Red Bull is one of the most popular energy drink brands worldwide, known for its signature slim silver-and-blue cans packed with caffeine and other energizing ingredients. While the original Red Bull contains 110 calories per 8.4oz can, many consumers wonder if there is a zero calorie version available for those looking to reduce their calorie or sugar intake. This article will explore whether a zero calorie Red Bull exists, looking at the different product lines and ingredients that the brand offers.
What is Red Bull?
Red Bull was launched in Austria in 1987 and introduced to the United States in 1997. It was one of the first energy drinks on the market and remains a top seller today. The original Red Bull contains these key ingredients:
– Caffeine: Red Bull provides 80mg of caffeine per 8.4oz can, about the same amount as a small cup of coffee. Caffeine is the main energizing ingredient.
– Taurine: This amino acid is thought to boost energy levels and focus. Many energy drinks contain taurine.
– B vitamins: Red Bull contains B3, B5, B6, and B12 vitamins. B vitamins play a role in energy metabolism.
– Sugars: The original Red Bull contains 27g of sugar per 8.4oz can, in the form of sucrose and glucose. These simple sugars provide quick energy.
– Flavors/colors: Carbonated water, citric acid, natural flavors, and colors create the unique Red Bull flavor and appearance.
So while caffeine is the key active ingredient, the combination of B vitamins, sugars, and other additives make up the popular Red Bull formula.
But with 27g of sugar and 110 calories per can, it is not a zero calorie beverage. So what options are there?
Red Bull Product Lines
Red Bull offers several product lines and flavors beyond its original formula. Here is a breakdown of the different types available:
Original Red Bull
As described above, this is the classic Red Bull formula that put the brand on the map. With 80mg caffeine, vitamins, sugar, and 110 calories per 8.4oz can, it provides an energy boost but is not zero calorie.
Sugar Free Red Bull
Sugar Free Red Bull has 0g of sugar and only 10 calories per 8.4oz can. It contains the same caffeine, taurine, and B vitamins as the original, but uses artificial sweeteners (aspartame and acesulfame K) instead of sugar to provide sweetness without calories or carbohydrates. This is the lowest calorie option.
Red Bull Zero
New in 2022, Red Bull Zero is another zero sugar, 5 calorie per can option. However, instead of artificial sweeteners, it uses stevia leaf extract as the natural sweetening ingredient. It has slightly fewer calories than Sugar Free Red Bull, but the same caffeine and other energy-boosting ingredients.
Red Bull Energy Water
Red Bull Energy Water is a flavored sparkling water that contains caffeine, taurine, B vitamins, and zero calories or sugar. With only 80mg caffeine per 16.9oz bottle, the stimulant content is lower than regular Red Bull but it provides an alternative zero calorie choice.
Red Bull Editions
Beyond the regular Red Bull flavor, editions like Red Bull Coconut Berry, Red Bull Peach, and Red Bull Cherry provide new flavor options. However, these canned editions generally contain 110 calories and 27-28g of sugar per 8.4oz like the original. So they do not offer zero calorie variations.
Organics by Red Bull
Made with organic cane sugar and ingredients, Organics by Red Bull offers flavors like Ginger Ale and Simply Cola. These contain 100 calories and 25-26g sugar per 8.4oz can. So they also are not zero calorie options.
Lowest Calorie Red Bull Drinks
Based on the product lines above, these are the lowest calorie Red Bull drinks:
| Red Bull Product | Calories per 8.4oz |
|---|---|
| Sugar Free Red Bull | 10 |
| Red Bull Zero | 5 |
| Red Bull Energy Water | 0 |
So Sugar Free Red Bull, new Red Bull Zero, and Red Bull Energy Water are the zero or very low calorie options available from Red Bull, with just 5-10 calories per 8.4oz serving.
Red Bull Energy Water is the only true zero calorie product line, with no calories, sugar, or artificial sweeteners. Sugar Free Red Bull and Red Bull Zero use alternative sweeteners to keep the calorie count extremely low while still providing sweetness.
Ingredients in Zero Calorie Options
Here is a closer look at the ingredients found in the zero and very low calorie Red Bull offerings:
Sugar Free Red Bull
– Aspartame: An artificial sweetener that provides sweet taste without sugar or calories
– Acesulfame K: Another artificial sweetener often combined with aspartame
– Caffeine: 80mg per 8.4oz can
– Taurine: An amino acid for energy
– B vitamins
– Flavors & colors
Red Bull Zero
– Stevia leaf extract: Natural sweetener that contains zero calories
– Caffeine: 80mg per 8.4oz can
– Taurine
– B vitamins
– Flavors & colors
Red Bull Energy Water
– Purified carbonated water
– Citric acid
– Caffeine: 80mg per 16.9oz bottle
– Taurine
– B vitamins
– Natural flavors
So while the original Red Bull uses sugar for sweetness and calories, the zero calorie products replace sugar with non-nutritive sweeteners, both artificial and natural options. But all contain the same essential caffeine, taurine, and B vitamin mix for energy.
Taste and User Reviews
How do the new zero and low calorie Red Bull products taste compared to the original? And what are users saying in their reviews?
Sugar Free Red Bull
The artificial sweeteners provide sweetness close to the original, though some reviewers say Sugar Free Red Bull has a slightly more bitter aftertaste. Overall though, most say the taste is very similar to standard Red Bull. Customers like that it eliminates calories and sugar without sacrificing the energy boost.
