An energy drink is a type of drink that contains sugar and stimulant compounds, that provides mental and physical stimulation. They are widely promoted as products that increase energy and enhance mental alertness and physical performance. Consumption of energy drinks has been increasing dramatically in the last two decades, particularly amongst adolescents and young adults. Energy drinks are aggressively marketed with the claim that these products give an energy boost to improve physical and cognitive performance. They are designed to give an 'energy boost' to the drinker by a combination of stimulants and energy boosters.

Dr. Pradeep Gadge, Gadge Diabetes Centre says that there are two kinds of energy drink products. One is sold in containers similar in size to those of ordinary soft drinks. The other kind, called 'energy shots,' is sold in small containers holding of concentrated liquid. Caffeine is a major ingredient in both types of energy drink products. Some energy drinks also contain other ingredients such as guarana, sugars, taurine, ginseng, B vitamins, glucuronolactone, Yohimbe, carnitine. Most energy drinks contain between 120 to 200 mg of caffeine, and some contain as much as 300 or even 500 mg.