{"id":601874,"date":"2026-04-13T20:02:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T20:02:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/601874\/"},"modified":"2026-04-13T20:02:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T20:02:08","slug":"is-there-a-healthiest-energy-drink-heres-how-7-popular-options-stack-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/601874\/","title":{"rendered":"Is there a healthiest energy drink? Here\u2019s how 7 popular options stack up."},"content":{"rendered":"

When you\u2019re feeling low on fuel, it can be tempting to seek out a magic potion for motivation \u2014 like one of the many energy drinks on the market, which have been touted as everything from \u201cclean\u201d health tonics to magic bullets for weight loss<\/a>. But behind the sleek marketing, can energy drinks really be good for you?<\/p>\n

Energy drinks<\/a> are caffeinated beverages that often contain other stimulants, such as guarana, ginseng, taurine and carnitine, which boost the effects of the caffeine. Vanessa King<\/a>, MS, RDN, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, explains that these beverages are commonly used to increase energy, performance and alertness. But while they\u2019re often confused with sports drinks, energy drinks fall under a different category.<\/p>\n

\u201cEnergy drinks are not considered nutritional,\u201d King says. \u201cThey can be included in a balanced, healthy diet, but I wouldn\u2019t consider them alternatives to food [or] meal replacements<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lisa Moskovitz, founder of NY Nutrition Group and author of The Core 3 Healthy Eating Plan<\/a>, says that while energy drinks aren\u2019t inherently healthy, \u201csome are better for you than others. As long as consumed in moderation, they can be part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.\u201d<\/p>\n

To further investigate, we asked three dietitians to help evaluate seven popular energy drinks to see how they stack up nutritionally and whether they fit into a healthy diet \u2014 or if it\u2019s time to find a better alternative.<\/p>\n

A note on supplements<\/p>\n

The products included on this list are dietary supplements. Statements about these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration<\/a>. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dietary supplements are not appropriate for everyone and may interact with other supplements or medications, so talk to your healthcare provider before adding a dietary supplement to your routine.<\/p>\n

What ingredients should you look out for?<\/p>\n

Experts say it\u2019s worth scanning the label before you crack open an energy drink.<\/p>\n

Sugar content: Too much added sugar<\/a> is linked to obesity, chronic disease and even accelerated aging<\/a> \u2014\u00a0and King says sugary beverages are the leading source of added sugars in American diets. Registered dietitian Roxana Ehsani<\/a> recommends choosing drinks with little to no added sugar \u2014 ideally under 5 grams per serving.<\/p>\n

Sodium content: High sodium intake<\/a> is associated with elevated blood pressure and a greater risk of heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association<\/a> recommends limiting sodium to 2,300 mg per day, with an ideal target of 1,500 mg.<\/p>\n

Caffeine content: Even low-calorie or sugar-free energy drinks can pack a lot of caffeine. \u201cThe major risk \u2026 is how easy it is to overconsume caffeine, which can be toxic in higher doses,\u201d Moskovitz says. For most healthy adults, more than 400 mg per day<\/a> can raise heart rate and blood pressure. King suggests sticking to 150 mg or less per serving so you have room for caffeine from other sources. (For context, an 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee has about 96 mg.)<\/p>\n

Other active ingredients: Energy drinks aren\u2019t just about energy anymore. Many now include herbs, nootropics<\/a> and other compounds aimed at boosting focus. These ingredients are generally safe for healthy adults, but some may interact with medications or aren\u2019t recommended if you have certain health conditions.<\/p>\n

Artificial additives: It can be tough \u2014 though not impossible \u2014 to find energy drinks without artificial colors or sweeteners. When you can, opt for options with fewer additives. Some artificial sweeteners, like sucralose, have been linked to digestive issues and potential long-term health effects<\/a> when consumed regularly.<\/p>\n

Nutrition stats of seven popular energy drinks<\/p>\n

Curious how your favorite energy drink stacks up? Here\u2019s a look at seven popular options and how they compare.<\/p>\n

