Ingredients

Sting Energy Drink Ingredients (Facts Explained)

Pepsi Co. first launched the Sting energy drink in 2002 in Vietnam. Since then, the brand has been popping off shelfs and providing people with a quick boost of energy.

That said, what are the ingredients of Sting and do they harm you?

Sting energy drink has 139 calories, 200 mg of caffeine, 34.3 g of sugar, along with essential nutrients like vitamin B complex, taurine, and ginseng extract. It’s a bit high in caffeine and sugar, which may be harmful to some, but contains nutrients that can be helpful.

Read till the end to find a more in-depth explanation of the key ingredients and nutrients of Sting.

Sting energy nutrition facts

One serving 250ml of Sting Energy is packed with the following nutritional value:

Value(Standard Serving)Sting Energy(320ml)
Energy139 Calories
Protein0g
Carbohydrate(Of which Sugars)35g(34.3g)
Sodium0g
Caffeine200mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)7mg
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B120.9mg
Ginseng Extract6.7mg
Vitamin C
Magnesium
Taurine101.5mg
Inositol14.8mg
Nutrient values of Sting energy drink

Sting energy ingredients

a bottle of sting half submerged in water

Sting is powered by caffeine, taurine, and sugar just like how other energy drinks are. Moreover, you can always examine these components at the back of the bottle of the drink.

Here’s a list of the Sting Energy drinks ingredients:

  • Caffeine
  • Calcium Disodium EDTA
  • Modified Food Starch
  • Carbonated water
  • Sugar
  • Citric Acid
  • Inositol
  • Artificial flavor
  • Maltodextrin
  • Sodium Citrate
  • Sodium Hexametaphosphate
  • Taurine
  • Potassium Sorbate
  • Sodium Benzoate
  • Tartrazine
  • Panax Ginseng Extract
  • Niacinamide
  • Sunset Yellow
  • Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
  • Cyanocobalamin

Always check out the ingredients label on any energy drink. Knowing what you consume can help you manage and regulate your health. 

Calories In Sting Energy Drink

Sting energy drink contains 139 calories which is may be too much compared to its other competitors.

Daily calorie intake varies depending on your age, gender, metabolism level, and levels of physical activity. Generally, the daily recommended calorie intake is 2,000 for women and 2,500 for men.

Take a look at this video for more information:

That means one Sting per day won’t harm your daily calorie limit to a significant extent. However, if you have a lousy diet, gulping down 139 calories drink full of sugar is not a healthy option. 

Still, one serving of Sting will give you enough energy boost and help you keep going for at least 4 to 5 hours. 

Sugar in Sting Energy

Sting energy drinks contain 34.3 g of sugar, which is a shockingly high amount, also more significant than Red Bull, which only includes 27g of sugar.

The AHA recommended sugar limitation for women is 25g and 36g for healthy men. 

Taking in an excessive amount of sugar can lead to disastrous health issues such as:

  • Sugar crashes 
  • Acne
  • Diabetes
  • Higher chance of depression
  • Kidney failure
  • Joint pain
  • High blood pressure
  • Tooth Decay
  • Weight Gain and Obesity

The amount in one serving of Sting Energy drink is too high. You should not take this much high sugar daily. 

I recommend you pick the sugar-free version of energy drinks. By cutting the sugar, you can manage your health and promote wellness. 

Caffeine In Sting Energy Drink

two bottles of sting on a table

A 250ml of Sting energy drink is packed with 200mg of caffeine, similar to Celsius energy drinks. 

Caffeine is an active stimulant that fuels your brain and keeps you alert and focused for hours. 

However, 200mg of caffeine in Sting is a considerably high amount that gives you an excessive amount of energy in one go but can also cause a caffeine crash. 

It’s vital for you to know that the FDA recommends 400mg of caffeine for healthy adults and a can of Sting is half of the limit.

The high caffeine content in the Sting energy drink can keep your mind alert. It can also be good for you to get over your lazy afternoon slums. However, it’s noteworthy that high caffeine content has a straight link with unfavorable side effects and can endanger your life.

You should look after your daily intake of caffeine to avoid unwanted side effects such as:

  • Restlessness
  • Insomnia
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Increased heart rhythm
  • Anxiety
  • Dependency

If you love to consume Sting or other energy drinks, minimizing other caffeinated foods and beverages would be better to reduce caffeine’s unfavorable effects.

