Formulating Energy Drinks for Focused Performance
Adapted from Energy Drinks: The Next Wave – SupplySide Food & Beverage Journal, July 2025
When formulating energy drinks for the gaming and esports market, precision in ingredient selection is essential. “It’s not just about adding caffeine to an eye-catching can,” said Adam Johnson, associate principal scientist at Imbibe. “It’s about designing with intention.”
This audience’s needs are diverse, which makes the category especially dynamic. “Some gamers seek a rapid, intense energy boost, while others prefer more gradual, sustained focus without the crash or jittery side effects,” Johnson explained. “That means formulations must be strategic and customizable.”
Functionality is only one part of the equation—flavor remains critical. Johnson noted the rising demand for novel bioactive compounds that support cognitive performance and reaction time. “Ingredients like caffeine for alertness, L-theanine for balanced stimulation, choline derivatives such as alpha-GPC for cognitive support, and B vitamins for energy metabolism are among the most commonly used – and many are supported by published research,” he said.
Formulators must balance performance with sensory and stability goals. “We evaluate each ingredient not just for its functional benefits, but for solubility, pH stability, flavor impact and long-term shelf-life performance,” Johnson said. “Compounds like B vitamins, while beneficial, can degrade over time or interact with other ingredients, making it essential to ensure their performance throughout shelf life. Even subtle off-notes or slight color changes can influence consumer perception and product success.”
Despite the complexity, today’s consumers are clear about what they want. Johnson emphasized that gamers expect transparency and clean formulations—with no artificial preservatives, minimal processing, and recognizable ingredients.
For the full article, check out SupplySide Food & Beverage Journal.
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