Healthiest Energy Drink

What Makes A Healthy Energy Drink?

There are certain factors that you need to take into account when looking for a healthier energy drink.

Low Sugar Content

Excessive consumption of sugar is a crucial factor in becoming overweight/obese. Naturally, reducing your sugar intake (and eating a healthful diet) has multiple health benefits, such as having better nutrition, stabilizing your cognition, and facilitating easier weight loss. Choose a product that uses natural sugars.

How Much Caffeine Is Too Much?

Consuming high amounts of caffeine can cause health problems like high blood pressure, headaches, dizziness, shaking, and abnormal heartbeats. Ideally, adults shouldn’t drink any more than 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day, while the amount for teenagers should not exceed 100 mg.

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Vitamins

Among all things, the selection of vitamins the energy drink [supposedly] has should matter. Most brands add various B vitamins like B1, B2, B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic Acid), B6, and B12; the latter, in particular, converts fat and protein to energy. 

Additional Ingredients – The Good

Aside from the vitamins, other ingredients serve to enhance the flavor, texture, and appearance to make the beverage more appealing and potable. Products that use all-natural products are definitely worth a try. 

Additional Ingredients – The Bad

The bad thing about some of these additive ingredients is that they could subtly be harmful to one’s health. Aside from excessive amounts of caffeine and sugars/sweeteners, one should be on the lookout for products with a high taurine content, which can cause severely low blood pressure. Artificial flavorings could induce weight gain and even kidney problems.

With all of that into account, let’s look at the healthiest energy drinks on our list…

The List

1. Vitamin Energy Super Shot

Sugar crashes are the worst part of drinking energy drinks; they cause your energy levels to drop unexpectedly, leaving you drained like a used battery. Vitamin Energy provides you with all the vitamins you need to boost your energy levels for up for hours uninterrupted, whether you’re at work or play. And in these more demanding times, having this super shot beverage is a total must-have.

Each shot contains a unique blend of body-nourishing B vitamins like B12 and B6, which are vital for a healthy immune response and is infused with 260 mg of caffeine for an extra-strength energy boost. The polyphenols present also do wonders for your gut health; their powerful antioxidant properties help treat an inflammatory gut and other digestive problems. 

You’ll surely enjoy the great fruity taste, but you’ll be pleased to know that Vitamin Energy has zero sugar and zero net carbs, so you won’t have to worry about sugar crashes or gaining weight, which makes it great even if you’re following a Keto diet.  Best of all, it comes in a conveniently-sized bottle that can fit in your pocket, so you can get an energy boost anywhere without the bulk and the fuss.

Pros:

  • Conveniently sized
  • Quality ingredients
  • Sugar and net carb-free
  • Keto-friendly, vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO
  • Variety pack comes with 3 free bottles
  • 100% refundable at any time
  • Fast, free shipping

Cons:

  • Strong fruity taste may not be to everyone’s liking.
  • Some people might not get the same results.

Nutritional Info:

  • Calories: 0
  • Added Sugar: No artificial colors, sweeteners, or flavors
  • Caffeine: 260 mg 

2. C4 Smart Energy Natural Zero

The C4 Smart Energy Natural Zero is the sugar-free, zero-calorie, and zero-carb energy drink you’ve been looking for. It’s manufactured by Cellucor, one of the leading American pre-workout supplement brands.

How does C4 do its wonders? The InnovaTea caffeine is naturally derived from green tea extract that’ll give your body the blast of energy it needs for the daily grind. You won’t have to worry about anything artificial since C4 makes use of all-natural sweeteners, colors, and flavorings, giving you purer, richer fruity goodness of grapefruit, blackberry, and cherry lime.

But C4 doesn’t just stop with the body. It also supports optimal cognitive/mental function. Cognizin, a nootropic known for supporting learning, decision-making, and memory. Perfect for when you’re studying or doing cognitive exercises. With both the mind and body hand-in-hand at their peak, you’re bound to be unstoppable. 

Pros:

  • Quality ingredients
  • Sugar and net carb-free
  • 100% refundable at any time
  • Fast, free shipping

Cons:

  • Flavor may not be to everyone’s liking.
  • Some people might not experience the same results.

Nutritional Info:

  • Calories: 0
  • Added Sugar: No artificial colors, sweeteners, or flavors
  • Caffeine: 150mg plant-based Caffeine

3. Go Big Orange Natural Energy Shots

Small but powerful is one way to describe Go Big Orange Shots. It’s one energy booster you’ll never want to not have with you.

