As a Muslim, it’s important to ensure that the food and drinks we consume are halal. One popular energy drink on the market is 5-hour Energy, but you may be wondering, “Is 5 Hour Energy halal?”
In this blog post, we will explore the ingredients of 5-hour Energy and determine whether it meets the criteria for being halal. We’ll also discuss some general guidelines for determining the halal status of food and drinks. If you’re looking for answers about the halal status of 5-hour Energy or other products, keep reading for all the information you need.
About 5 Hour Energy Drink
5-hour Energy is a popular brand known for its energy shots and drinks that provide a quick and convenient way to enhance alertness and combat fatigue. These products are designed to deliver an energized feeling through a combination of caffeine, vitamins, and nutrients. The Extra Strength 5-hour Energy shots, in particular, contain about as much caffeine as 12 ounces of the leading premium coffee.
The ingredients in 5-hour Energy include carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup and/or sugar, citric acid, sodium benzoate (preservative), food starch-modified, and natural and artificial flavors. These ingredients are commonly found in energy drinks and contribute to the taste and functionality of the product. It is worth noting that 5-hour Energy offers a variety of flavors, such as grape, berry, tropical burst, watermelon, and peach mango.
In addition to caffeine, 5-hour Energy shots also contain a proprietary blend of essential B vitamins, amino acids, and nutrients. These ingredients are intended to provide a sustained energy boost and help users feel energized and alert for hours. The shots are sugar-free, making them a suitable option for those who prefer to limit their sugar intake.
Understanding Halal and Haram in Food
Halal diet laws initially permit all foods (halal), unless they are explicitly prohibited by divine revelation or guidance from Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace be upon him). These Islamic guidelines ensure the permissibility of food preparation and consumption.
By following this principle, individuals can maintain a balanced and wholesome diet that promotes physical and mental wellbeing. As a result, individuals can cultivate a healthy lifestyle that benefits both their physical and spiritual well-being by adhering to God’s laws and eating in moderation.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ كُلُوا۟ مِمَّا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ حَلَـٰلًۭا طَيِّبًۭا وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا۟ خُطُوَٰتِ ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنِ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّۭ مُّبِينٌ
“O humanity! Eat from what is lawful and good on the earth and do not follow Satan’s footsteps. He is truly your sworn enemy.”
[Al-Baqarah/2:168]
In order to determine whether something is halal or haram, three main criteria must be considered.
1. Hazardous or harmful ingredients
Allah declared in the divine scripture:
وَأَنفِقُواْ فِي سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَا تُلۡقُواْ بِأَيۡدِيكُمۡ إِلَى ٱلتَّهۡلُكَةِ وَأَحۡسِنُوٓاْۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ
“And spend of your substance in the cause of Allah, and make not your own hands contribute to (your) destruction; but do good; for Allah loves those who do good.
[Al-Baqarah/ 2 : 195]
2. Direct prohibition from Allah or His Messenger
Islamic teachings clearly define which foods are forbidden sustenance (haram) in verse 3 of chapter 5 of the Quran.
حُرِّمَتْ عَلَيْكُمُ الْمَيْتَةُ وَالدَّمُ وَلَحْمُ الْخِنْزِيرِ وَمَا أُهِلَّ لِغَيْرِ اللَّهِ بِهِ وَالْمُنْخَنِقَةُ وَالْمَوْقُوذَةُ وَالْمُتَرَدِّيَةُ وَالنَّطِيحَةُ وَمَا أَكَلَ السَّبُعُ إِلَّا مَا ذَكَّيْتُمْ
“It is forbidden for you (to eat) carrion, blood, pork (an what) slaughtered in the name of other than Allah, those who are suffocated, those who are beaten, those who fall, those that are gored and are eaten by wild animals, except those that you could slaughter”
[Al-Maidah/ 5 : 3]
3. Khamr (intoxicants) or excessive alcohol within the Fatwa guidelines
As a result of their association with Haram substances regulated by Shari’ah laws, some ingredients in consumable items can render them impure and haram. A few examples are wine, beer, rum, spirits, whisky, and other liquors. It is known that they contain intoxicants (khamr). The fatwa also specifies that other beverages exceeding the alcohol limits are haram.
To determine whether 5 Hour Energy drink complies with halal guidelines, its composition is meticulously analyzed. We carefully inspect each ingredient to ensure it complies with Islamic dietary guidelines.
5 Hour Energy Ingredients
According to their official website, 5 Hour Energy is primarily made of these ingredients :
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
- Citicoline
- N-acetyl-L-Tyrosine
- L-Phenylalanine
- Taurine
- Malic Acid
- Glucuronic acid (as or from glucuronolactone)
- Caffeine (230mg).
Now let’s take a deeper look at the suspicious ingredients above.
Citicoline
Citicoline is a compound that readily dissolves in water and is crucial for the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, a key component of brain tissue. Its primary function revolves around facilitating neurotransmission and contributing to the overall support and enhancement of brain function.
Available human studies do not raise safety concerns under the proposed conditions of use. Citicoline safety was also excellent in clinical trials, with only 37 side effects observed in 31 patients (0.73%).
