Unless you’ve been living under a rock since 2001, you’ve most likely heard of Rockstar Energy Drinks. These drinks came blazing into the beverage world promising to give us all the energy and enhanced performance we dreamed of. While these drinks were, and still are, aimed at athletes, rockstars, and everyday people who need to keep going, exactly how do they work?
One of the most potent ingredients in any energy drink, whether it’s Rockstar, Red Bull, or a shot of espresso, is caffeine. Caffeine mixed with other additives is what gives these energizing drinks their power. But how much caffeine is in Rockstar Energy Drinks? The answer to that is 160 milligrams (mg) of caffeine in a 12-ounce can. In their 24-ounce can you’ll find 240 mg. Is this much caffeine safe? Read on below and we’ll take a look at this question and a few others you may have about Rockstar Energy Drinks and find out the answer.
The Birth of a Rockstar
The Rockstar Energy Drink brand was founded by Russ Weiner in 2001. These drinks were marketed with the promise of helping increase recovery time for those who led active, exhilarating, and exhausting lives. At the time, Red Bull was the leader in the energy drink world, so Rockstar needed to do something to get people’s attention and hold on to it. This is where they hoped size would truly matter and introduced a 12-ounce can to compete with Red Bull’s smaller 8-ounce version for the same price. Their strategy worked, and Rockstar became one of the leaders in the energy drink market.
Originally distributed by the Coca-Cola company, Rockstar decided it was time to switch things up. In 2009, the company switched to PepsiCo as a distributor. At this time, Rockstar Energy Drinks were available in more than 20 countries around the world. That wasn’t the last of the changes for this energy drink leader, however. In 2020, PepsiCo acquired Rockstar for $3.85 billion and quickly launched a new campaign where cans were changed to offer a new look. The first Rockstar drink to hit the shelves all those years ago has recently met changes as well. A switch up to the formula by Pepsi has left some lovers of the original formula upset and wanting their beloved flavor back.
How Much Caffeine is Too Much?
While Rockstar, and most energy drink companies, boast about using special herb blends to enhance the body’s performance, caffeine is still the primary substance used to achieve this. Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in tea leaves, coffee, and some nuts. While caffeine offers the body a lot of benefits such as mental clarity and relief from headaches, there is such a thing as too much caffeine.
Up to 400 mg of caffeine a day is considered safe for an adult. This is equal to four or five cups of coffee a day or 2½ Rockstar 12-ounce energy drinks per day. Everybody is different, however, and some people easily take on more than the recommended amount and have no issues. When dealing with caffeine levels, it’s important to keep your eyes open and watch for the signs of excess caffeine or a possible intolerance. These symptoms include an increased heartbeat, jitteriness, and an upset stomach.
Are Rockstar Energy Drinks Safe?
If you’re wondering if consuming Rockstar Energy Drinks daily is dangerous, the answer is somewhat tricky. According to your personal health, Rockstar or any energy drink can be dangerous. It isn’t always the caffeine in these drinks that’s the culprit, however. Energy drinks do possess a high amount of sugar which can be dangerous for people who have pre-existing issues with diabetes, heart disease, or obesity. If you’re completely healthy, you may not suffer any side effects and can allow yourself to indulge in a Rockstar drink whenever you choose.
The Bottom Line
While Rockstar Energy Drinks work quite well at giving you an extra boost when you’re feeling sluggish, the effects may be short-lived. With their 160 mg of caffeine per 16-ounce can and 240 mg per 24-ounce can along with the herbs and sugar used in their formula, moderation is the key. If you enjoy the taste of Rockstar and want a boost, feel free to pop the top on a can. Just remember, there are always limits to what your body can handle.
SEE ALSO:
- How Much Caffeine Is In a 5-Hour Energy Shot?
- 10 Homemade Energy Drinks to Try
- How Much Caffeine Is in C4 Energy Drinks?
Featured Image Credit: Rockstar Energy Drink, Mike Mozart, Flickr CC 2.0 Generic
