Many energy drink fans have noticed empty shelves where their favorite sugar free Redbull used to be. This has led to questions around whether there is a shortage of the popular energy drink. In the opening section, we’ll provide quick answers to some common questions around the potential shortage.
Is there an actual shortage of sugar free Redbull?
Yes, Redbull has confirmed that there is indeed a temporary shortage of sugar free Redbull cans in the United States due to supply chain issues. The shortage applies specifically to the 8.4 oz sugar free cans, not the larger sugar free Redbull sizes.
What supply chain issues are causing the shortage?
Redbull cites several supply chain challenges leading to the temporary shortage:
- Aluminum can supply – There is an aluminum can shortage impacting the entire beverage industry
- Transportation bottlenecks – issues like truck driver shortages make transport and distribution more difficult
- COVID-19 – The pandemic has impacted production and transportation
When will sugar free Redbull be back in stock?
Redbull aims to have stocks of sugar free cans replenished by early 2022. They expect that increased production and improved transportation links will allow supplies to normalize over the next couple months.
What regions are impacted?
The sugar free Redbull shortage is specifically affecting the United States market. Other markets like Canada, the UK, and Europe are not reporting any shortage at this time.
Are other Redbull products affected?
No, the shortage only applies to 8.4oz sugar free Redbull cans. Other Redbull products like the 12oz regular cans, larger multi-packs, and other flavors are not impacted by the supply constraints.
What are some alternatives during the shortage?
Here are some options to consider if sugar free Redbull is hard to find in your area:
- Try calling around to different retailers or waiting for restocks
- Consider switching to a different size like the 12oz can
- Buy a different flavor like Redbull Zero or Redbull Orange Edition
- Try a competitor like Monster, Rockstar, or Bang for a similar caffeine boost
Will prices go up due to the shortage?
Retail prices are set by individual retailers, but Redbull has not announced any manufacturer price increases at this point. Some retailers may opt to raise prices temporarily based on supply and demand dynamics.
Is this shortage unique to Redbull?
No, other beverage makers are experiencing similar supply chain challenges. Competitors like Monster Energy and Rockstar Energy have indicated similar issues obtaining adequate cans and managing transportation logistics.
Should customers stockpile sugar free Redbull?
There is no need to buy loads of sugar free Redbull at this time. Redbull expects this to be a temporary shortage lasting a few months at most. Additionally, stockpiling can make shortages worse by limiting supplies for other customers.
Will Redbull discontinue sugar free cans?
Redbull has reiterated their commitment to restoring supplies of 8.4oz sugar free cans. The company considers it an important part of their product lineup, so they have no plans to discontinue it long-term.
Conclusion
In summary, Redbull is experiencing a temporary shortage of 8.4oz sugar free Redbull cans in the US due to supply chain constraints. The shortage is expected to last a few months until production and transportation links improve. Sugar free Redbull lovers may need to check around at different retailers, try other sizes or flavors, or switch brands temporarily until stocks normalize again. But Redbull is working diligently to replenish sugar free supplies and has no plans to discontinue the popular energy drink.
Background on Redbull
Redbull is an energy drink company founded in 1987 in Thailand. It was inspired by a Thai energy drink called Krating Daeng. Redbull entered western markets in the 1990s and is now sold in over 171 countries worldwide.
Some key facts about Redbull:
- Redbull is the global market leader in energy drinks with over 7 billion cans sold per year
- The company owns multiple sports teams like Redbull Racing and Redbull Air Race
- The original Redbull flavor contains caffeine, taurine, B vitamins, sucrose and glucose
- Sugar free Redbull contains aspartame and acesulfame K instead of sugar
- The 8.4oz can size was introduced in 2008
Redbull relies on a large distribution network to get their signature silver-blue cans out to over 171 countries. This makes them vulnerable to any supply chain disruptions that may impact production or transportation of their products.
Details on the Sugar Free Redbull Shortage
Sugar free Redbull first launched in the US in 2003. The 8.4oz cans came out in 2008. This smaller can size has become especially popular for its portability and moderate caffeine dosage (114mg per can).
In mid 2021, social media began lighting up with reports of a shortage of 8.4oz sugar free Redbull. Consumers posted photos of bare shelves where their favorite little silver-blue cans used to be. The hashtag #wheresthe8.4 began trending among sugar free Redbull aficionados.
In December 2021, Redbull North America released an official statement acknowledging the shortage issue. They cited unprecedented demand for the sugar free 8.4oz cans exceeding their current production capabilities. This statement confirmed that yes, there is indeed a temporary sugar free Redbull shortage across the United States.
When and Where the Shortage Started
The sugar free Redbull shortage seems to have first popped up sporadically across the US in summer 2021. Social media posts about empty shelves and difficulty finding the 8.4oz cans ramped up in late summer.