Red Bull Zero
Red Bull Zero also tastes very close to the original according to reviews. Some say it has a cleaner taste since it uses natural stevia instead of artificial sweeteners. There is still some bitterness though. Users appreciate the energy benefits without calories or artificial ingredients.
Red Bull Energy Water
Since it contains no sugar or sweeteners, Energy Water has a much different taste profile – light, bubbly, and fruity. Flavors like coconut and peach provide refreshing flavor. As expected with only 80mg caffeine per bottle, the energy lift is more subtle. Overall it’s liked as a sparkling water rather than direct Red Bull substitute.
Pros and Cons of Zero Calorie Options
What are the potential upsides and downsides of choosing these zero calorie Red Bull products compared to the original?
Pros
– Zero or very few calories and no sugar
– Provides energy boost from caffeine & taurine without calories
– Convenient option for low calorie or low carb diets
– Less “crash” later since no sugar rush
– No artificial sweeteners (Red Bull Zero)
– Longer lasting energy (16.9oz Energy Water bottle)
Cons
– Different taste from the original
– Artificial sweetener aftertaste (Sugar Free)
– Less intense immediate energy boost
– Higher cost per ounce
– Need to drink more volume for same caffeine (Energy Water)
So while the zero calorie alternatives sacrifice some aspects of the original Red Bull, they can be smart choices for those monitoring sugar and calorie intake or following specific diets like keto. The energy lift still comes from caffeine, just without the added calories.
Nutrition Facts Comparison
Here is a nutrition facts table comparing the original Red Bull to the Sugar Free, Zero, and Energy Water versions:
| Red Bull Product (8.4oz can) | Original | Sugar Free | Red Bull Zero |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 110 | 10 | 5 |
| Total Carbs (g) | 27 | 0 | 0 |
| Sugar (g) | 27 | 0 | 0 |
| Protein (g) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Caffeine (mg) | 80 | 80 | 80 |
Nutrition per 16.9oz Red Bull Energy Water:
Calories: 0
Total Carbs: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 0g
Caffeine: 80mg
So the zero calorie versions offer the energy boost of caffeine without any sugar or carbs.
Cost Comparison
How do the prices of the different Red Bull options compare?
| Red Bull Product | Price (Per 8.4oz can) |
|---|---|
| Original | $2.19 |
| Sugar Free | $2.29 |
| Red Bull Zero | $2.79 |
| Red Bull Energy Water (16.9oz) | $3.19 |
The zero calorie alternatives are priced at a premium – around 25% higher for Sugar Free up to nearly 50% higher for Red Bull Zero per can. Since Energy Water is sold in larger 16.9oz bottles rather than 8.4oz cans, the price per ounce is similar.
So you’ll pay more for the convenience of the zero calorie options, though prices may vary by retailer.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about zero calorie Red Bull options:
Is there caffeine in zero calorie Red Bull drinks?
Yes, the zero calorie versions like Sugar Free, Zero, and Energy Water all still contain caffeine for an energy boost. The caffeine content per 8.4oz serving is 80mg, the same amount as original Red Bull.
Do the zero calorie versions taste the same as original Red Bull?
The Sugar Free and Zero options try to mimic the original flavor using alternative sweeteners instead of sugar. They taste very similar though there is a slightly more bitter aftertaste. Red Bull Energy Water has a lighter, fruity taste since it contains no sweeteners.
Are there any downsides to zero calorie Red Bull drinks?
Potential downsides include the use of artificial sweeteners in Sugar Free Red Bull, less intense immediate energy boost compared to the original, and higher cost per can. But they provide an alternative for limiting sugar and calories.
Where can I buy zero calorie Red Bull products?
The Sugar Free, Zero, and Energy Water options are sold at many major retailers that carry Red Bull products, including gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores, and online marketplaces like Amazon. Availability may vary by location.
Do the zero calorie drinks have the same B vitamins as original Red Bull?
Yes, Sugar Free Red Bull and Red Bull Zero contain the same B3, B5, B6, and B12 vitamin blend as the original Red Bull formula. The vitamins support energy metabolism.
Can I mix zero calorie Red Bull with alcohol?
Technically you can mix the Sugar Free, Zero, or Energy Water versions with alcohol like vodka or rum for cocktails. But energy drinks do not actually counteract the intoxicating effects of alcohol so combining them is not recommended or safe.
The Bottom Line
So is there a zero calorie Red Bull? Yes – there are a few zero or very low calorie options that provide the Red Bull energy blend without all the sugar:
– Sugar Free Red Bull with 10 calories
– New Red Bull Zero with 5 calories
– Red Bull Energy Water with zero calories
These alternatives use artificial or natural sweeteners instead of sugar to eliminate calories while providing the caffeine, taurine, and B vitamins that offer an energy boost.
Of the three, Red Bull Energy Water is the only one with 0 calories and 0g sugar. Sugar Free Red Bull and Red Bull Zero get extremely close though at just 5-10 calories per can.
So for those looking to limit sugar and calories while still getting an energy kick, Red Bull does offer some zero and low calorie choices. They provide a different experience from original Red Bull thanks to alternative sweeteners, but can be smart options for certain diets and lifestyles.
