Written by Steve Theunissen | ISSA: CPT & Fitness Nutrition
Fact checked by Tyler DiGiovanni, BSBM
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The global energy drinks market has boomed in recent years. Millions of people rely on them to power them through their day, provide a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or give them extra energy and focus going into a workout. However, many of these drinks are anything but healthy, being loaded with sugar, caffeine, and other stimulants that get you wired and then lead to a dramatic crash.
That makes choosing a premium quality, healthy energy drink a real challenge. For this article, we've gone deep into the energy drink market to sort out the best from the rest. We've narrowed it down to the 5 best energy drinks on the current market, separated by category.
Read on to discover the best energy drinks to meet your needs.
5 BEST ENERGY DRINKS
- Overall Best: Red Bull
- Pre-Workout Choice: Cellucor C4 Non-Carbonated
- For Focus: TestoPrime Instant Energy
- Best Tasting: Monster Energy Juice
- Healthiest: Celsius
SFS Pick
Red Bull
Best For Workouts
Cellulor
Best For Focus
TestoPrime
1. Overall Best Energy Drink: Red Bull
Red Bull was introduced in Austria in 1987 and was the first commercially successful energy drink. Over the years, the company received criticism for loading its drinks with too much sugar and caffeine. As a result, they have introduced healthier options, including a sugar-free version.
The main reason for adding sugar is to improve the taste. So, how does the sugar-free version taste?
When you first taste it, it appears quite similar to that of the original, with a pretty neutral blend between sweet and sour. Within a few seconds, though, a slightly bitter aftertaste kicks in. This results from the artificial sweeteners Aspartame, and Acesulfame K that have been added for flavor.
Low-calorie energy drink such as sugar-Free Red Bull comes in four-can sizes. Here's a breakdown of the caffeine content in each option:
- 80 mg/8.4 oz. can
- 114 mg/12 oz. can
- 154 mg/16 oz. can
- 190 mg/20 oz. can
These caffeine levels are quite mild compared to what you'll find in other energy drinks. As a result, you'll get a mild energy kick to give you an energy pick-me-up but not intense enough to power you through an all-night study session.
There are just 10 calories in an 8.4 oz can of sugar-free Red Bull. This product has zero carbs, zero sugar, and zero grams of protein. Other key focus and energy-boosting ingredients are taurine and the b group vitamins.
You can buy sugar-free Red Bull on Amazon in 24-packs.
Pros
- Sugar-free
- Mild caffeine dose
- Taurine & B-vitamins
Cons
- Slight bitter aftertaste
Red Bull Energy Drinks formula contains high quality ingredients including caffeine, taurine, B group Vitamins, Alpine water...
2. Best Pre-Workout Energy Drink: Cellucor C4 Non-Carbonated
Cellucor C4 is a non-carbonated energy drink that contains caffeine and other ingredients like Beta Alanine and Nitrates designed to provide an energy boost, improved focus, and enhanced athletic performance. It is marketed as a ready-to-drink pre-workout for when you don't have time mix around with powders and shaker bottles.
There are 200 mg of caffeine in every 12 oz. bottle of Cellucor C4 Non-Carbonated Energy drink. You also get beta-alanine to offset fatigue, citrulline to help boost nitric oxide levels and BetaPower Betaine helps to maintain muscle cell hydration and better physical performance.
Cellucor C4 Non-Carbonated Energy drink is 3rd party tested as well as being NSF Certified for Sport. That gives you the assurance that you're only getting what is written on the label.
This product is calorie, carbohydrate, and sugar-free. It is available in four tasty flavors, including Icy Blue Razz and Fruit Punch. You can purchase it in packs of 12 on Amazon.
Pros
- 200 mg caffeine
- 3rd party tested
- Contains citrulline to boost nitric oxide levels
Cons
- Includes artificial sweeteners
C4 Energy Non Carbonated is a ready to drink pre-workout energy drink you can grab when you need it most. Boosting energy and focus, its portable packaging makes it the perfect solution for pre-workout convenience...
3. Best Energy Drink For Focus: TestoPrime Instant Energy
TestoPrime Instant Energy is produced by Wolfson Brands, the same company that puts out the original TestoPrime testosterone enhancer. This new product is specifically designed as an energy enhancer. It is also a nootropic that includes ingredients to boost your focus and memory.
