What is the best energy drink on the Irish market?
For this week’s Shopping Trolley Hotline, Simon Tierney tried out three of the most popular brands, Red Bull, Monster and Vit Hit.
On The Hard Shoulder today, he said there is “huge concern” among the parents of Ireland who fear the drink's high caffeine and sugar content is unsafe for kids.
Simon said there are over 50 energy drink brands now for sale in the Irish market and many of them look “shiny, metallic and very exciting”.
Comparison
His first drink to compare was the Monster zero-sugar can, from the Lewis Hamilton endorsed range, which came in at a cost of €2.45.
The second is a Vit-Hit boost drink, costing €2.30 and the third is a can of Red Bull costing €3.20.
All the drinks are “around 500ml,” according to Simon, who described Red Bull as the “godfather of energy drinks”.
“It started over 30 years ago in Austria and it was all about combining a drink with outdoor pursuits,” he said.
“The marketing behind Red Bull is taught in universities it is that successful.”
Monster, AMP and Red Bull energy drinks.Despite its popularity, Simon said it has an “extraordinary” 151mg of caffeine per 743ml can which is well above the typical cup of coffee (95g).
“Monster had the most, on 160mg of caffeine which is a huge amount,” he said.
“This is why a lot of people are worried about young children drinking it.
“If you look at the back of the Monster or Red Bull you will see that it says ‘high caffeine content, not recommended for children or breast-feeding women.’
“The reason they have that is because that is EU regulations to have that here.”
Natural energy
The Vit Hit drink has no caffeine and instead uses ginseng, B vitamins, and Rooibos tea to provide energy, which is added to a mix of juices such as carrot, raspberry, grape, and blueberry.
The Hard Shoulder Host Kieran Cuddihy said the Monster drink was “tasty” while the Red Bull tasted like “Calpol”.
“I would only drink the Vit Hit, I wouldn’t go near the other too,” he said.
Simon also said he would choose the Vit Hit drink.
Main image: An aisle full of energy drinks. Image: René van den Berg / Alamy Stock Photo
