Demystifying the Units in a Can of 4 Loko
Four Loko's reputation as a high-alcohol-content beverage is well-earned, but the precise number of units it contains is often a source of confusion. The key to understanding this lies in its alcohol-by-volume (ABV) percentage and its unusually large 23.5-ounce can size. The number of units can vary based on the specific product line and state regulations, but standard calculations reveal a significantly higher number of units than a typical serving of beer or wine.
Calculating the Alcohol Units
The standard formula for calculating alcohol units is straightforward: (Volume in ml x ABV %) / 1000 = units. For a can of Four Loko, the calculation is more impactful due to its large size. While ABV percentages vary by location and product, common variants are 8%, 10%, 12%, and 14%. Let's break down the units for a 23.5 oz can (which is approximately 695 ml) based on these common ABVs.
- For 8% ABV: (695 ml x 8) / 1000 = 5.56 units.
- For 12% ABV: (695 ml x 12) / 1000 = 8.34 units.
- For 14% ABV: (695 ml x 14) / 1000 = 9.73 units.
What is a Standard Drink?
To put these numbers in perspective, it's essential to understand what defines a standard drink. In the US, a standard drink contains 14 grams of pure alcohol, which equates to:
- One 12-ounce beer (approx. 5% ABV)
- One 5-ounce glass of wine (approx. 12% ABV)
- One 1.5-ounce shot of distilled spirits (approx. 40% ABV)
Considering a 12% ABV Four Loko can has 8.34 units, it contains the equivalent of roughly 4.7 standard drinks. A 14% ABV can is equivalent to approximately 5.5 standard drinks. This concentrated level of alcohol in a single, non-resealable container is one reason for its controversial reputation and significant health concerns.
Four Loko vs. Other Beverages: A Comparison
To highlight the potency of Four Loko, let's compare its alcohol content with other common beverages. This table uses a 12% ABV Four Loko for comparison purposes.
| Beverage | Volume | ABV | Total Alcohol Units | Equivalent Standard Drinks (US) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Four Loko (Typical Can) | 23.5 oz (695 ml) | 12% | 8.34 | ~4.7 |
| Standard Beer | 12 oz (355 ml) | 5% | 1.78 | ~1.0 |
| Glass of Wine | 5 oz (148 ml) | 12% | 1.78 | ~1.0 |
| Pint of Strong Beer | 16 oz (473 ml) | 7% | 3.31 | ~1.9 |
| Craft Beer | 16 oz (473 ml) | 9% | 4.26 | ~2.4 |
As the table clearly demonstrates, consuming a single can of Four Loko is comparable to drinking multiple standard alcoholic beverages in a short amount of time. This can lead to dangerously high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels, especially for young or inexperienced drinkers.
The Historical Shift: From Caffeinated to Uncaffeinated
It's important to remember that Four Loko's formula changed significantly in 2010. The original version was a mixture of alcohol, caffeine, guarana, and taurine. The combination of alcohol and stimulants led to numerous hospitalizations and was dubbed "blackout in a can". In response to regulatory pressure and health concerns, the company removed the stimulants, but the high alcohol content remains. The health risks associated with the new formula primarily stem from the potential for rapid and excessive alcohol consumption.
Health Implications of High-Unit Consumption
Consuming multiple units of alcohol in a single sitting, as is common with Four Loko, is defined as binge drinking. This practice carries a number of health risks, including an increased likelihood of alcohol poisoning, impaired judgment leading to accidents and injury, and long-term health problems. The large volume and sweet, fruity flavor of Four Loko can also mask the taste of alcohol, making it easy to consume large amounts quickly without realizing the danger.
Conclusion
Ultimately, a single can of Four Loko is not a single serving of alcohol in the traditional sense. It is a concentrated source of several units of alcohol, the equivalent of multiple standard drinks. This reality, combined with its large volume and palatable taste, presents a significant risk for rapid and excessive alcohol consumption. By understanding and acknowledging the high unit count, consumers can make more informed and safer choices, ensuring they don't underestimate its potency. For comprehensive guidelines on responsible drinking, resources like the NHS provide additional information.(https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advice/calculating-alcohol-units/).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an alcohol unit?
An alcohol unit is a standard measure used to quantify the amount of pure alcohol in a drink, with one unit equaling 10ml of pure alcohol.
Why does Four Loko have so many units?
Four Loko contains a high number of units because of its large can size (typically 23.5 oz) and high alcohol by volume (ABV), which can range from 8% to 14%.
Is the number of units the same for all Four Loko flavors?
No, the number of units can differ slightly between different Four Loko flavors and product lines, as the ABV percentage can vary. Always check the label for the specific ABV.
Is a can of Four Loko considered a single serving?
Despite being sold as a single, large can, Four Loko is not considered a single serving from an alcohol content perspective. It contains several standard drinks and should be consumed slowly and responsibly, if at all.
Did Four Loko always have this many units?
While the ABV has changed slightly over time and varies by state, the fundamental concentration of alcohol in a single large can has always been high, leading to significant health concerns.
Can you get alcohol poisoning from one can of Four Loko?
Yes, due to its high alcohol content and large volume, it is possible to achieve dangerously high blood alcohol levels from consuming just one or two cans, which significantly increases the risk of alcohol poisoning.
Why was caffeine removed from Four Loko?
Caffeine and other stimulants were removed from Four Loko in 2010 due to health risks associated with mixing stimulants and high levels of alcohol, which can mask the effects of intoxication.
