The Current U.S. Four Loko Recipe (Post-2010)
Following a landmark FDA ruling in November 2010, the makers of Four Loko, Phusion Projects, were required to remove all stimulants from their beverage line. Today, the U.S. version of Four Loko is classified as a flavored malt beverage, a type of malt liquor, and its ingredient list is dramatically different from its predecessor. The current formulation contains a base of malt liquor, carbonated water, beet sugar, and a blend of natural and artificial flavorings to achieve its signature fruity taste. The exact percentage of alcohol by volume (ABV) can vary by state, typically ranging from 8% to 14%.
What's in a Can of Today's Four Loko?
- Malt Liquor Base: The alcoholic component is a brewed malt beverage, which is then flavored and colored.
- Water: Carbonated water forms the bulk of the liquid.
- Sweeteners: Beet sugar or other forms of sugar contribute to the high calorie and sugar content.
- Natural and Artificial Flavors: These are responsible for the vibrant, often sweet and fruity taste profiles of the different flavors.
- Artificial Colors: Ingredients like FD&C Red 40 are used to give the drinks their eye-catching colors.
- Additives: Acidity regulators such as citric acid and sodium citrate, along with preservatives like sodium benzoate, are included for stability and flavor.
The Infamous Original Four Loko Formula (Pre-2010)
The original version of Four Loko, which hit the market in 2005, was defined by the four key ingredients that gave it its name: alcohol, caffeine, taurine, and guarana. Early on, it also contained wormwood, an ingredient associated with absinthe, but this was removed around 2008 in favor of increasing the alcohol content. The mix of a potent depressant (alcohol) with stimulants (caffeine, guarana, and taurine) was heavily criticized for masking the feeling of intoxication and promoting dangerous binge-drinking behavior.
The "Blackout in a Can" Era
The high alcohol content, combined with the masking effect of the stimulants, led to numerous health incidents and earned the drink the nickname "blackout in a can". In 2010, the FDA issued warning letters to Four Loko and other similar product manufacturers, stating that the combination of caffeine and alcohol was an unsafe food additive. This forced the immediate removal of the original formula from store shelves, leading to a period of "alcohol prohibition" nostalgia and a temporary black market for the original cans.
Comparison Table: Original vs. Current Four Loko
| Feature | Original Formula (Pre-2010) | Current U.S. Formula (Post-2010) |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol Base | Malt Liquor | Flavored Malt Beverage |
| Stimulants | Contained caffeine, taurine, and guarana | No caffeine, taurine, or guarana |
| ABV Range | Often 12% | Varies by state (8%-14%) |
| Calorie Count | High, around 660 kcal per can | High, around 660 kcal per can |
| Controversy | Very high, led to widespread bans | Lower, focuses on standard alcohol abuse warnings |
| Status | Discontinued | Actively sold |
An Overview of Four Loko Flavors
Despite the recipe change, the brand has continued to evolve and expand its flavor offerings, which are now categorized into different series.
Core Flavors
- Gold
- Fruit Punch
- Watermelon
- Peach
- Strawberry Lemonade
- Electric Lemonade
- Red (Swedish Fish flavor)
Sour Flavors
- Sour Apple
- Sour Grape
- Blue Razz
- Sour Melon
Innovation Series
- Sour Galactic Punch (a collaboration with Warheads)
- Jungle Juice
- Loko USA (Sour White Cherry)
What About International Versions?
It is important to note that the ingredients can differ significantly outside the U.S. For example, some versions sold in Europe and the UK are not malt-based. They are instead made with a vodka spirit base and contain different additives and ABV levels, such as the 8.5% ABV vodka-based cans sold in the UK. Consumers traveling internationally should always check the label, as local regulations dictate the formula. The company's official website also provides region-specific information.
Conclusion
When asking what does 4 Lokos have in it, the answer depends entirely on when you are asking. The beverage has undergone a complete transformation, from a controversial mix of stimulants and alcohol to its modern form as a non-caffeinated flavored malt beverage. While the stimulants have been removed, the drink remains a high-ABV, high-calorie alcoholic product with a distinct, sweet flavor profile. Consumers should always check the label for specific ABV and ingredient information, as both can vary by location and flavor, and should consume all alcoholic products responsibly.
For additional product information, you can visit the official Four Loko website: https://fourloko.com.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not endorse the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Does Four Loko still contain caffeine? Answer: No, the current formula sold in the U.S. does not contain caffeine, guarana, or taurine. These stimulants were removed in 2010 following an FDA warning.
Question: What is the alcohol content of Four Loko? Answer: The alcohol by volume (ABV) varies by state regulations, typically ranging from 8% to 14% in a standard 23.5 oz can.
Question: What type of alcohol is in Four Loko? Answer: In the United States, Four Loko is a flavored malt beverage, which is a type of malt liquor. Some versions sold internationally are vodka-based, not malt-based.
Question: How many calories are in a can of Four Loko? Answer: A standard 23.5 oz can of Four Loko contains a significant amount of sugar, leading to approximately 660 calories per can.
Question: Why was the original Four Loko formula controversial? Answer: The original formula was controversial for mixing alcohol (a depressant) with stimulants like caffeine, which could mask the effects of intoxication and lead to dangerous binge drinking, especially among young drinkers.
Question: Is Four Loko banned? Answer: No, Four Loko is not banned in the United States, but the original caffeinated formula is no longer legally sold. The product is widely available with its reformulated ingredients.
Question: Are the ingredients in Four Loko different in other countries? Answer: Yes, the ingredients can vary significantly by country. For example, some European versions are spirit-based (vodka) instead of a flavored malt beverage.
Question: What are some of the popular flavors of Four Loko? Answer: Popular flavors include Fruit Punch, Watermelon, Gold, Sour Apple, and Blue Razz. They also have an Innovation Series that includes special collaborations like Sour Galactic Punch.
