Red Bull North America, Inc. ENERGY DRINK, CRANBERRY scores 19/100 (Avoid) primarily due to its **high added sugar content** and **ultra-processed nature**.
This Red Bull product receives a FoodScore of 19/100, indicating it is best avoided for regular consumption.
A 12 OZA serving contains 7.49g of added sugar per 100g, contributing significantly to its low score.
It is classified as NOVA class 4, meaning it is an ultra-processed beverage.
Compared to plain water or unsweetened beverages, this product offers minimal nutritional value.
Consider this beverage for occasional use rather than a daily staple.
Scores -13 points above the beverage category average (32/100 across 3796 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
0.28g
1% of Daily Value
Added sugar
7.49g
15% of Daily Value
Sodium
41.97mg
2% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Micronutrients (Vitamin B12)+2
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (7.5g)-8
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Empty calories-15
Why it scores 19
Red Bull North America, Inc. ENERGY DRINK, CRANBERRY receives a FoodScore of 19 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This score is largely driven by significant penalties. The product incurs an 8-point penalty for its added sugar content, which stands at 7.49g per 100g. Given a 12 OZA serving size, this translates to approximately 25g of added sugar per can, contributing substantially to daily sugar intake limits. Furthermore, its classification as NOVA class 4, indicating an ultra-processed food, results in a 10-point penalty. This classification reflects the extensive industrial processing and the presence of ingredients like natural and artificial flavors and colors. A substantial 15-point penalty is also applied for 'empty calories,' as the product provides energy primarily from sugar with minimal beneficial nutrients. While it receives a small bonus of 2 points for micronutrients, specifically Vitamin B12 (85% DV per 100g), this is insufficient to offset the larger penalties. In comparison to the reference baseline of plain water or an unsweetened beverage, this Red Bull product offers a significantly different nutritional profile, primarily delivering sugar and stimulants.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in red bull north america, . energy drink, cranberry actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Vitamin B12
This Red Bull North America, Inc. product provides a notable amount of Vitamin B12, with 85% of the Daily Value per 100g. Vitamin B12 is essential for nerve function, red blood cell formation, and DNA synthesis. For individuals who may have difficulty meeting their B12 needs through diet alone, such as some vegetarians or vegans, this beverage can contribute to their daily intake. However, it is important to consider the overall nutritional profile of the drink when relying on it for micronutrient contributions.
Temporary Energy Boost
The combination of caffeine, sucrose, and glucose in this energy drink can provide a temporary increase in alertness and perceived energy. Caffeine is a stimulant that acts on the central nervous system, while sucrose and glucose are simple sugars that provide readily available energy. This effect can be useful for individuals needing a short-term boost, such as during periods of fatigue or before certain activities. However, this energy is transient and does not replace adequate rest or balanced nutrition.
Hydration Support
As a beverage, Red Bull North America, Inc. ENERGY DRINK, CRANBERRY contributes to overall fluid intake, which is essential for hydration. Maintaining proper hydration is crucial for numerous bodily functions, including temperature regulation, nutrient transport, and waste removal. While plain water is the optimal choice for hydration, this drink can contribute to fluid balance, especially for those who find it challenging to consume enough plain water. However, the added sugars and stimulants should be considered in the context of overall fluid intake.
Red Bull North America, Inc. ENERGY DRINK, CRANBERRY scores 19/100 (Avoid) primarily due to its high added sugar content and ultra-processed nature.
How to eat it
Red Bull ENERGY DRINK, CRANBERRY is typically consumed as a stimulant beverage to enhance alertness or provide a quick energy boost. It is often consumed in a single serving (12 OZA can) and is not generally paired with meals due to its distinct flavor and purpose. Common pitfalls include overconsumption and reliance on it as a substitute for sleep.
Consider consuming this beverage before a workout or a task requiring focus for a temporary energy lift.
To mitigate the impact of added sugar, pair it with a source of fiber or protein, such as a handful of nuts, if consumed between meals.
Limit consumption to occasional use rather than daily intake to manage added sugar and caffeine levels.
For hydration, prioritize plain water or unsweetened beverages over this energy drink.
Be mindful of the caffeine content and avoid consuming it close to bedtime to prevent sleep disruption.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains caffeine, which can cause adverse effects in sensitive individuals, including increased heart rate, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals with heart conditions should exercise caution or avoid this product. The high amount of sucrose and glucose contributes significantly to added sugar intake, which can be a concern for individuals managing blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes, or those aiming to reduce overall sugar consumption. The presence of artificial flavors and colors may also be a consideration for some consumers, although these are generally recognized as safe by regulatory bodies. Individuals with sensitivities to any specific ingredient, such as taurine, should review the label carefully.
Is Red Bull North America, Inc. ENERGY DRINK, CRANBERRY healthy?
This product scores 19/100 on FoodScore, indicating it is generally not considered a healthy choice for regular consumption. Its low score is primarily due to high added sugar content and its classification as an ultra-processed beverage. While it offers some Vitamin B12, the overall nutritional profile is dominated by sugars and stimulants.
How does Red Bull ENERGY DRINK, CRANBERRY compare to Monster Energy?
Compared to other energy drinks like Monster Energy, the nutritional profiles can be similar, often featuring high added sugar and caffeine. Both are typically classified as ultra-processed. Consumers should always check the specific nutrition facts for each product, as sugar and caffeine levels can vary between different brands and flavors within the energy drink category.
What is taurine, and is it safe?
Taurine is an amino acid naturally found in the body and in some foods. In energy drinks, it's often included for its purported role in metabolism and antioxidant effects. Regulatory bodies generally consider the amounts of taurine found in energy drinks to be safe for consumption. However, its long-term effects in combination with other ingredients like high caffeine and sugar are still being studied.
What is a reasonable portion size for this energy drink?
A single 12 OZA can is considered one serving. Due to its caffeine and added sugar content, it is advisable to limit consumption to one serving per day, and ideally, only on an occasional basis. Regular, daily consumption of energy drinks is not recommended as part of a balanced diet.
Can this drink help with exercise performance?
The caffeine and simple sugars in Red Bull ENERGY DRINK, CRANBERRY can provide a temporary boost in energy and alertness, which some individuals may find beneficial for exercise performance. However, it is not a substitute for proper hydration with water or a balanced pre-workout meal. The high sugar content might also lead to a 'sugar crash' for some individuals.