The High Sugar Reality of E2 Drinks
E2 is a fruit-flavored, non-carbonated drink sold in New Zealand, marketed as a 'Liquid Energy Fruit Drink' or 'Sports Drink'. While it contains added vitamins and juice concentrate, it is essentially a high-sugar product with an 800ml bottle constituting a single serving. The primary sugar content comes from added sugar, not from the minimal amount of juice concentrate. This places E2 in the category of sugary drinks, which public health organizations advise limiting due to the negative health consequences associated with excessive sugar consumption.
E2 Sugar Content by Flavor
Different flavors of the E2 drink have slightly different sugar levels, but all are exceptionally high per serving. The following is a flavor-by-flavor breakdown based on information from various retail and product sites:
- E2 Apple & Blackcurrant (800ml): Contains approximately 78 grams of sugar per bottle (9.8g per 100ml).
- E2 Lemon & Lime (800ml): Contains approximately 74.4 grams of sugar per bottle (9.3g per 100ml).
- E2 Orange (800ml): Contains approximately 74 grams of sugar per bottle (9.3g per 100ml).
- E2 Apple Crush (800ml): Contains approximately 76 grams of sugar per bottle (9.5g per 100ml).
To put this into perspective, with one teaspoon equaling approximately 4 grams of sugar, an 800ml bottle of E2 Apple & Blackcurrant contains nearly 20 teaspoons of sugar. This amount vastly exceeds the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendation of limiting daily intake of free sugars to less than 10% of total energy intake, and ideally to less than 5%.
The Health Implications of High-Sugar Drinks
Consuming sugary drinks like E2 regularly can have numerous negative health effects. Scientific studies indicate that high intake of sugary beverages is linked to an increased risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. The rapid absorption of large amounts of sugar into the bloodstream can cause blood glucose and insulin levels to spike, which is especially concerning for individuals with insulin sensitivity issues.
Moreover, the high sugar content can be detrimental to dental health, contribute to weight gain, and lead to other metabolic issues over time. While the added vitamins in E2 might seem beneficial, they do not outweigh the health risks posed by the drink's sugar load.
E2 Drink Comparison Table
To better understand the sugar levels, here is a comparison of E2 with other common beverages. Values for E2 are based on the Apple & Blackcurrant flavor, while other values are typical examples based on a standard 355ml (12oz) serving size.
| Drink Type | Serving Size | Sugar (grams) | Sugar (teaspoons) |
|---|---|---|---|
| E2 (Apple & Blackcurrant) | 800ml | 78g | ~19.5 tsp |
| Cola | 355ml | 41g | ~10.25 tsp |
| Standard Sports Drink | 600ml | 36g | 9 tsp |
| Apple Juice | 355ml | 47g | ~11.75 tsp |
| Water | Varies | 0g | 0 tsp |
Healthier Hydration Alternatives
Given the substantial sugar content of E2, choosing healthier alternatives is important for regular hydration, especially for athletes and those with active lifestyles. Staying hydrated is crucial, but it does not require such a high sugar load. Here is a list of better options:
- Water: The best choice for hydration, with zero calories and zero sugar.
- Coconut water: A natural source of electrolytes, typically with less sugar than E2.
- Flavored water: Infuse water with slices of fresh fruit like lemon, lime, or cucumber for a hint of flavor without added sugar.
- Low-sugar sports drinks: Some brands offer lower-sugar or sugar-free alternatives for those who need electrolyte replenishment after intense exercise.
- Herbal teas: Cold-brewed herbal teas can provide a refreshing, flavorful drink without sugar.
Reading the Fine Print
It is important for consumers to carefully read the nutritional labels on all beverages. In the case of E2, while the per 100ml sugar content may seem manageable (around 9-10 grams), the full 800ml bottle is typically meant to be consumed in one go. This means you are consuming the entire sugar load in a single sitting, leading to a significant sugar hit. For more general information on the impact of sugary drinks, a good resource is the American Heart Association.
Conclusion
When considering how much sugar is in an E2 drink, the answer is consistently high across all flavors. With an 800ml bottle containing between 74 and 78 grams of sugar, it is not a low-sugar option and far surpasses daily recommendations. While it is marketed as a sports or energy drink, its primary ingredient after water is sugar, offering minimal benefits compared to the significant health risks of excessive sugar intake. Choosing healthier alternatives like water or low-sugar beverages is a much better choice for your hydration and overall health.
References
- American Heart Association. How Much Sugar is Too Much?.
