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Lucozade Review - 14 Things You Need to Know

Lucozade sells popular Japanese energy and sports drinks that claim to give you a number of benefits, like reviving energy levels. Their beverages also come in lots of different flavors, like Brazilian mango, passion fruit, and raspberry.

Can these drinks really increase energy? What other benefits can you expect from Lucozade? Our research team lays out the research to determine if this brand is worth your money.

Lucozade can be purchased through their Official Site.

Lucozade Readers: Noom is offering our readers a risk-free trial, for a limited time. Click here for more information!
Overview

What is Lucozade?

Lucozade is a popular carbonated energy drink beverage crafted in the United Kingdom, boasts a formula purportedly designed to invigorate consumers. The fizzy mix is loaded with caffeine, antioxidants, sugar, and artificial sweeteners, all combined to give you a boost of energy.

In addition to its flagship product, Lucozade extends its product line to include Lucozade Sport, specifically marketed as an isotonic beverage. This variant is distinguished by its glucose content ranging from 6-8%, a feature the manufacturer claims deliver energy to your body when it needs it most. The manufacturer asserts that such isotonic drinks serve as effective means to replenish expended energy during physical activity.

Lucozade Sport has added electrolytes, carbohydrates, and B vitamins to fuel athletes while keeping them hydrated. Here is what the research has to say:

Lucozade Flavors

What are some of the flavors of Lucozade?

Lucozade Energy 

  • Orange
  • Citrus Chill
  • Raspberry Ripple
  • Caribbean Crush
  • Brazilian Mango and Mandarin
  • Wild Cherry
  • Pink Lemonade
  • Original
  • Apple Blast
  • Watermelon & Strawberry Cooler

Lucozade Zero 

  • Tropical
  • Pink Lemonade
  • Orange
  • Original

Lucozade Revive

  • Orange & Passion Fruit
  • Lemon & Lime

Lucozade Sport

  • Cherry Kick
  • Fruit Punch
  • Mango & Passion Fruit
  • Brazilian Guava
  • Orange
  • Caribbean Burst
  • Raspberry

Lucozade Sport Gels 

  • Orange Gels

Lucozade Sport Low Cal 

  • Lemon and Lime
  • Orange

Lucozade Energy Tablets

Lucozade Competitors

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Athletic Greens
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Noom
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Who Makes Lucozade?

Pharmacist William Walker Hunter created Lucozade, originally named Glucozade, in 1927 as a glucose and water solution to aid patients’ recovery from illness. Over the years, the sweet beverage gained popularity in UK pharmacies and became a familiar remedy for sick British children. Hospital visitors often offered the orange-flavored drink to patients as a thoughtful gesture, aligning with its advertising slogan, “Lucozade aids recovery.”

In 1983, Lucozade underwent a rebranding, transforming into a sports drink emphasizing electrolyte balance. Initially sold as a carbonated, orange-flavored beverage in a glass bottle wrapped in orange cellophane, it transitioned to a health-associated “pick me up” in 1978 and fully embraced the sports drink identity in 1983.

In 2013, Japanese beverage manufacturer Suntory acquired the rights to Lucozade for $1.7 billion. The original formula, containing 62 grams of sugar, underwent a significant change in 2017 when aspartame and acesulfame-K were introduced to reduce sugar content.

However, the modified recipe faced backlash from loyal customers who expressed their dissatisfaction on social media. This discontent resulted in a substantial decline in company revenue, exceeding 9%.

Lucozade Customer Support

On the official website, Lucozade may be contacted through a contact form. The company also has a couple of other forms of contact:

  • Phone (Ireland): 1800-989-488
  • Phone (UK): 0800-096-3666
  • Email: consumer.care@lrsuntory.com
  • Address: 2 Longwalk Road, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, United Kingdom.
Lucozade Customer Testimonials

Other Products From the Makers of Lucozade

Suntory is responsible for:

  • Jim Beam
  • Maker’s Mark
  • Kakubin
  • Courvoisier
  • Knob Creek
  • Yamazaki
  • Hakushu
  • Hibiki
  • Hornitos Tequila
  • Teacher’s Whisky
  • EFFEN Vodka
  • Sipsmith
  • Roku Gin
  • Tea+
  • MyTea
  • Goodmood
  • BOSS
  • Yasashii Mugicha
  • F.A.G.E. skincare and cosmetics
  • Château Lagrange Winery
  • Tomi no Oka
Claims

Lucozade Claims

The makers of Lucozade claim that this energy drink will give you a “pick me up” when you need it the most.

