Hell Energy is a popular European energy drink that’s marketed as having no preservatives and includes added vitamins like B6, B12, and niacin. But does that make it healthy? Not exactly. Like most energy drinks, Hell Energy contains caffeine, sugar, and artificial sweeteners—ingredients that can be fine in moderation but may cause issues if you consume too much. While it’s low in calories and offers some vitamins, the artificial additives and sugar content mean it’s not the healthiest option out there.
In short, Hell Energy is okay for a quick energy boost now and then, but don’t expect it to be a health drink. Now, let’s take a closer look at what’s actually inside a can of Hell Energy and whether you should be concerned.
What’s Actually Inside a Hell Energy Drink?
Hell Energy Drink comes in different flavours but the main ingredients are the same in all the varieties.
The Classic Hell Energy contains the following:
- Carbonated Water
- Sugar
- Citric acid – a preservative that also helps to enhance flavour
- Taurine (0.39%) – is an amino acid thought to help with endurance and stamina but not all studies support these claims
- Sodium Citrate – the sodium salt of citric acid, acts as an acidity regulator
- Caffeine (0.032%)
- Artificial Sweeteners: Sucralose and Acesulfame K
- Flavourings
- Colour (Ammonia Caramel)
- Vitamins: Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B6, Riboflavin and Vitamin B12
While Hell Energy Drink does contain preservatives like citric acid and sodium citrate, these are common in many foods and drinks and are generally considered safe in small amounts. They help maintain flavor and shelf life without posing a significant health risk.
Potentially Harmful Ingredients
Hell Energy contains a few ingredients that might not be ideal for regular consumption:
- Sucralose: An artificial sweetener that may cause digestive issues for some people.
- Acesulfame K: Another artificial sweetener linked to potential metabolic effects.
- Ammonia Caramel (E150c): A coloring agent that might cause digestive discomfort and could affect the immune system.
While these ingredients are considered safe in small amounts, they do come with potential risks when consumed often.
Is There Any Nutritional Value in Hell Energy Drinks?
When it comes to nutrition, Hell Energy doesn’t offer much:
- No Fats, Protein, or Fiber: Hell Energy Drink doesn’t contain any fats, protein, or fiber.
- Carbohydrates: You’ll get 4.3g of carbohydrates per 100ml, all of which are sugars. That means a 250ml can contains about 10.75g of sugar, which equals roughly 2.5 teaspoons. It’s not as sugary as some other energy drinks, but still something to keep in mind.
- Salt Content: A 250ml can contains 0.5g of salt. While that might not sound like a lot, it adds up if you’re watching your salt intake—especially if you have high blood pressure. The daily recommended limit is around 6g, so you’ll want to be mindful of how much you consume.
- Low in Calories: At just 19 calories per 100ml (or 47.5 calories per 250ml can), Hell Energy is fairly low-calorie. This is because it uses artificial sweeteners to replace some of the sugar.
While it’s low in calories and sugar compared to some other energy drinks, Hell Energy still doesn’t offer much nutritional benefit.
What About Caffeine Content?
Each 250ml can of Hell Energy contains 80mg of caffeine, which is about the same as a standard cup of coffee. This amount of caffeine can provide a quick boost in alertness and energy, making it useful for those needing a pick-me-up.
However, it’s important to be mindful of how many cans you consume throughout the day, especially if you consume caffeine from other sources like coffee and tea.
Are There Risks with Hell Energy Drinks?
Like most energy drinks, Hell Energy can come with some side effects, especially if consumed in large amounts or regularly:
Digestive Problems
The artificial sweeteners used in Hell Energy, such as sucralose and Acesulfame K, can cause digestive discomfort for some people. These sweeteners have been linked to bloating, gas, and even disruptions in gut bacteria, which may lead to more significant gut health issues over time. The caramel coloring (E150c) may also irritate your digestive system.
Caffeine Overload
Each can of Hell Energy contains 80mg of caffeine, which is similar to a cup of coffee. While this might seem harmless in small doses, drinking too many cans can lead to typical caffeine-related side effects like restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, and even stomach upset.
Long-Term Concerns
Regular consumption of energy drinks like Hell Energy could also raise long-term health issues, such as high blood pressure, heart palpitations, and sleep problems. People with heart conditions or sensitivity to caffeine should be particularly cautious.
Is Hell Energy Drink Actually Healthy?
In short, Hell Energy Drink is not a healthy option. While it’s low in calories and provides a quick energy boost, it contains artificial sweeteners and added sugars, which are not ideal for long-term consumption. Regularly drinking energy drinks like Hell can contribute to health issues such as digestive problems, caffeine-related side effects, and potential metabolic concerns.
That said, there are some benefits. Hell Energy is low in sugar compared to other energy drinks and offers 80mg of caffeine per can, which can help improve focus and reduce fatigue temporarily. It’s also lower in calories, making it a better choice for those looking to avoid excess calories while still needing an energy boost.
Overall, while Hell Energy Drink can provide short-term benefits, it’s best to consume it sparingly and not rely on it for sustained energy or health. For a more balanced and healthy energy source, natural alternatives like proper hydration, a good diet, and adequate rest are far better.
Common Questions About Hell Energy Drink
Does Hell Energy Drink Contain Alcohol?
There is no alcohol listed in the ingredient list of the Hell Energy drink.
Is Hell Energy Better Than Red Bull?
Here’s a quick comparison between Hell Energy and Red Bull:
Feature | Hell Energy | Red Bull |
---|---|---|
Caffeine | 80mg per 250ml can | 80mg per 250ml can |
Sugar Content | 4.3g per 100ml (10.75g per 250ml can) = 2.5 teaspoons | 11g per 100ml (27.5g per 250ml can) = 7 teaspoons |
Calories | 19 calories per 100ml (47.5 per 250ml) | 46 calories per 100ml (115 per 250ml) |
Artificial Sweeteners | Yes (Sucralose, Acesulfame K) | Not in the regular version |
As you can see, the key difference is sugar. A 250ml can of Red Bull contains 27.5g of sugar, which is close to the recommended daily limit of 30g for adults. Meanwhile, Hell Energy has significantly less sugar at 10.75g per can, making it a lower-calorie option.
If you’re looking to cut back on sugar and calories, Hell Energy is a better choice. However, Red Bull does offer a sugar-free version if you prefer that, though the flavor may be different.
Is Hell Energy Drink Safe?
Hell Energy Drink is generally safe to consume in moderation. Its ingredients, like caffeine and the coloring agent E150c, are considered safe at the levels used in the drink. However, drinking too much could lead to side effects like digestive discomfort, restlessness, or caffeine-related issues such as anxiety or increased heart rate. Occasional consumption is unlikely to cause harm, but regular use may not be ideal, especially for people with sensitivities or underlying health conditions.