How Much Creatine Is in Bang Energy Drink?

Key Points

• Jack Owoc created Bang Energy Drink to meet a need for a healthier energy drink.

• Despite Owoc's efforts to improve energy drink formulas, the concern that ingredients such as creatine in Bang raise safety questions.

• Despite much controversy around whether there is creatine in Bang, the brand has a loyal following.

When searching for that boost of workout energy, people reach for water or caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee to give them extra fuel. Some reach for higher-octane forms of energy to give them that extra boost of energy and performance. One trend in the world of energy beverages is Bang Energy Drinks. Perhaps this energy drink's popularity is due to the innovative ingredient list on each can. Speculation continues around the belief that creatine is in Bang.

This complex cocktail of vitamins, minerals, and other mystery ingredients claims to have no calories, carbs, or sugar, yet loyal consumers say they taste great. Bang also claims to contain supplements commonly used by athletes. The jury is still out as researchers examine whether creatine is in Bang.

Other claims surrounding Bang include adding branched-chain amino acids, or BCAAs. These and other ingredients are the subjects of many conversations about the brand and its purported benefits.

Energy Drinks: Worth the Hype?

Marketing companies bombard fitness enthusiasts with a plethora of energy drinks designed to boost energy, concentration, and sports performance. People of all ages drink them, and the beverages continue to grow in popularity despite the controversy surrounding their use — and abuse.

Some health professionals warn of the possible harmful effects of energy drink consumption. This leads people to make more discriminating choices when reaching for liquid energy.

Bang Energy: Claiming To Be Different

Bang Energy Drinks first burst onto the supplement scene in 2012. Jack Owoc, a former college football player and bodybuilder, worked in the supplement industry before launching the Bang brand.

After looking at comparable energy drinks, Owoc resolved to create an energy drink that was healthier and more effective than the other brands.

He initially aimed his ad campaign at high-profile personalities in the professional sports, modeling, and fitness industries. Including these influencers might be a significant reason for the brand's popularity and market performance.

Bang Energy initially had only a few flavors. Its popularity snowballed due to its supposedly innovative formula of high doses of caffeine, amino acids, and other supplemental ingredients.

Bang gained worldwide recognition through a marketing campaign with fitness models, athletes, and social media influencers on its payroll.

Ingredients Typically Found in Energy Drinks

In addition to caffeine as a main ingredient, these are the most common additives in energy drinks.

• Sugar is one of the most concentrated ingredients in energy drinks. Some brands claim to be sugar-free, using alternative sweeteners to enhance the taste.

• B vitamins are essential for converting food into usable energy for our bodies.

• Amino acid derivatives, such as taurine and L-carnitine, aid in several biological and metabolic processes.

• Herbal extracts such as guarana are often added to energy drinks to increase and enhance caffeine content. Ginseng may benefit cognitive function.

Why Reach for Energy Drinks?

Why do people reach for energy drinks when there are healthier, more natural alternatives for boosting athletic performance?

These drinks' "quick-fix" energy boost is an attractive option for an instant energy surge. However, this has long-term consequences if you depend on that artificial prop to get you through the day.

Here are some of the reasons people choose energy drinks.

They Boost Brain Performance

Multiple studies conclude that energy drinks enhance brain functions like memory, concentration, and reaction time while minimizing mental exhaustion. Some researchers believe this increase in mental clarity is solely due to caffeine. Others theorize that the combo of caffeine and sugar in these drinks is necessary to achieve a euphoric, energetic effect.

They Provide a Surge of Energy

Another reason people reach for energy drinks is for an energy surge to power through the day. Individuals driving long distances at night often resort to energy drinks to stay alert.

Several studies involving simulated driving conclude energy drinks enhance driving quality and decrease drowsiness, even in sleep-deprived individuals.

Those working night shifts use energy drinks to fulfill job requirements when most people are asleep. Though they might be more productive at work, some research suggests excessive energy drink consumption adversely affects sleep quality when shifts are over.

They Are Trendy

Energy drinks are definitely in fashion. Some people consume them for social or recreational purposes. Commonly found at parties, clubs, and social gatherings as a mixer with alcohol, they are part of the social culture.

They Are Accessible

Energy drinks come in a variety of flavors, sizes, and formats. They are a convenient pick-up for those needing a quick burst of energy. Students and professionals alike prefer them as a way to stay awake and alert.

Issues With Energy Drink Consumption

Fitness and medical professionals warn of energy drinks' potentially adverse health effects.

Heart Issues

There are reports of several cases of heart problems requiring emergency care in conjunction with energy drink use. Over 20,000 emergency room reports in the U.S. prove companies need to regulate the production and distribution of energy drinks.

Energy drinks increase blood pressure and heart rate while dilating blood vessels, potentially harming cardiovascular health.

Excessive caffeine consumption may be the primary reason behind heart problems associated with energy drinks. Consuming excessive energy drinks, or combining them with alcohol, is even more dangerous.

Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

An energy drink's average amount of sugar ranges from 7 to 14 teaspoons per serving. Per serving!

Consuming this amount of sugar in a beverage causes a person's blood sugar to spike. You must steer clear of these drinks if you have diabetes or other metabolic disorders involving unstable blood sugar.

Elevated blood sugar levels increase inflammation and oxidative stress linked to diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions.

