Irn-Bru has been a popular drink in Scotland for decades.
Initially manufactured as a regular soft drink in 1901, Irn-Bru has since developed an energy drink version of its drink for people who want to enjoy the original Irn-Bru taste and get an energy boost out of it as well.
What is behind the formula of the energy drink and does it work? The short answer would be, yes, it does what it claims to and will give the consumer a significant lift in energy.
Of course, there’s much more to discover about Irn Bru so read on to find out!
Contents
Nutrition Facts of Irn-Bru Energy
Before we get to the aspects of the drink that make it give you an energy boost, here is a brief list of the amounts of various components present in Irn-Bru.
| Nutrient-Category | Amount (Per 330mL) |
| Energy | 153 Calories |
| Carbohydrates (of which sugar) | 36g (35g) |
| Salt | 0.25g |
| Caffeine | 120mg |
| Niacin (Vitamin B3) | 15.84 |
| Vitamin B6 | 1.386mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.475mcg |
| Protein | 0g |
Ingredients in Irn-Bru
The following are all ingredients present in a can of Irn-Bru Energy Drink, I will provide details of what role these play later in the article.
| Ingredient-Type | Ingredient |
| Water | Carbonated Water |
| Sweetener | Sugar |
| Amino Acid | Taurine |
| Acidity Regulator | Trisodium Citrate |
| Flavourings | Ammonium Ferric Citrate |
| Vitamins | Niacin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12 |
| Preservative | Sodium Benzoate |
| Colours | Sunset Yellow FCF, Ponceau 4R |
Vitamins in Irn-Bru Energy
Irn-Bru comes with several different B-Vitamins, all of these have special functions within your body which ultimately help Irn-Bru achieve its function and rid you of fatigue.
Vitamin B3
Niacin or Vitamin B3 is the most popular vitamin manufacturers add in their drinks. It functions by assisting enzymes in converting food to ATP, an energy-carrying molecule that transfers energy to muscles and other parts of the body.
Vitamin B6
Also known as Pyridoxine, Vitamin B6 has several key functions in aiding the human body to produce more energy. It does this by converting fats, proteins, and carbohydrates to glucose, this travels within the body and carries out a similar function to the ATP.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 also goes by the name Cobalamin. Like Pyridoxine, it also assists the body in converting carbohydrates into Glucose. Glucose is essential in providing energy to body tissues.
How Much Caffeine is in Irn-Bru Energy?
A standard 330mL can of Irn-Bru comes packed with 120mg of caffeine.
This amount is not too high and is well under the maximum daily limit of 400mg recommended by the FDA.
You must limit your consumption of Irn-Bru to a maximum of two cans a day to stay within the limit, this is the case considering you are intaking caffeine from other sources as well.
Another big reason to not misuse Irn-Bru is to avoid caffeine dependency. This is an issue most teenagers and middle-aged individuals face and can have a toll on your health.
How Does Caffeine Work?
Caffeine is a stimulant that promotes activity in the nervous system and brain. It also makes the body release Adrenaline, a hormone that initiates the “fight or flight” response.
It is the main source of energy Irn-Bru contains, but there are many risks involved in its use as well. An excess of caffeine can cause the following side effects:
- Restlessness and Shakiness
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Rapid or Abnormal Heart Rhythm
- Dehydration
The video below gives a detailed answer to the question and explains what caffeine exactly does upon being consumed.
How Much Sugar is in Irn-Bru Energy?
Each 330mL can of Irn-Bru includes 35g of sugar.
This amount is pretty high considering the NHS recommends average healthy adults have no more than 30 grams per day.
Sugar is a carbohydrate and like all carbohydrates, it is a source of energy. The body breaks it down into glucose which enters the bloodstream and gives you an energy boost.
Does Taurine Give You an Energy Boost?
Taurine has been tested and proven to increase athletic performance.
In an experiment conducted by experts, Taurine has been shown to improve work done by muscles and increase muscles ability in animals.
Studies conducted on humans revealed that Taurine removes waste products from the body which might cause fatigue.
Athletes who implement taurine into their diets have been shown to have improved athletic performance in their exercises.
What Flavours Does Irn-Bru Have?
Irn-Bru only comes in one flavour, the original standard one which is also the same for its soft drinks.
It is loved by the fans of Irn-Bru and the drinks parent company, AG-Barr hasn’t found any reason to introduce new flavours in their collection.
Irn Bru Energy Drink Alternatives
Other notable mentions:
Final Verdict
All ingredients present in Irn-Bru play a role in making the drink work. And oh my, does it really work! I have to say that Irn Bru is an effective energy drink and no wonder why it’s been popular in the UK for ages.
Each component has its own set of tasks within the body that need to be carried out to provide you with an energy boost.
The B-Vitamins turn fat into energy, caffeine is the primary energizer and works by releasing several different hormones.
Taurine and sugar also add to the energy produced and work to get you feeling awake and ready for the day.
My final verdict after analyzing the various aspects of the drink is clear, Irn-Bru does work and does the task pretty well.