Go Big provides that much-needed energy x wellness boost in every shot. It harnesses the best of what nature has to offer, guarana seed extract, Himalayan salt, apple cider vinegar, fruit juice concentrates, and other natural flavors, all working together to help you deliver peak performance, driving you to excel wherever field you are in. 

Tired of jitters and sugar/caffeine crashes? The guarana seed, which had sustained the Amazon warriors of old, gives you that boost of energy that doesn’t leave you crashing. Enjoy doing your workout routines or your sports activities for hours on end without the fuss and the panting. 

If you have a lot of workloads to finish and papers to review, the Go Big energy shot will help you maximize your productivity. The raspberry, pomegranate, and orange flavors don’t just serve to delight your tastebuds, but they also help you enhance your mental functions like your focus, memory, mood, solving, and planning. Now that’s something! 

Pros:

  • Quality ingredients
  • Small, compact in size. 
  • Great flavor.
  • No added sugar and other artificial flavorings.
  • Non-GMO, 100% plant-based.

Cons:

  • Quantity of bottles might be a little expensive for some. 
  • Shipping expenses would have to be shouldered by the customer.

Nutritional Info:

  • Calories: 20-30
  • Added Sugar: No artificial colors, sweeteners, or flavors
  • Caffeine: 200 mg

4. Heywell Energy + Focus Sparkling Strawberry Lemon

At first glance, you would think that the Energy + Focus Sparkling Strawberry Lemon was just an ordinary sparkling beverage. Then again, appearances can be deceiving, and inside that pastel pink exterior is a wonder drink waiting for its magic to happen. Its maker Heywell believes that wellness should be more accessible and made simple, especially in today’s more stressful times.

This strawberry lemon-flavored sparkling water will keep your body energized, and your mind focused. Thanks to adaptogens such as Schisandra, an antioxidant super berry that helps destress the mind and provide mental clarity. On the other hand, Ashwagandha is an herb acclaimed for its restorative and rejuvenating benefits, making it great for those who experience occasional stress. L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea leaves, helps enhance focus and maintain energy levels. Also worth mentioning is the organic Alma Berry, a gooseberry, which is an excellent source of natural vitamin C. 

The fantastic strawberry lemon flavor makes it a perfect refreshing beverage for all occasions, whether you’re out with friends, working out, or just chilling while reading your favorite book (or this article). 

Pros:

  • Quality ingredients
  • Small, compact in size. 
  • Great flavor.
  • Low in sugar and calories
  • Non-GMO, 100% plant-based, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
  • A portion of each purchase goes to multiple causes.
  • 14-day full refund policy

Cons:

  • Excessive drinking might affect your digestive wellbeing, as the bubbles in this fizzy drink can cause burping, bloating, and other similar symptoms.

Nutritional Info:

  • Calories: 10 
  • Added Sugar: 1g
  • Caffeine: 75mg

5. MATE MATE Natural Energy Drink

Going all-natural does have its benefits; freeing yourself of everything toxic and making wise health choices. And today, going for the Mate Mate Natural Energy Drink would be the smart, healthy choice you’ll make. 

The prime ingredient of this natural energy drink is yerba mate, a traditional herbal tea popular in South America made from the leaves and twigs of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It is rich in antioxidants and nutrients, which help boost physical performance, enhance cognitive skills, reduce fatigue, and assist in weight loss. Mate Mate gives its own “sparkling” twist to this ancient beverage, specially crafted for everyone’s enjoyment, from athletes, adventurers, students, and artists alike.

This yerba mate-flavored beverage is a perfect companion for your next adventures, study hours, or simple catching-up sessions with your friends and colleagues.

Pros:

  • Great Yerba mate flavor.
  • Quality ingredients
  • Small, handy in size. 
  • Low in sugar and calories
  • Non-GMO, 100% plant-based, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

Cons:

  • Some people might not find the taste of Yerba mate agreeable. 
  • Drinking a considerable amount could cause side effects like inability to sleep (insomnia), nervousness and restlessness, upset stomach, nausea and vomiting, and increased heart rate and breathing.

Nutritional Info:

  • Calories: 21 
  • Added Sugar: No artificial colors, sweeteners, or flavors
  • Caffeine: 75mg

New Energy Drink Ingredients 

Energy drink/shot manufacturers have started to utilize the benefits of natural herbs and teas long-celebrated for their immense health benefits and qualities, especially when it comes to boosting energy levels and improving mental function:

  • Yerba Mate – As mentioned above, friendship’s ancient South American beverage yields energy-giving benefits that aid in enhanced physical performance.  
  • Matcha – Research shows that taking matcha daily can positively impact your energy levels and overall health.
  • L-Theanine – This ingredient elevates levels of brain transmitters such as serotonin and dopamine work in the brain to regulate emotions, mood, concentration, alertness, and sleep, as well as one’s appetite, energy, and other cognitive abilities. It helps prevent the jitters that can come with consuming caffeine.
  • Guayusa Tea – Like yerba mate, the guayusa tea is also an ages-old South American drink that boosts one’s energy while simultaneously improving one’s heart health.

