The Healthiest Energy Drinks – Sugar, Sodium And Caffeine

We often turn to energy drinks for a pick-me-up in the afternoon, or after a late night. Or if you are like me, maybe before a workout at the gym. But there are so many energy drinks that have high amounts of sugar, sodium or even caffeine that we should really avoid. The healthiest energy drinks out there are often low in these and often taste better too.

The healthiest energy drinks have low or no sugar and sodium content, and are often low in calories. They can have caffeine, or may use other sources to boost your energy, including Yerba Mate and Guarana.

What makes an energy drink healthy or unhealthy

Not all energy drinks are created equal. Some energy drinks are loaded with sugar, caffeine, and other harmful ingredients that can lead to health problems. That’s why it’s important to know what makes an energy drink healthy or unhealthy.

The key to finding a healthy energy drink is to look for ones that contain natural ingredients and low amounts of sugar and caffeine. Natural ingredients include things like fruit juices, green tea, and natural sweeteners like stevia.

On the other hand, unhealthy energy drinks typically contain artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors, and high amounts of sugar and caffeine.

Sugar

Sugar is one of the main ingredients to watch out for in energy drinks.

A lot of energy drinks are packed with added sugars, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems. According to the American Heart Association, we shouldn’t consume more than 25 grams of added sugars per day.

To put this in perspective, a single can of some energy drinks can contain up to 40 grams of sugar – that’s almost double the recommended daily intake!

Keep an eye out for sugar’s other names too:

• sucrose
• fructose
• dextrose
• galactose
• glucose
• maltose

Caffeine

Caffeine is another ingredient that can be harmful in excess. While caffeine can provide a boost of energy, too much of it can lead to jitters, anxiety, and even heart palpitations.

The FDA recommends that we consume no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day. To put this in perspective, a single can of some energy drinks can contain up to 300 milligrams of caffeine.

So, it’s important to keep an eye on the total amount of caffeine (or energy drinks) you consume in a day.

Also, if you have any health conditions or a pregnant or breastfeeding then the recommendation is far lower – best to talk to your doctor to get a clearer picture on just how much caffeine is safe for you.

Sodium

Another ingredient to watch out for in energy drinks is sodium. Sodium is a mineral that helps regulate fluid balance in the body, but too much of it can lead to high blood pressure and other health problems.

We often think of sodium as meaning “salt”, but actually there’s around 2,300 milligrams of sodium in 1 teaspoon of salt – which is the most we should have in a single day, according to the FDA.

Some energy drinks can contain as much as 200 milligrams of sodium per serving, which can add up quickly (with the food you eat) if you’re drinking more than one can a day.

The Healthiest Energy Drinks

When it comes to choosing a healthy energy drink, look for ones that are low in sugar, caffeine, and sodium. Choose drinks that are made with natural ingredients, and avoid drinks that contain artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors. Keep an eye out for energy drinks that are labeled as “low sugar” or “reduced caffeine”, and be mindful of serving sizes.

To make it easier we have done the searching for you and compiled a list of the healthiest energy drinks out there. These drinks are low or not calorie, low or no sodium, almost entirely sugar-free, and 100% free of artificial sweeteners. In fact, many of these delicious beverages are certified organic. You can click on the links or images to get more information, including the latest prices from Amazon.

1. Zoa Zero Sugar

You would need to be living under a rock (pun intended) if you haven’t heard of ZOA yet.

ZOA is built around providing clean energy with the best possible flavor and only the healthiest ingredients. The zero sugar range makes it that much easier to choose.

Each can comes boosted with vitamins, electrolytes and antioxidants. The biggest plus though, is the range of flavors that ZOA comes in – more than any other energy drink.

Flavors: Strawberry Watemelon (my favorite) • Super Berry • Tropical Punch • Cherry Limeade • Frosted Grape • Pineapple Coconut • White Peach • Wild Orange

Nutrition Facts:

• Sugar: 0
• Sodium: 110 mg
• Caffeine: 160 mg (about 1.5 cups of coffee)
• Calories: 10 calories per can

2. Zevia Zero Calorie Energy Drink

Zevia Zero Calorie Energy Drink is a great option if you are looking for an energy boost that is calorie-free. This energy drink is sweetened with stevia and contains no artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors. It’s also vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO.

Actually, a great thing about using stevia leaf extract to sweeten the drink means their is no added calories, plus it won’t impact your blood sugar.

The caffeine is also organically sourced.

Flavors: Kola • Mango Ginger • Grapefruit • Raspberry Lime • Strawberry Kiwi

Nutrition Facts:

• Sugar: 0
• Sodium: 0
• Caffeine: 120 mg (just more than a 12 oz cup of coffee)
• Calories: 0 calories

3. Hiball Energy Seltzer Water

Hiball Energy Seltzer Water is a great option for anyone who wants an energy lift without the jitters. It comes boosted with guarana (50 mg), ginseng (50 mg) and caffeine and all with zero calories and zero sugar.

It’s made with organic ingredients and is also vegan, gluten-free, keto-friendly and non-GMO.

