Understanding the Rubicon Product Range
The Rubicon brand offers a variety of products, from classic fruit juices to energizing performance drinks. This distinction is the root of the confusion regarding caffeine content. The core takeaway is this: traditional Rubicon fruit juices are caffeine-free, but their energy drink line, known as Rubicon RAW, is caffeinated. Always check the product label to be certain, especially when shopping for new varieties.
Rubicon's Traditional Mango Drinks: Caffeine-Free
Traditional Rubicon Mango juice, available in still and sparkling versions, is caffeine-free. These drinks contain real fruit juice, like Alphonso mangoes, are rich in Vitamin C, and are suitable for vegans. The ingredient list for the still mango juice includes water, mango puree, sugar, stabilizers, and flavorings, with no mention of caffeine. The sparkling version shares a similar caffeine-free profile.
Rubicon RAW Orange & Mango Energy Drink: Caffeinated
Rubicon RAW Orange & Mango is an energy drink, not a traditional juice, and it explicitly contains caffeine. The caffeine in Rubicon RAW is naturally sourced from green coffee beans and combined with other energizing ingredients like B-vitamins, ginseng, and guarana. These products are clearly labeled as energy drinks and include warnings about their high caffeine content.
Rubicon RAW Orange & Mango Ingredients: The drink contains carbonated water, fruit juices from concentrate (including orange, mango, peach, pineapple, and passionfruit), natural caffeine from green coffee beans (0.03%), ginseng and guarana extracts, and added vitamins (Niacin, B6, B12).
Comparison Table: Rubicon Mango vs. Rubicon RAW Orange & Mango
Here is a direct comparison between the two primary mango-flavored Rubicon products:
| Feature | Rubicon Still Mango Juice Drink | Rubicon RAW Orange & Mango Energy Drink |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine | None (Caffeine-Free) | High Caffeine Content (32mg/100ml) |
| Product Type | Fruit Juice | Energy Drink |
| Primary Function | Refreshment, Source of Vitamin C | Energy Boost, Performance |
| Packaging | Cartons, Bottles | Cans (Slim Cans) |
| Key Ingredients | Water, Mango Puree, Sugar, Stabilisers | Carbonated Water, Fruit Juices, Natural Caffeine, Vitamins, Ginseng |
| Recommended For | General consumption, all ages | Adults only, specific energy needs |
| Warnings | None | High caffeine content warning, not for children/pregnant women |
Why the Confusion Exists
The confusion arises because both product lines use the Rubicon brand and popular fruit flavors like mango. However, their ingredients, purpose, and target consumers are different. The presence of the "RAW" label is a key indicator of a caffeinated energy drink, while traditional Rubicon drinks are simply fruit juices.
How to Identify a Caffeinated Rubicon Product
- Look for the
RAWlabel: This indicates an energy drink with caffeine. - Check the ingredients list: Look for mentions of caffeine.
- Read safety warnings: Caffeinated products have warnings about high caffeine content.
- Consider packaging: Energy drinks often have distinct packaging compared to traditional juices.
Conclusion: The Key Distinction Is 'RAW'
Whether a Rubicon mango product contains caffeine depends on whether it's a traditional juice or from the Rubicon RAW line. Traditional still and sparkling mango drinks are caffeine-free. The Rubicon RAW Orange & Mango energy drink, however, contains natural caffeine and other stimulants. Checking for the "RAW" branding and reading labels helps consumers make informed choices.
For more information on the energy drink line, visit the official Rubicon RAW website.
