxidant benefits
- Stabilizing body after a workout
Taurine
The 100 milligrams of taurine in Bucked Up may help you improve your endurance and mental cognition.
Taurine is frequently misunderstood as a stimulant similar to caffeine. However, this is not the case. The chemical works by acting as a nervous system depressant to stimulate the brain.
Taurine may also assist in reducing the adverse effects of coffee on the cardiovascular system.
Other benefits of taurine are:
- It protects eyes
- Helps in relaxing muscles
- Improves performance on exercise.
Alpha GPC
Alphasize Alpha Gpc, also known as L-alpha glyceryl phosphoryl choline, is a dietary supplement that has been shown to help with mental decline.
Despite the lack of scientific evidence, a dose of 200 milligrams can improve mental concentration and help you stay focused on exercise for longer.
Is Bucked Up Energy drink Vegan?
No, Bucked Up energy drink is not vegan.
Vegan-friendly drinks do not incorporate any animal products in their constitution.
The only non-vegan ingredient in the drink is the deer antler velvet.
The growing bone and cartilage that develops deer antlers are covered by deer velvet.
People take it for various reasons, including athletic performance, high blood pressure, increased sexual desire, asthma, and other ailments. Still, there is no clear scientific evidence to back up these claims.
While taurine is commonly associated with beef (or even bull sperm), it can also be synthesized, and it is this type that is frequently found in energy beverages.
Nutrition Content of Bucked Up Energy Drink
| Bucked Up (1 can) | Nutritional Value |
| Calories | 0 |
| Total Fat | 0 |
| Sugar | 0 |
| Added Sugar | 0 |
| Vitamin B6 | 25mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 500mcg |
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B-12, which is exclusively found in animal foods, aids in the digestion of food, but it is also required for the formation of red blood cells and DNA, making this drink nutritionally distinct.
They are found in energy drinks because they are essential for energy metabolism.
Those that aren’t absorbed by your body, although being water-soluble, are flushed out of your system, leaving no risks behind.
This allows energy drinks to contain significantly more caffeine than the daily recommended intake without harming the consumer.
Benefits of Vitamin B12 are:
- Aids in the synthesis of protein
- Aids in the formation of new brain cells.
- Enhances nerve function
Bucked Up Energy Drink Caffeine Content
Each 16-ounce can of Bucked Up includes 300 milligrams of caffeine.
The caffeine content in most energy drinks ranges from 50 to 250 mg, making Bucked Up a caffeine powerhouse.
Pre-workout beverages, designed for persons who have a demanding training program such as bodybuilding, typically contain this quantity.
Bucked Up is not for everyone, solely because of the caffeine. Remember that everyone’s caffeine tolerance is different, so even a tiny dose of caffeine can be too much for you.
In addition, the FDA has suggested a daily caffeine limit of 400 mg. Yes, Bucked Up is still below this limit, but you could inadvertently be taking caffeine from other sources throughout the day.
Other than energy drinks and other beverages, caffeine is also found in chocolates and supplements.
A high intake of caffeine can cause:
- Seizures
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle tremors
- Irregular heartbeat
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Confusion
- Mood Swings
Is Bucked Up Energy Drink Sugar-free?
| Sweetener | Forms | Uses | Benefit | Acceptable Daily Intake |
| Acesulfame Potassium | Food manufacturers add it to foods and drinks | It’s found in a variety of non-medicinal items. | Safe to consume in pregnancy. | 15 mg per kg of body weight. |
| Sucralose | Available in granulated and powdered form. | Baked products, beverages, chewing gum, gelatins, and frozen dairy desserts are a few of the items that contain it. | No effect on blood or insulin level. | 5 milligrams for each kilogram of body weight. |
Bucked Up is a sugar-free beverage. The brand uses the artificial sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame potassium to flavor their drinks.
Sucralose and acesulfame potassium are widely used and approved by the FDA.
Since sucralose has no calories and is 600 times sweeter than ordinary sugar, a little goes a long way. You’re undoubtedly familiar with it because it’s sold under the brand name Splenda.
Ace-k, or acesulfame potassium, is a low-calorie sweetener with a bitter flavor. This is why it’s generally mixed with other sweets to improve the taste.
Artificial sweeteners can be harmful if they are consumed excessively. Some of its disadvantages are:
- A sour after taste
- Risk of cancer
- Possible weight gain
- Hyper Tension
Is Deer Antler Velvet Harmful To Your Health?
No, Deer Antler Velvet is not harmful to your health.
Another traditional Chinese medicine staple is deer antler velvet, which improves strength, endurance, and healing.
It’s so good that the NFL and PGA have banned it for giving some sportsmen an unfair advantage, mainly because it contains the banned drug IGF-1. IGF-1 has several minor adverse effects, including headaches and potentially cancer.
However, professional leagues and agencies finally removed deer antler velvet from their list of prohibited items.
Alternatives for Bucked Up Energy Drink
Hi-Ball Energy Drink
Hi–Ball, fruity seltzer water with a moderate quantity of caffeine that does not cause jitters or crashes. It’s worth noting that all of the stimulant compounds in the drink are available in organic form.
A 473ml can of this drink contains no sugar and no calories. It’s also branded an unsweetened glass because it doesn’t include any artificial sweeteners.
Hi-Ball contains a small amount of organic caffeine that has no harmful effects. You’ll also get a 100mg guarana and ginseng extract combination.
Hi-Ball is my favorite since it provides you with an energy rush derived from organic sources.
Zoa Energy Drink
Zoa is one of the most potent and highly recommended energy beverages, with 160mg caffeine.
It will provide you with the necessary energy boost without the high calories found in other energy drinks.
Zoa is considered a healthier drink than other energy drinks due to its lack of sugar.
It’s bursting at the seams with vitality. Vitamins B and C are present, and vitamin D is uncommon in energy drinks.
It contains electrolytes and BCAAs and vitamins, to keep you hydrated and help you recover after workouts.
Conclusion
Bucked Up energy drink is unsafe for vegans to consume due to the presence of red deer antler velvet. It contains a decent mix of performance-boosting vitamins and nutrients.
However, it’s worth noting that Bucked Up contains 300 mg of caffeine, which I think is too much. With just 100 mg, most people would feel energized. Consider how pumped you’d be if you took 300 milligrams.
As a result, I’d only recommend Bucked Up to people who work out often and have a strong caffeine tolerance.