Sambazon addresses fluctuations of natural caffeine levels in energy drink beverages

Jul 20 2013

Sambazon, the pioneer of Açai and organic Amazon Superfoods™, recently addressed variations in caffeine levels that may have occurred in its Amazon Energy™ products between 2009 and 2012.

“When we discovered the fluctuations of natural caffeine levels in our Amazon Energy™ beverage, we took steps to ensure even greater consistency”

Cans of Amazon Energy™ indicate that the 12 oz. beverage contains 80 milligrams of caffeine; a figure that was calculated using the FDA's generally accepted theoretical calculation technique for nutrition values. According to CEO and co-founder Ryan Black, the company's regular third-party batch testing showed that the amount of caffeine, which is derived only from natural and organic plant-based sources, varied from batch to batch. Overall, caffeine content always remained in the lower range of many coffee drinks. For example, a Mayo Clinic report indicates that brewed coffee widely available in national retailers can contain 100-330 milligrams of caffeine per 16 oz. serving. Nonetheless, even though the FDA allows for variances up to 20 percent for nutrition values, Sambazon decided to change the formulation to keep caffeine variances consistently under 10 percent.

"When we discovered the fluctuations of natural caffeine levels in our Amazon Energy™ beverage, we took steps to ensure even greater consistency," said Black. "This variability is driven by our choice to source organic, plant-based caffeine sources including yerba mate, green tea and guarana. Like any natural ingredient, the potency of these sources can fluctuate. While the variability was small, we felt the need to be proactive and transparent with our customers by sharing this background. Since we adjusted the formulation in fall 2012, all production runs have been great, caffeine level fluctuations have been less than 10 percent and the product, as always, is safe."

Consumers who purchased Sambazon Amazon Energy™ from May 2009 through November 2012 and have concerns related to variations in caffeine content can contact Sambazon customer service at [email protected] or 949.498.8618 to request a refund for the retail price of the product or a coupon for a free Sambazon beverage of their choice.

Source: Sambazon