Here is what is included in every serving of Instant Energy:
- 200 mg of caffeine anhydrous
- 250 mg of L-Theanine
- 1.5 g of L-Tyrosine
- L-Taurine
- Vitamin B Complex
- Ashwagandha Extract
- Acacia Fiber
- Vitamin C
- L-Choline Bitartrate
That's a pretty impressive ingredient list in terms of focus and mood enhancement, which is the clear focus here. However, the caffeine dose will also provide an energy boost, which will kick in about 20 minutes after taking the product.
TestoPrime Instant Energy is currently available in just one flavor: Orange & Mango. It's a pleasant flavor that is slightly on the sweet side. Still, it would be nice to see more flavors rolled out to add variety. Each container provides you with thirty 7-gram servings. The powder mixes well with water, providing a zero-calorie, zero-sugar energy boost.
Pros
- Impressive ingredient list
- 200-mg caffeine
- Improves focus
Cons
- Only one flavor
INSTANT ENERGY provides the extra boost you need to power through difficult days - with a brilliant blend of nutrients designed to amplify your...
4. Best Tasting Energy Drink: Monster Energy Juice
Monster Energy Juice combines 160 mg of caffeine with real fruit juice to provide you with a range of interesting and, sometimes, exotic flavors. One of the most popular is Juice Monster Aussie Style Lemonade, which is, according to the Monster website ...
Inspired by the land down under with over 10,000 beaches, the Great Barrier Reef, and home to some of the most exotic citrus on earth comes Juice Monster Aussie Style Lemonade.
Monster’s twist on classic lemonade, we hit the ideal balance of tart and sweet with a burst of fresh citrus flavor. As always, it’s chockers with our world-famous Monster Energy Blend.
As well as caffeine and juice, you also get such proven energy and nootropic enhancers are taurine, guarana, and the B-complex vitamin family.
Each 8 fl.oz can of Monster Energy Juice provides you with 190 calories, 0 grams of fat, and 54 grams of sugar. With a simple taste test you'll notice lots of sugar! It's that sugar that helps to deliver the great taste that you get from the various flavors in the Monster Energy Juice range.
Pros
- Great tasting flavors
- 160 mg caffeine
- Provides a good energy boost
Cons
- High sugar content
Mango Loco is a heavenly blend of exotic juices certain to attract even the most stubborn spirit; Crazy good taste with just enough of that Monster magic to keep the party going for days...
5. Best Healthy Energy Drink: Celsius
Celsius has been producing energy-enhancing beverages for 15 years. Over that time the company has won a number of international awards and has established a reputation for quality products and great customer service.
Celsius energy drink is available in a wide range of flavors. Each container provides you with 200-300 mg of caffeine (depending on the flavor), along with a proprietary blend of natural ingredients designed to increase energy, improve focus and help burn calories. Organic stevia leaf extract and sucralose are used to naturally sweeten the drink.
The proprietary blend ingredients in Celsius energy are taurine, guarana extract, Glucuronolactone, ginger extract, and green tea leaf extract. The dosage of these ingredients is not stated on the product label.
The Celsius marketing team has positioned this product as "a fitness drink that accelerates metabolism, burns body fat, and provides healthy energy". As a result, it is popular as a pre-workout as well as an anytime energy pick-me-up.
Celsius Energy Drink is the healthiest energy drink on our list. It contains zero calories, zero sugars, and no artificial flavors, preservatives, or coloring. It's also certified vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and non-GMO.
Pros
- Very healthy
- 200-300 mg of caffeine
- Effective as a pre-workout
Cons
- Some flavors sweetened with sucralose
- Proprietary blend
Functional, essential energy with 200mg caffeine to help you LIVE FIT. Made with premium, proven ingredients and 7 essential vitamins...
What are energy drinks?
Energy drinks are pre-made beverages that are designed to provide you with extra energy and focus. The ingredients are typically high in stimulants, such as caffeine and taurine. Other common ingredients are guarana, green tea extract,B vitamins, and sugar. Energy drinks often have high caffeine content and are consumed to overcome fatigue or increase alertness, but they can have negative side effects when consumed in excess.
Benefits of energy drinks:
The manufacturers of energy drinks claim that they will supercharge your energy levels, give you laser-like focus and improve your physical performance capabilities. Here's an overview of what the research tells us about the benefits of energy drinks.
