Your Favourite Energy Drink Could Be in Trouble With FSSAI

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has issued notices to at least six energy drink makers, including the local unit of Red Bull GmBH, for allegedly making misleading claims and tightening oversight of a fast-expanding category in the country.

Many beverage brands marketing themselves as “energy drinks” make functional or therapeutic claims that are not allowed under local laws, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India said in a post on Instagram late Wednesday.

The brands mentioned include Pepsico India Holdings Pvt.’s Adrenaline Rush, Monster Energy, Reliance Industries Ltd.’s Campa Energy Drink, Hell Energy Pvt.’s Hell Drink and Red Bull.

The regulator said claims such as “rejuvenates body and mind”, “improves focus” or “increases energy levels” are not allowed for food products. He added that India has not notified any standards for energy drinks.

Driven by urbanization, a large young population and increasing fitness awareness, India’s energy drinks market was valued at $1.5 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $2.9 billion by 2034, according to the IMARC group. Some brands, including Red Bull, have been sold in India for almost two decades.

FSSAI has increased sanctions in recent years. Last year, manufacturers of sugar-based rehydration drinks were banned from labeling their products as Oral Rehydration Solution unless they met the World Health Organization’s formula.