Energy Drinks vs. Energy Shots – Which Are Healthier?

Energy drinks have always been around, but in recent years, many younger people are favoring pocket-sized energy shots for their compatibility, use of all-natural ingredients, and lesser sugar content. But are the shots really healthier than the drinks?

Of course, that’s not to say you should empty out the energy shots rack in your store all willy nilly. Remember that both energy drinks and energy shots still make use of caffeine (in varying amounts), and as we know, it’s the caffeine that produces most of the energy-boosting effect. Doctors and nutritionists continue to warn of the dangers of excessive caffeine consumption, so it’s important to drink either beverage with caution and moderation. 

Caffeine aside, the combination of the other ingredients might also be at play in the occurrence of side effects. Doing research about them is highly commendable. If you experience negative side effects from drinking such beverages, it’s best to stop doing so and consult with your doctor, especially if they persist.

Energy Drink Benefits

As we know, drinking energy beverages has its benefits, which are useful for the average 21st-century busybody:

  • Improves cognitive function – This is perhaps the main reason people drink energy drinks, increasing one’s mental alertness by improving brain function.
  • Helps people function even when they’re tired – Energy beverages help people stay alert and awake when they need to, like a review night or when working the night shift. 
  • Boosts physical performance – Athletes and fitness junkies often use energy-boosting drinks as a sort of push to make the most out of their physical performance.

Energy Drink Side Effects

When there are pros, there are bound to be cons. Drinking one bottle too many can result in a few conditions, sometimes even after just the first sip:

  • Increased heart rate.
  • High blood pressure.
  • High blood sugar
  • Heart palpitations.
  • Insomnia.
  • Dehydration.
  • Restlessness.

Are Energy Drinks Good For You?

If you’re looking for an alternative for coffee or tea as your energy booster, then energy drinks/shots are ideal for you. Sugary and artificially flavored drinks should be avoided at all costs, but in general, drinking them in moderation is important. Researching the ingredients used before chugging down will certainly yield positive effects and evade the bad ones. 

But at the end of the day, nothing beats water as nature’s prime, purifying energy drink. So while drinking a few bottles every now then is okay, drinking adequate amounts of water daily should be everybody’s health habit to help flush out toxins from the body. 

Healthy Energy Drink FAQs

Which energy drink is the cleanest?

Many brands boast of using clean, all-natural, and zero-artificial ingredients to boost one’s energy. Those who use herbal teas like matcha, yerba mate, and hibiscus have shown positive results.

And while these claims may be true, no drink should substitute water as your primary beverage.

What is the most unhealthy energy drink?

Beverages that use high amounts of sugar, artificial flavoring, and caffeine can be quite unhealthy and often cause certain [sometimes serious] side effects. Certain variants of Monster Energy, Redbull, and Mother have been called out for having high sugar content.

Is one energy drink per day ok?

As much as possible, yes, People should not exceed the recommended daily caffeine and sugar amount to evade the risk of side effects. Most often a single serving of these drinks/shots already contains the maximum daily amount.

What is healthier – Red Bull or Monster?

Opinions are divided on which of the two energy drinks are healthier. Red Bull and Monster share similar nutrient contents but differ in their ingredients and their variants. Monster Zero Ultra, for example, doesn’t contain any carbs or sugar. At any rate, drinking in excess would be bad for the health.

What can I drink instead of energy drinks? Do healthy energy drinks exist?

If you want to steer clear of the sugary and caffeine-laden energy drinks/shots, there are a lot of safer, healthier substitutes to such as:

– Green Tea
– Yerba Mate
– Ginger Root Tea
– Vegetable Juice (beets, carrots, celery, etc.)
– Coffee

Energy drinks that make use of the following herbal teas as primary ingredients are considered “healthier”.

– Yerba Mate
– Guayusa
– Guarana
– Hibiscus
– Green Tea

Is 5 Hour Energy bad for you?

5 Hour Energy does work by giving you a large boost of energy due to its high caffeine content. But as we have already mentioned, with other energy drink/shot brands out there, drinking 5-Hour Energy in excess will result in many side effects and possibly even serious health conditions.

Experts say that long-term daily use of energy drinks or supplements can cause kidney, heart, and liver damage. It can also cause anxiety and other mental health problems along with physical dependence.

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