Drivers planning a long journey
A can may be part of the snacks you pack, but it is not a plan for managing tiredness. Cornwall Council warns that tiredness affects reaction time, alertness and decision-making; stop driving if you become drowsy.
Who is buying for the trip?
People comparing sugar in each serving
Compare the sugars in a whole can, not just the figure per 100ml. A 250ml sugar-free can and a 500ml regular can make different choices for one opening.
Groups sharing road-trip snacks
Individual cans let passengers choose separate servings. Check who intends to drink them before selecting a pack, especially where a high-caffeine warning applies.
What should you check?
Start with the can you expect someone to open, then compare its label with the needs of the people travelling.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine per can | Read the caffeine concentration and can volume together. ASDA Groceries lists Red Bull Sugarfree at 32mg per 100ml, which works out to 80mg in its 250ml can. | I want to know how much caffeine is in the can I open, including when I have had caffeine from other drinks. |
| Sugars per can | Compare the nutrition panel for the whole serving. ASDA Groceries lists 55g sugars for a 500ml can of Monster Energy Drink; a zero-sugar variant is a different product choice. | If I am avoiding sugar, I need to distinguish a sugar-free variant from a regular can rather than relying on the brand name. |
| Journey breaks | Plan opportunities to stop and rest. Cornwall Council warns that tiredness reduces driving alertness and concentration; a drink does not resolve drowsy driving. | Before a long drive, I need a plan for breaks and a safe place to stop if I feel sleepy. |
| Intended drinkers | Read the warning on the exact can. The Red Bull Sugarfree listing at ASDA Groceries warns that it is not recommended for children or pregnant or breastfeeding women. | When snacks are shared, I want to check that each person can choose a drink appropriate for them. |
| Pack quantity | Check both the number of cans and their size: four 250ml cans and four 500ml cans contain different amounts per separate serving. | For a group or a longer trip, I want enough individual cans without confusing the size of the pack with the size of one drink. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Treating an energy drink as a way to keep driving when tired
Cornwall Council warns that tiredness reduces reaction time, alertness, concentration and decision-making.
Plan breaks before setting off, and stop driving in a safe place if you become drowsy.
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Comparing caffeine per 100ml without checking can size
At 32mg caffeine per 100ml, a 250ml can contains 80mg; a 500ml can at the same concentration contains 160mg.
Read the concentration and volume on the exact product, then work out the amount in the can you intend to drink.
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Assuming regular and sugar-free cans are interchangeable
A sugar-free name does not mean caffeine-free. Regular products can also differ substantially in their sugars per whole can.
Check both the nutrition panel and caffeine statement for the precise variant before adding it to a shared snack bag.
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Buying a shared pack without reading its warning
High-caffeine products can carry warnings for children and for pregnant or breastfeeding women. The NHS advises pregnant people not to exceed 200mg caffeine a day from all sources.
Check who will drink each can and offer a non-caffeinated choice where the warning applies.
Relevant brand ranges
Brand ranges include different can sizes and variants, so use the exact pack label for a final comparison.
Red Bull
A 4 × 250ml Sugarfree multipack is an example of smaller, individually opened cans.
- ASDA Groceries lists 32mg caffeine per 100ml for Red Bull Sugarfree, equivalent to 80mg per 250ml can.
- Its high-caffeine warning still matters when choosing drinks for the car.
Monster Energy
The range includes 4 × 500ml multipacks, with regular and zero-sugar variants to distinguish.
- The larger can format provides a separate 500ml serving for each person who opens one.
- ASDA Groceries lists 55g sugars per 500ml can for the regular Monster Energy Drink multipack; do not apply that figure to another variant.
Relentless
Tesco Groceries lists Relentless Origin as a 4 × 500ml multipack.
- Its pack format makes the number and size of the individual cans clear.
- Check the can label for sugars and caffeine before comparing it with another 500ml drink.
Lucozade Alert
Tesco Groceries lists a 500ml Lucozade Alert Original single can; check the exact packaging if you want a multipack.
- The single-can listing gives a point of reference for checking the Alert range.
- Do not substitute a different Lucozade range without comparing its label and pack format.
Energy-drink multipacks on Joybuy
These packs offer separate 250ml or 500ml cans for road-trip snacks. Choose by the serving size, variant and number of people who intend to drink them.
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Monster Energy Ultra Zero Sugar 4 × 500ml
For a group choosing larger, separately opened zero-sugar cans. The pack contains four 500ml cans; check the caffeine statement on the can before deciding who will drink one.
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Red Bull Sugarfree Energy Drink 250ml 4 Pack
For smaller, individually opened sugar-free cans. ASDA Groceries lists 32mg caffeine per 100ml for this 250ml 4-pack, equivalent to 80mg per can; count caffeine from other drinks too.
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Red Bull Sugarfree Energy Drink 250ml 24 Pack
For a group or longer supply when smaller individual cans are wanted. This bundle contains 24 × 250ml Sugarfree cans; consider how many intended drinkers there are and how much room the pack will take.
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Monster Energy Drink Pipeline Punch 4 × 500ml
For passengers choosing larger individual cans rather than a sugar-free variant. The pack contains four 500ml cans; compare the sugars and caffeine on its label with the amount you intend to drink.
Road-trip questions
Can an energy drink make it safe to keep driving when I am tired?
No. Cornwall Council warns that tiredness reduces reaction time, alertness and decision-making. Stop in a safe place if you become drowsy rather than using a drink to continue driving.
How do I compare caffeine in 250ml and 500ml cans?
Use the caffeine figure on each product’s label together with its can size. For example, ASDA Groceries lists Red Bull Sugarfree at 32mg per 100ml, which equals 80mg in a 250ml can. A 500ml can at that same concentration would contain 160mg; check the exact variant rather than assuming its concentration is identical.
Does sugar-free mean caffeine-free?
No. The ASDA Groceries listing for Red Bull Sugarfree states 32mg caffeine per 100ml. Compare the sugar and caffeine information separately on any variant you are considering.
What should I check before sharing a pack with someone who is pregnant?
Check the high-caffeine warning and account for caffeine from every source. The NHS advises pregnant people not to have more than 200mg caffeine a day; the Red Bull Sugarfree listing at ASDA Groceries says the product is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Can someone under 16 buy a high-caffeine energy drink?
Check the retailer’s policy rather than assuming every shop follows the same rule. Sainsbury’s states that it does not sell high-caffeine energy drinks to people under 16.