Other ingredients 

B-Vitamins

Sting energy drink has vitamins B6, B3, and B12 that are essential for the body. 

These vitamins convert your food into energy and maintain your skin and brain health.

Here is a summary table of B-vitamins that sting energy contains:

Types of B VitaminsObjectiveSting Energy (250ml)
Vitamin B3 (niacin)It keeps the skin nourishing and helps your body release energy7mg
Vitamin B12It helps release energy from food, maintain the health of the nervous system, and constructs red blood cells; 0.9mg
Benefits of Vitamins in Sting Energy

Summary of B-vitamins in Sting Energy

Ginseng Extract

a close up picture of sting

Ginseng extract is generally utilized as a traditional medication in China.

It has many health benefits, such as:

  • Potent Antioxidant that may reduce inflammation
  • May benefit brain function
  • Could improve erectile dysfunction
  • May have potential benefits against cancer
  • May boost the immune system
  • Could lower blood sugar

Maltodextrin

Maltodextrin is a starchy white powder that manufacturers add to many foods. It improves the flavor, thickness, or shelf life of food. Athletes may also use it as a carbohydrate supplement.

Maltodextrin enhances your sports performance, and it’s a fast-digesting carbohydrate. It’s a great power source for professional athletes. One study in the Asian Journal of Sports Medicine shows that maltodextrin assists you in maintaining energy as well as fuel during a workout.

Its presence in Sting energy does provide many benefits. It helps you manage your intestinal tract features, colonic transit time, feces consistency, and even stool volume.

Taurine

Taurine is an essential amino acid for your body that forms healthy proteins. 

It plays a vital role in your body as it enhances and maintains your body’s cells.

Taurine is also helpful for handling brains, organs, and muscle tissues. 

Here are the following benefits that taurine in Sting Energy contains:

  • Make Bile Salts
  • Regulate your calcium levels
  • Develop and manage your nervous system
  • Balance the electrolytes in your body

Does Sting Energy Use Artificial Sweeteners?

Yes, Stings contain artificial sweeteners: Sucralose and acesulfame potassium.

Sting has both sugars and artificial sweeteners, which makes it an unhealthy option for someone trying to avoid sugar. 

You should probably avoid Sting if you are obese, have diabetes, or are a nursing mom. It is better to switch to a sugar-free version of energy drinks containing artificial sweeteners. 

Sucralose

Sucralose is an artificial sweetener 400 to 700 times sweeter than regular sugar, sold under the brand Splenda. 

It is safe to consume, but a high intake of these sweeteners can pose any danger to your health, such as:

  • Weight gain
  • High blood glucose and insulin levels
  • Leukemia
  • Cancer
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Related and triggers leaky gut
  • Generate toxic compounds

Acesulfame Potassium

Acesulfame Potassium or Ace-K is also sweeter than your regular sugar and is deemed safe to consume by FDA. It has a bitter aftertaste, that’s why manufacturers and brands use it in combination with other sweeteners.

However, there are some concerns that over intake of Ace-K can lead to potential risks of the following health problems:

  • Increased risk of cancer
  • Negative impact on the development of the baby during pregnancy

Although according to the National Cancer Institute, none of these claims have any merit and further studies need to be done.

The daily recommended limit is 15mg per 2-pound bodyweight, so make sure not to exceed this limit to avoid the side effect. 

Flavors of Sting Energy drink

Sting energy drink comes in three different flavors.

  • Original Gold Rush (With Ginseng)
  • Berry Blast (Strawberry)
  • Power Lime (Kiwi Fruit/ Lime)

Alternatives

different cans of energy drinks

If you want to try out other energy drinks here are some excellent recommendations:

  • Bang
  • Monster
  • Rockstar
  • NOS
  • AMP
  • 3D Energy

Have a look at my other article here to see which brand of energy drinks I think are the healthiest.

Final Takeaway: Does Sting Energy Work?

Sting energy drinks give you what you require to feel energetic. Though, it’s not a good option considering a high amount of sugar if you’re looking after your weight.

Sting energy also contains artificial sweeteners, despite already having sugar. For some, this may not be too much of a big deal, but for people with underlying health issues, it’s important for them to contact their doctor first before engaging in energy drinks like Sting.

Always stick to moderation, and use your doctor’s advice to protect yourself and your body against health problems.

All in all, Sting is a good energy drink for a quick energy boost, but not a great addition to your daily diet what with its sugar and artificial sweeteners.