There’s a long-standing debate about which one is the better choice when it comes to kickstarting your day: a hot cup of coffee or a cold can of energy drink. While you may think that it’s not that big of a deal, deciding on the right source for your caffeine needs can impact your lifestyle and health in the long run. Curious which one is superior – is it Bang Energy that belongs to the top charts of energy beverages or is it plain old coffee trusted since the early times?
Well if you ask me, I’ll tell you this – go for Bang energy drinks if you’re into that hard caffeine fix jam-packed with nutrients. If you’re keen solely on jumpstarting your day and keeping drowsiness away, then coffee is the right one for you.
Still torn in the Bang vs. Coffee face-off? In this article, join me as I dive into the nitty-gritty process of unveiling which caffeine source is best for your specific needs!
Contents
Overview of Bang Energy Drinks
Bang was concocted in 2012 by Vital Pharmaceuticals operating under the brand name VPX. This company is known for its state-of-the-art technology in sports nutrition all over the globe and even created products recognized by several prominent universities.
With the reputation of its creator, it’s without a doubt that Bang has emerged as one of the successful drinks in the present market. In fact, it’s an understatement to say that its rate is phenomenal – in just a few years it has joined the ranks of top-selling energy beverages and has an 80% rise in sales on the previous year alone.
The Bang Revolution does not end there: the drink occupies the first place when it comes to growth levels in the entirety of the non-alcoholic beverage industry, beating long-term giants with a much greater share in the market.
What makes Bang a capable competitor in the energy drink market? Let’s take a look at the components that make it successful as it is now.
Ingredients of Bang Energy Drinks
In this table is the list of ingredients you can find in the back of every Bang beverage can.
| Ingredients: Carbonated water, citric acid anhydrous, natural flavors, malic acid, caffeine anhydrous, sodium benzoate (preserves freshness), potassium citrate monohydrate, EAAs (L-leucine, L-isoleucine, L-valine, L-lysine, L-threonine, L-phenylalanine, L-histidine, L-methionine, L-tryptophan), sucralose, potassium phosphate dibasic, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), potassium sorbate (preserves freshness), magnesium chloride, SUPER CREATINE® (Creatyl-L-Leucine [Creatine bonded to L-Leucine]), calcium chloride, calcium disodium EDTA, vitamin B3 (niacinamide), CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), and vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin). |
What’s super noteworthy about Bang is it does not contain calories while being promoted as a sugar-free beverage. However, how does it maintain its sweetness?
The answer lies in two of its ingredients, namely Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium.
Sucralose is a non-nutritive sweetener commonly known in the market as Splenda. This general-purpose sweetener is 600 times more potent than sugar while still remaining calorie-free.
Acesulfame Potassium, known as Ace-K is 200 times sweeter than sugar but has no calorie count just like Sucralose. Aside from being a great addition to a variety of beverages, Ace-K is most often used in common commercial products such as yogurt, chewing gum, and sodas.
These two sweeteners are the most common ones I’ve encountered in my energy drink journey. While they may seem too good to be true, consuming them in excessive amounts is not ideal.
Nutrition Facts of Bang Energy Drinks
Bang Energy boasts of a triple zero: zero calories, zero sugar, and zero carbohydrates! That alone is enough to entice energy drink enthusiasts around the world (yup, including me). However, they did not stop there.
Loaded with EAAs (Essential Amino Acids), Super Creatine®, and CoQ10, Bang Energy drinks are a sure way to get energized while providing you with more than a little nutrition in the mix.
Let’s take a look at Bang’s nutrition facts up close.
Essential Amino Acids (EEAs) are organic compounds that cannot be produced by the body. Therefore, you could get them from somewhere, mainly in the food you eat. Each of the nine essential amino acids in Bang plays different roles, but they are the foundation of the body’s natural processes.
The Super Creatine in Bang is only normal creatine. However, combining it with L-Leucine makes it super, becoming water-stable and helps the drinkers have a clearer mental focus. I find this extremely satisfying as I tend to lose my focus due to a lot of fatigue.
Coenzyme Q10 is another remarkable ingredient in Bang Energy! It is a natural antioxidant found in the body and its main function is to stimulate the mitochondria for energy production. Not only that but CoQ10 also helps in:
- Diabetes
- Heart Conditions
- Myopathy
- Migraine
- Parkinson’s Disease
Is Bang Better than Coffee?
There are more than a few arguments over the years about energy drinks and coffee. In fact, it is still widely discussed even now. Is Bang Energy more superior to coffee?
From my standpoint, this is entirely up to the consumers’ preferences. There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing your permanent source of a caffeine fix, but what matters the most is that it answers all your specific needs.
While coffee is a proven beverage that has a long-standing history of being used in different cultures, Bang also has a growing reputation that is slowly establishing itself in the industry. Aside from the triple zero characteristics, Bang continuously improves its energy line to cater to a wide variety of individuals.
In the present market, there are currently 29 Bang flavors. They even released a line of caffeine-free beverages for people like me who craves an after-meal drink without too much fizz! If you’re interested in knowing about the different flavor line-ups of Bang Energy, I’ve reviewed the best ones right here.
Aside from the general target market, there are still a lot of factors to consider when ultimately choosing between Bang and coffee. Let’s tackle them one by one.
Bang vs. Coffee: The Healthier Choice
One of the most important questions to think about is this – which is healthier, Bang or Coffee?
Both coffee and Bang contain different nutrients that are entirely beneficial to your body’s needs. As I have said before, you can choose either of the two depending on your lifestyle and health status. The best approach is to consume your choice in moderation.
