Rockstar

Flavor:

The Original

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Citric Acid, Taurine, Natural And Artificial Flavor, Sodium Citrate, Caffeine, Caramel Color, Glucuronolactone, Sodium benzoate (Preserves Freshness), Potassium Sorbate (Preserves Freshness), Inositol, L-carnitine, Guarana Seed Extract, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Milk Thistle Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Yellow #5, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)

Rating: We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, “Rockstar The Original” energy drink positions itself at the lower end of the cleaner food options spectrum. This product is not organic and includes genetically modified ingredients, which detracts from its standing as a health-conscious choice. The presence of added sugars, specifically sugar and citric acid, further diminishes its score, while the inclusion of glucose syrup intensifies concerns over its sugar content.

The drink also contains a range of additives that raise red flags. Natural and artificial flavors, sodium citrate, caffeine, caramel color, and yellow 5 are among the constituents that contribute to the product’s low rating. Notably, artificial flavors, caramel color, and sodium benzoate are identified as known harmful additives, which are particularly problematic. High fructose corn syrup, listed under artificial flavor, is another contentious ingredient that significantly impacts the product’s score due to its association with various health issues.

Moreover, the energy drink includes several preservatives such as sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate, which, while common in many processed foods, are often scrutinized for their potential health effects. The drink’s nutritional profile is rounded out with a mix of vitamins and extracts, like B vitamins and ginseng root extract, but these do not offset the overall negative assessment.

The inclusion of substances like taurine, L-carnitine, and guarana seed extract, commonly found in energy drinks, are intended to provide a performance boost. However, the health implications of the other ingredients overshadow any potential benefits from these compounds.

“Rockstar The Original” energy drink, with its 1/5 green leaves rating, is not recommended for those seeking cleaner and healthier food and beverage choices. The combination of non-organic, GMO ingredients, added sugars, and harmful additives aligns the product with options that consumers might consider avoiding in their quest for a healthier diet.