Caffeine

Review calls for lower caffeine limits in energy drinks amidst health risk concerns

20-Sep-2023 By Olivia Haslam

Authors of a new review argue that daily caffeine safety thresholds set by regulatory bodies should be lowered, while an industry expert says painting “all energy drinks with such a broad brush is inaccurate and irresponsible.”

Machu Picchu wants to clean up energy drinks from ingredients to marketing for broader appeal

30-Aug-2023 By Elizabeth Crawford

Energy drink newcomer Machu Pichu’s dual marketing message of finding balance and connecting to nature and community sets it apart in a category that heavily promotes extremes and individual gains, as does its organic flavor technology and natural caffeine...

IFT First

IFT First: Westrock Coffee explores coffee’s usage occasions and energy trends

02-Aug-2023 By Deniz Ataman

From convenience to function, packaging and more sustainable decaffeination processes, coffee, particularly RTD, is becoming more differentiation then ever before, Sarah Merritt, VP extracts and ingredients at Westrock Coffee explained to FoodNavigator-USA...

PRIME pushes back on Sen. Schumer calls for FDA energy drink investigation

11-Jul-2023 By Stephen Daniells

PRIME, a beverage brand by influencers Logan Paul and Olajide “KSI” Olatunji, tells NutraIngredients-USA that its energy drink, “complied with all FDA guidelines before hitting the market”, after Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) called for an FDA investigation...

CBD coffee: fad or the future?

26-Apr-2023 By Olivia Brown

Following an increasing popularity and a heightened influx of brands promoting the CBD and coffee pairing, touting an ability to reduce side effects associated with caffeine, a regulatory expert has warned the research backing the benefits is inconclusive.

NPA: TINA energy drink challenge fails to correctly apply federal labeling rules

11-Jan-2023 By Hank Schultz

Label language must be considered in totality when asking if products are being inappropriately marketed to children, according to the Natural Products Association. NPA made this point in responding to a challenge from the watchdog group Truth in Advertising...

‘We’ve got to punch back on this’: Energy drink stakeholders respond to TINA, UConn Rudd Center complaints

16-Dec-2022 By Stephen Daniells

The energy drinks industry is reckoning with recent complaints by consumer group Truth in Advertising (TINA) and the UConn Rudd Center for Food Policy & Health over allegations of deceptive and unfair marketing tactics used by numerous brands.

'Win-win': Keurig Dr Pepper and Nutrabolt announce strategic partnership

09-Dec-2022 By Stephen Daniells

Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. has invested $863 million in Nutrabolt, giving the beverage giant an ownership stake of approximately 30% in the high growth sports nutrition company.

Guayusa extract shows trend toward better results in trial using Fortnite video game

19-Apr-2022 By Hank Schultz

A branded guayusa extract showed a trend toward better gameplay on the Fortnite video game in a controlled trial. But the study pointed to the difficulty in translating a product’s demonstrated biochemical effects into results in the complex format of...

OCA brings simpler, cleaner alternative to energy drink category: 'What drives me the most is to make a change in the category'

30-Mar-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Led by a PepsiCo alum turned beverage entrepreneur, OCA is carving out a spot for itself in the growing 'clean' energy drink category with a simple ingredient deck which includes 120mg of caffeine from green coffee extract.

Rowdy Energy expands natural energy drink offering with calorie-burning thermogenic line targeting female consumers

17-Mar-2022 By Mary Ellen Shoup

The natural energy drink set is buzzing with activity and Rowdy Energy is gaining strong consumer traction with the highest repeat rates in the category, and a new line of thermogenic, calorie-burning energy drinks targeting female consumers, an untapped...

Marquis talks clean caffeine revolution: from alternative to on-trend

26-Jan-2022 By Asia Sherman

Marquis is starting off the year with a bold new look as it continues to transcend its energy drink origins and draw attention to the plant-powered benefits of its clean caffeinated beverages.

