Caffeine

Energy shot maker bases product on timed-release caffeine technology

30-Jul-2014 By Hank Schultz

LXR Biotech has launched a timed-release energy shot using a recently-developed beadlet technology in a bid to capture more of the energy shot market. 

Think Drinks plans top-tier science for ‘first functional nootropic beverage’

28-Jul-2014 By Ben BOUCKLEY

US neurotech startup Think Drinks says it plans to conduct high-calibre peer-reviewed study to prove the benefits of what it claims is the world’s ‘first functional nootropic’ brain beverage.

Caffeine taken during training and even in small doses may boost sports performance: Researcher

24-Jul-2014 By Anna Bonar

Already one of the most widely-used stimulants in sport, recent research suggests there may be greater scope for caffeine to be used in a wider range of sports as well as during exercise, says sports nutrition researcher and consultant in elite sport.

Physiological responses to caffeine may increase with age: Study

20-Jun-2014 By Nicola Cottam

The potentially negative effects of caffeine consumption on the heart significantly increase as young people reach adolescence, research has suggested. 

Applied Food Science anticipates demand with organic caffeine for energy beverages

22-May-2014 By Hank Schultz

Applied Food Sciences has debuted an all-natural caffeine ingredient for energy beverage formulations.  The ingredient will a boon in a market crowded with synthetic ingredients, the company said.

DISPATCHES FROM VITAFOODS EUROPE 2014

Emotional brain food for madam, and the caffeine source for you sir

15-May-2014 By Annie Harrison-Dunn

When it comes to cognitive health products, women look for emotional ‘brain food’, while men look for caffeine sources, according to a survey of German students.

Company to debut 'natural' energy ingredients in Anaheim

04-Mar-2014 By Hank Schultz

A company that got its start fighting cancer has moved into the natural area with the launch of three energy ingredients. Applied Food Sciences Inc. will unveil the ingredients at the Next Innovation Summit this week held in conjunction with the Natural...

Reaction to IOM's final report on caffeine meeting: More data needed, but new regs unlikely

20-Jan-2014 By Hank Schultz

Experts who have reviewed a report from the Institute of Medicine on a meeting on the safety of caffeine in foods and beverages have concluded that based on the information in the report, it’s unlikely that FDA will make sweeping changes to the way in...

Caffeine consumption could help to boost long-term memory: Study

13-Jan-2014 By Nathan Gray

Caffeine consumption could have a positive effect on long-term memory, according to new research that suggested the compound can enhance memories for at least up to 24 hours after it is consumed.

Energy brand ‘buzz’ bounces back but can momentum continue into 2014?

12-Dec-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Changes in marketing direction and a quiet year with lawsuits have seen three big players in the energy category bounce back in the eyes of consumers, but what does 2014 hold for the brands?

Energy drink study leader: We did not state that a short-term increase in heart contraction rate is a health concern

04-Dec-2013 By Elaine WATSON

The lead researcher behind a high-profile paper showing energy drinks increase heart contraction rates has rejected claims by Monster Beverage Corp that the paper is ‘alarmist’ and stressed that “whether this increase in contractility is generally beneficial...

Energy drinks under the microscope at 'myth-busting’ IFT webinar: How much caffeine are we really consuming, and is it safe?

26-Nov-2013 By Elaine WATSON

While the FDA has raised concerns about the recent proliferation of caffeine-containing products on the market, particularly those marketed at young people, new data suggests energy drinks and shots contribute “minimally” to total caffeine intakes, say...

Beyond caffeine: Alternative energy boosters

15-Oct-2013 By Annie-Rose Harrison-Dunn

As consumer perceptions of caffeine shift and the threat of more market regulation looms, companies are scrambling to find the next blockbuster to cater to demand for energy-boosting products, says an analyst.

Consumers seeking caffeine alternatives that deliver the same energy boost, says Chromadex commissioned survey

27-Sep-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Over 70% of Americans may be interested in reduced caffeine energy beverages that can offer the boost of caffeine but without the crash, according to a new survey conducted by Ipsos Research and commissioned by Chromadex.

Energy… minus the caffeine? PepsiCo explores Chinese herbal extracts for fatigue relief, patent application reveals

03-Sep-2013 By Elaine WATSON

PepsiCo is exploring the potential of natural energy drinks containing Chinese herbal extracts that can alleviate fatigue and enhance sports performance without a big dose of caffeine, a patent application indicates.

NutriScience offers natural caffeine from tea for energy products

29-Aug-2013

Connecticut-based NutriScience Innovations, LLC is offering caffeine from tea leaves as a natural alternative for manufacturers with an energy source to accommodate the ever increasing demand for naturally derived products.

