Have you heard of Irn Bru? No? Then you’re not alone. Made by the AG Barr company, Irn Bru is a popular Scottish drink that’s origins may surprise you. There is even an Irn Bru energy drink available to those who need an extra kick throughout the day. The important question to ask, however, is how much caffeine is in Irn Bru? Let’s find out that answer and learn more about this Scottish brand in the process. A can of Irn Bru has 30 mg of caffeine.
The Birth of Irn Bru
In 1901, Scottish ironworkers were busy rebuilding the Glasgow Central Station. Adding the new additions to the station was hard work and the people responsible needed something to quench their thirst. Unfortunately, the beverage of choice was beer. As we all know, it can be difficult to get your work done when you’re drinking too much brew. This was when a local company, AG Barr, stepped in.
As a local soft drink company, they had a plan. What better way to stop the overindulgence in beer than to offer the workers another option? By crafting an “iron brew” similar to a tonic with caffeine and sugar, Irn Bru was born. The original drink was advertised as featuring 32 flavors and a secret recipe. Thanks to this new drink, the Scottish had a new way of getting through a hard day.
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The Caffeine Content of the Original Irn Bru
In comparison to some drinks on the market, Irn Bru has a relatively low caffeine content. According to caffeine informer, their original formula features 30 milligrams of caffeine per every 330 mL can. To make things even better, the company also offers a sugar-free version of this soft drink that has become known as Scotland’s 2nd national drink.
Here’s a look at how the original Irn Bru caffeine content compares to other popular soft drinks on the market.
| Irn Bru (330 mL can) | 30 mg of caffeine |
| Pepsi (12 fl oz can) | 38 mg of caffeine |
| Coca Cola (12 fl oz can) | 34 mg of caffeine |
| Diet Pepsi (12 fl oz can) | 35 mg of caffeine |
| Diet Coke (12 fl oz can) | 46 mg of caffeine |
Irn Bru Energy
While the original Irn Bru faithfully kept the people of Scotland’s thirst quenched, like so many others around the world, they needed more energy. To answer that plea, in 2019, AG Barr decided to dive into the world of energy and offer lovers of their original beverage Irn Bru Energy and Irn Bru Energy No Sugar. What fans of the original love about this version is the taste. The same flavors of the original make their way into an energy-packed can.
So, what’s the difference between the original Irn Bru and the newer energy version now available on the market? The answer is the caffeine amount. While the original soft drink version is relatively low in caffeine, the energy drinks contain quite a bit more. In a 330 mL can, both Irn Bru energy and its sugar-free version contains 120 milligrams of caffeine. This is a high amount considering the size of the can.
Let’s take a look at how Irn Bru Energy compares to other popular energy drinks available on the market.
| Irn Bru Energy (330 mL can) | 120 mg of caffeine |
| Bang Energy (16 fl oz can) | 300 mg of caffeine |
| 5 Hour Energy (2 fl oz shot) | 200 mg of caffeine |
| Monster Energy (16 fl oz can) | 160 mg of caffeine |
| Rockstar Energy (16 fl oz can) | 160 mg of caffeine |
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The Dangers of Caffeine
Caffeine is found in many of the foods and drinks we enjoy. Are you a coffee lover? Do you prefer tea instead? Both of these beloved beverages have caffeine. This naturally occurring stimulant enhances our mental clarity, helps us stay awake, and even energizes the body when needed. But can it be dangerous?
When it comes to caffeine, if you consume it in moderation, it is relatively safe. The FDA recommends that 400 mg of caffeine per day is safe for an adult. The dangers come into play when more than this is consumed routinely. While a caffeine overdose is rare, it does happen. Most likely, when too much caffeine is consumed you’ll experience one or more of these potential side effects:
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Increased heart rate
- Headache
- Nervousness and anxiety
In Conclusion
Whether you’re a fan of the original Irn Bru or their newer energy drinks, knowing how much caffeine you’re consuming with each can is important for your health. The original Irn Bru’s 30 mg of caffeine is considered relatively low and will allow you to enjoy the great flavor of this soft drink. If you choose Irn Bru Energy, keep the increased caffeine levels in mind. With 120 mg per 330 mL can, this energy drink can be considered potent and should be enjoyed in moderation.
