What are Energy Drinks?

Energy drinks are non-alcoholic beverages that are characterised by the addition of a number of energy enhancing ingredients. They are sometimes lightly carbonated and can include the addition of sugar, caffeine and/or guarana (a herbal source of caffeine). The drinks usually have a number of added water-soluble vitamins – usually a selection of B vitamins including niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, and amino acids such as Taurine.

How are energy drinks regulated?

Until recently, the Energy Drink category had been regulated under the New Zealand Dietary Supplement Regulations (1985), made under the New Zealand Food Act (1981).

Products made under this regulation could not be manufactured in Australia, but under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement, they were legitimately manufactured in New Zealand and exported to Australia.

In August 2001 an amendment was made to the Food Standards Code introducing a regulation for "Formulated Caffeinated Beverages". This amendment allows Energy Drinks, which meet prescribed criteria to be produced and sold in both Australia and New Zealand.

'V' labelling has recently been revised to bring it into line with the requirements of the Food Standards Code.