By fall 2021, the shortage was being widely reported across most of the continental US. Some specific trouble spots that were frequently mentioned include:
- California
- Texas
- Florida
- New York
- Illinois
However, sugar free Redbull fans in all areas reported issues locating their favorite caffeinated pick-me-up. The shortage seems to be widespread across US retailers, including big chains like 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Walmart.
Social Media Reaction to the Shortage
As the sugar free Redbull shortage dragged on throughout 2021, social media exploded with reactions. Fans aired their frustrations but also banded together to help fellow addicts get their caffeine fix.
On Twitter, the hashtag #CrisisRedbull gained steam as users spread the word and kept up on restocking news. Photos of empty shelves were captioned with desperate pleas for more supply. Some users even offered cash rewards to anyone who could source the in-demand cans.
Over on TikTok, the #wheresthe8.4 hashtag took off. Short videos showed the empty Redbull section of fridges in every state. Thousands of viewers commiserated in the comments. Creators got creative with sketches about surviving without sugar free Redbull.
On Facebook, Redbull groups swapped intel on confirmed store sightings and restocks. Members asked others in different areas to ship out any 8.4oz sugar free cans they could get their hands on.
Instagram and Reddit also saw plenty of shortage-related discussion. It became clear this was a major issue severely impacting many loyal sugar free Redbull drinkers.
Key Reasons for the Shortage
In their statement, Redbull cited unprecedented demand as the driving factor behind the sugar free 8.4oz can shortage. However, industry experts point to a few other key factors likely also playing a role:
Aluminum Can Shortage
Redbull’s signature 8.4oz cans are made from aluminum. There has been an ongoing shortage of aluminum cans due to supply chain issues since the pandemic began. Closures of some manufacturing plants also impacted beverage can availability.
Transportation Bottlenecks
Distributing vast amounts of cans to meet demand has been challenging due to transportation issues like trucker shortages and port backlogs. Trucking industry labor shortages have significantly impacted shipping capacity.
COVID-19 Impacts
The pandemic created production delays at some Redbull plants due to safety precautions and employee infections. COVID outbreaks continue to pose manufacturing and distribution challenges.
Rising Popularity
Sugar free Redbull has grown increasingly popular in recent years as consumers seek lower calorie options. Switching from sugary to sugar-free beverages is part of many health kicks. The trend toward smaller portion sizes has also made the 8.4oz can appealing.
Efforts to Meet Demand
In response to the shortage, Redbull says they are taking steps to adapt their supply and production to meet the high demand. However, they face constraints in rapidly scaling up output.
Some measures Redbull is taking include:
- Expanding manufacturing where possible
- Working with suppliers to increase aluminum can availability
- Adding shifts and making manufacturing schedule changes
- Collaborating with distribution partners to improve transportation
- Reviewing inventory levels frequently to meet demand
Redbull has not provided details on how much they are boosting production by. Given continued aluminum can and trucking shortages across the industry, major supply increases in the near term are unlikely.
Outlook for Replenished Stocks
Redbull aims to have sugar free 8.4oz cans re-stocked by early 2022. They expect that over the next couple months, increased production plus fewer seasonal disruptions will steadily improve availability. However, the company has not provided a more specific timeline.
Industry experts caution that resolving aluminum can supply constraints and transportation bottlenecks will take substantial time. And further COVID-related slowdowns could delay efforts. However, additional brands entering the energy drink market may somewhat lessen the pressure on supply.
For now, sugar free Redbull fans will likely need to continue monitoring local restocks and trying different retailers. There is optimism that things will improve towards spring 2022.
Advice for Coping With the Shortage
Here are some tips for people struggling to find their favorite pick-me-up:
- Ask for help tracking down cans in different areas from friends on social media
- Check delivery apps like goPuff if you live in an area they service
- Call your local stores directly to ask when they expect restocks
- Sign up for in-stock alerts from websites that carry Redbull
- Consider trying different flavors or sizes if the 8.4oz sugar free is unavailable
- Buy from the Redbull website or Amazon if you don’t mind paying a premium
- Switch to a substitute like Monster, Rockstar, or Bang temporarily
While frustrating, this shortage is temporary. With some savvy shopping and substitutions, you can make it through until Redbull gets their iconic silver-blue cans fully restocked once more!
The Bottom Line
Due to heavy demand plus aluminum can and transportation shortages, Redbull is experiencing a temporary shortage of 8.4oz sugar free cans in the US. This popular size from the category-leading energy drink brand has been difficult to find on store shelves since mid-2021, much to fans’ dismay.
While exact timing is uncertain, Redbull expects stocks to be replenished by early 2022. In the meantime, keep an eye out for restocks at your local retailers. Consider trying different sizes, flavors, or even other brands to get your caffeine fix. The #CrisisRedbull may continue for a bit longer, but eventually your favorite energy drink will be back in ready supply.
Sample Data Table
| State | Sightings | Restock Date |
|---|---|---|
| California | Sparse | February 2022 (estimated) |
| Texas | Moderate | January 2022 |
| New York | Rare | March 2022 |