Are Four Lokos Bad For You?
Short answer
Four Loko is a sugary, alcoholic beverage with no nutritional value. Even though the caffeine considered toxic by the FDA has been removed, Four Loko will still leave you with a wicked hangover at the very least.
Recommended Alternative
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Four Loko is a popular malt beverage offered in a variety of fruit flavors. The original Four Loko formulation was sold as an alcoholic energy drink, and by 2008 had gained popularity across the United States on college campuses. After its consumption led to several highly-publicized hospitalizations and deaths, the FDA released a statement late in 2010 citing caffeine in alcoholic beverages as a "public heath concern" and mandated the product be changed. Subsequently, all caffeine was removed from the drink. Even though the FDA doesn't consider the new Four Loko formula to be unsafe for human consumption, it still isn't good for you. Four Lokos contain between 6% and 14% alcohol by volume depending on the maximum allowed by local regulatory authorities. This alone indicates that Four Loko is a beverage exclusively aimed at helping consumers get as drunk as possible, which definitely isn't healthy.
Furthermore, the high sugar content of Four Loko is also cause for concern. In addition to contributing to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, the sugar in Four Loko will exacerbate any hangover. Because alcohol is already very high in sugar, consuming alcoholic beverages with sugar added puts additional strain on the body. The other ingredients in Four Loko are Red 40, natural and artificial flavors, and carbonated water. Red 40 is a petroleum or coal by-product and has been known to cause allergic reactions in some individuals. It is also believed by the Department of Health and Human Services to be carcinogenic to humans and contribute to cancer development.
Drinking in excess is never safe, but indulging in even one Four Loko is a bad idea.
Possible short-term side effects
- blood sugar spike
- impaired judgement
- alcohol poinsoning
Possible long-term side effects
- obesity
- type 2 diabetes
- cancer
Ingredients to be aware of
Our Wellness Pick
(what is this?)
Mamma Chia Vitality Beverage
- Organic Ingredients
- Rich in Omega-3s
- Antioxidant-Rich Hibiscus
- Hydrating & Nutritious
- Non-GMO Verified
Learn More!
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Written by Leah Bolton
Published on: 02-07-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Leah Bolton
Published on: 02-07-2016
Last updated: 12-15-2023
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