What are the ingredients in Krating Daeng?

December 7, 2025 •

3 min read

Created in Thailand in the 1970s, Krating Daeng is the original non-carbonated energy drink that famously inspired the global brand Red Bull. What are the ingredients in Krating Daeng that give it its signature energizing effect and syrupy sweet taste?

Quick Summary

A breakdown of Krating Daeng's ingredients reveals a formula of water, sugar, caffeine, taurine, and B vitamins. The traditional Thai drink offers a similar stimulating effect to its Western counterpart, Red Bull, but differs primarily by being non-carbonated and using a distinct flavor profile. Understanding these core components provides insight into its energetic properties and flavor.

Key Points

Core Ingredients: Krating Daeng primarily contains water, sugar (sucrose/glucose), caffeine, taurine, and a blend of B vitamins.
Non-Carbonated: A key difference from Western Red Bull is that the original Thai version is non-carbonated and has a sweeter, more syrupy flavor.
Taurine Level: The formula often includes a high concentration of taurine, an amino acid that supports metabolism, though its energy effect is debated.
Caffeine Content: Krating Daeng has a comparable caffeine content to Western Red Bull, typically around 80 mg per 250 ml serving.
Sweetened with Sugar: Unlike some Western energy drinks, Krating Daeng traditionally uses natural sugars like sucrose and glucose for its sweet flavor and quick energy release.
Additives: The drink also contains various additives, including preservatives like sodium benzoate and artificial colorings such as Tartrazine.
Not for Everyone: Due to high sugar and caffeine content, the drink is not recommended for children, pregnant women, or those sensitive to caffeine.

Core Ingredients of Krating Daeng

Krating Daeng, known in Thailand as the original "Red Bull," utilizes a foundational set of ingredients to provide its stimulating and energy-boosting properties. Unlike the Western version, which is carbonated, the traditional Thai drink is a syrupy, sweet liquid that contains a focused list of active components. The precise formula can vary slightly depending on the specific bottle or export market, but the central components remain consistent.

The Main Active Components

Taurine: A prominent amino acid found naturally in the body, taurine is included in Krating Daeng at levels of around 1000 mg per serving. While its energy-boosting role is often marketed, its primary function is related to metabolic processes and nerve function.
Caffeine: A central stimulant in the formula, caffeine helps increase alertness and combat fatigue. The concentration is typically around 32 mg per 100 ml, which equates to 80 mg in a standard 250 ml can, comparable to a strong cup of coffee.
Sucrose and Glucose: As with most energy drinks, Krating Daeng relies on sugar for a quick boost of energy. The formula contains a mix of sucrose and glucose, which are fast-acting carbohydrates that elevate blood sugar levels and provide a rapid caloric intake.
B Vitamins: The drink contains a blend of B-group vitamins crucial for energy metabolism. This typically includes Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid), Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), and Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin). These vitamins help convert food into energy.
Inositol and Choline: Inositol and choline are included for their roles in supporting brain health and nerve function. Choline, in particular, is a nutrient that helps with mood, memory, and muscle control.

Comparison: Krating Daeng vs. Western Red Bull

Although related, Krating Daeng and the Western version of Red Bull have key differences in their formulation and market. The most notable distinction is the carbonation, but other elements also set them apart.


Feature	Krating Daeng (Thai Original)	Western Red Bull (International)
Carbonation	Non-carbonated	Carbonated
Flavor	A sweeter, syrupy taste, often described as having a slight fruit or berry flavor.	A more tart, crisp flavor with a distinct, fruity taste.
Taurine	Often features a higher concentration per serving, up to 1000 mg.	Standard formula contains 1000 mg, but variations exist.
Sweeteners	Primarily uses sucrose and glucose for a natural sugar-based sweetness.	Uses a mix of sweeteners, and sugar-free versions with artificial sweeteners are widely available.
Packaging	Typically sold in small, distinctive glass bottles.	Famous for its tall, slender cans.
Target Market	Originally targeted at manual laborers and students in Thailand.	Marketed globally to a younger, more active demographic.

Deeper Look at Other Additives

Beyond the core active ingredients, Krating Daeng also includes a number of other compounds to ensure taste, stability, and visual appeal. These include:

Acidity Regulators: Citric acid is a common acidity regulator used to balance the flavor and act as a preservative. Some formulations may also contain E330.
Preservatives: Sodium benzoate (E211) is used to prevent the growth of bacteria, molds, and yeast, ensuring a longer shelf life.
Coloring: Artificial colorings, such as Tartrazine (E102) and Ponceau 4R (E124), are used to achieve the drink's iconic golden color. It's worth noting that some colorants, like Tartrazine, have been associated with potential hyperactivity in children.
Flavorings: Artificial flavorings are added to create the product's unique taste profile.

Health Considerations of Krating Daeng Ingredients

While the ingredients in Krating Daeng are designed to boost energy, it's important to be aware of the health implications. The high sugar content provides quick energy but can contribute to health issues if consumed excessively. The significant caffeine content, while effective for alertness, is not suitable for everyone and comes with consumption warnings. Many manufacturers, like T.C. Pharmaceutical Industries Co. Ltd., explicitly warn against consumption by pregnant women, children, or individuals sensitive to caffeine. Consumers should also be mindful of the added preservatives and colorings used in the formula.

For additional nutritional details and context, you can explore resources like Open Food Facts, where product data from various markets is aggregated. [https://world.openfoodfacts.org/product/8935112200005/kratingdaeng-redbull]

Conclusion: A Formula Rooted in Simplicity

Ultimately, the ingredients in Krating Daeng reflect its origins as a straightforward, potent stimulant drink. The simple combination of sugar, caffeine, taurine, and B vitamins offers an effective jolt of energy without the complexity of later, more intricate energy drink formulas. Understanding this ingredient list provides a clear picture of what powers the original "Red Bull," a formulation still popular today for its distinct taste and efficacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while Krating Daeng is the inspiration for Red Bull, they have different formulas. The Thai version is non-carbonated, has a different flavor profile, and traditionally uses a simpler ingredient list, though the core components like taurine and caffeine are present in both.

No, the original Krating Daeng from Thailand is not carbonated. It is a still, syrupy beverage, which is a major difference from the Western, carbonated Red Bull.

Taurine is an amino acid naturally found in the body that plays a role in metabolic processes. It is included in Krating Daeng to potentially aid in physical endurance and mental performance, although its exact function as an energy booster is debated.

A typical 150ml bottle of Krating Daeng contains around 50mg of caffeine, which translates to about 32mg per 100ml. A 250ml can often contains 80mg.

Due to its high caffeine and sugar content, Krating Daeng should be avoided by children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and individuals who are sensitive to caffeine.

Krating Daeng's sweet taste primarily comes from natural sugars, including sucrose and glucose. These provide a rapid source of energy.

The signature golden color of Krating Daeng comes from artificial colorings, such as Tartrazine (E102) and Ponceau 4R (E124). Some of these have regulatory considerations in different countries.