<span data-metadata=""><span data-buffer="">What are Healthiest Energy Drinks?

Discover the top 5 healthiest energy drinks on the market today, to boost your energy levels without compromising your health.

Reviewed and fact-checked by certified nutritionists

IN THIS GUIDE:

Are “healthy” energy drinks really healthy?

Are there any drinks that can strongly boost your energy, without causing health damages?

What to look for and what to avoid in a healthy energy drink

The top 5 healthiest energy drinks on the market today, according to nutritionists

For many people, energy drinks are almost a “magic pill” to boost their energy levels. Whenever they feel sluggish, need a boost for a workout, a meeting, or an important exam – they take their drink and get a near-instant kick. 

The problem is: most energy drinks come with unpleasant side effects, such as energy crashes, jitters, or even irregular heartbeats. More importantly, studies show that they are also very bad for our health, by loading up our bodies with excessive amounts of sugar, caffeine, and synthetic chemicals that can cause a wide range of serious health issues, from cardiovascular diseases to several types of cancer. 

As consumers are becoming more conscious of their health and well-being, a lot of new beverage brands are flooding the market with a new kind of drink: the so-called “healthy” energy drinks.

These healthier energy drinks all promise the same boost of energy than a classic Red Bull, without jitters or energy crashes. They all claim to be better for your health, by cutting down sugar, calories, caffeine, and basically removing all the “bad stuff” from their drinks. Some even claim to boost your immune system and overall health with vitamin & antioxidant infusions!

Old energy drinks

Quick boost of energy followed by energy “crashes”

High in sugar and calories

Contains a lot of unhealthy artificial sweeteners

No benefits aside from energy boost

<span data-metadata=""><span data-buffer="">New energy drinks (claims)

Sustained boost of energy without crashes

Low in sugar and calories

Contains no or less artificial sweeteners

May boost immune system on top of increasing energy

The question you may ask yourself is: are “healthy” energy drinks really healthy, or is it just a marketing hype that is surfing on the “better for you” trend?
What are the key things to look for in a “healthy” energy drink? And what are the things to avoid at all costs? Is it even possible to find an energy drink that is both effective (boosts your energy levels fast, Red Bull-style) and healthier for you?
This guide was specifically made to help you narrow down the choices of healthier energy drinks available on the market today. Our guide has been carefully reviewed by professional nutritionists and dieticians, to ensure high-quality and accurate information.

<span data-buffer="">The alarming health burden
of energy drinks<span data-buffer="">

People drink over 26 billion liters of energy drinks every year, according to Statista estimates. That’s over 3 times higher than the consumption of orange juice – one of the most popular beverages in the world.
While it’s true that energy drinks can provide a quick energy boost due to the high amounts of caffeine and sugar they contain, it’s not a secret that most of these drinks are everything but healthy…
The most popular energy drinks are filled with significant amounts of sugar, synthetic caffeine, additives, and other harmful substances that can seriously damage our body over time.

<span data-buffer="">Did You Know?<span data-buffer="">

One Can Rockstar =152% of Daily Recommended amount of Sugar
A can of Rockstar energy drink contains 63 grams of added sugar, the equivalent of 16 teaspoons of sugar. That’s 152% higher than the daily recommended amount (World Health Organization).
High amounts of added sugar have been found to increase your risk of cardiovascular problems, diabetes, dementia, cholesterol, high blood pressure, and several types of cancer.
Another risk is the excessive dose of caffeine many energy drinks contain. The FDA recommends that your daily caffeine intake should not exceed 400 mg a day. Anything above that level can damage your heart and your brain.
Several popular energy drinks contain between 300 and 400 mg of caffeine, meaning that drinking them may be dangerous if you take several cans a day or drink coffee during the day.
Some energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine that can be dangerous and negatively impact your heart, not to mention your anxiety and ability to sleep,

Valerie Gately

MS, RDN, LD, registered dietitian
Consuming too much of the drinks can result in high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, anxiety, and insomnia, and the drinks are particularly dangerous for adolescents

<span data-metadata=""><span data-buffer=""> Frank Hu

 Fredrick J. Stare Professor of Nutrition
Overall, energy drinks are certainly not healthy, and should be consumed in moderation.