1. Increase Energy levels
Most energy drinks can provide a short-term boost of energy due to the presence of caffeine and sugar. Caffeine is a stimulant that affects the central nervous system and can increase alertness and reduce fatigue. Sugar provides a quick source of glucose, which can be used as energy by the body.1
2. Improve physical endurance
Caffeine, which is a common ingredient in energy drinks, has been shown to have some ergogenic effects, meaning it can improve physical performance in certain situations. For example, caffeine has been shown to increase endurance performance in endurance athletes and improve reaction time in athletes involved in sports that require quick reactions.2
However, it's important to note that the effects of caffeine on physical performance can vary between individuals and may depend on factors such as tolerance, dose, and individual genetics. Additionally, consuming energy drinks in excess can have negative effects on physical performance, such as jitters, anxiety, and disrupted sleep.
3. Improved focus
Caffeine is the main ingredient in energy drinks that can improve focus. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, increasing alertness and reducing fatigue. Other ingredients, such as B vitamins, taurine, and guarana, are often added to energy drinks and claimed to enhance mental performance, but there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims.3
4. Reduced Fatigue
Energy drinks can temporarily reduce fatigue due to caffeine content. Caffeine is a stimulant that works by blocking the effects of adenosine, a chemical in the brain that causes fatigue. As a result, caffeine can increase alertness, reduce drowsiness, and boost energy levels.4
5. Improved mood
Caffeine can improve mood by increasing alertness, reducing fatigue, and improving concentration. However, the effects of caffeine on mood can vary from person to person, and excessive consumption can have negative effects, such as increased anxiety and jitters. Additionally, other ingredients in energy drinks, such as taurine, B-vitamins, and guarana, are often claimed to enhance mood, but there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims.5
Side Effects of Energy Drinks
Consuming energy drinks can lead to a variety of side effects, including:
- Caffeine overdose: Too much caffeine consumption can lead to symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, headaches, and nervousness.
- Dehydration: Energy drinks contain caffeine, which is a diuretic, and can increase fluid loss, leading to dehydration.
- Disrupted sleep patterns: Caffeine can interfere with sleep, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, leading to sleep deprivation and fatigue.
- Increased anxiety: Caffeine can increase feelings of anxiety and nervousness.
- Jitters: Consuming large amounts of caffeine can cause jitters, shakes, and tremors.
- Increased heart rate: Energy drinks can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which can be dangerous for people with heart problems.
- Tooth decay: Some options are often high in sugar, which can lead to tooth decay if you drink energy drinks too often.
- Addiction: Energy drinks can be habit-forming, and regular consumption can lead to dependence.
What to look for when buying energy drinks:
It's essential to do your homework when buying healthy energy drinks. Many of the drinks sold are too high in sugar, stimulants, and other ingredients you don't want in your body. Here are six areas to consider to ensure you're buying an energy drink that is healthy, safe, and effective.
1. Ingredients
Look for energy drinks that contain natural ingredients and avoid products that contain high amounts of sugar, artificial sweeteners, or other harmful ingredients. The best research-backed energy drink ingredients are caffeine, taurine, b vitamins, and guarana.
2. Dosages
Check the amount of caffeine in the drink and choose a product that contains an amount of caffeine that is appropriate for you. Another factor to consider is if the product uses natural caffeine or caffeine anhydrous as the strength and effect will differ. More caffeine doesn't always result in positive experiences and could be dangerous. The general recommendation is to stay under 400mg daily.
Select energy drinks that contain a low amount of added sugars. Some energy drinks can contain high amounts of sugar, which can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of chronic health conditions, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
A safe amount of sugar in an energy drink would be one that keeps your daily added sugar intake within the limits recommended by the World Health Organization. That recommendation is to limit your daily intake of added sugars to no more than 10% of total energy intake. That is equivalent to 50 grams (12 teaspoons) of sugar per day for an adult of average weight.
You can check the sugar content of the drink by reading the label and comparing it to the recommended daily limit. It's important to keep in mind that sugar can also be listed on labels under different names, such as corn syrup, fructose, or dextrose.
3. Taste
Choose an energy drink you enjoy and would look forward to drinking. At the same time, you should check that the nice taste is not at the expense of added sweeteners and preservatives.
4. Label Transparency
Avoid brands that hide their ingredient dosages under proprietary labels. This is when they group a bunch of ingredients together and only provide the cumulative total dosage, rather than the dosages of the individual ingredients. If you can't tell how much you're getting of every ingredient, don't buy it.
5. Price
Consider your budget and choose an energy drink that fits within your price range.
6. Reviews
Read online reviews to get insight into the taste, effectiveness, and side effects of the energy drink you're considering from real users.
Energy drink FAQs
Is drinking energy drinks good for you?
