Latest from Food Politics: Funding effect study of the week: Red Bull

The Examination has released an investigative report in its new “Behind the Buzz” series: “Is it safe to drink Red Bull and vodka? Dubious research tied to the company has shaped energy drink policy.  The company paid scientists whose studies ...

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By Marion Nestle August 03 2026 Funding effect study of the week: Red Bull The Examination has released an investigative report in its new “Behind the Buzz” series: “Is it safe to drink Red Bull and vodka? Dubious research tied to the company has shaped energy drink policy. The company paid scientists whose studies largely found that mixing energy drinks and alcohol isn’t harmful, contrary to most research.” The studies backed by Red Bull have been nearly unanimous in their message: Consuming energy drinks and alcohol together is no more harmful than drinking alcohol alone. That stands in stark contrast to the vast majority of independent studies on the subject. The Examination gathered more than 100 studies about the health or behavioral risks of mixing energy drinks and alcohol. Of the studies that received funding by Red Bull or were conducted by researchers who disclosed financial conflicts of interest with the company, 95% concluded that mixing alcohol with energy drinks did not increase those risks. Roughly 80% of independent studies reached the opposite conclusion, The Examination found. …Laura Schmidt, a professor at the University of California, San Francisco who has examined research funded by the food and beverage industry, described those studies as “marketing dressed up as science.” Indeed.  This is a classic “funding effect” study.  “Funding effect” is the term coined by the late (and much missed) Sheldon Krimsky to describe how industry-funded studies tend to produce results favorable to the funder’s interest, as has been frequently observed in studies funded by the pharmaceutical, chemical, and cigarette industries. As for the funding effect in studies of food and health, see my book Unsavory Truth: How Food Companies Skew the Science of What We Eat( Basic Books, 2018) The Examination’s investigation is particularly valuable because lives are at stake, especially for young men, the core customer for Red Bull.  Highly caffeinated energy drinks magnify the effects of alcohol.  Red Bull is often consumed with alcohol and its marketing does not discourage that combination. Red Bull is a sugary beverage—One 8.4 ounce can contains 26 grams of sugar and 80 mg caffeine; it provides 110 sugary calories. Red Bull ingredients: carbonated water, sugar, glucose, citric acid, taurine, natural and artificial flavors, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), magnesium carbonate, colors, caffeine, and a few vitamins and minerals. This is basically sugar water with a few electrolytes and taurine added.  The energy boost comes from sugar and caffeine. The Examination authors describe their methods for identifying studies funded by Red Bull; they used AI. I wish they had included the raw data—a list of the studies, funders, and outcomes.  As it is, we have to take them at their word, but their conclusion is certainly plausible and consistent with much other published research. ____________________ Pub date is September 8. For a 30% discount, pre-order here with promo code UCPSAVE30.   The post Funding effect study of the week: Red Bull appeared first on Food Politics by Marion Nestle      Related Posts Industry-funded study of the week: Ashwagandha supplements Industry-funded study of the week: plant v. animal proteins Industry funded study of the week: eggs and Alzheimer’s   Now Available: What to Eat Now My new book, What to Eat Now, is officially out! It's both a field guide to food shopping in America and a reflection on how to eat well—and deliciously. For more information and to order, click here. You can explore the full archive of this (almost) daily blog at foodpolitics.com, where you'll also find information about my books, articles, media interviews, upcoming lectures, favorite resources, and FAQs. Visit the Site » ​​​​​​​ Marion Nestle Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health at New York University, Emerita © Marion Nestle. You're receiving this email because you've signed up to receive updates from us. If you'd prefer not to receive updates, you can unsubscribe. Safely Unsubscribe • Archives • Preferences • Contact • Subscribe • Privacy

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