Toxic Preservatives and Additives

Ingredients such as sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate are safe when consumed in moderation, but some people experience adverse reactions to these ingredients. These additives, combined with high levels of sugars, artificial sweeteners, and caffeine, are harmful when consumed in large amounts or with other stimulants.

Bang's Distinctive Differences

In addition to its colorful and somewhat controversial ad campaign targeting children and young adults, Bang developers prided themselves on adding "healthful" ingredients that set the brand apart from competitors.

BCAAs

Branched-chain amino acids, or BCAAs, are three essential amino acids — leucine, isoleucine, and valine — available only through diet and supplements. The body does not produce these amino acids naturally.

BCAAs are called "branched-chain" due to their unique chemical structure. They comprise about 35 percent of the essential amino acids in muscle proteins and play an important role in protein synthesis and muscle growth.

Athletes and bodybuilders use BCAAs to build and maintain muscle mass. Those with liver disease take supplements to address their symptoms and discomfort.

BCAAs are in protein-rich foods like meat, dairy, and legumes. While supplements are generally considered safe, some people experience uncomfortable side effects like nausea, fatigue, and loss of coordination.

Consult a health professional before taking large doses.

Coenzyme Q10

CoQ10 is a naturally occurring substance in almost every cell in the body. It provides energy for cells and is particularly important for heart, liver, and kidney health. Its powerful antioxidant properties protect cells from free-radical damage, boost circulation, and improve immune system function.

CoQ10 supplements may interact with certain medications, particularly blood thinners. Discuss any supplement with your doctor before taking it.

Creatine and Super Creatine

Creatine is popular among athletes and fitness professionals because it increases muscle strength, power, and size. It facilitates the release of ATP, the body's primary energy source for muscle contractions. Increasing ATP efficiency improves performance during short, intense blasts of exercise.

While creatine is usually considered safe and effective as a supplement, some people experience stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and other side effects. Drink more water when taking a creatine supplement because it causes dehydration.

Super creatine — also known as "Jack Owoc's special sauce" — is a proprietary blend of creatine fused with L-leucine for greater effectiveness in fueling muscles. Owoc's claims about super creatine remain largely unproven, yet he staunchly defends its ability to boost performance by crossing the blood-brain barrier more quickly than regular creatine.

Though creatine is not present as a standalone ingredient in Bang's nutritional information, Owoc claims his innovation of super creatine is more efficient at yielding healthy benefits for consumers.

How Much Creatine Is in Bang Energy Drink?

The amount of creatine in Bang Energy varies depending on the specific product and flavor. Some Bang Energy products, such as Sweet & Creamy Coffee, contain no creatine. Most of Bang's energy drinks contain 300 milligrams (0.3 grams) of creatine per serving.

Bang does not disclose the amount of "super creatine" in each serving.

This is a potentially dangerous situation for those sensitive to all forms of creatine. The recommended daily dose of creatine for most people is 3 to 5 grams daily. Exceeding this increases the risk of uncomfortable side effects.

Those consuming multiple energy drinks in one day are more at risk for dangerous complications from creatine and caffeine, which enhance each other's effects.

With Innovation Comes Controversy

Bang continues to face legal issues that began with its launch in 2012, questioning the product's legitimacy and quality.

2018: False Advertising

In 2018, Bang Energy was sued over allegations that the company falsified claims about the product's benefits. These claims included helping customers to lose significant weight and to improve brain function. Bang settled out of court.

2019: Patent Infringement

2019 brought another legal embroilment with VPX Sports, an energy drink competitor. VPX claimed Bang Energy had infringed on its powdered energy drink mix patent.

Bang lost and settled for an undisclosed sum in 2020.

2020 Trademark Infringement

Owoc came out swinging in 2020, filing a countersuit against sponsor PepsiCo, claiming the company's Mountain Dew Rise energy drink infringed on Bang's trademark.

This case is still ongoing, with no clear end in sight.

2020: Labeling Issues

The FDA issued warning letters to Bang Energy over the false labeling of some of its products. The government agency claimed labels on specific Bang Energy products failed to comply with federal regulations.

Those alleged infractions included making unauthorized health claims and failing to disclose specific amounts of some ingredients.

2021: Sony Music Copyright Infringement

Sony Music claimed in 2021 that Owoc used copyrighted and licensed music for ad campaigns without proper permission. Recording legend Prince jumped on the bandwagon, rescinding his permission for the "Purple Rain" title, leaving Owoc floundering for a suitable title for his jeweled beverage.

While all this conflict seems excessive, it's not uncommon to see these legal issues in the highly competitive and heavily regulated energy drink industry.

While Bang Energy is not unique in facing these challenges, the flurry of heavy hits in recent years caused Owoc to step down as CEO.

Even as he released the reins, Owoc supported Bang consumers, saying, "People, not products, will make us number one."

As of March 2023, John C. DiDonato leads the energy drink titan.

The Future of Bang: Certain or Unclear?

Despite the last few rocky years, one thing is clear: Bang Energy drinks and products still have a loyal following.

After weathering bankruptcy, controversy, and product recalls, Bang continues to claw its way to the top of the energy drink industry. Initiatives for 2023 include healthy living, environmental impact, and philanthropy.

If you choose to board the Bang Energy train, know what you are fueling your amazing body with, make smart choices about supplements and recommended consumption, and craft a wellness plan with your doctor that focuses on nutrition as part of the fitness equation.

For expert tips on fitness, nutrition, and wellness, visit FitnessCorner.