Energy drinks are functional beverages intended to supply mental and physical stimulation for a short period of time. They contain caffeine, usually in combination with amino acids like Taurine or D-glucuronolactone, vitamins and carbohydrates.
While energy drinks are available in a wide range of flavours, formulations and formats in Canada, they generally share the following attributes:
- contain caffeine,
- are intended to supply temporary physical and/or mental stimulation restoring alertness and wakefulness when fatigued or drowsy,
- were initially regulated and sold as Natural Health products (NHPs) in Canada but are now classified and regulated as conventional food products under the Food and Drugs Act and Food and Drug Regulations.
To learn more about energy drinks visit energydrinkinformation.ca