N-acetyl-L-Tyrosine
The next component is N-acetyl-L-Tyrosine or NALT in short, is an acetylated form of the amino acid L-tyrosine and is used as a nootropic to support brain function and neurotransmitter production. NALT is generally considered safe, but there is limited long-term safety data available, and it is recommended to take dietary supplements under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Overall, when taken in appropriate amounts, N-acetyl-L-tyrosine does not appear to pose significant dangers.
L-Phenylalanine
L-phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that is commonly consumed in foods and is used as a treatment for several medical conditions, including skin disorders and depression. For healthy adults, phenylalanine is considered safe in the quantities found naturally in foods.
However, individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) cannot metabolize phenylalanine and must minimize their intake to prevent adverse health effects.
Taurin
Taurine is an amino acid that plays a role in several essential body functions, such as regulating calcium levels, creating bile salts, and supporting the development of the nervous system. Taurine occurs naturally in foods with protein, such as meat or fish, and is a safe drink ingredient in the United States.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant that is commonly consumed in various forms, such as coffee, tea, energy drinks, and dietary supplements. For healthy adults, caffeine consumption is relatively safe, but for some vulnerable populations, caffeine consumption could be harmful, including impairments in cardiovascular function, sleep, and substance use.
For most people, it is not harmful to consume up to 400mg of caffeine a day, which is roughly the amount of caffeine in four cups of brewed coffee, 10 cans of cola, or two “energy shot” drinks.
After a comprehensive evaluation of all the ingredients confirms that each ingredient strictly adheres to Islamic Shariah law and fulfills the previously discussed halal guidelines. These ingredients are widely accepted and commonly utilized in various applications for human consumption.
Is 5 Hour Energy Halal?
5 Hour Energy is considered halal, as the ingredients used in this beverage have been carefully examined and meet the halal guidelines. Moreover, these ingredients have received FDA approval, which confirms their widespread acceptance and safe use in various food and drink products for humans.
Find out more:
Is Monster Energy Halal?
Is XS Energy Drink Halal?
Conclusion
For Muslim consumers, maintaining adherence to Islamic guidelines is essential when selecting halal food and beverages. Meeting the requirements for being halal, 5 Hour Energy, a prominent energy drink, has undergone rigorous scrutiny of its ingredients and gained approval from the FDA. By staying consistent with halal guidelines, people can maintain a wholesome and nutritionally-rich diet that promotes their overall health.
Packaging, however, does not display halal certification. If you prefer products with clear halal certification, this lack of explicit halal verification may raise concerns for you.
Those seeking halal assurance should consult with reliable halal certification authorities or find alternative beverages with explicit halal labels.
Lastly, It is important to note that energy drinks, including 5-hour Energy, contain significant amounts of caffeine and should be consumed in moderation. They are not recommended for children and may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain health conditions or sensitivities to caffeine.
As with any dietary supplement, it is always advisable to read the product labels and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or questions about its ingredients or usage.
Allahu a’lam (Allah knows best)
FAQ
Does 5 Hour Energy have alcohol in it?
No, The active ingredients listed on the official website include vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12, sodium, taurine, glucuronolactone, malic acid, N-Acetyl L-tyrosine, L-phenylalanine, caffeine, and citicoline. The product is known for its caffeine content, with different variations containing varying levels of caffeine, such as Decaf (6 mg), Original (215 mg), and Extra Strength (242 mg).
Is 5 Hour Energy vegan?
5-hour Energy is generally considered vegan-friendly. The company claims that their product is vegan-friendly, and the ingredients used in 5-hour Energy drinks are either naturally vegan or can be synthesized from plant or synthetic sources.
Is 5 Hour Energy drink safe?
5-hour Energy is generally considered safe when consumed in moderation and according to the recommended guidelines. However, excessive consumption and mixing with alcohol can pose potential health risks. As with any energy drink or dietary supplement, it is important to be aware of personal tolerance, follow recommended dosages, and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or questions about its usage.
Is 5 Hour Energy carbonated?
5-Hour Energy drinks are containing carbonation, such as the Extra Strength Berry Energy Drink and the Extra Strength Tropical Burst Flavor Energy Drink.
Does 5 Hour Energy have caffeine?
Yes, 5-Hour Energy drinks contain caffeine, which is the active ingredient that provides the energy boost. The caffeine content varies depending on the specific product, and it is important to be mindful of personal caffeine tolerance and follow recommended dosages.
Does 5 Hour Energy have sugar?
5-Hour Energy drinks are sugar-free. They do not contain any sugar in their formulation. Instead of sugar or high fructose corn syrup, 5-hour Energy shots use sucralose, an artificial sweetener, to add sweetness without adding calories or sugar.
I spend three enriching years at Darul Ulum Islamic Boarding School. Under the guidance of knowledgeable scholars, I delved into various aspects of Islamic studies.
From clarifying dietary guidelines and financial transactions to addressing ethical dilemmas, my content will be tailored to serve as a reliable resource for Muslims striving to align their lives with Islamic principles.
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