Does 4 Loko Give You Caffeine Anymore? Unpacking the Reformulation

November 24, 2025 •

2 min read

Back in 2010, after mounting pressure and FDA warnings, the makers of 4 Loko removed caffeine from their product. This significant change forever altered the infamous "blackout in a can" that once combined stimulants and alcohol. This article explores the history of caffeinated 4 Loko and details why the modern version is no longer caffeinated.

Quick Summary

The modern version of Four Loko no longer contains caffeine, guarana, or taurine, following a voluntary reformulation in 2010 amid health concerns and impending FDA action. The original drink combined alcohol with stimulants, creating dangerous effects, leading to its ban in several states.

Key Points

Caffeine-Free Since 2010: Modern Four Loko does not contain caffeine, guarana, or taurine.
FDA Mandate: The original formulation was removed from the market due to an FDA ruling that deemed caffeine an unsafe food additive in alcoholic beverages.
Legacy of the Original: The infamous reputation of Four Loko comes from its original caffeinated version, which was often referred to as a "blackout in a can".
Dangerous Combination: The combination of alcohol (a depressant) and caffeine (a stimulant) can mask intoxication, leading to excessive and risky drinking behavior.
High Alcohol Content Remains: While the stimulants are gone, the modern version of Four Loko still contains a high alcohol by volume (ABV), ranging from 6% to 14% depending on state regulations.
Reformulated for Safety: The removal of stimulants made the product compliant with new regulations and addressed significant public health concerns.
Market Shift: The brand now emphasizes its bold flavors and high ABV, moving away from its former identity as an alcoholic energy drink.

Does 4 Loko Still Have Caffeine?

The short and definitive answer is no, the current formulation of Four Loko does not contain caffeine. The original Four Loko was an alcoholic energy drink with caffeine, guarana, and taurine. Following health concerns and regulatory pressure, the FDA ruled in November 2010 that caffeine was an "unsafe food additive" in alcoholic drinks, prompting manufacturer Phusion Projects to reformulate.

The Rise and Fall of Caffeinated Four Loko

Original Four Loko combined high alcohol content with stimulants, creating a potent and dangerous beverage. The stimulants masked alcohol's depressant effects, leading to excessive drinking and a higher risk of alcohol poisoning and risky behavior, earning it the nickname "blackout in a can".

2005: Original caffeinated Four Loko introduced.
2008: Product revamped with increased alcohol and new flavors.
2010: Regulatory backlash intensifies, FDA warning issued.
November 2010: Phusion Projects removes caffeine, taurine, and guarana.
January 2011: Reformulated, non-caffeinated Four Loko released.

The Dangers of Mixing Alcohol and Caffeine

Mixing alcohol and caffeine is dangerous because caffeine, a stimulant, can mask the sedative effects of alcohol, a depressant. This can lead to underestimating intoxication, excessive drinking, and increased risk of alcohol poisoning and injury. The combination also strains the cardiovascular system.

What's in Modern 4 Loko Instead?

Today, Four Loko is a flavored malt beverage with carbonated water, sugar, natural and artificial flavors, and high alcohol content. While caffeine is absent, the high alcohol volume remains, requiring responsible consumption. The brand now focuses on bold flavors and a party atmosphere.

Comparing Old vs. New Four Loko


Feature	Original Four Loko (Pre-2011)	Modern Four Loko (Post-2011)
Caffeine	Present, sometimes 156mg per can	Absent
Guarana	Present	Absent
Taurine	Present	Absent
Alcohol Type	Malt Liquor Base	Malt Liquor Base (US), Vodka Base (Europe)
Alcohol by Volume	Varied, often 12%+	Varied by state, up to 14%
Flavor Profile	Fruity, masking strong taste	Fruity, bold flavors
Market Niche	Caffeinated Alcoholic Energy Drink	High ABV Flavored Malt Beverage

Conclusion: The End of an Era

The question "does 4 Loko give caffeine" refers to its past. Modern Four Loko is caffeine-free, a change made in 2010 due to FDA regulations and safety concerns. While the stimulants are gone, the high alcohol content remains, so responsible consumption is still crucial.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Phusion Projects states on its official FAQ that no versions of Four Loko sold internationally contain caffeine, taurine, or guarana, aligning with the same reformulation policies followed in the U.S. and Canada.

Four Loko announced on November 17, 2010, that it would be removing caffeine and other stimulants from its formula, with the new, non-caffeinated product hitting shelves in January 2011.

The FDA declared caffeine an unsafe food additive in alcoholic beverages due to the dangerous health risks associated with masking the depressant effects of alcohol, leading to higher rates of alcohol poisoning and risky behavior.

Mixing caffeine and alcohol is risky because the stimulant effects of caffeine can mask the feeling of intoxication from alcohol, causing a person to drink more than they normally would and increasing the risk of alcohol poisoning and related harm.

The original "four" ingredients were caffeine, guarana, taurine, and alcohol. At one point, the drink also included wormwood before it was removed in 2008.

Modern Four Loko primarily consists of carbonated water, sugar, and natural and artificial flavorings. It is a flavored malt beverage with high alcohol content, but none of the stimulating additives found in the original formula.

While the absence of stimulants removes one major health risk, modern Four Loko still has a very high alcohol content. It should be consumed responsibly, as overconsumption can still lead to alcohol poisoning and other serious health issues.