The Creatine Controversy: A Timeline
The ingredient known as "Super Creatine," a patented compound called creatyl-L-leucine, was once a cornerstone of Bang Energy's marketing. The company claimed it was a superior form of creatine that was stable in liquid, unlike traditional creatine monohydrate. This marketing strategy was challenged and ultimately led to a significant legal battle.
The Lawsuit and Final Verdict
In 2018, Monster Energy sued Bang's parent company, Vital Pharmaceuticals (VPX), over claims of false advertising. The lawsuit focused on whether "Super Creatine" actually provided the benefits of creatine. Following a month-long trial in 2022, the jury found VPX liable for false advertising, agreeing with Monster that Bang's "Super Creatine" was ineffectual and did not increase creatine levels as claimed. The verdict resulted in a $293 million award for Monster.
The Court-Mandated Removal
As a direct consequence of the lawsuit's outcome, a California federal court issued a permanent injunction in April 2023. This ruling ordered Bang to cease all sales of products with "Super Creatine" labeling within 60 days and to stop claiming the product contains creatine. The court also required Bang to post corrective statements on its websites and social media to inform consumers about the false advertising verdict. This legal action effectively forced the complete removal of creatine from Bang's marketing and official ingredient lists.
What Replaced "Super Creatine" in Bang?
After removing "Super Creatine," Bang's formula underwent a change to maintain its energy and performance branding. Instead of relying on the controversial creatine claim, the company has emphasized other active ingredients. A look at current labels reveals the inclusion of Essential Amino Acids (EAAs), Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and a significant dose of caffeine. The focus shifted from muscle-building claims to general energy and focus enhancement, though some older packaging might still be found in limited stock.
Comparing the Old and New Formulas
| Feature | Old Bang Energy (with "Super Creatine") | Current Bang Energy (without creatine) |
|---|---|---|
| Creatine | Contained "Super Creatine" (Creatyl-L-Leucine), which was later proven ineffective in the beverage. | No Creatine. The ingredient has been permanently removed following a lawsuit settlement. |
| Caffeine | Included 300mg of caffeine per 16 oz can, sometimes reaching 357mg in earlier formulations. | Still contains a high dose of caffeine, typically 300mg per 16 oz can. |
| Amino Acids | Included Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs). | Primarily features Essential Amino Acids (EAAs), which are a more complete amino acid profile. |
| CoQ10 | Included Coenzyme Q10 for antioxidant benefits. | Continues to feature Coenzyme Q10. |
| Branding | Focused heavily on performance and muscle-building via the "Super Creatine" claims. | Shifts focus to sustained energy, mental focus, and other ingredients like EAAs. |
Beyond Creatine: Other Performance Claims
For some consumers, the removal of creatine may have been disappointing, but the energy drink still contains other ingredients often marketed for athletic performance. The inclusion of essential amino acids (EAAs), for instance, supports muscle protein synthesis. CoQ10 is another ingredient used for its purported cellular energy and antioxidant effects. However, the efficacy and dosage of these components in an energy drink format can be less significant than dedicated supplements. Many dedicated athletes and bodybuilders prefer to get their creatine from a separate, high-quality monohydrate powder to ensure they receive a clinically effective dose.
The Importance of Correct Labeling
The Bang lawsuit highlights a critical issue in the supplement and energy drink industry: accurate labeling and honest marketing. Consumers rely on manufacturers to provide truthful information about their products. The legal judgment against Bang sends a clear message that making misleading claims about ingredients and their effects has serious consequences, not just for the company, but for consumer trust. This legal precedent is significant for the entire industry and for consumer protection agencies.
Conclusion
No, Bang energy drinks do not still have creatine in them. Following a multi-million dollar false advertising lawsuit brought by competitor Monster Energy, Bang's parent company, VPX, was ordered to remove all references to "Super Creatine" from its products. A jury determined that Bang's proprietary ingredient did not, in fact, function as claimed. As a result, the formula was updated, and current cans feature ingredients like EAAs, CoQ10, and caffeine, but no longer contain any form of creatine. Consumers seeking creatine for muscle-building purposes should look for dedicated supplements rather than relying on energy drinks that previously made such claims.
Expert Opinion
For a deeper dive into the legal and marketing implications, a comprehensive summary is available on legal analysis websites like Hueston Hennigan, which represented Monster in the lawsuit.
