The Truth Behind 'Super Creatine' in Bang Energy Drinks
For years, Bang energy drinks prominently featured 'Super Creatine' on their cans, leading consumers to believe they were getting a performance-enhancing boost from a unique form of creatine. However, the reality, confirmed through a major false advertising lawsuit, is that Bang drinks do not contain any creatine at all. The ingredient listed is creatyl-L-leucine, a chemically bonded molecule, not creatine itself.
The lawsuit, initiated by competitor Monster Energy and culminating in a significant financial penalty for Bang's manufacturer, Vital Pharmaceuticals (VPX), exposed the misleading nature of the 'Super Creatine' claim. A jury found that the company had falsely advertised the ingredient and the benefits it provided. In the wake of this legal defeat, Bang was ordered to remove all references to 'Super Creatine' from its marketing and packaging.
The Science (or Lack Thereof) of Creatyl-L-Leucine
What, then, is creatyl-L-leucine, and why was it so controversial? The ingredient is a dipeptide, meaning it's composed of two amino acid-like compounds: creatine and L-leucine. Bang's marketing touted it as a superior form of creatine that was stable in liquid, but scientific evidence failed to back up these claims. In fact, some experts believe that the body simply excretes the substance without properly absorbing the creatine component, rendering it useless for the intended purpose of muscle saturation. The amount of this molecule was likely between 4 and 32.5 milligrams, a minuscule amount compared to the 3-5 grams of creatine monohydrate recommended for daily supplementation.
What Bang Energy Drinks Do Contain
While they don't contain creatine, Bang energy drinks are packed with other ingredients. A typical 16-ounce can provides a hefty dose of caffeine, essential amino acids (EAAs), and CoQ10. The high caffeine content is the primary driver of the energy boost experienced by consumers, not the nonexistent creatine.
Common Bang Ingredients
- Caffeine: A typical 16-ounce can contains 300 milligrams of caffeine, a potent stimulant known to increase alertness and energy.
- Essential Amino Acids (EAAs): Bang includes a mix of EAAs, which are the building blocks of protein and are important for muscle repair and growth.
- CoQ10: Coenzyme Q10 is a compound that helps generate energy in your cells, though the amount in Bang drinks is not specified.
- Creatyl-L-leucine (formerly 'Super Creatine'): The controversial and allegedly ineffective ingredient that does not provide a meaningful dose of creatine.
The Fallout from the False Advertising Scandal
The legal and financial consequences for Bang were severe. The false advertising lawsuit resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in damages and a permanent injunction against using the 'Super Creatine' name. This outcome not only settled the debate about how many grams of creatine do Bangs have but also underscored the importance of transparency in the supplement industry.
Creatine vs. 'Super Creatine' Comparison Table
| Feature | Creatine Monohydrate | 'Super Creatine' (Creatyl-L-leucine) |
|---|---|---|
| Effective Dosage | Typically 3–5 grams per day for muscle saturation. | Negligible amount (estimated 4–32.5 mg) and questionable absorption. |
| Scientific Backing | Extensive research and proven efficacy for improving strength and muscle mass. | No compelling evidence to support performance-enhancing or cognitive benefits. |
| Stability in Liquid | Not stable in liquid for extended periods, tends to clump or degrade. | Patented to be stable in liquid, but this doesn't guarantee effectiveness. |
| Cost-Effectiveness | Highly affordable and widely available as a supplement. | Ineffective for creatine delivery, adding to the overall cost without providing the advertised benefit. |
| Legal Status | Standard, legal supplement with established health guidelines. | Led to significant false advertising lawsuits and marketing bans. |
What This Means for Consumers
For anyone looking for a true creatine supplement, relying on Bang energy drinks is not a viable option. The trace amounts of creatyl-L-leucine are functionally insignificant for achieving the muscle-building and performance-enhancing effects associated with creatine monohydrate. Consumers seeking creatine should instead opt for proven and properly dosed powdered or pill supplements. The Bang energy drink, with its high caffeine content, may provide a temporary energy boost, but its supposed creatine benefits have been legally and scientifically debunked.
Conclusion
To answer the central question of how many grams of creatine do Bangs have, the definitive and legally proven answer is zero grams. The ingredient formerly marketed as 'Super Creatine' was found to be a different compound and ineffective as a creatine source. This case serves as a powerful reminder to scrutinize marketing claims and rely on well-researched, proven products for your supplement needs. The real power behind a Bang energy drink is its caffeine, not its debunked creatine claim.
Holland & Knight's article on the Bang false advertising case provides further legal context regarding the false advertising claims.