Red Bull Energy Drink<\/p>\n

Red Bull<\/a> does pretty well in the caffeine category; at 80 mg per serving (with one serving per can), it contains slightly less caffeine than a standard 8-ounce cup of coffee.<\/p>\n

But it\u2019s much higher in sugar. With 26 grams of added sugar per can, you\u2019re getting about 53% of the recommended daily limit (50 grams). It also has more calories (110) than many other energy drinks.<\/p>\n

The added B vitamins are often marketed as a perk, but unless you have a deficiency, they\u2019re unlikely to give you an energy boost. And if you\u2019re already taking a multivitamin<\/a> or other supplement, you may not need the extra. Vitamin B6, in particular, can be an issue: Even though it\u2019s water-soluble, regularly consuming high amounts has been linked to peripheral sensory neuropathy<\/a>, which may or may not be reversible depending on the extent of damage.<\/p>\n

One more thing to keep in mind: A can of Red Bull is just 8.4 ounces \u2014 nearly half the size of many other energy drinks, which typically come in 12- to 16-ounce cans.<\/p>\n

Celsius<\/p>\n

Celsius touts that its product has seven essential vitamins, including vitamins C<\/a> and B12, as well as \u201cnatural flavors.\u201d Ehsani explains that natural flavors are natural essences or extractives that come from plants, such as a spice, fruit, vegetable, herb, root or leaf, or even from meat, seafood, eggs or dairy products.<\/p>\n

\u201cA lot of people may think that natural flavors are healthy, but just because it’s listed on the label <\/a>doesn\u2019t make it healthy,\u201d Ehsani says. \u201cIt\u2019s just adding flavor [and has] no nutritional value.\u201d<\/p>\n

One serving of Celsius Original<\/a> (or one 12-ounce can) contains 200 mg of caffeine \u2014 about the same as two cups of coffee \u2014 putting it on the higher end of the caffeine scale compared to other energy drinks. And, as one cardiologist told the Guardian<\/a>, it also contains ingredients such as taurine and guarana extract, which enhance the effects of caffeine.<\/p>\n

It has no added sugar, few calories and less sodium than many other options. But it does contain sucralose, an artificial sweetener.<\/p>\n

\u201cLow-calorie and zero-sugar energy drinks have an advantage over traditional versions, as they won\u2019t contribute to rampant blood sugar spikes and crashes,\u201d Moskovitz explains. \u201cThe drawback is that many of these brands use artificial sweeteners to lower the calorie and sugar content, which can be bothersome for some people who are sensitive to sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose.\u201d<\/p>\n

Monster Energy<\/p>\n

Monster Energy<\/a> has one of the highest sodium contents of the bunch, at 370 mg per can \u2014 or 16% of your daily recommended intake.<\/p>\n

It also contains more calories (230 calories per serving) than many other energy drinks and has a whopping 54 grams of sugar \u2014 in other words, more than your total daily recommended amount of sugar in one can.<\/p>\n

The caffeine content is 160 mg per 16-ounce serving \u2014 the equivalent of about one and a half to two cups of coffee. That\u2019s a bit higher than what experts recommend in a single energy drink, but slightly lower than many other energy drink products.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also important to note that at 16 ounces per can, Monster Energy has the largest serving size compared to other energy drinks. One Monster Energy, for example, is the equivalent of nearly two Red Bulls.<\/p>\n

Monster Energy Zero Sugar<\/p>\n

Like its sugary counterpart, Monster Energy Zero Sugar<\/a> also has higher sodium content, at 380 mg per 16-ounce can \u2014 or 17% of your daily recommended intake \u2014 and 160 mg of caffeine per serving.<\/p>\n

It has fewer calories and no sugar, but, like many other sugar-free options, it contains artificial sweeteners.<\/p>\n