Celsius records 101% sales rise, but can shortage cuts into margins

26-May-2021 By Hank Schultz

Energy drink manufacturer Celsius Holdings recorded a 101% rise in domestic sales in its first quarter of fiscal 2021. But a pandemic-induced shortage of US-made aluminum cans cut into profitability.

Another powdered caffeine warning letter issued, highlighting FDA’s plight in combing through flood of imports

06-Apr-2021 By Hank Schultz

A warning letter sent to a Connecticut wholesaler about the sale of pure powdered caffeine points to the difficulty of keeping problematic products off the market in an environment in which hundreds of thousands of tons of cargo arrives in domestic ports...

Buzz Lite Microdose Roast offers energizing benefits of coffee without exacerbating pandemic-related sleep struggles

06-Apr-2021 By Elizabeth Crawford

The pandemic’s negative impact on sleep, anxiety and mental health is creating a unique marketing opportunity for low caffeine coffee, which can deliver an energy boost without the jitters or negative impact on circadian rhythms, but which previously...

'Lightly caffeinated': New caffeinated waters offer refreshing afternoon pick-me-up

05-Mar-2021 By Rachel Arthur

Free from added sugar, artificial flavors and with around half the amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee, Ocean Spray Wave – a caffeinated sparkling water with real fruit juice – is the latest drink meeting a trio of consumer demands of refreshment, energy,...

Is caffeine safe for pregnant women? Coffee industry pushes back against negative research findings

25-Aug-2020 By Elizabeth Crawford

A call for a “radical revision” of caffeine consumption guidelines for women who are pregnant or trying to conceive based on analysis of observational research published in the BMJ Evidence Based Medicine journal last night is “radically wrong about coffee...

Clear/Cut Phocus teams up with Big Geyser to take sparkling caffeinated water to New York

27-Apr-2019 By Elaine Watson

While most entrepreneurs make their own luck through blood, sweat and tears; serendipity also helps, says Clear/Cut Phocus CEO Tom O’Grady after a chance encounter in a bar in St Thomas helped propel his caffeinated sparkling water brand onto the radar...

Research suggests coffee could improve health, but it's too soon for marketing claims

28-Nov-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

New research that bolsters the health benefits and safety of coffee could give manufacturers of the beverage an on-trend marketing advantage over other beverages, but some public health advocates caution against recommending the drink as a wellness solution...

Mars Wrigley brings back Alert Gum as FDA caffeine guidelines absent

20-Oct-2017 By Oliver Nieburg

Mars Wrigley Confectionery has brought back Alert Caffeine Gum four years after it pulled the product.

Wize Monkey CEO on US launch of coffee leaf tea: ‘It’s time to go to the big show; go to Broadway’

28-Sep-2017 By Kacey Culliney

Wize Monkey coffee leaf tea will launch into Sprouts and Whole Foods next month, marking a significant jump for the Canadian startup, its CEO says.

Screw business as usual? RUNA co-founder on clean energy, social innovation, and staying focused

14-Aug-2017 By Elaine Watson

It’s hard to think of a company where mission and brand are more intertwined than RUNA, which was forged around an ingredient - guayusa - that created a powerful point of difference for an emerging beverage brand, but also generated income for small farmers...

Amazon's US grocery sales surged 50% to $420m in Q2; perishables up 110%

26-Jul-2017 By Elaine Watson

As a percentage of the overall grocery retail market, Amazon’s $420m in Q2 grocery sales in the US is pretty small fry. But its 50% year-on-year growth is making the whole industry pay attention, says e-commerce data firm One Click Retail.

Java Me Up snack bars uses coffee grown ‘the way coffee was initially farmed,’ says founder

06-Jun-2017 By Adi Menayang

Coffee Snacks is a company on a mission—it wants to create awareness around shade-grown coffee and its benefits to the environment, says founder Lisa Newmann. It’s starting with coffee snack bars.