<span data-buffer="">The alarming health burden
of energy drinks<span data-buffer="">

More than 20,000 emergency room visits in the United States in 2011 involved energy drinks (according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). An increase of 106% compared to 2007.
There were 5,126 poisonings related to energy drinks reported to U.S. poison control centers between 2010 and 2013. More than 40% of these cases were children.
One study found that drinking a 16 oz energy drink caused a 74% increase in norepinephrine (the “fight or flight” hormone). This hormone may increase the risk of panic attack, hyperactivity, and elevated blood pressure.

Is there such a thing as a healthy energy drink? The nutritionist’s take

As the number of health-conscious consumers is growing steadily, a lot of new brands are offering so-called “healthy” energy drinks: formulas that are supposed to be better for you, or even provide health benefits such as weight loss and stronger immunity
Brands like Celsius and Zoa all claim to have healthy energy drinks, capable of giving you a clean boost of energy without loading up your body with sugars, preservatives, and bad artificial sweeteners.  
But are these new energy drinks really healthy? Or is it just marketing positioning to sell more cans? According to nutritionists, the answer is not that clear cut…
In fact, several energy drinks presented as “healthy” are not necessarily healthier than your average can of Red Bull or Monster. Some of them can be equally bad, if not worse…

One of the key issues with drinks labeled as “sugar-free” is that they often use very high doses of artificial sweeteners to make the taste sweet. While natural sweeteners like stevia are safe to consume, many drinks positioned as healthy use Ace-K and aspartame – two high-intensity sweeteners with serious health consequences.

Aspartame and Ace-K: The Silent Killers

Many “healthy” energy drinks are packed with unhealthy artificial sweeteners to make the taste sweet, which may cause long-term health damage

Aspartame

Synthetic chemical obtained from genetically modified bacteria

May cause headaches, anxiety, insomnia

May increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain types of cancer

May increase appetite and promote weight gain

In the list of substances to avoid, according to weight loss recommendations from the World Health Organization

Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K):

Chemical compound 200 times sweeter than table sugar

May increase risk of obesity and gut chronic inflammation

May worse diabetes

May improve the risk of cognitive dysfunction, due to altering neuro-metabolic activity

So, does it mean that no energy drink can really be healthy? According to nutritionists, there are some drinks on the market that are definitely better for your health, and which may have some health benefits, depending on their formulation.
“If we look at what the industry is currently offering, there are indeed a select few beverages that are not as unhealthy as traditional energy drinks. For instance, drinks that are low on sugar, rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and formulated with real natural ingredients are definitely a much healthier option than the Red Bulls of this world. In fact, beverages that use clinically-reviewed functional ingredients may even provide tangible health benefits, although more research is needed”

<span data-metadata=""><span data-buffer="">Dr. Andrew Shulman

New York-based certified nutritionist
There are several healthier energy drinks that contain ingredients that have been proven to provide functional health benefits – including ginseng, folic acid, vitamin B, or ginger root, to name a few.

Effect of panax ginseng on the immune system. Ginseng is an ingredient present in certain healthier energy drinks

Effect of folic acid on cardiovascular health. Folic acid is another ingredient present in several healthier energy drinks

Examples of healthier energy drinks

Drinks that contain no or low amounts of sugar, and no “hard” sweeteners such as ace-k and aspartame

Drinks that contain moderate amounts of caffeine (less than 100 mg), preferably from natural sources (green coffee beans, tea extracts)

Drinks that use high-quality water, rich in essential minerals. Water is c.90% of the drinks, making it the most important “ingredient”

Drinks that are rich in vitamins such as Vitamin B may promote healthy immunity. Other well-researched healthy ingredients include: ginseng, folic acid, and ginger root

<span data-buffer="">What are the key benefits of healthy
energy drinks?<span data-buffer="">

Here are the main benefits you can reasonably expect from healthier energy drinks, according to nutritionists and up-to-date clinical studies:

Improve energy levels while reducing the risk of “energy crashes

Healthier energy drinks tend to use alternative ingredients that can provide a more sustained boost of energy than caffeine. Clinical studies indicate that natural ingredients such as ginger root or panax ginseng can enhance mental and physical energy compared to placebo. Further, the energy boost caused by these “alternative energy boosters” can be just as strong as traditional energy drinks, with fewer side effects on average. Healthier drinks also typically contain less caffeine than usual, which reduces the risk of sudden energy crashes and unpleasant jitters.