Many popular energy drinks can provide a short-term boost in energy and alertness due to their caffeine content. However, consuming energy drinks in excess or on a regular basis can have negative health consequences and is not recommended.
Is an energy drink every day ok?
Drinking an energy drink every day is not recommended. Energy drinks can contain high amounts of caffeine, leading to adverse health consequences if consumed excessively or regularly.
It's best to limit the consumption of energy drinks and choose alternative energy sources, such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep. If you choose to drink an energy drink, it's important to be mindful of the amount of caffeine and sugar you consume and avoid excessive consumption.
What is the safest energy drink?
No single energy drink can be considered the "safest" as the safety of energy drinks can vary depending on each person's health status and personal tolerance to caffeine and other ingredients. However, there are some factors that can help you make an informed decision when choosing an energy drink:
- Caffeine content: Energy drinks contain varying levels of caffeine, which can lead to side effects such as jitters, rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and insomnia if consumed in excess. Limiting caffeine intake to no more than 400 milligrams per day is recommended.
- Sugar content: Energy drinks often contain high levels of sugar, which can contribute to weight gain, tooth decay, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes if consumed in excess.
- Other ingredients: Some energy drinks contain additional ingredients, such as taurine, ginseng, and guarana, which can have potential side effects and interact with other medications. Natural energy drink options can be a good choice for those wanting to avoid preservatives and additives.
How long do energy drinks last?
The effects of an energy drink can last anywhere from 2 to 5 hours, depending on factors such as the amount of caffeine consumed, individual tolerance to caffeine, and other ingredients in the drink.
Who shouldn't have energy drinks?
The following groups should avoid energy drinks:
- Children and adolescents: Energy drinks contain high amounts of caffeine and other stimulants that can be harmful to developing bodies and brains. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children and adolescents avoid consuming energy drinks.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Caffeine can cross the placenta and affect the developing fetus, as well as enter breast milk and affect the nursing infant. It's recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women limit their caffeine intake.
- People with heart conditions or high blood pressure: Energy drinks contain caffeine, which can increase heart rate and blood pressure. People with heart conditions or high blood pressure should consult with their healthcare provider before consuming energy drinks.
- People with anxiety or sleep disorders: Energy drinks can increase feelings of anxiety and nervousness, and disrupt sleep patterns. People with these conditions should avoid or limit their consumption of energy drinks.
- People taking medications: Some medications can interact with caffeine, increasing its effects and leading to negative health consequences. People taking medications should consult with their healthcare provider before consuming energy drinks.
Summary
Energy drinks can provide you with an energy boost, improve your focus and enhance your physical capabilities. However, if you choose the wrong ones, they can also lead to an energy crash that drives down your mood and leads to lethargy. In this article, we have reviewed the 5 best energy drinks on the current market that provides the benefits without the pitfalls.
Our favorite energy drink is sugar-free Red Bull, which combines caffeine, B vitamins, taurine, and magnesium carbonate to deliver a healthy, safe way to perk up your day.
More Best Energy Supplement Resources:
References
- Harpaz E, Tamir S, Weinstein A, Weinstein Y. The effect of caffeine on energy balance. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2017 Jan 1;28(1):1-10. doi: 10.1515/jbcpp-2016-0090. PMID: 27824614.
- Barcelos RP, Lima FD, Carvalho NR, Bresciani G, Royes LF. Caffeine effects on systemic metabolism, oxidative-inflammatory pathways, and exercise performance. Nutr Res. 2020 Aug;80:1-17. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2020.05.005. Epub 2020 May 16. PMID: 32589582.
- McLellan TM, Caldwell JA, Lieberman HR. A review of caffeine's effects on cognitive, physical and occupational performance. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2016 Dec;71:294-312. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.09.001. Epub 2016 Sep 6. PMID: 27612937.
- Smirmaul BP, de Moraes AC, Angius L, Marcora SM. Effects of caffeine on neuromuscular fatigue and performance during high-intensity cycling exercise in moderate hypoxia. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2017 Jan;117(1):27-38. doi: 10.1007/s00421-016-3496-6. Epub 2016 Nov 18. PMID: 27864638; PMCID: PMC5306327.
- Owen GN, Parnell H, De Bruin EA, Rycroft JA. The combined effects of L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood. Nutr Neurosci. 2008 Aug;11(4):193-8. doi: 10.1179/147683008X301513. PMID: 18681988.
Steve Theunissen
Author