Prime Original Energy drink<\/p>\n

With 200 mg of caffeine per 12-ounce can, Prime Original Energy Drink is on the higher end of the spectrum. In fact, Sen. Chuck Schumer called out the brand in a 2023 letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)<\/a>. While that amount can be OK for adults who adjust their overall caffeine intake, experts are more concerned about its popularity among kids and teens, who can experience side effects at lower doses<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It contains 70 mg of sodium \u2014 about 3% of the recommended daily limit \u2014 putting it in the middle of the pack compared to other energy drinks.<\/p>\n

The upside: It\u2019s low in calories and has zero sugar. The trade-off? It relies on artificial sweeteners.<\/p>\n

Alani Nu Energy Drink, Pink Slush<\/p>\n

Unlike Prime and Monster Energy, which are marketed toward young men, Alani Nu has partnered with celebrities to make a slew of different energy drinks aimed at young women (like Kim Kardashian\u2019s \u201cKimade<\/a>,\u201d featuring the reality star posing with dumbbells, workout gear and her trusty energy drink).<\/p>\n

Alani Nu Pink Slush, for example, is low in calories and has zero added sugar but does contain artificial sweeteners and 1 gram of sugar alcohol for sweetness.<\/p>\n

Of the energy drinks we examined, this one contains higher sodium levels \u2014 second only to Monster Energy and Monster Energy Zero Sugar. It\u2019s also on the high end of the caffeine scale, with 200 mg per 12-ounce can (the caffeine equivalent of about six cans of Coke).<\/p>\n

Gorgie Energy Drink<\/p>\n

Gorgie is a newer entrant in the energy drink space, marketed primarily toward young women as a \u201cbetter-for-you\u201d alternative.<\/p>\n

It contains zero added sugar and no sodium, and at just 5 calories, it\u2019s one of the lowest-calorie options on the market. Unlike many sugar-free energy drinks, it doesn\u2019t use sucralose; instead, it\u2019s sweetened with stevia. Experts note<\/a> that while stevia \u2014 a plant-derived sweetener \u2014 may be a better option for weight management and blood sugar control, some research suggests non-nutritive sweeteners can increase cravings for sweet foods<\/a> in certain people.<\/p>\n

With 150 mg of caffeine per 12-ounce can, Gorgie lands in the moderate range compared to other energy drinks. The brand highlights that its caffeine comes from green tea, but that doesn\u2019t necessarily make it gentler.<\/p>\n

\u201cA lot of energy drink companies are getting more creative by sourcing caffeine from teas, herbs and other natural ingredients,\u201d Moskovitz says. \u201cJust keep in mind, no matter where the caffeine is coming from, it can still have side effects if consumed in larger quantities.\u201d<\/p>\n

Energy drink alternatives<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re in need of an energy boost, there are plenty of natural alternatives that are actually good for you.<\/p>\n

Eat well: Make sure you get enough high-fiber and protein-rich foods, including lots of fruits and veggies. Ehsani recommends fueling up with a healthy snack, such as an apple<\/a> and walnuts or Greek yogurt<\/a> with berries.<\/p>\n

Have a coffee or tea: It may sound boring, but sticking with classic, unsweetened caffeinated beverages \u2014 such as black coffee, black tea<\/a> or green tea<\/a> \u2014 will help you get your caffeine fix without needing to worry about any mystery ingredients. And unlike energy drinks, coffee<\/a> and tea<\/a> have proven health benefits when consumed in moderation, such as a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer\u2019s disease and certain cancers.<\/p>\n

Still craving an energy drink? Our dietitian tested and reviewed 19 energy drinks to find the 9 best options<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Meet our experts<\/p>\n

Vanessa King<\/a>, MS, RDN, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics<\/p>\n

Roxana Ehsani<\/a>, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN, national nutrition media expert and spokesperson<\/p>\n

Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"When you\u2019re feeling low on fuel, it can be tempting to seek out a magic potion for motivation…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":601875,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[49,48,4717,13651,84,73054,227748],"class_list":["post-601874","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-health","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-energy","tag-energy-drinks","tag-health","tag-monster-energy","tag-vanessa-king"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/601874","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=601874"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/601874\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/601875"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=601874"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=601874"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=601874"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}