Caffeine commentary by FDA deputy commissioner called "reasonable and balanced"

27-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

The issue of caffeine in foods has gained momentum recently, with calls by political leaders to FDA to address what they consider to be a growing public health risk.  A commentary posted yesterday by Michael R. Taylor, FDA's deputy commissioner for...

Caffeine cards are on table following IOM meeting, observers say

13-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

A recent workshop sponsored by the Institute of Medicine on caffeine and its effect in consumer products such as energy drinks was helpful in making clear the points of view of the various stakeholders, according to observers.  What was less clear was...

Caffeine traffic light kit gives you a 'stop' sign for drinks

09-Aug-2013 By Ben BOUCKLEY

Singapore and Korea-based researchers have developed a caffeine detector and a detection kit that glows like a traffic light to indicate caffeine levels in different drinks.

Energy drink companies put on defensive in Senate hearing on kid-targeted marketing

01-Aug-2013 By Hank Schultz

A Senate committee hearing on energy drinks marketing yesterday uncovered some skeletons in the advertising closets of three companies there as witnesses, suggesting some reexamination of practices is in order, one observer said.

Updated: Health Canada ‘reminds’ consumers over managing caffeine intake after safety review

12-Jun-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

Health Canada has issued a reminder for healthy adults to limit their caffeine intake to no more than 400 mg per day, with lower levels for children and pregnant women.

FDA to probe impact of caffeine on kids' health following launch of Wrigley's Alert Energy Caffeine Gum

30-Apr-2013 By Elaine WATSON

The FDA says it will take a “fresh look” at the health effects of caffeine on kids following the launch of Alert Energy Caffeine Gum - a new caffeinated gum from Wrigley (Mars).

Kraft explores potential of crude caffeine in neuroprotective foods, supplements, as new research reveals its ‘unique functional benefits’

17-Apr-2013 By Elaine WATSON

A patent application from Kraft shows it is exploring ways to incorporate ‘crude caffeine’ from coffee beans into functional or medical foods, building on a growing body of research that suggests it has neuro-protective effects.

Lawmakers' report on energy drink labeling mirrors existing recommendations, CRN says

12-Apr-2013 By Hank Schultz

A report on labeling and marketing of energy drinks by three members of Congress matches much of what industry is already working toward, according the Council for Responsible Nutrition.

Bitter orange and caffeine combo may be unsafe, says BfR

09-Apr-2013 By Nathan Gray

Sports supplements and weight loss products that contain a combination of caffeine and synephrine from bitter orange may not comply with current regulations and could be classified as unsafe, warns the BfR.

AHPA, CRN issue new guidelines on caffeine labeling

03-Apr-2013 By Hank Schultz

Two industry trade associations, the American Herbal Products Association and the Council for Responsible Nutrition, have altered their stance on caffeine labeling. AHPA has amended its trade requirement for caffeine labeling, extending that requirement...

ChromaDex launches caffeine/pterostilbene ingredient, releases year-end financials

01-Apr-2013 By Hank Schultz

ChromaDex Corp. today announced the introduction of a new ingredient, called PURENERGY, which is a patented co-crystal ingredient comprised of caffeine and the company’s synthetic pterostilbene ingredient pTeroPure. The announcement comes on the heels...

Chicago Alderman ‘confident’ of action against energy drinks

07-Mar-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

The chairman of the Chicago City Council committee discussing highly caffeinated energy drinks is ‘confident’ some sort of action will come out of the hearings.

The evolution of energy drinks: What next for Monster, Red Bull and 5-Hour Energy?

04-Feb-2013 By Elaine WATSON

While the growth of the US energy drinks and shots market has been nothing short of explosive - last year it was worth $12.5bn, up 60% since 2008 - manufacturers will need to attract new users if they are to sustain such meteoric levels of growth, says...

Life after Lance: FRS acquires contract manufacturer, shuffles management team

01-Feb-2013 By Hank Schultz

The FRS Company, makers of the FRS energy drink and related products, announced a series of corporate moves yesterday that included a management change and the acquisition of a contract manufacturing and formulation company.

Energy drink adverse events rate ‘appears low in the population of consumers’: ISSN position paper

23-Jan-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

The rate of adverse events for energy drinks and shots ‘appears low in the population of consumers’, but caution is still needed for the products, particularly for select population groups, says a new position paper from the International Society for...

Monster Beverage Corporation: Alarmist DAWN report is highly misleading

21-Jan-2013 By Elaine WATSON

Monster Beverage Corporation has blasted a recent government report on drug-related ER visits that describes energy drinks as 'dangerous', as “highly misleading”.

Legislators seek info from energy drink manufacturers

18-Jan-2013 By Hank Schultz

Two US senators and a member of the House of Representatives have sent letters to 14 energy drink companies seeking information about their products.  The letters ask the companies to respond to detailed questions about their products’ ingredients and...