May improve immune function

While more research is still needed on this aspect, several studies suggest that drinks infused with antioxidants and vitamins (specifically vitamin B6 and B12), can promote healthy immunity by supporting cell health, energy levels, and cardiovascular health.

May improve focus and help clear brain fog.

Healthier energy drinks can still contain high concentrations of neuro-stimulants, including caffeine. As long as the dosage is safe, these stimulants can help improve mental performance and focus. For example, L-Tyrosine, a safe natural ingredient present in some energy drinks, has been clinically proven to decrease reaction time and improve working memory in n-back cognitive tests. Ginger root has also been linked to enhanced mental performance in several studies.

May aid weight loss

Drinks with low amounts of sugar and calories, containing green tea extract and caffeine from natural sources, may promote weight loss. This is due to the natural fat-burning properties of catechins (molecules present in green tea) and caffeine, as documented by several clinical trials.

What to look for in a healthy energy drink

With dozens of products that claim to be healthy and “good for you”, it can be difficult to know what is factually true from what isn’t. Especially since these products tend to be heavily marketed.
To help you choose an energy drink that is genuinely healthier for you, we prepared a list of key “green flags” – following the latest recommendations from leading nutritionists.

Must be sugar-free or low on sugar

Natural sugar from real fruits is healthier than added sugar. Note that a drink with 5 grams of natural sugar is better than a sugar-free drink full of artificial sweeteners.

Provides a sustained boost of energy without crashes

The best healthier energy drinks can give you a strong boost of energy for several hours, without causing jitters or crashes. This can be achieved with moderate amounts of natural caffeine and other plant-based energy boosters such as panax ginseng or ginger root extract

Moderate to low amounts of caffeine

Too much caffeine can create jitters and abrupt energy crashes. Anything between 50 and 100 grams is more than enough to give you a perceptible boost of energy, without causing unpleasant crashes. Ideally, the caffeine should come from natural sources (e.g., green coffee beans, black tea leaves)

Rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

Vitamins can not only improve your energy levels, but also boost your metabolism and immune system.

No aspartame or acesulfame potassium (Ace-K)

These artificial sweeteners can damage gut health and cause long-term health issues. Nearly all low-sugar energy drinks use sweeteners to make the drink taste good. One of the safest sweeteners is stevia: a natural sweetener derived from leaves of the stevia plant.

Look for pure, natural ingredients

Just like whole foods are much healthier than processed foods, pure ingredients (ingredients that are close to their natural state) are better for your body. Look for high-purity plant extracts, organic coffee beans, and high-quality water from a pure source (water being one of the most important ingredients, as c.90% of the drink is water).

Low in calories

To deliver any potential weight loss benefits, drinks should be low on calories. Anything below 20 calories per can is reasonable

<span data-metadata=""><span data-buffer="">What to avoid

High in sugar

High in calories

Excessive dose of caffeine (over 200 mg)

Contains unhealthy artificial sweeteners such as aspartame or Ace-K

The Top 5 Healthiest Energy Drinks On The Market Today, According To Nutritionists

To help you choose an energy drink that is both healthier for you and effective, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 healthiest energy drinks. This list was carefully curated in partnership with certified nutritionists, and takes several factors into consideration, including: ingredients quality, health impact, taste, value for money, and verified customer reviews.

