Red Bull Energy Drink
Red flags
No major red flags on the label.
Green flags
- +Green flag: Low sodium
Ingredients, decoded
11 listed- Water
- Sucrose
- Glucose
- Acidulant (Citric Acid)
- Carbon Dioxide
- Taurine (0.4%)
- Acidity Regulators (Sodium Bicarbonate, Magnesium Carbonate)
- Flavours (Natural and Artificial [Mixed Fruits flavour])
- Natural Colour (Caramel)
- Caffeine (30 mg/100 ml)
- Vitamins (Niacin, B2, B6, B12)
EC4
How EC4 breaks down
Each grade is scored on its own. Here are the label numbers behind each one, per 100 ml.
Very low nutrient density
- Protein
- 0 g
- Fibre
- Not declared
- Vitamins and minerals
- 4 declared
- Energy
- 45 kcal
Scored on protein, fibre and twelve vitamins and minerals, against the Codex and FSSAI "source" and "high" levels, per 100 g and per 100 kcal.
Mixed processing and additives
- Base
- Water
- Sweeteners
- Glucose
- Additives
- 3
- Flagged
- None
- Artificial flavour or colour
- Yes
Scored on how processed the ingredients are, which additives are used and why, and whether the label keeps its promises.
High risk
- Total sugar
- 11 g
- Sodium
- 41 mg
Scored on free sugar, sodium, saturated fat and trans fat, each weighed by how strong the evidence of harm is.
Common questions
Is Red Bull Energy Drink healthy?
Red Bull Energy Drink scores EC4 (Poor) on CleanPlate, which makes it best kept as a rare treat rather than a regular buy. We found no major red flags on its label. On the plus side: Low sodium.
What does the EC4 score mean?
The first letter (E) grades nutritional value: very low nutrient density. The second letter (C) grades ingredient and label integrity: mixed processing and additives. The number (4) grades risk nutrients (sugar, sodium, saturated fat): high risk.
Last reviewed October 7, 2026. Scored with the CleanPlate method from the published label.