energiajuoma

Energiajuoma, known in Finnish as "energy drink," refers to a beverage that contains caffeine, taurine, B vitamins, and sometimes added sugars or artificial sweeteners, designed to temporarily increase alertness and physical performance. The first commercial energy drinks appeared in the 1980s, with brands such as Red Bull, launched in Austria in 1987, popularizing the category worldwide. In Finland, the market is substantial, with both domestically produced drinks and imports from global brands emerging during the early 2000s. Finnish consumers often associate these beverages with sports training, studying, or late‑night work.

The typical ingredient profile includes 80–100 milligrams of caffeine per 250-milliliter can, taurine at around 1 gram, glucuronolactone, various B vitamins, and sometimes additional stimulants such as guarana or ginseng. Flavors range from original citrus to cherry, berry, and herbal variants. Some products are sugar‑free, employing aspartame or acesulfame potassium to provide sweetness without added calories.

Regulatory bodies in Finland and the European Union oversee energy drink content, limiting caffeine dosage per serving and requiring warning labels about potential health risks. Studies have linked high consumption to increased heart rate, hypertension, and, in rare cases, cardiac arrhythmias. Youth consumption remains a concern, prompting discussions on advertising restrictions and mandatory health warnings.

Commercially, energy drinks dominate Finland’s non‑alcoholic beverage market, with yearly sales reaching billions of euros. In addition to mass‑market brands, craft and boutique producers have entered the scene, offering organic or natural alternatives. Despite health debates, the energy drink segment continues to grow, driven by changing work patterns, the rise of esports, and cultural preferences for quick energy boosts.