Coffee fruit extract shows potential brain benefits: FutureCeuticals study

14-Jan-2013 By Stephen DANIELLS

A proprietary extract from the coffee fruit may boost levels of a protein known to influence and support neurons and the central nervous system, suggest new findings from a small pilot study.

Coffee leaf may produce ‘healthy’ tea and other functional products

14-Jan-2013 By Nathan Gray

Tea brewed from the fruit and leaves of coffee plants could be a healthier option than either tea of coffee alone, according to new research.

Majority of caffeine-containing supplements have inaccurate labels, claims study

07-Jan-2013 By Elaine WATSON

Fewer than half the caffeine supplements sold on military installations accurately list the amount of caffeine they contain, according to a new study.

New Canadian caffeine limits part of growing pressure on energy drink sector

03-Jan-2013 By Hank Schultz

The energy beverage sector had a lively 2012, marked by a high-profile wrongful death suit against Monster Beverage Co., some high-profile negative press and even higher-profile attacks from a pair of US Senators. 2013 is shaping up, if anything, to be...

BDNF-boosting coffee fruit concentrate could have applications in sports recovery as well as cognitive health

20-Dec-2012 By Elaine WATSON

Illinois-based nutraceuticals expert VDF Futureceuticals has embarked on a larger human trial of its whole coffee fruit concentrate NeuroFactor after a pilot study showed it increased plasma levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) by an average...

Monster hit with another suit over advertising, caffeine content

14-Dec-2012 By Hank Schultz

Monster Energy has been hit with yet another class action lawsuit, but not one that plows much new ground, according to attorney Justin Prochnow.

Senators tilt at Red Bull as FDA hints at energy action

29-Nov-2012 By Ben Bouckley

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has told US Senators Dick Durbin and Richard Blumenthal that is reviewing the safety of energy drinks and may take regulatory action if it finds a health risk.

Third time's the charm: Durbin, Blumenthal call on FDA to investigate energy drinks

30-Oct-2012 By Hank Schultz

For the third time in 2012, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill. , joined for a second time by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., has sent a letter to the Food and Drug Administration requesting that the agency investigate caffeinated energy drinks that are marketed...

Lawyer urges FDA to ban energy drink sales to minors after US teen death

23-Oct-2012 By Ben Bouckley

The mother of a US teenager who died due to caffeine toxicity after consuming energy drinks is suing Monster Beverage Corporation, and one of her lawyers is calling on the FDA to regulate the beverages and ban sales to minors.

Celestial seeks new generation of consumers with green tea shots

02-Oct-2012 By Hank Schultz

Celestial Seasonings is looking to grow its distribution footprint and to grow a new generation of customers as it extends its line of Enerji-brand shots to include a green tea offering.

Top analyst predicts FDA wriggle room in supplement-beverage guidance

21-Sep-2012 By Ben Bouckley

With the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) poised to publish guidance on distinguishing between beverages and liquid dietary supplements, one analyst tells BeverageDaily.com he doesn’t see the agency cracking down too hard on traditional energy drinks.

Bitter orange/ synephrine safety gets new review support

18-Sep-2012 By Stephen Daniells

Extracts from bitter orange on its own or combined with caffeine do not pose any risks at doses commonly used by humans, says a new review of published and un-published clinical data.

Durbin, Blumenthal send second letter to FDA seeking action on energy drinks

13-Sep-2012 By Hank Schultz

Sens. Dick Durbin and Richard Blumenthal have sent another letter to FDA inquiring about the regulation of energy beverages.

Subpoenas of energy drink makers no cause for panic, sources say

04-Sep-2012 By Hank Schultz

Sources within the dietary supplement community say the recent action by New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman in regards to energy drinks and shots is a cause for concern, but sets no alarm bells ringing.

FDA dismisses Sen Durbin’s caffeine-energy drinks concerns

21-Aug-2012 By Stephen Daniells

The US Food and Drug Administration has concluded that the caffeine content in energy drinks labeled as dietary supplements or beverages does not pose a safety issue, following demands by Senator Durbin for the Agency to look closely at the sector.

Energy drink or supplement? Enforce your own guidance, says Sen Durbin to FDA

06-Apr-2012 By Elaine Watson

The row over the legal line between liquid dietary supplements, conventional beverages and energy drinks hit the headlines again this week with Senator Dick Durbin calling on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to enforce its own guidance.

Quote/Unquote: DMAA, class actions and brain food… The best of Nutracon, Engredea & Expo West

14-Mar-2012 By Elaine Watson

If you didn’t make it to Anaheim – or were too busy manning your booth to check out what the competition was up to - we’ve plucked some pearls of wisdom from the podium at Nutracon and the exhibit halls at Expo West for your reading pleasure…