Startup Watch

Energy chocolate brand Zippy Bites expects ‘contagious’ growth in the US, CEO says

10-May-2017 By Douglas Yu

Natural caffeine added chocolate truffle company Zippy Bites is looking to scale up its business by expanding beyond coastal areas in the US. 

Functional beverages using nootropics will rise, predicts new energy drink LGND

08-May-2017 By Rachel Arthur

With consumers looking for alternatives to high doses of caffeine and sugar, nootropics could become the ‘new norm’ for energy drinks, believes new brand LGND.

More than a coffee alternative, mōCa is a superfood beverage that offers health benefits

05-Apr-2017 By Elizabeth Crawford

For those who enjoy the taste and ritual of drinking a hot cup of coffee in the morning or after dinner, but don’t want the caffeine jolt the beverage delivers, The Vegan Nest is launching an alternative that also is a superfood. 

BOMB Coffee’s ‘super caffeinated’ blend aims to help America’s armed forces

01-Nov-2016 By Elizabeth Crawford

The founders of BOMB Coffee want to help America’s armed forces and veterans stay mentally sharp by offering them a “super caffeinated” specialty coffee and by donating a percentage of its sales to non-profits that help service members cope with post-traumatic...

After triple growth in wholesale and online, The Tea Spot eyes distribution

26-Sep-2016 By Adi Menayang

“In any category—no matter how crowded—there is always a user need that is not being addressed,” said the company’s founder. So where was the Tea Spot’s sweet spot?

Pro-GMO blog a hit: 'Consumers appreciate that we’re not just blindly following a trend.'

Soylent unveils Coffiest line extension, plans move into bars

09-Aug-2016 By Elaine Watson

After three years of focus on one product – enhanced with periodic upgrades – Soylent is expanding its portfolio with the launch of Coffiest, a caffeine-fueled version of its flagship Soylent 2.0 beverage (launching today), and Soylent Bar (appearing...

US consumers seek hydration over energy from RTD teas, Mintel analyst says

14-Jun-2016 By Mary Ellen Shoup

Roughly half of consumers wanted a tea that was healthy and hydrating compared to just 26% of consumers who wanted an energizing tea, when asked to create their ideal RTD tea, according to a Mintel report. 

Mountain Dew launches Mtn Dew Black Label

04-Apr-2016 By Douglas Yu

No puppy monkey baby this time. Mountain Dew's recent Black Label launch will appeal to a classier and more refined crowd, says the brand.

High coffee consumption linked to reduced risk of MS, study finds

04-Mar-2016 By Elizabeth Crawford

Reaching for a fourth, fifth or even sixth cup of coffee per day could provide more than an energy boost – it also could help protect against developing multiple sclerosis, for which there is no cure, suggests a recently published research.

Nestlé scientists developing slow-release coffee

22-Dec-2015 By Hal Conick

Scientists at Nestlé are working on a new formula for slow-release coffee, something that could conceivably spread the effects of caffeine out over a longer period of time.

Beverage developers feed the trend of alternative energy drinks

15-Dec-2015 By Douglas Yu

As consumers are increasingly aware of the health problems associated with energy drinks, a Californian brand has spotted an opportunity for alternative energy products as mixers with juice, smoothies or cocktails.

Cocoa ‘a sad story’: Farmers need insurance as human cost of industry overlooked, says Cacao for Change

27-Nov-2015 By Oliver Nieburg

Cocoa farmers operate in a chocolate supply chain that perpetuates poverty and bear the bulk of the risk, claims Cacao for Change as it proposes an alternative model.

Beverage trendwatching gallery: Smartwater sparkles, Mtn Dew heads to the dark side & Tio Gazpacho gets fruity

25-Nov-2015 By Elaine Watson

From vinegar-based sodas to caffeinated yogurt drinks, high-protein nut milks and yet more alkaline waters, check out FoodNavigator-USA's gallery of new beverage launches hitting US shelves this fall/winter.