<span data-metadata=""><span data-buffer="">PROS:

Provides a strong, sustained boost of energy without crashes

Improves mood and well-being thanks to a natural blend of dopamine boosters

Low on calories and sugar

Optimal dose of caffeine

Contains a strong dose of vitamins and antioxidants

No aspartame or ace-K

Great taste, according to users

Uses pure Alpine water with high-quality plant-based ingredients

<span data-metadata=""><span data-buffer="">CONS:

Expensive

Frequently out of stock due to limited
production

THE BOTTOM LINE

Alpine Bliss is a premium, fast-growing Swiss brand of flavored sparkling water offering functional health benefits, using clinically studied ingredients. The Alpine Bliss Dopamine Energy Booster is a powerful, fruity energy drink that combines pure alpine water sourced from the European Alps with natural energy-boosting ingredients.
One of the standout features of this Alpine Bliss is its ability to provide a strong, sustained boost of energy for several hours, without causing unpleasant energy crashes often associated with traditional energy drinks. This is achieved through a unique blend of high-quality plant-based ingredients, including 70 mg of caffeine from natural sources, L-tyrosine, panax ginseng, and high-purity ginger root extract.
Consumers report experiencing a powerful and clean boost of energy, comparable to that of regular energy drinks, without jitters or crashes.
Aside from enhancing mental and physical energy, this formula is also known for creating a distinct feeling of well-being thanks to a proprietary blend of plant-based ingredients called DopaBliss. This natural blend is specifically designed to boost dopamine levels – the “happy hormone” responsible for making us feel good and happy.
From a nutrition standpoint, the drink is also scoring pretty well. The formula contains zero added sugar, just 10 calories per can, and only 4 grams of natural sugar from wild berries. It doesn’t contain any harmful artificial sweeteners like aspartame or ace-K. The drink is also a rich source of vitamin B6 and B12 – two vitamins that promote a healthy metabolism.
Beyond its functional health benefits, the Alpine Bliss formula also performs well on taste, according to consumers. Users praise its fruity wild berries flavor and refreshing fine bubbles. It strikes a delicate balance of sweetness and freshness, and delivers an enjoyable drinking experience.
On the minus side, we note that the drink is quite expensive ($3.95 per can) – which can be explained by the “fancy” ingredients that it contains, including extracts of saffron and ginger roots (some of the most expensive spices in the world). We also note that the drink is frequently out of stock, because it’s produced in limited batches as of now.
Taking all of this into consideration puts Alpine Bliss Dopamine Energy booster in our #1 spot.
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<span data-metadata=""><span data-buffer="">PROS:

May improve energy, attention and focus

Strong dose of caffeine

Contains several natural proven energy boosters, including rhodiola and panax ginseng

Positive consumer reviews

Use safe artificial sweeteners, including stevia

<span data-metadata=""><span data-buffer="">CONS:

Relatively high in calories (40 calories per can)

Sugar content could be lower (around 7 grams)

THE BOTTOM LINE

Focusaid Clean Energy is a better-for-you energy drink that aims to improve your energy levels, thinking and focus. The company has a strong, established reputation in the emerging fields of better-for-you energy drinks.
The formula contains a good amount of caffeine (100 mg), which gives you a quick burst of energy. It also has other natural ingredients like GABA for stress relief, rhodiola for better focus, and Panax Ginseng for learning and memory. These ingredients work together to give you a cognitive boost.
All the active ingredients in this drink have proven benefits, and consumer reviews are very positive overall.
Another green flag about Focusaid Clean Energy is that it doesn’t use unhealthy artificial sweeteners. Instead, it uses organic agave nectar and stevia to add a sweet taste that makes the drink palatable and enjoyable (which is not always the case for healthier energy drinks, which often have to sacrifice sweetness for health).
When it comes to sugar, Focusaid Clean Energy has about 7 grams, which is not excessively high but there are other drinks with less sugar. However, it’s important to know that this is added sugar, so if you’re watching your sugar intake, it’s something to keep in mind.
On the downside, Focusaid Clean Energy has more calories compared to other healthy energy drinks (around 40 calories). So if you’re trying to watch your calorie intake, this might not be the best choice for you.
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<span data-metadata=""><span data-buffer="">PROS:

Established beverage brand

Low calorie, low sugar

Strong boost in energy levels thanks to a high dose of caffeine, guarana and green tea extract

Wide range of tastes and flavors

Rich in vitamins

<span data-metadata=""><span data-buffer="">CONS:

Caffeine dose may be too high (200 mg)

Contains erythritol - an artificial sweeteners
which may have negative effects on
cardiovascular health, but more research
is needed