Ingredients

Lucozade Ingredients

Lucozade ingredients include:

  • Carbonated water
  • Glucose syrup
  • Potassium sorbate
  • Citric and lactic acids
  • Sunset Yellow FCF
  • Ponceau 4R
  • Acesulfame-K
  • Aspartame
  • Caffeine

Details on Lucozade Ingredients

Sunset Yellow

Sunset Yellow FCF is an orange dye derived from petroleum. It is used in foods, beverages, cosmetics, and condoms. Some groups claim that Sunset Yellow causes hyperactivity in children, but there is no evidence to support these claims. A study from the Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences found that Sunset Yellow may have cytotoxic and genotoxic effects, meaning it may have a negative effect on the health of living cells.

Sunset yellow is banned in Norway, Sweden, and Finland.

Ponceau 4R

Ponceau 4R is another AZO dye used in foods and beverages. It is banned in the United States, Canada, and Norway.

Acesulfame-K

Acesulfame-K is an artificial sweetener with zero calories and a bad reputation. In the 1970s, animal studies suggested that acesulfame-K has carcinogenic properties. However, further research, including evidence published in PLoS One, revealed that the initial acesulfame-K studies were severely flawed. The research findings are inadequate.

The FDA considers acesulfame-K to be a safe sugar alternative, but many watchdog groups believe the artificial sweetener needs to undergo more stringent testing.

Aspartame

Aspartame is another artificial sweetener that is considered safe by the FDA but is surrounded by controversy. Aspartame is commonly found in diet soda, sugar-free gum, candy, ice cream, and yogurt.

Caffeine

According to Current Neuropharmacology, caffeine is a widely used natural stimulant that may improve concentration, memory, and athletic performance.

Does Lucozade Work?

One bottle contains 46 milligrams of caffeine. That’s about the same as a cup of tea. So, you might get an energy boost from Lucozade drinks, but you’re also getting a dose of other ingredients that increase your risk of side effects.

When it comes to caffeine, higher doses aren’t always better. A study from Frontiers in Psychiatry found that the threshold of caffeine toxicity appears to be around 400 mg/day in healthy adults. Caffeine positively affects a participant’s mood and cognitive function. So, this isotonic carbohydrate-electrolyte sports drink may work as well as drinks with much higher levels of caffeine.

Weight Loss

Lucozade and Weight Loss

Lucozade isn’t intended for weight loss, but some of its ingredients might help you lose a few pounds.

According to PLoS One, caffeine can boost your metabolism.

The mild dose of caffeine in this sports drink might improve your metabolism and help you maintain a healthy weight, but you could also choose a safer and less expensive alternative, like coffee or tea.

Lucozade also contains artificial sweeteners. A meta-analysis from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that artificial sweeteners may reduce body weight, waist circumference, and fat mass.

How to Use Lucozade

You can drink these anytime, but people who are sensitive to caffeine should probably avoid using this product in the evening.

Side Effects

Lucozade Side Effects

The dyes in the drink can stain your skin, clothes, and furniture. Some ingredients in the drink are banned in the United States because they may increase your risk of developing certain conditions. You may also experience an upset stomach, cramps, and diarrhea when using this product.

Cost and Where to Buy Lucozade

It used to be impossible to buy Lucozade in the United States, but several independent sellers made the isotonic carbohydrate-electrolyte sports drink available on Amazon.

However, the price for a single bottle is steep. Expect to pay between $10 and $28 per one-liter bottle. Keep in mind that some of the ingredients in Lucozade are banned in the United States.

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Fun flavors.

Cons

  • The price.
  • It contains ingredients that are banned in the United States.
  • May stain clothes and surfaces.
  • Serious side effects may occur.
What Users Are Saying

What Users Are Saying

“Being British as a child you would have a glass of this if you were feeling ill. Great pick me up. Always have a bottle in the fridge.”

“Remember this drink from my youth, great taste, great for replacing energy after playing sport. Alas expensive!”

“Same great taste! It brings you back!”

Lucozade Ingredients
Bottom Line

Bottom Line on Lucozade Results

At first glance, Lucozade seemed like just another fun carbonated beverage, but the facts quickly showed something different. The drink may come in plenty of flavors, but the high price, unsavory ingredients, and potential side effects have us hesitant to recommend this brand.

Plus, if you are trying to boost energy and lose weight, it’s probably best to choose a safe, clinically-studied program.

