Supplemented foods: Overview
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About supplemented foods
Supplemented foods are prepackaged foods with 1 or more specific ingredients (supplemental ingredients) added for purposes other than nutrition.
Examples of supplemented foods include:
- bars with added vitamins and minerals
- drinks with added vitamins and minerals
- drinks with added caffeine, such as caffeinated energy drinks
Learn about the difference between supplemented foods and other types of foods, like fortified foods, and natural health products.
Examples of permitted supplemental ingredients include:
- caffeine
- minerals such as calcium
- vitamins such as vitamin C
- amino acids such as L-leucine
Some supplemented foods contain supplemental ingredients that can pose a risk to your health if you:
- eat or drink too much of them
- are pregnant, a child or a member of another vulnerable group
You can find important directions for consumption on the label.
Learn more about the labelling of supplemented foods.
Example of a supplemented food: Caffeinated energy drinks
Caffeinated energy drinks are prepackaged drinks or dry mixes that contain added caffeine above a specific amount. They also typically contain other ingredients such as:
- taurine
- B vitamins
- minerals
- herbal ingredients
Caffeinated energy drinks can also contain guarana and yerba mate, which are natural sources of caffeine.
We restrict the amount of caffeine from all sources to a total of 180 mg per serving of a caffeinated energy drink.
We also limit the amount of other added ingredients like taurine, B vitamins and minerals.
How to report a concern with caffeinated energy drinks
If you have a concern about a caffeinated energy drink, such as 1 with more than 180 mg of caffeine per serving, or 1 that is missing cautionary statements, we encourage you to report it to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Related links
- List of permitted supplemented food categories
- List of permitted supplemental ingredients
- Guidance document: Supplemented Foods Regulations
- Regulations Amending the Food and Drug Regulations and the Cannabis Regulations (Supplemented Foods)
- Sugary drinks and your teen
- Public Notice: Classification of sports electrolyte products as foods