Energy drink company Red Bull doesn’t give you wings, but what they could give is a reimbursement.
Red Bull is the top seller in energy drinks through vast and worldwide marketing campaigns targeting mostly extreme sports, but the company faces a $13 million lawsuit for false advertisement.
Red Bull was sued by consumers who claimed they were being misled by the company’s popular slogan, “Red Bull gives you wings,” and the false advertisement of exaggerated energy boosting effects without real scientific facts to back it up. While Red Bull settled the lawsuit, they accepted no wrongdoing.
According to a statement by the company, “Red Bull settled the lawsuit to avoid the cost and distraction of litigation. However, Red Bull maintains that its marketing and labeling have always been truthful and accurate, and denies any and all wrongdoing or liability.”
Not only that, but they are now bound to reimburse anyone who has purchased a Red Bull energy drink between Jan. 1, 2002 and Oct. 3, 2014. According to the settlement form, you can receive a check for $10 or receive $15 worth of Red Bull.
I was never a huge energy drink guy, but I do agree that Red Bull touts its drinks as some real energy-boosting product. Red Bull contains labels such as “Vitalizes body and mind.” To many people, a cup of coffee does just fine. One serving of the drink provides caffeine, taurine, B-group vitamins and many other ingredients.
The nutritional content, especially the main component in all energy drinks, caffeine, found in the drinks does not correlate with the other energy drinks. It isn’t really significant enough to justify the pricing, another main issue. Many think the drink is just overpriced soda because of its caffeine content, which is about the equivalent of most sodas out there.
While these claims are probably all true, Red Bull is a pretty good everyday drink I would pick over other brands anytime because it gives me the boost I need throughout my day.
Email Stephen Nguyen at stephen.nguyen@cardinalpointsonline.com.