Bang Energy’s main edge is its EEAs, Super Creatine, and CoQ10 content. Creatine improves physical performance and muscle development. CoQ10 also promotes metabolism, while EEAs are responsible for protein building. However, it is also rich in B vitamins namely Niacinamide, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, and Methylcobalamin.
Coffee also has its fair share of vitamin B, mainly Riboflavin and Pantothenic Acid. However, as coffee is also an antioxidant, it contains chlorogenic acids and melanoidins which help in eliminating free radicals. Diterpenes are another component, which was proven by a few studies to fight off cancer.
| Calories | 2.4 |
| Sugars | 0 g |
| Sodium | 4.8 mg |
| Magnesium | 7.2 mg |
| Fiber | O g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Protein | 0.3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g |
| Potassium | 118 mg |
From a health perspective, I would recommend Bang if you’re eager to increase your physical capabilities. Drink coffee if you’re into more subtle benefits.
Bang vs. Coffee: Calorie Count
If you’re like me who’s been entirely careful about the calorie intake then this is one variable that you should consider when choosing a side on the Bang vs. Coffee battle.
To put it simply, Bang Energy drink has zero calories. Coffee calorie count depends on the type of mix you prefer: a cup of black coffee contains as little as 2 calories. Here are some of the common coffee beverages and their corresponding calorie count:
| Espresso | 8.6 |
| Cappuccino | 140-190 |
| Dalgona Coffee | 370 |
| Caffe Mocha | 230-260 |
| Americano | 15-30 |
If you’re planning to go on a strict diet regimen, note that you should consume 500 calories less than the recommended intake. Although coffee is a versatile beverage, added sugar and milk can become a factor for its increasing calorie count.
Bang vs. Coffee: Caffeine Content
Both Bang and coffee have significant amounts of caffeine which is essential in keeping you up and awake. However, Bang has triple the caffeine level of a normal cup of coffee measuring 8 fl. oz.
Caffeine is basically a central nervous system stimulant that increases brain activity. Caffeine works by blocking off the adenosine receptors in the body which is responsible for sending impulses of fatigue, tiredness, and sleepiness.
Here is a video further explaining how caffeine works in the body:
Coffee types often have different caffeine content. The common coffee brews and their caffeine level are:
| Brewed Coffee | 70–140 mg |
| Espresso | 125 mg |
| Instant coffee | 30–90 mg |
| Decaf Coffee | 0–7 mg |
Bang has a caffeine content of 300 mg per 16.fl.oz. This is entirely on the higher tier of caffeinated beverages, completely living up to its catchy phrase of “potent brain and body-rocking fuel”.
The recommended daily caffeine intake should not exceed more than 400 milligrams, and even this certain amount has its own risks. While Bang does not completely take up this limit, 300mg is still too much especially as most foods in the market contain caffeine.
Some of the common products that unknowingly contain caffeine include cereals, cookies, ice cream, and ice teas. That’s why it’s dangerous to take the full brunt of Bang Energy without making sure if you’re exceeding your caffeine limit.
Too much caffeine can result in caffeine addiction and the following side effects:
Bang vs. Coffee: Benefits and Side Effects
Consuming either coffee or Bang can yield a variety of benefits. Not only does both beverage contain enough caffeine to keep you awake, but they also boast a series of effects that can comply to your body’s specific needs.
Bang Energy drinks can boost your energy and concentration, while also stimulating brain function. The additional nutrients in every can are also something to consider, as the plethora of added vitamins are enough to make Bang double up as a supplement.
They’re also calorie-free, have zero sugar, and even have no carbohydrates in their content. This makes Bang the ideal thirst quencher for a huge part of the population, whether you’re on the keto diet or the vegetarian movement.
On the other hand, coffee also increases energy levels. However, it can also stave off Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. As a beverage with a high content of antioxidants, coffee can also lower heart risks and increase longevity.
When it comes to negative side effects, both energy drinks and coffee can give you serious side effects when consumed excessively. In particular, too many energy drinks can result in:
- higher risk of type 2 diabetes
- increase in blood pressure
- Heart illnesses
To know more about Bang energy drink side effects, check out this article right here.
Bang vs. Coffee: Everyday Consumption
Consuming Bang or any energy drink in general, can lead to caffeine addiction, especially if you’re not watching your overall diet. Coffee can be your best friend on times like this, just ensure you won’t exceed the recommended limit.
Each Bang Energy contains a warning at the back of the can. Here is what it entails:
See how Bang has a disclaimer on its own amount of caffeine? This is because it really belongs on the upper tier of caffeine-containing beverages. For me, 50 to 100 mg of caffeine content is enough.
I would usually take Bang on days I need hardcore energy, or on certain times that will require me to extend more of my physical capabilities as necessary. Particularly on gym days, Bang helps me push through that final set of sit-ups while still allowing me to do a few resistant exercises afterward.
When I’m craving a particular flavor on their long list of line-ups, I make sure I don’t consume any more additional caffeine. As such, I would not recommend you to drink Bang Energy every day. Keep it as a secret weapon for times you’ll need extra strength.
A cup of coffee per day won’t be detrimental though as long as you keep to the minimal caffeine intake. I find it invigorating to drink a hot cup of Americano before I start my day.
Alternatives to Bang
Other notable mentions:
Final Verdict
Closing the curtains on this article and considering the points mentioned, which one’s the stronger contender in this battle of coffee and Bang?
The answer lies in you, particularly your preferences and your health status. Take Bang if you’re desperate for that nutritious fizz packed with a high degree of caffeine fix. Settle for a cup of coffee if you’re into a slight buzz that is enough to keep you from dozing off your desk.
Personally, Bang is such a wonderful beverage that I sometimes find myself craving it. Especially with its variety of flavors, I just can’t get enough. However, like all energy drinks, it is necessary to exercise control to avoid health problems later on.