FoodScore
0/ 100
AvoidbeverageRed Bull North America, Inc.· 12 OZA

Red Bull North America, . ENERGY DRINK, KIWI APPLE

Red Bull North America, Inc. ENERGY DRINK, KIWI APPLE receives a FoodScore of 19/100 (Avoid) primarily due to its **high added sugar content** and **ultra-processed nature**.

  • This Red Bull North America, Inc. product scores 19/100, indicating it should be avoided for regular consumption.
  • It contains 7.49g of added sugar per 100g, contributing significantly to its low score.
  • Categorized as NOVA class 4, it is an ultra-processed beverage.
  • Compared to plain water, this beverage offers minimal nutritional value beyond a single B vitamin.
  • Consider this beverage for occasional use rather than as 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
28mg
1% 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, KIWI APPLE earns a FoodScore of 19 out of 100, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. This score is largely driven by its nutritional profile, which includes significant penalties. A primary factor is the added sugar content, with 7.49g per 100g, resulting in an 8-point penalty. The ingredient list highlights both sucrose and glucose as primary sweeteners after carbonated water. Furthermore, this product is classified as NOVA class 4, indicating it is an ultra-processed food, which incurs a substantial 10-point penalty. The beverage also receives a 15-point penalty for providing 'empty calories,' meaning it offers calories with minimal beneficial nutrients. While it does receive a small bonus of 2 points for its Vitamin B12 content (85% DV per 100g), this is insufficient to offset the significant penalties. In comparison to the reference baseline of plain water or an unsweetened beverage, this Red Bull North America, Inc. product provides calories and added sugars without the hydration and nutrient density of healthier alternatives.

Health benefits

What the nutrients in red bull north america, . energy drink, kiwi apple actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.

Provides a source of Vitamin B12

This Red Bull North America, Inc. beverage contains a notable amount of Vitamin B12, providing 85% of the Daily Value per 100g. Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient involved in energy metabolism and the formation of red blood cells. For individuals who may have difficulty meeting their B12 needs through diet alone, such as some vegetarians or vegans, this product can contribute to their daily intake. However, it is important to consider the overall nutritional profile when relying on such beverages for micronutrient intake.

Offers a temporary energy boost

The combination of caffeine and sugars (sucrose and glucose) in this energy drink can provide a temporary increase in alertness and perceived energy. Caffeine is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system, while sugars offer a rapid source of glucose for the body. This effect can be useful in specific situations requiring a short-term boost, such as during periods of fatigue or before certain activities. However, this energy is often short-lived and can be followed by a 'crash' as blood sugar levels fluctuate.

Convenient for specific use cases

For individuals seeking a quick and readily available beverage for situational energy needs, this product offers convenience. Its portable packaging and widespread availability make it an easy option for on-the-go consumption. While not a substitute for balanced nutrition or adequate rest, it can serve a specific purpose when a rapid, non-nutritive energy source is desired. It is important to use such products judiciously and not as a regular dietary component.

How to eat it

Red Bull North America, Inc. ENERGY DRINK, KIWI APPLE is typically consumed as a stimulant beverage to enhance alertness or combat fatigue. It is often consumed in a single serving, usually 12 ounces, and is not generally paired with meals. Common pitfalls include overconsumption due to its stimulating effects and high sugar content.

Consider consuming this beverage before a specific activity where a temporary energy boost is desired, rather than as a routine drink.
To mitigate the impact of added sugars, consider diluting the beverage with plain or sparkling water.
Pairing this drink with a source of fiber or protein (e.g., a handful of nuts) may help moderate the rapid sugar absorption.
Limit consumption to occasional use to avoid excessive intake of added sugars and caffeine.
Always ensure adequate hydration with plain water throughout the day, especially when consuming caffeinated beverages.
Things to keep in mind

Consumers should be aware of the high added sugar content in Red Bull North America, Inc. ENERGY DRINK, KIWI APPLE, which comes from both sucrose and glucose. High intake of added sugars can contribute to increased calorie consumption and may be associated with various health concerns. The presence of caffeine means this beverage is not suitable for young children, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or those sensitive to stimulants. Individuals with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels carefully due to the sugar load. The artificial colors, specifically Blue 1, are generally recognized as safe by regulatory bodies but some individuals may prefer to limit their intake of artificial additives. Overall, moderation is key for this ultra-processed beverage.

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Reader questions
Is Red Bull North America, Inc. ENERGY DRINK, KIWI APPLE healthy?
Red Bull North America, Inc. ENERGY DRINK, KIWI APPLE scores 19/100 on FoodScore, placing it in the 'Avoid' category. It is an ultra-processed beverage with a high amount of added sugars and provides minimal beneficial nutrients beyond Vitamin B12. While it offers a temporary energy boost, it is not considered a healthy choice for regular consumption.
How does Red Bull North America, Inc. ENERGY DRINK, KIWI APPLE compare to other energy drinks?
Compared to other energy drinks like Monster Energy, this Red Bull North America, Inc. product shares similar characteristics, including high added sugar content and the presence of caffeine and B vitamins. Nutritional profiles can vary, but many conventional energy drinks fall into the ultra-processed category with similar FoodScores due to their formulation.
What is the role of taurine in this drink?
Taurine is an amino acid naturally found in the body and in some foods. In energy drinks like Red Bull North America, Inc. ENERGY DRINK, KIWI APPLE, it is often included for its purported role in metabolism and antioxidant properties. However, the specific benefits of supplemental taurine in energy drinks for healthy individuals are not fully established or universally agreed upon by scientific consensus.
What is a recommended portion size for this energy drink?
The serving size for Red Bull North America, Inc. ENERGY DRINK, KIWI APPLE is 12 fluid ounces. Due to its high added sugar and caffeine content, it is recommended to consume this beverage in moderation and not exceed the stated serving size. Regular or excessive consumption is not advised as part of a balanced diet.
Are the 'natural and artificial flavors' a concern?
The 'natural and artificial flavors' in Red Bull North America, Inc. ENERGY DRINK, KIWI APPLE contribute to its taste profile. While generally recognized as safe by regulatory bodies, some individuals prefer to limit their intake of artificial ingredients. The specific composition of these flavors is proprietary, but they are common in ultra-processed beverages and do not contribute to the nutritional value.
Can this drink be used for hydration?
While Red Bull North America, Inc. ENERGY DRINK, KIWI APPLE contains water, it is not an ideal choice for hydration. Its caffeine content can have a diuretic effect, and the high sugar content makes it less effective for rehydration compared to plain water or unsweetened beverages. It should not replace water as your primary source of hydration.

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Data & references