Energy drinks often come with a reputation for being loaded with sugar, caffeine, and artificial ingredients, but Rubicon Raw Energy takes a slightly different approach. Launched in 2021 by Barr Soft Drinks, it stands out from traditional options like Red Bull and Lucozade with its 20% fruit juice content and a blend of natural extracts.
But how healthy is it really? Does its use of natural ingredients make it better for you, or do other factors tip the scale? I took a closer look at the ingredients, calorie content, and caffeine levels to find out.
Quick Answer: Rubicon Raw Energy is healthier than many traditional energy drinks because of its lower sugar and calorie content, natural caffeine, and added vitamins. However, it still contains artificial sweeteners and a high amount of caffeine, so it’s best consumed in moderation.
What’s in Rubicon Raw Energy?
Rubicon Raw Energy uses a mix of natural and artificial ingredients to create its unique flavour and energy boost. While the exact ingredients vary slightly depending on the flavour, the core ingredients remain the same across all varieties:
- Carbonated Water: The fizzy base of the drink.
- Fruit Juices from Concentrate (20%): A mix of juices, adding natural sweetness and flavour.
- Sugar: Adds to the sweetness but contributes to calorie content.
- Citric Acid: Enhances flavour and acts as a preservative.
- Acidity Regulator (Sodium Citrate): Balances the drink’s pH for taste.
- Natural Flavourings: Provides the distinct fruity taste.
- Stabilisers (Pectin, Gum Arabic): Ensure consistent texture.
- Concentrates: For added colour and flavour.
- Natural Caffeine from Green Coffee Beans: Offers a natural energy boost with a slower release compared to synthetic caffeine.
- Sucralose: An artificial sweetener that reduces overall sugar content but comes with potential side effects.
- Guarana Extract: Known for boosting energy and reducing fatigue naturally.
- Ginseng Root Extract: Offers additional benefits like reducing fatigue, supporting cognitive function, and helping maintain normal blood sugar levels.
- Added Vitamins (Niacin, B6, B12): Essential for energy production and overall health.
What Stands Out?
Rubicon Raw Energy’s use of natural caffeine from green coffee beans is a key feature, setting it apart from many other energy drinks that rely on synthetic caffeine. While both types of caffeine work similarly, natural caffeine offers a slower, steadier energy release.
The inclusion of guarana and ginseng—popular natural extracts—adds to its appeal. These ingredients are not only known for their energy-boosting properties but also offer additional health benefits.
The Concerns
Despite its natural ingredients, Rubicon Raw Energy isn’t completely free of artificial additives. The use of sucralose as a sweetener is a notable drawback. While it helps keep the calorie count low, sucralose has been associated with digestive issues, altered gut bacteria, and other potential side effects. This ingredient could be replaced with stevia, a more natural sweetener, to make this drink healthier.
The Bottom Line on Ingredients
Rubicon Raw Energy strikes a balance between natural and artificial ingredients. It’s a step above traditional energy drinks with its natural caffeine and fruit juice content, but the inclusion of artificial sweeteners means it’s not entirely “natural.”
Nutritional Breakdown: Rubicon Raw Energy (Orange & Mango)
Rubicon Raw Energy packs a mix of carbohydrates, vitamins, and a modest calorie count into its fizzy, fruity formula. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll find in a 500ml can:
| Nutrient | Per 100ml | Per 500ml Can |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 21kcal | 107kcal |
| Fat | <0.5g | <0.5g |
| Saturates | <0.1g | <0.1g |
| Carbohydrates | 4.8g | 24g |
| Sugars | 4.5g | 23g |
| Protein | 0.5g | 0.9g |
| Salt | 0.09g | 0.43g |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 3.2mg (20% RI) | 16mg (100% RI) |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.28mg (20% RI) | 1.4mg (100% RI) |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.5µg (20% RI) | 2.5µg (100% RI) |
Rubicon Raw Energy is relatively light on calories and fat, with most of its energy coming from carbohydrates—primarily the natural sugars found in the fruit juice content. The inclusion of B vitamins (Niacin, B6, and B12) is a standout feature, contributing to 100% of your daily recommended intake per can. These vitamins help the body convert food into energy, supporting your energy metabolism throughout the day.
Calories in Rubicon Raw Energy
With 21 calories per 100ml (107 calories per 500ml can), Rubicon Raw Energy is considerably lighter than many traditional energy drinks. For comparison:
- Red Bull: 46 calories per 100ml (more than double).
- Monster Original: 45 calories per 100ml.
- Lucozade Energy Orange: 29 calories per 100ml.
Rubicon Raw Energy’s lower calorie count is largely thanks to the use of sucralose, an artificial sweetener that reduces the need for sugar without adding calories. While this makes Rubicon a healthier choice for those watching their calorie intake, it’s still important to consume it in moderation.
How Much Caffeine Is in Rubicon Raw Energy?
Rubicon Raw Energy contains 32mg of caffeine per 100ml. This means a standard 500ml can delivers a total of 160mg of caffeine, which is a significant amount in one go.
To put this into perspective, drinking a full 500ml can of Rubicon Raw is equivalent to consuming two cans of Red Bull, each containing 80mg of caffeine in a 250ml serving. It also aligns with the caffeine content of other popular energy drinks like Monster Energy, which typically have similar levels per 500ml can.
While caffeine provides the main energy boost in Rubicon Raw Energy, high consumption can lead to side effects such as restlessness, digestive discomfort, or trouble sleeping. This is why it’s especially important for children, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and those sensitive to caffeine to avoid the drink altogether.
Key Takeaways
Rubicon Raw Energy’s nutritional profile makes it a healthier option than many energy drinks, thanks to its lower calorie and sugar content and its addition of B vitamins. However, its high caffeine content means it should be consumed in moderation, especially by those sensitive to caffeine or artificial sweeteners.
Is Rubicon Raw Energy Good or Bad for You?
Rubicon Raw Energy is a better option than many traditional energy drinks , thanks to its lower sugar and calorie content, natural caffeine, and added vitamins. However, its reduced sugar comes at a cost. Some of the sugar is replaced with the artificial sweetener sucralose, which can alter gut bacteria, increase inflammation, and may even raise the risk of diabetes in some cases.
While it’s not inherently “bad,” the high caffeine content and the inclusion of artificial sweeteners mean it’s not entirely “good” either. If you choose to drink Rubicon Raw, it’s best enjoyed occasionally and in moderation to avoid potential side effects.