10 Things You Didn’t Know About Red Bull

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Energy drinks such as Red Bull continue to be the beverage of choice among young adults. They’re being picked to drink instead of coffee in the morning to get that surge they need to be active out of bed. It’s also being frequently mixed in alcoholic drinks to give that extra boost at the clubs. There’s continued argument of how safe these drinks are. Studies have shown that there are increased risks of heart disease, but like anything else we consume, moderation is key. Here are some other facts you probably didn’t know about Red Bull.

It Has A Record Label

Red Bull Records was founded back in 2007, and its biggest hit so far has been the signing of AWOLNATION. “Sail” was released in late 2011, and it was one of the most-played singles on pop radio in 2012.

Sued For Giving You Wings

A class-action lawsuit actually passed for false advertisement with the classic tagline, “Red Bull gives you wiiings.” The results led to the motto being scrapped and anybody that purchased Red Bull before 2013 can receive $10-15 worth of Red Bull merchandise.

Originated As Krating Daeng

The drink started out in Thai as a sweeter version of what we know it as now, but still mixed with caffeine and taurine. Dietrich Mateschitz collaborated with Chaleo Yoovidhya when the drink cured him of jet lag, infused it with a berry flavor, and released it in Europe back in 1987.

Each Can Equivalent To One Coffee Cup

Red Bull isn’t as loaded with caffeine as you might think. It actually has 80 milligrams of caffeine in each 250 milliliter can, which is the same as a standard cup of coffee. In comparison, many smaller Starbucks drinks has hundreds of milligrams. The other ingredients, like taurine, makes it so it’s worse to drink three or four cans compared to three or four cups of coffee.

Founders decided to build the brand name by hosting college parties and giving kids free Red Bull. The phenomenon caught on, and it’s why you can find the drink in clubs and infused with vodka at bars.

Sales Rise Despite Energy Drink Risks

More studies are showing that energy drinks contain harmful ingredients, but that hasn’t slowed down sales. The product had a huge jump from 4.08 billion to 5.23 billion cans sold between 2012 and 2013, and that number is slowly continuing to rise annually.

Spend $500 Million On F1 Annually

Considering how much money Red Bull makes, it’s no surprise they spend tons of money on stuff like Formula 1 racing. They own two teams in the circuit and even create a special drink for VIP members.

Korean Student Deported For Drinking Too Much

Jyong Chul Lee was studying abroad in Canada, but was eventually deported when he suffered from caffeine intoxication. He drank too much Red Bull and eventually had a big outburst that led to his arrest in a school cafeteria.

Banned For Including Cocaine

There was a misconception in Germany that the product contained cocaine. While it does use coca leaves and it contains a very small trace of it, you’d have to drink around 12,000 liters to feel the effects.

Endorsed Person Breaking Sound Barrier From Space

Red Bull is commonly linked with extreme sports, and they put money down to have Austrian skydiver Felix Bumgartner go up 24 miles into the air and drop down. He reached 830 miles per hour while falling before needing to use a parachute.