The best part of Hiball Energy though is that it tastes just like a flavored mineral water – no nasty after taste that so many energy drinks have.

Flavors: Grapefruit • Watermelon Mint • Wild Berry • Blackberry • Vanilla • Peach • Lemon Lime

Nutrition Facts:

• Sugar: 0
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Caffeine: 160 mg (about 1.5 cups of coffee)
• Calories: 0 calories

4. CLEAN Cause

You’re forgiven if you haven’t yet heard of CLEAN cause. It’s an energy drink that uses Yerba Mate to give you the energy lift you are looking for.

CLEAN cause is more than just a drink though, it’s a community that’s built around supporting people in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. They also run scholarship programs and have donated more than 2 million dollars to the cause.

Their sparkling beverage is pretty good too! It’s USDA organic-certified, naturally caffeine fuelled deliciousness in a can.

Flavors: Cherry Lime • Orange Ginger • Watermelon

Nutrition Facts:

• Sugar: 0
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Caffeine: 160 mg (about 1.5 cups of coffee)
• Calories: 0 calories

5. True North Pure Energy Seltzer

True North’s Energy Seltzer stands out from other healthy energy drinks by not just using one type of energy booster. In fact, it contains 5 different energy sources – ginseng, guayusa, guarana, green coffee bean and green tea extract.

It also contains vitamins A, B and C and is Non-GMO and Gluten Free Certified. There are no artificial flavors or colors to bring this refreshing beverage down.

Flavors: Black Cherry • Cucumber Lime • Grapefruit Lemonade • Mandarin Yuzu • Peach Pear • Watermelon Mist

Nutrition Facts:

• Sugar: 0
• Sodium: 0
• Caffeine: 120 mg (just more than a 12oz cup of coffee)
• Calories: 0 calories

6. PURPS Plant-based Organic Energy Drink

You may never heard of PURPS, but I bet you’ve heard of Kelly Slater. Yes, THE Kelly Slater, world champion surfer. What does he have to do with PURPS? Well he founded it, along with Pat Tenore and Dr. Chris Schaumburg, AKA DR. PURPS.

It’s organic, plant-based energy that is guaranteed to put pep in your step. It’s packed full of natural caffeine and energy sources including yerba mate, guayusa, green tea berry, coffee berry, guarana, pomegranate and Indian gooseberry

Each can contains 5% juice, but zero calories and zero sugar, sweetened only by stevia leaf extract.

Flavors: Berry Superfruit • Cherry Guarana • Citrusonic

Nutrition Facts:

• Sugar: 0
• Sodium: 0
• Caffeine: 120 mg (just more than a 12oz cup of coffee)
• Calories: 0 calories

7. Marquis

Marquis Organic Energy Drink uses a special triple-blend of natural caffeine sources to brighten and heighten your day. From green coffee, green tea and yerba mate, to zero calories, zero sugar and zero carbs – it’s got it all.

This yummy drink is also non-GMO, Vegan, Gluten-free, plus Keto- and diabetic-friendly.

Flavors: Citrus Yuzu • Lychee Peach • Mango Ginger • Pineapple Passion • Super Berry

Nutrition Facts:

• Sugar: 0
• Sodium: 0
• Caffeine: 100 mg (the same as a cup of coffee)
• Calories: 0 calories

8. Bai Boost

Bai Boost is a low-calorie, refreshing energy drink that’s packed with antioxidants. This isn’t a traditional energy drink, in the sense that it isn’t fizzy, its still instead and has more of a juice-like texture and flavor.

It contains only 10 calories per serving and is sweetened with erythritol and stevia. Erythritol is a natural sugar alcohol that is calorie free and won’t raise your blood sugar.

It’s also non-GMO and gluten-free.

Flavors: Cartago Pineapple Passionfruit • Togo Tangerine Citrus • Watamu Strawberry • Buka Black Raspberry

Nutrition Facts:

• Sugar: 1 gram
• Sodium: 10 mg
• Caffeine: 110 mg (about the same as a cup of coffee)
• Calories: 10 calories

Less Healthier Options

When it comes to unhealthy energy drinks, the key is to look for ones that contain high amounts of sugar and caffeine. Here are some of the unhealthier energy drinks you may want to avoid:

1. Red Bull

Red Bull is one of the most popular energy drinks on the market, but it’s also one of the unhealthiest. It contains a whopping 27 grams of sugar per serving and 80 milligrams of caffeine.

Drinking this can lead to a sugar crash.

2. Mega Monster Energy

Mega Monster Energy is another popular energy drink that’s loaded with sugar and caffeine. It contains 81 grams of sugar per serving and 240 milligrams of caffeine.

That is a lot of unnecessary sugar – Remember, we’re not supposed to have more than 25 grams in a day!

3. Rockstar Energy Drink

Rockstar Energy Drink is yet another energy drink that’s high in sugar. It contains 31 grams of sugar per serving and 3000 milligrams of caffeine. It also contains creatine and carnitine.

A sugar crash, jitters and cravings are highly likely if your guzzling this sweet energy fuel.