Does Lotus or Red Bull Have More Sugar?

November 18, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Red Bull's official website, a standard 250ml can contains 27g of sugar, a metric often used as a benchmark for comparison. This raises the question: does Lotus or Red Bull have more sugar, and how do their options stack up for health-conscious consumers?

Quick Summary

A standard Red Bull contains significantly more sugar than most Lotus drinks made from concentrate, which can be customized to contain much less or zero sugar. Both brands offer sugar-free versions.

Key Points

Red Bull has a fixed, high sugar content: A standard 250ml can of Red Bull contains 27g of sugar.
Lotus sugar content is variable: Lotus drinks, typically made from concentrate, can be customized with less sugar or zero-sugar options.
Both brands offer zero-sugar options: Red Bull has Sugarfree and Zero versions, while Lotus provides zero-sugar concentrates and ready-to-drink cans.
Customization is key for Lotus: When ordering a Lotus drink at a cafe, the final sugar content depends on the concentrate used and any additional syrups.
Lotus often claims less sugar: Some cafes and distributors report that a Lotus drink has less sugar and fewer calories than Red Bull.
Ingredients differ beyond sugar: Lotus emphasizes plant-based, natural ingredients, while Red Bull uses a synthetic and standardized formula.

Sugar Content in Red Bull vs. Lotus

When comparing the sugar content of Red Bull and Lotus, the most important distinction is the product type. A standard, canned Red Bull is a fixed product with a set amount of sugar, whereas a Lotus drink is typically a custom creation, allowing for significant variation in its final nutritional profile. The overall sugar content in a Lotus drink is dependent on the type of concentrate used and the added syrups.

The Standard Red Bull

Red Bull is a ubiquitous energy drink with a consistent formulation. For a standard 250 ml (8.4 fl oz) can of Red Bull Energy Drink, the sugar content is 27 grams. This sugar is sourced from sugar beets and is part of the traditional Red Bull formula. For a larger 12 fl oz can, the sugar content increases to around 39 grams. Red Bull's formula is designed to provide a rapid boost of energy using both caffeine and a substantial amount of sugar. For those looking to avoid sugar, Red Bull also offers sugar-free and zero-calorie versions, such as Red Bull Sugarfree and Red Bull Zero.

Understanding the Lotus Energy System

Lotus energy is typically served in coffee shops and cafes, where it is made using a plant-based concentrate. This allows for a great deal of customization. The sugar content can vary dramatically depending on the base concentrate (Red, Blue, Pink, Gold Lotus, etc.) and the amount and type of flavored syrups added by the barista. Many cafes that offer Lotus advertise that their Lotus drinks have considerably less sugar than a comparable Red Bull. For example, a Facebook post from Cowboy Coffee SF claimed a Lotus drink has "half the sugar then a can of Redbull!". In addition, the brand offers zero-sugar concentrate options, making it possible to create a drink with little to no sugar. The ready-to-drink (RTD) canned versions of Lotus Plant Power are explicitly zero sugar, with natural caffeine and sweeteners.

Comparison Table: Red Bull vs. Lotus


Feature	Standard Red Bull (250 ml)	Lotus Concentrate Drink (Custom)	Lotus Plant Power (Zero Sugar RTD)
Sugar Content	27g	Highly variable; depends on syrups. Often significantly less than Red Bull.	0g
Caffeine Source	Synthetic	Plant-based (e.g., green coffee beans, cascara)	Plant-based (e.g., green coffee beans)
Availability	Canned (worldwide)	Cafe-prepared; also available as concentrates online	Canned (select flavors)
Ingredient Focus	High-sugar, synthetic caffeine, taurine	Plant-based, natural caffeine, super fruit extracts	Plant-based, natural caffeine, botanical blend

Making a Healthier Choice

For those concerned about sugar intake, the comparison between Lotus and Red Bull heavily favors Lotus due to its flexibility. By choosing a zero-sugar Lotus concentrate or a pre-made zero-sugar RTD can, you can achieve an energy boost without any added sugar. With Red Bull, your only zero-sugar option is to choose one of their designated Sugarfree or Zero products. This customizability is a key advantage for Lotus, catering to individuals who want to manage their caloric and sugar consumption more precisely.

Ingredients and Wellness Claims

Beyond sugar, the ingredient composition is another point of differentiation. Lotus markets itself as a more natural, plant-based alternative to Red Bull, featuring a blend of botanicals and extracts from sources like cascara and the lotus flower. While both provide caffeine for energy, Lotus emphasizes the cleaner, less jittery energy boost often associated with natural caffeine sources. Red Bull's formula is based on a well-established, standardized mix of caffeine, taurine, and B-vitamins. Ultimately, the 'healthier' option depends on personal priorities regarding ingredients, but for sugar control, Lotus offers more options and control over the final product. For more information on Red Bull's ingredients, you can visit their official site.

Conclusion

In a direct comparison, a standard can of Red Bull has a significantly higher sugar content than most customized Lotus drinks, especially when considering the zero-sugar and diet options available from Lotus. The ability to control sugar levels is the primary advantage of the Lotus concentrate system, making it the better choice for consumers looking to reduce their sugar intake. However, both brands offer specific zero-sugar products, so either can be a viable low-sugar option, provided the correct version is selected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lotus is often considered a healthier alternative because it's plant-based, uses natural caffeine, and most importantly, offers customizable options to reduce or eliminate sugar intake completely. A standard Red Bull is high in sugar, while Lotus can be made with little to no sugar.

Lotus energy drinks are typically made in coffee shops and cafes by mixing a Lotus concentrate with sparkling water and adding flavored syrups. This customization is why the sugar content can vary significantly based on the customer's order.

Yes, both brands offer sugar-free products. Red Bull has 'Sugarfree' and 'Zero' varieties, while Lotus provides zero-sugar concentrate options and pre-made 'Plant Power' cans.

The Lotus concentrate is a base used to create customized drinks at cafes, while Lotus Plant Power is a ready-to-drink, pre-packaged can. The Plant Power cans are specifically zero sugar, whereas the concentrate's final sugar content depends on added syrups.

There is no single 'standard' sugar content for a cafe-made Lotus drink because it depends on customization. However, many cafes state their mixes have half the sugar of Red Bull, and zero-sugar options are readily available.

Because Lotus drinks offer zero-sugar options and can be customized with less sweet syrups, it is easy to make a Lotus drink with fewer calories than a standard Red Bull. A standard 250ml Red Bull has about 112 calories, while zero-sugar Lotus drinks have minimal calories.

Lotus drinks contain a blend of plant-based ingredients, including extracts from the lotus flower and cascara, natural caffeine from green coffee beans, and super fruit extracts.