For several people, caffeine is one of the only ways they can manage to get through their day. Whether that’s working out in the elements, stuck in the office, or trying to get that extra push at the gym, caffeine helps us in several different ways. But unfortunately, not ways we consume caffeine is healthy.
One of the ways we can consume caffeine in a negative way is by energy drinks. While some are great for us, others can cause more harm than good. So instead of worrying about what you’re putting in your body, let’s check out some of the healthiest energy drinks that you can find in 2024.
10. Rowdy
Said to have a smoother taste due to the natural caffeine, Rowdy is one of our top picks for tasty energy drinks. A blend of natural sweeteners allulose, erythritol, stevia, and monk fruit also make it a healthier alternative to those that use sucralose.
9. Tru
One of the more popular names in the healthy energy drink world is Tru, they strive to create a drink that tastes good and also benefits you. Tru energy drink is infused with B-vitamins, caffeine and antioxidants. It’s a great tasting carbonated drink made with only 15 calories and 125 mg of caffeine from green tea extract.
8. Uptime
With caffeine sourced from green tea, Uptime is non-GMO with natural flavors and zero sodium. With 142 mg of caffeine and zero calories, this brand prides themselves in making healthy energy drinks while also holding them in great reusable bottles to make sure they don’t go to waste.
7. Alani
Another popular name in the healthy energy drink game is Alani. For only 10 calories, you can have 200mg of caffeine per 12 ounces. There are several vitamins and zero sugar, ensuring that you get the best energy without potential damage. With around 15 flavors to pick from, this is one of the top healthiest energy drinks.
Check Out: 7 Salt Alternatives: Cut The Sodium And Keep The Flavor
6. Sambazon
Sambazon started making Açaí Bowl and smoothies, and soon started making their own energy drinks as well to provide customers with fuel in other ways. The organic Açaí energy drink has natural caffeine, Sambazon energy drinks are vegan and gluten free, non GMO and has about 150mg of caffene.
5. Clean Cause
Clean Cause is an organic sparkling energy drink that is natural and healthy. With 160mg of organic caffeine and only 90 calories, this is one of the cleanest energy sources that you can find. Not only are they focusing on healing your body, but they also give some of their earnings to support individuals in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction.
Also Read: 12 Surprisingly Sugary Foods and Drinks
4. Mati
MATI is another great healthy energy drink for those that are wanting to switch to better products. With 40 calories, this energy drink is made with all natural ingredients. The caffeine is derived from Guayusa tea and helps the drink have rich antioxidants.
Healthy Breakfast: 5 Swaps to Make Your Favorite Breakfast Healthier
3. Zoa Energy Drinks
Founded by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Zoa energy is one of the healthiest energy drinks on the market right now, as it’s full of natural ingredients and vitamins. Dedicated to providing healthy fuel for your body, Zoa drinks are made with natural caffeine, vitamins, electrolytes, amino acids, and zero sugar, and is keto-friendly and gluten-free. Each 12 ounce can have 160mg of natural caffeine with four different flavors.
2. Zevia Zero Sugar
Zevia is home to several products such as soda, tea, kids drinks and energy drinks, and their main focus is to create drinks with natural sweeteners and zero calories. They praise themselves on being more affordable that most drinks. With six flavors, all their drinks are gluten free and vegan and non-GMO. They also have never used plastic, helping eliminate the planet of plastic.
1. Celsius
Thanks to their naturally sweetened drinks over several products, Celsius is one of the healthiest energy drink brands that you can find. Each can have 200 mg of caffeine, which is more than some of the others on the list, and has only 10 calories, which is perfect for those in a deficit. Thanks to its accessibility, Celsius is one of the most popular healthy energy drinks as well, as you can find this product is most grocery stores and gas stations.
The Perks of Energy Drinks
Several products like Monster, Red Bull and even 5-Hour Energy can help improve brain function and increase energy, which can help boost your alertness and concentration, which helps you work through the day. A 2001 study found that drinking Red Bull had an increase in brain function by about 24%.
With each energy drink, a various amount of caffeine is added, making some more popular than others. Oftentimes, the drinks with higher caffeine seem to be more popular with consumers.
Another factor is the other added ingredients, such as sugar, B Vitamins, amino acid derivatives and herbal extracts like ginseng. Some might opt for a sugar-free version or try to grab drinks with more vitamins.
Gym-goers everywhere also prefer an energy drink as it’s quick and convenient while helping their bodies recover faster from exercise thanks to the caffeine and carbs. And for those that are wanting to have a flavorful and unique drink with little to no calories, there are several zero-calorie options, helping you stay on course for your fitness journey.
Check Out: What to Eat When Sick: 20 Foods That Can Help You Recover
Are Energy Drinks Bad for You?
So, with all of these benefits, why are we warned about consuming them? Unfortunately, there are some studies that show that drinking energy drinks can cause heart problems that have sent consumers to the emergency room. Those that drink energy drinks also have an increase in blood pressure and heart rate.
However, most of this aligns with individuals who drink an excessive amount of caffeine, so if you’re mindful of what goes into your body, then you’re less likely to have these conditions. Several bottles will explicitly state that there is a caffeine intake limit, or bottle limit, to make sure that you’re not going over.
That being said, there are some energy drinks that you might want to avoid if it contains an obscene amount of caffeine or sugar and focus on purchasing healthier energy drinks.
How to Increase Your Energy Naturally
Of course, energy drinks might not be for everyone. Some would rather have their morning Starbucks coffee, or even just a cup of black coffee entirely. And that’s totally okay. So, let’s talk about your energy levels, and why they’re so low, and how we can naturally increase them.
Harvard health talks about increasing your energy naturally by doing a few lifestyle changes such as exercise, restricting your sleep, and focus on how you eat for more intentional meals. Exercise is known for boosting energy and mood, and working on exercising more can help increase your natural energy levels.
Restricting your sleep levels can help for those that think they’re sleep-deprived. While it might sound counter-intuitive, but napping during the day to ensure you can fall asleep faster and promote more restful nights. Changing the way, you eat is also a huge tip. Eating foods that properly energize you is better, such as whole grains, high-fiber vegetables and nuts.
In Conclusion
While drinking energy drinks excessively can cause long-term damages to your body, drinking one a day can be beneficial when trying to concentrate, repair muscles, and more. But when picking out your energy drink, it might be worthwhile to pick healthier options rather than the big-name brands.
Finding healthy energy drinks that focus on less sugar and natural caffeine can be a lot better than stick to what you’re used to. Not only will you get a boost for the day, but you’ll feel a lot better about what you’re putting into your body.