The End of the 'Energy Drink'?
The most significant change is the removal of a very familiar term. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed manufacturers to stop using the phrase 'energy drink' on their labels. The regulator's position is that since there
are no official standards defining what constitutes an 'energy drink' in India, the term itself can be confusing. Instead, beverages containing more than 145 milligrams of caffeine per litre will now be formally classified and labelled as 'Caffeinated Beverages'. Companies have been given 90 days from late July 2026 to make these changes, meaning consumers will start seeing the new packaging soon.
Why FSSAI Made This Move
This directive is about more than just a name change; it's a move toward greater transparency and consumer safety. FSSAI raised concerns that marketing slogans like "vitalises body and mind" or claims of removing weakness could mislead people into believing these drinks offer health benefits that are not scientifically established. By stripping away the promotional 'energy' branding, the regulator aims to shift the focus onto the actual contents of the beverage, particularly its high caffeine levels. The move aligns with a global trend of increased scrutiny on high-caffeine products, especially concerning their consumption by young people.
Your New Label-Reading Checklist
So, what should you look for now? The new labels are designed to give you critical information at a glance. First, check for the official name 'Caffeinated Beverage'. Second, look for a mandatory declaration of 'High Caffeine' along with the total amount of caffeine listed in milligrams (mg). Third, and perhaps most importantly, find the prominent warning box. The regulations mandate a clear statement: “Not recommended for children, pregnant and lactating women, persons sensitive to caffeine.” Finally, the label will also include a advisory note on consumption, stating, “Consume not more than 500 ml per day.”
Understanding the Caffeine Cap
Beyond the warnings, FSSAI has also capped the maximum amount of caffeine these beverages can contain. The limit is set at 300 milligrams per litre, regardless of the source. This standardises the caffeine content across all products sold as 'Caffeinated Beverages', preventing manufacturers from creating drinks with excessively high levels of stimulants. For context, a typical 250 ml can of a beverage at the maximum limit would contain 75 mg of caffeine. This cap provides a regulatory ceiling that helps consumers better anticipate the effects of what they are drinking and stay within the recommended daily consumption limits.
It's Not Just About Caffeine
The FSSAI's regulations also address other ingredients commonly found in these drinks. Many are fortified with B-vitamins, and the new rules specify that the amount added cannot exceed 100% of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) in a single day's serving. This prevents a situation where consumers might inadvertently ingest excessive amounts of certain vitamins. Similarly, the use of other substances like amino acids is also regulated within prescribed limits. These rules show a comprehensive approach to ensuring the overall composition of the drink is clearly defined and controlled, not just its main stimulant.
