Taisho Pharmaceuticals (Japan) makes the first drink specifically targeted at increasing energy.
First introduced as a medicinal tonic drink
The drink (Lipvitan-D) contains a mix of essential vitamins and also taurine and niacin which are metabolic agents proven to boost things such as energy and concentration.
Invention of Red Bull
1987
Dietrich Mateschitz, an Austrian, adds caffeine and sugar and named this drink Red Bull, after the taurine amino acid.
Red Bull Introduced to America
1997
Monster Energy Drink created by Hansen Natural
2002
Creation of 5-hour Energy
2004
Explosion of energy drink sales
2005 - 2006
The sale of energy drinks has gone up 61% since its introduction to the U.S.
Even though other energy drinks later hit the market, Red Bull still remains the most well-known and top name, with annual sales around the two billion dollar mark globally.
Four Loko Introduced
2005
The alcoholic energy drink known as Four Loko is introduced to the public by Phusion Pharmaceuticals
Four Loko reintroduced to the public
2010
Four Loko is reintroduced to the American market after removing caffeine, taurine, and guarana as ingredients. This was a result of legal, ethical, and health concerns about the product.
Energy Drink Deaths reported
November, 2012
13 deaths reported over the past 4 years as a result of 5-hour Energy
Washington State begins energy drink legislation
February 2013
Washington State begins legislation to ban energy drinks to persons under 18 years old.
