Energy drinks have developed a mixed reputation due to the abundance of added sugars, undesirable components, and excessive caffeine found in most mainstream brands. Fortunately, some brands are revolutionizing the industry by producing healthier options that are better for you. When transitioning to healthier energy drinks, you may observe a decrease in added sugars, as many cleaner brands use natural sweeteners like fruit juice or Stevia instead. Selecting the right energy drinks to power through your day can be challenging with the overwhelming choices available in stores. To help you make informed decisions, we’ve curated a list of 13 of our preferred healthy energy drink brands to guide your shopping journey.
Here are some key factors we consider when evaluating the healthiness of energy drinks:
– Low or no added sugar: Excessive added sugar intake is associated with various health risks, so we recommend choosing drinks with minimal added sugars as per the American Heart Association guidelines.
– No artificial sweeteners or colorings: We prioritize drinks that are free of artificial sweeteners and colorings until more research is available on their potential effects on the body.
– Moderate caffeine content: Energy drinks with caffeine should ideally contain no more than 150 milligrams per serving to align with FDA recommendations on daily caffeine intake.
If you’re seeking a healthy energy boost, consider these top picks:
1. Zoa Wild Orange
– Nutrition (Per can): Calories: 10, Fat: 0 g, Sodium: 110 mg, Carbs: 2 g, Protein: 0 g, Caffeine: 160 mg
– Energizing Ingredients: B vitamins, amino acids, camu camu
Zoa offers a zero-sugar energy drink with caffeine sourced from natural ingredients like green tea and green coffee beans. Free from artificial flavors or colors, Zoa is enriched with essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamins B6, B12, and C.
2. Bai Boost (Black Raspberry)
– Nutrition (Per can): [Nutritional information missing]
By making informed choices and opting for healthier energy drink options, you can fuel your day without compromising on your well-being.
Bai Boosts are energy-boosting beverages that join Bai’s line of antioxidant drinks. With the caffeine content of a cup of coffee and available in various flavors, these drinks are both invigorating and hydrating. They provide a range of antioxidants that combat free radicals, known to potentially damage DNA and increase the risk of certain cancers.
FocusAid Clean Energy Melon Maté delivers 40 calories per can and contains energizing ingredients such as B vitamins, green tea, Yerba Maté, and more to boost focus without causing anxiety. This drink also includes essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C, D3, B12, and biotin, sweetened with Stevia for a healthier choice.
GORGIE is a vegan-friendly and gluten-free brand offering Sparkling Watermelon Crush with only 5 calories per can. It features L-Theanine and B vitamins, uses green tea caffeine, natural flavors, and fruits for color, with zero grams of sugar and no artificial additives.
Guayakà Yerba Maté Peach Revival is a South American tea that provides anti-inflammatory benefits and a healthy dose of caffeine. This flavor option has minimal sugar and can potentially aid in weight management, especially when consumed before exercise.
Nuun Energy Berry Blast tablets offer 15 calories each, containing essential electrolytes like sodium to support hydration during workouts. This convenient option provides a quick energy boost with a blend of carbohydrates, ideal for active individuals.
Caffeine Content: 80 mg
Key Ingredients for Energy: Panax ginseng (20 mg), B vitamins (B12 & B6)
Not all energy-boosting drinks need to be packaged in wasteful plastic bottles. Brands like Nuun offer effervescent tablets that dissolve easily in your favorite on-the-go cup and contain only 2 grams of added sugars.
Available in a range of flavors, these tablets not only provide caffeine for a refreshing boost but also include 20 milligrams of Panax Ginseng, which may help enhance energy levels. In simpler terms, Nuun Energy can promote a sense of calm and support a more balanced nervous system, giving you the benefits of caffeine without the jitters.