THE BOTTOM LINE

Celsius Stevia is an energy drink that aims to provide a powerful boost of energy while offering several nutritional benefits.
One of the key features of Celsius is its low-calorie content. This makes it an attractive option for those watching their calorie intake while still seeking an energy boost.
The energy-enhancing effects of Celsius can be attributed to its high dose of caffeine and guarana seed. These ingredients provide a potent and immediate surge of energy. Another positive aspect of Celsius is its inclusion of green tea extracts, which are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are known for their health benefits, supporting overall well-being.
One of the advantages of Celsius is its wide range of tastes and flavors. This allows consumers to choose the option that best suits their preferences and keeps things interesting.
However, there are a couple of considerations to keep in mind. The caffeine dose in Celsius Stevia is relatively high at 200 mg. For individuals sensitive to caffeine or looking to limit their intake, this may be a drawback. Such a high dose of caffeine may cause unpleasant crashes in some people, which would defeat the purpose of drinking healthier energy drinks.
Additionally, while this drink uses Stevia as a sweetener (which is safe), it also contains the artificial sweetener erythritol. While more research is needed, there are some concerns that erythritol may have negative effects on cardiovascular health. Although Celsius is a very good healthier alternative to traditional energy drinks, It’s important to be aware of this potential downside and consider your individual health needs.
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<span data-metadata=""><span data-buffer="">PROS:

Naturally caffeinated providing a strong energy boost

Great customer reviews

Low in calories

Free from artificial sweeteners

<span data-metadata=""><span data-buffer="">CONS:

Contains 5 mg of sodium, which may not be
ideal for consumers who want to limit their
sodium intake

Yerba mate leaves may contain PAHs
(polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), which
have been linked to certain types of cancer
in some studies, but more research is needed

THE BOTTOM LINE

Guayaki Organic Yerba Mate provides a clean energy boost derived from naturally caffeinated yerba mate leaves. The brand has a good reputation and receives strong consumer reviews, based on Amazon reviews.
With a strong dose of 80 mg of caffeine, Guayaki Organic Yerba Mate offers a suitable level of stimulation for an energizing effect, and it’s not excessively high, mitigating the risk of energy crash. It can help you stay alert and focused when needed.
For those conscious of their calorie intake, Guayaki Organic Yerba Mate is low in calories, making it a good choice for individuals seeking an energy boost without excessive caloric content. It is also free from artificial sweeteners.
Although Guayaki Organic Yerba Mate contains 5 mg of sodium, which may not be ideal for some individuals, it is generally considered acceptable for most consumers.
However, it’s important to note that some studies suggest that yerba mate leaves may contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known carcinogens. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential risks associated with PAHs in yerba mate consumption. Overall, the benefits appear to overpower the drawbacks.
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<span data-metadata=""><span data-buffer="">PROS:

Strong boost of energy enabled by heavy dose of caffeine

May enhance mental energy and focus

Rich in vitamins

Zero added sugar

Good taste

<span data-metadata=""><span data-buffer="">CONS:

Dose of caffeine may be too high for some consumers (160 mg)

Excessive amount of sodium (200 mg per can)

Contains traces of artificial sweeteners, albeit in very low quantities

THE BOTTOM LINE

Zoa Zero Sugar Energy Drink provides a strong and energizing boost supported by a potent dose of natural caffeine. The high caffeine content delivers a noticeable surge of energy, which may help you stay alert and focused.
Thanks to the inclusion of vitamin B, Zoa Energy Drink may also enhance mental energy and focus, giving you an extra edge when you need it. Additionally, the presence of vitamin C in the drink may contribute to boosting immunity, supporting overall health and well-being.
Zoa Zero Sugar Energy Drink is also a zero added sugar formula. This makes it a healthier choice for those looking to limit their sugar intake while still enjoying an energy-boosting beverage (although it does contain some sweeteners which may be less healthy).
Users have reported that Zoa Energy Drink has a great taste, making it enjoyable to consume.
However, it’s important to note that Zoa Zero Sugar Energy Drink contains a relatively high amount of sodium, with 200 mg per can. This sodium content may be considered unjustified, as excessive sodium intake can have negative effects on health. It’s advisable to be mindful of your overall sodium intake and consider alternative options if you have specific dietary restrictions.
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