Noom is one of the best weight-loss programs on the market right now. We love that they offer tons of interactive features to make losing weight easier, like customized meal plans, 1:1 coaching with professionals, and health tracking tools. Their weight-loss system was created by a team of doctors and professionals to make sure every person has the chance to lose weight, improve their health, and even boost energy.

This clinically-researched weight-loss program isn’t hard to access either. Right now, you can get a free trial offer of Noom – so make sure this program out for yourself. This offer is only available to Dietspotlight readers for a limited time, so act fast before time runs out!

Learn More About Noom »
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Lucozade

Q:
What is Lucozade?
A:

Lucozade is an energy beverage with its roots in the United Kingdom. It is a carbonated drink comprising of caffeine, sugar, artificial sweeteners, and various other ingredients. Known as ‘Glucozade’ in the past, the beverage was utilized to replenish lost energy during illness. Pioneering the combination of excellent taste with glucose, this drink found widespread use in hospital wards and pharmacies in the subsequent years.

Lucozade Sport, tailored for athletes and sports performance, includes supplementary electrolytes and vitamins.

Q:
What are the benefits of drinking Lucozade?
A:

According to the manufacturer’s claims, Lucozade is positioned as an energy drink that asserts to enhance concentration, boost energy levels, and improve overall alertness.

Q:
Can Lucozade help with weight loss?
A:

While Lucozade isn’t intended for weight loss, some of its ingredients, like caffeine and artificial sweeteners, may help boost metabolism and reduce body weight, waist circumference, and fat mass.

Q:
How does Lucozade work?
A:

Lucozade contains caffeine, which can provide an energy boost by increasing alertness and focus. The sugar provides carbohydrates for energy. Artificial sweeteners are meant to reduce calories. Electrolytes in Lucozade Sport help with hydration and the B vitamins provide nutrients to support energy metabolism. However, the effects are temporary and come with potential side effects from the ingredients.

Q:
Why is Lucozade banned in Canada?
A:

Currently, Canada has a number of European brands banned, including Lucozade. This is because of the difference in regulation concerning the product’s additives.

Q:
Where can I buy Lucozade?
A:

Lucozade can be purchased using their Official Site.

Q:
Is Lucozade safe?
A:

Lucozade may be safe in moderate amounts and occasionally, but it does come with risks. The high sugar, caffeine, and artificial ingredients could cause side effects or health issues, especially if consumed frequently or in large amounts. It is not recommended for children, pregnant women, or people sensitive to caffeine or sugar. Due to the lack of research, the long-term effects of Lucozade are unknown. It is best to consume it only occasionally if at all, and stay hydrated while doing so.

Q:
Can you get Lucozade in America?
A:

The only way to get Lucozade in America is through online sources, as the product is not sold in American brick-and-mortar stores.

Q:
Is Lucozade good when your ill?
A:

According to some customer reviews, Lucozade is sometimes used as a rehydration drink while sick, though this is not an official claim from the product itself.

Q:
Does Lucozade hydrate you?
A:

Some specific versions of Lucozade, including Lucozade Sport, claim to help hydrate the body.

Q:
Why does Lucozade taste different?
A:

The change in Lucozade taste may be attributed to the switch from a glucose syrup to an artificial sweetener.

Q:
What was Lucozade originally made for?
A:

Lucozade was originally created as a sports energy drink in the United Kingdom. It was often given to those who were sick.

Q:
What does Lucozade taste like?
A:

This will depend on the flavor of Lucozade. Some of the flavors available for their drinks include Pink Lemonade, Original, Tropical, Wild Cherry, Apple Blast, Caribbean Crush, and Orange.

Q:
How much sugar is in a Lucozade?
A:

The grams of sugar will vary per variant and flavor. Orange flavor contains 17.1g sugar (highest) while Watermelon & Strawberry contains 10.6g sugar (lowest).

Q:
Does Lucozade have caffeine in it?
A:

According to the product label, Lucozade contains about 12mg of caffeine for every 100ml of liquid.

Q:
Is Lucozade better than Gatorade?
A:

It’s hard to say which product is better because they both offer a range of benefits to different people. Lucozade provides energy and hydration, whilst Gatorade is designed to replenish electrolytes and carbohydrates lost during exercise. Both products are fortified with vitamins and minerals, so it really comes down to personal preference and what your specific needs are. Some people may prefer the taste and texture of one over the other, whilst for others it could be about convenience or availability. Ultimately, it’s up to you which product you choose.

Q:
Are there any side effects associated with Lucozade?
A:

Yes, according to the manufacturer, using this product may lead to side effects such as upset stomach, cramps, and diarrhea.

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