Wake up and smell the coffee: Cocoa and chocolate industry can learn from coffee grading system

24-Nov-2015 By Oliver Nieburg

Chocolate makers can draw on coffee industry grading standards to develop a common quality system for cocoa, says Lutheran World Relief’s manager of coffee and cocoa.

The curious case of energy drinks & hypokalemia

09-Nov-2015 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

The medical case study of a man rushed to intensive care with severe potassium deficiency has brought the issue of energy drinks and hypokalemia back into the spotlight.

If you survive, you thrive: Guayaki yerba mate’s slow-burning success

27-Oct-2015 By Maggie Hennessy

In the hyper-competitive beverage world, it’s hard to imagine a brand pioneering a new beverage category using a mission-driven business model aimed at restoring the rainforest would still be around 20 years later, let alone growing at an average rate...

NeuroGum raises more than $10,000 in two days to take on the energy & cognition categories

16-Sep-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

If Indigogo investors’ overwhelming interest in the upcoming launch of NeuroGum is any indication, the self-proclaimed focus-boosting gum could be a formidable competitor in the cognitive and energy food and beverage categories. 

FDA sends warning letters to five marketers of bulk powdered caffeine

02-Sep-2015 By Hank Schultz

The Food and Drug Administration has taken another step in its war on powdered caffeine. The controversial ingredient linked to a pair of deaths was the subject of a slew of new FDA warning letters to companies selling the substance to consumers.

Energizing Zest Tea charts high-octane growth

04-Aug-2015 By Maggie Hennessy

Many a tea lover has settled for coffee or an energy drink when desperate for an energy fix. But Zest Tea hopes to change that with its high-caffeine brewed teas. 

Jolt Energy Gum relaunches as category experiences sales resurgence

08-Jun-2015 By Elizabeth Crawford

Sales of chewing gum are climbing again after several years of stagnation, likely due to evolving tastes and eating patterns, in addition to new product launches, according to IRI Worldwide.

Taiyo carves out niche in natural caffeine market with slow-release whole green coffee bean ingredient

20-Apr-2015 By Hank Schultz

It’s been 10 years and more since ephedra was taken off the market and in that time the importance of caffeine as an energy and thermogenic ingredient has grown significantly.  Suppliers are competing to offer forms the compound that offer interesting...

DGAC’s criticism of high intensity sweeteners is “contradictory", says ABA

DGAC "ignores science", says American Beverage Association; but CSPI welcomes its 'blunt advice' to consume fewer sugary drinks

20-Feb-2015 By Elaine Watson

If the meat lobby isn’t happy with the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s (DGAC’s) recommendations on what constitutes a healthy diet, neither it seems, is the American Beverage Association (ABA), which also issued a statement claiming the expert...

‘You’re giving us one hell of a corporate wedgie!’ Virginia craft brewer slams 'bullying' Red Bull

17-Feb-2015 By Ben BOUCKLEY

Virginia craft brewery Old Ox Brewery has accused Red Bull of bully boy tactics as the energy drinks giant presses on with a trademark action to try and force it to change its name and logo.

NPA’s Fabricant on caffeine: 'We don’t want to get into a position where Senators are using a court of public opinion to regulate the industry'

29-Jan-2015 By Stephen Daniells

Science and an evaluation of risk must inform any regulatory decision on powdered pure caffeine products and not Senators usurping the law, says the Natural Products Association’s Dr Daniel Fabricant.

Senators urge FDA to ban retail sale, marketing of pure caffeine

28-Jan-2015 By Stephen DANIELLS

A group of six Democratic senators have written to FDA commissioner Margaret Hamburg to urge the Agency to ban the sale and marketing of pure caffeine, a move that has received support from the industry.

PepsiCo's new Mountain Dew Kickstart flavors target ‘cross-cultural millennial males’

26-Jan-2015 By Ben BOUCKLEY

PepsiCo brand Mountain Dew Kickstart tells us its two new flavor lines with higher juice content, coconut water and slightly less caffeine are targeted at a core ‘cross cultural millennial male’ consumer.