From 'Blackout in a Can' to Caffeine-Free
The history of Four Loko is a story of regulatory action and public health concerns. When the drink first gained widespread popularity in the late 2000s, it was infamous for its powerful and perilous mix of alcohol and stimulants. The term 'blackout in a can' was a common moniker, reflecting the intense and unpredictable effects it had on consumers. The original formula, which was ultimately banned by the FDA, was a cocktail of alcohol, caffeine, guarana, and taurine. The stimulant effect of the caffeine masked the depressant effects of the alcohol, leading people to feel less intoxicated than they truly were and encouraging them to drink more. This led to a surge in alcohol-related incidents, hospitalizations, and other public health crises, particularly among young adults and college students.
The Controversial Caffeinated Formula
At its peak controversy, a single 23.5-ounce can of the original Four Loko contained approximately 156 milligrams of caffeine. To put this in perspective, this is nearly equivalent to the caffeine found in a tall (8 oz) Starbucks coffee and more than double the caffeine in an 8.2-ounce can of Red Bull. The high caffeine content, combined with an alcohol content that could be as high as 12%, created a particularly dangerous product. The drink's appeal was its promise of a cheap, fast, and potent buzz, but the reality was a significant public safety hazard. The blend was marketed in bright, colorful cans that often looked like non-alcoholic energy drinks, a factor that also contributed to its accessibility among minors.
The FDA Ban and Subsequent Reformulation
The outcry over caffeinated alcoholic beverages (CABs) reached a critical mass in 2010. Facing pressure from concerned citizens, states, and federal regulators, the FDA took action. In November 2010, the FDA issued warning letters to several companies, including Four Loko's manufacturer Phusion Projects, stating that caffeine was an "unsafe food additive" in alcoholic drinks. The letters warned of potential product seizures if the companies did not remove the stimulants. In response, Phusion Projects voluntarily announced it would reformulate its products to remove caffeine, taurine, and guarana. The new, caffeine-free version was introduced in January 2011 and is the only version available today in the United States and Canada. The infamous stimulant-infused concoction is now a relic of drinking history.
How Much Caffeine is in Today's Four Loko?
To be perfectly clear, the answer to the question of how much caffeine does a Four Loko have in it is zero. Every Four Loko can sold legally in the United States is now free of caffeine and other stimulants like guarana and taurine. The company's own FAQ page confirms this, stating explicitly that these ingredients were removed as part of the 2010 reformulation. While the company still offers a variety of flavors and a high alcohol content, the stimulant component that defined the brand's original notoriety is gone. The product is now a flavored malt beverage, a far cry from its controversial predecessor.
Original Four Loko vs. Modern Four Loko: A Comparison
| Feature | Original Caffeinated Four Loko (Pre-2011) | Modern Caffeine-Free Four Loko (Post-2011) |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine Content | ~156 mg per 23.5 oz can | 0 mg |
| Stimulants | Contained caffeine, guarana, and taurine | No stimulants added |
| Alcohol Type | Caffeinated alcoholic energy drink | Flavored malt beverage |
| Primary Risk | Masked intoxication, increased binge drinking, higher risk of alcohol poisoning, risky behavior | Standard risks associated with high-alcohol malt beverages |
| Regulatory Status | FDA banned as unsafe food additive in alcoholic beverages | Compliant with current FDA regulations |
| Health Impact | Dangerous combination of stimulant and depressant effects | Health effects related to alcohol content and responsible consumption |
Conclusion: The Final Word on Four Loko's Caffeine Content
The lingering reputation of Four Loko as a caffeinated beverage is a direct result of its early and controversial history. For a brief but impactful period, the combination of high alcohol content and powerful stimulants created a dangerous, widely-discussed drink. However, thanks to a 2010 FDA ruling and a company reformulation, modern Four Loko products are entirely caffeine-free. Any remaining association with caffeine is based on a memory of a discontinued product. Consumers can be confident that they are purchasing a standard alcoholic malt beverage, though one that still requires responsible consumption due to its elevated alcohol volume.
Why mixing alcohol and caffeine is dangerous
- Masks Intoxication: Caffeine is a stimulant that can mask the depressant effects of alcohol, making a person feel more alert and sober than they actually are. This can lead to greater alcohol consumption and higher blood alcohol levels.
- Increases Binge Drinking: Due to the masked feeling of drunkenness, individuals who mix alcohol and caffeine are more prone to binge drinking, which involves consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short time.
- Raises Risk of Alcohol Poisoning: Because you don't feel the full effects of the alcohol, you might drink to the point of alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal if not treated.
- Leads to Risky Behavior: The feeling of 'wide-awake drunkenness' can lead to poor judgment and an increased likelihood of engaging in risky activities, such as driving while impaired.
- Strains the Heart: The combination of a stimulant (caffeine) and a depressant (alcohol) can put a significant strain on the heart, leading to increased blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat.
- Promotes Dehydration: Both alcohol and caffeine are diuretics, and mixing them can accelerate dehydration, which can lead to negative health consequences like headaches and poor kidney function.
Key takeaways
- No Caffeine in Current Four Loko: Four Loko products sold today contain absolutely no caffeine, guarana, or taurine.
- Original Formula Contained Caffeine: The notorious pre-2011 formula included approximately 156mg of caffeine per can.
- FDA Forced the Change: A 2010 FDA ruling declared caffeine an unsafe food additive in alcoholic beverages, prompting the reformulation.
- Mixing is Dangerous: Combining alcohol and caffeine is hazardous because the stimulant masks intoxication, leading to increased binge drinking and other health risks.
- Reputation Lingers: Four Loko's reputation as a caffeinated drink is based on a product that has been off the market for over a decade.
