Energy drink explosion hits food

Mintel expects energy drink buzz to spill over into food, snacks and candyAnyone who’s been to a convenience store, sporting event or bar lately knows—energy drinks are hot. Mintel’s latest report on energy drinks values the retail market at $4.8 billion, a growth of over 400% from 2003.Mintel sees the number of “energy drinkers” growing quickly. In 2003, only 9% of adult respondents to Mintel’s survey said they drank energy drinks. In 2008, 15% did. Teens have picked up energy drinks even faster. Mintel’s latest survey of teenagers revealed 35% regularly consume energy drinks, up from 19% in 2003.