Price: $24.49 on Amazon
GT Alive Mushroom Elixir by GT’s
Nutritional Information (Per bottle, Matcha Cream Soda):
– Calories: 20
– Fat: 0 g (Saturated Fat: 0 g)
– Sodium: 0 mg
– Carbs: 14 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 5 g)
– Protein: 0 g
– Caffeine: 75 mg
Energizing Ingredients: Adaptogenic mushrooms (reishi, chaga, turkey tail)
GT’s Alive stands out from other energy drinks by promoting mental alertness and focus while providing fuel for the body. This ancient mushroom elixir is crafted with functional mushrooms like reishi that help combat fatigue. With the addition of loose-leaf tea, this drink contains natural caffeine at 75 milligrams.
Apple cider vinegar is also included, making it a good choice for those who appreciate its benefits. With just 5 grams of sugar per bottle, it offers a healthier alternative to overly sweet sodas and other energy-boosting beverages.
Price: $22.30 on Amazon
Odyssey Mushroom Elixir
Nutritional Information (Per can, Blackberry Lemon Twist):
– Calories: 25
– Fat: 0 g (Saturated Fat: 0 g)
– Sodium: 0 mg
– Carbs: 18 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 3 g)
– Protein: 0 g
– Caffeine: 85 mg
Energizing Ingredients: Mushroom adaptogens (Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps), L-theanine, panax ginseng root extract
Odyssey Mushroom Elixirs incorporate nootropics like lion’s mane and cordyceps, which are known to enhance cognitive function, alongside caffeine for energy. These beverages also contain L-theanine, an amino acid that helps reduce stress and anxiety, balancing the stimulating effects of caffeine.
Price: $41.99 on Amazon
Proper Wild Clean All Day Energy Shots by Proper Wild
Nutritional Information (Per bottle):
– Calories: 45
– Fat: 0 g (S
This drink contains natural caffeine, electrolytes, and BCAAs, offering 150 milligrams of caffeine without any artificial ingredients. Throne Sport Coffee Black has just 1 gram of natural sugar and 25 calories per can. It is available for $47.88 on Amazon.
All Phenoms Motivate is a low-calorie drink with 78 milligrams of caffeine and energizing ingredients like B vitamins, L-theanine, and Lion’s Mane. It is organic, vegan, gluten-free, and free from artificial additives. Each can provides 10 calories, 0 grams of fat, and 6 grams of carbs.
HappyPop! Functional Energy is a sparkling beverage that includes functional and adaptogenic ingredients like organic green coffee beans, apple cider vinegar, and Adaptogen Mcununa pruriens. This drink is designed to enhance energy levels and mood and is available in three flavors.
Rebbl Awake Maca Cold Brew is a unique cold brew containing maca root extract, which is an adaptogen that helps the body manage stress. This vegan and gluten-free drink provides 130 calories, 8 grams of fat, and 16 grams of carbs per bottle.
Many traditional energy drinks are unhealthy due to high sugar and caffeine levels. For example, Rockstar Energy and Monster Energy Original contain excessive amounts of sugar, well above the recommended daily intake. These drinks can contribute to weight gain and other health issues. It’s important to be mindful of sugar and caffeine content when choosing energy drinks for a healthier option.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommends that most individuals can safely consume up to 200 milligrams of caffeine per serving. Although energy drinks typically stay within this safe range, it’s important to recognize that individual caffeine tolerance levels can vary significantly. Excessive consumption of these beverages can lead to adverse effects such as jitteriness, anxiety, and insomnia.
In a study conducted by EFSA, it was revealed that up to 200 milligrams of caffeine per serving is generally considered safe for most people. However, it is essential to note that individual responses to caffeine may differ, and excessive intake can still result in negative side effects like restlessness, nervousness, and difficulty sleeping.
An article by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has indicated that consuming up to 200 milligrams of caffeine per serving is generally safe for the majority of individuals. Although many energy drinks fall within this recommended limit, it is important to be aware that caffeine tolerance can vary among individuals, and overconsumption can lead to unwanted side effects such as nervousness, jitters, anxiety, or insomnia.
It is advised by EFSA that consuming up to 200 milligrams of caffeine per serving in energy drinks is considered safe for most individuals. While many of these beverages remain within this safe threshold, it is crucial to understand that individual tolerance to caffeine can vary, and excessive consumption may still result in side effects like jitteriness, anxiety, or difficulties with sleep.
