The Controversial Original Recipe
Before its reformulation in 2010, the term "Four" in Four Loko was not just a branding element; it explicitly referred to the four main components that made up the alcoholic energy drink. The combination was a powerful and dangerous mix of a stimulant and a depressant, which led to numerous health incidents and ultimately, a federal mandate to change the recipe. The original four ingredients were:
- Caffeine: A central nervous system stimulant, caffeine is a key component of many energy drinks. In the original Four Loko, it provided a significant jolt, which masked the effects of the high alcohol content, causing drinkers to feel less intoxicated than they actually were. A single 23.5 oz can could contain 156 mg of caffeine, comparable to a tall Starbucks coffee.
- Taurine: This amino acid is found in many energy drinks and is believed by some to improve athletic performance, though this effect has not been conclusively proven for drinks like Four Loko. It was included to mirror other energy drink formulas on the market.
- Guarana: Derived from a Brazilian plant, guarana contains high concentrations of caffeine. It contributed to the stimulant effect of the original Four Loko, working in tandem with the added caffeine to heighten alertness.
- Alcohol: As a potent depressant, the alcohol in Four Loko was a key ingredient. When the company first started, the alcohol by volume (ABV) was 6%, but this was later increased to 12% in 2008, compounding the dangerous effects when combined with the stimulants. Early versions experimented with wormwood as a fourth ingredient before swapping it out for a higher alcohol content.
The FDA Intervention and Reformulation
This controversial combination of ingredients became a major public health concern in the late 2000s, with reports of hospitalizations and serious health incidents linked to the beverage. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) highlighted that caffeine's stimulant effects could mask the feeling of drunkenness, leading consumers to drink far more alcohol than they would otherwise. This was particularly risky for young, inexperienced drinkers who were the target market for the flashy, flavored beverage.
In November 2010, the FDA issued a formal warning to the manufacturers of caffeinated alcoholic beverages, declaring that caffeine was an "unsafe food additive" when combined with alcohol. Following this, Phusion Projects, the company behind Four Loko, made the voluntary decision to reformulate its products, removing caffeine, taurine, and guarana. The new, non-caffeinated version was released in January 2011.
Modern Four Loko: A High-Alcohol Malt Beverage
Today's Four Loko is a significantly different product from its original incarnation, lacking the stimulant ingredients that fueled its infamy. It now consists of flavored malt liquor, sugar, and artificial coloring. The ABV varies by state, often ranging between 8% and 14%, still making it a high-alcohol-content drink. While the packaging is similar to the original, the beverage itself is no longer marketed as an energy drink and is simply a premium flavored malt beverage.
Original vs. Current Four Loko Ingredients
| Ingredient | Original (Pre-2011) | Current (Post-2011) |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol | Yes (Malt Liquor, 6-12% ABV) | Yes (Malt Liquor, 8-14% ABV, varies by state) |
| Caffeine | Yes | No |
| Taurine | Yes | No |
| Guarana | Yes | No |
| Wormwood | Early iterations only | No |
| Sugar | Yes | Yes |
| Flavorings | Yes | Yes (Natural & Artificial) |
The Lingering Legacy
The story of the original Four Loko serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of combining alcohol with stimulants. The masking effect of caffeine on intoxication, which was at the heart of the drink's appeal and controversy, led to widespread regulatory action and a lasting legacy. For more insight into the FDA's decision, you can reference the FDA's official warning letter to manufacturers.
Conclusion
The iconic original Four Loko was built on the infamous combination of alcohol, caffeine, taurine, and guarana, ingredients that created a dangerous "wide-awake drunk" effect. After widespread safety concerns and an FDA warning, the company was forced to remove the stimulants. While today's version retains the high alcohol content and flavors, it is no longer an energy drink. Understanding the original formulation is key to grasping the drink's volatile history and the public health response it triggered.
