Energy Drinks Face Scrutiny in New York

Three producers get subpoenas over marketing claims
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 28, 2012 8:18 PM CDT
Energy Drinks Face Scrutiny in New York
In this 2011 file photo, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman answers a a question during a news conference in his New York City office.   (AP Photo)

New York state's attorney general apparently is a little skeptical about the wonder claims of three popular energy drinks. Eric Schneiderman issued subpoenas to three big players—Monster Beverage; PepsiCo, maker of AMP; and Living Essentials, maker of 5-Hour Energy drink, report the Wall Street Journal and Reuters. The subpoenas request information about how the companies market the drinks, which are carbonated and high in caffeine.

Critics say the drinks provide all their boost thanks to that caffeine, even if advertisements would lead you to believe it's a result of added vitamins and other healthy-sounding ingredients. Energy drinks are big money-makers for the soft-drink industry, but they're also more loosely regulated than traditional soda, notes the Journal. "You're better off drinking a cup of coffee," says one analyst of the beverages at ConsumerLab.com. (More energy drink stories.)

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