September 9/Chicago/Health Business Week -- Amid the constant publicity about the potential danger of energy drink ingredients, Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD) says the latest energy drink launches are not getting any healthier. Despite this, the popular beverage market continues to grow with sales increasing over 240% from 2004 to 2009. In the same timeframe, there has been a flood of new energy drinks to the market with new product launches up by over 110%.
Analyzing the ingredients in energy drinks launched between 2004 and 2008, Mintel GNPD found caffeine in nearly all energy drinks produced. Meanwhile, taurine, the other popular, yet controversial energy-boosting ingredient, was found in more than one in four (27%) energy drinks in 2004, but has slightly reduced to one in five (21%) in 2008.