The 10 Best Energy Drinks to Try in 2024

Whether you're hitting the gym or cranking out work, our picks for the best energy drinks can help boost your energy levels and focus to help crush your goals.

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From Red Bull to Monster, energy drinks are a popular alternative to coffee for those who are looking for a boost of physical energy, increased focus and a quick way to stave off feelings of fatigue. However, consuming energy drinks can be bad for your health because many of them contain too much caffeine or ingredients like added sugar and artificial sweeteners. But what about healthier alternatives to caffeine and sugar-laden energy drinks? 

The good news is that there are energy drinks that taste good and are effective at helping you feel more alert and energized, but also are formulated with cleaner ingredients, less sugar and natural sources of caffeine. Many of these options also boast transparency in their labeling, so you know exactly what's in these products to ensure that they're safe and healthy for you.

In this article, we share our picks for the best energy drinks, as well as factors to consider when choosing the best energy drinks for your needs, ingredients to avoid or look out for and safety practices for consuming energy drinks.

This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.

Our Picks for the Best Energy Drinks in 2024:

• Best Overall: EBOOST Super Fuel
• Best Energy Drink to Stay Awake: Cellucor C4 Energy Carbonated
• Best Energy Drink Alternative: BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die
• Best Energy Drink for Focus: EBOOST Super Fuel
• Best On-the-Go Energy Drink: Tailwind Endurance Fuel
• Best Tasting Energy Drink: Celsius
• Best Non-Carbonated Energy Drink: Cellucor C4 Energy Non- Carbonated
• Best Pre-Workout Energy Drink: Alani Nu

Best Overall: EBOOST Super Fuel

EBOOST

Key info:

• Caffeine per serving: 110 milligrams
• Servings per container: Case of 12 single-serving cans
• Certifications: Non-GMO
• Key ingredients: Vitamin B6, vitamin D, potassium, vitamin D, niacin, folate, vitamin B12, zinc, selenium, chromium
• Price: $32.99 for a case of 12, but users can subscribe for 20% off and receive a delivery every two weeks

EBOOST Super Fuel is our pick for the overall best energy drink because it was designed to be a versatile drink that can be used in place of your morning coffee, as a pre-workout or a boost to fight the dreaded afternoon slump. Each serving has 110 milligrams of caffeine blend of coffee seeds and green tea to help keep you alert. Our team also likes that this Super Fuel is formulated with several vitamins and minerals that can benefit your overall health like immune-boosting vitamin C, energy-supporting b vitamins and bone fortifying vitamin D.

EBOOST brands itself as a “natural” and “clean” energy drink, probably because it’s free of artificial flavors, synthetic colors or sweeteners, and instead uses honey and juice for flavoring. It’s also gluten-free, soy-free and non-GMO.

This sparkling energy drink comes in flour flavors; Orange Mango, Strawberry Lemonade, Blue Raspberry and Ginger Lime. Each flavor has 15 calories and two grams of sugar or less per serving.

Super Fuel earns 4.9/5 stars from nearly 300 reviews on the EBOOST website. Many users say that Super Fuel energizes them without a crash or shaky feeling. “My go-to energy drink now. This has just enough caffeine for a pick-me-up, but doesn’t give me jitters. I love the added vitamins too,” writes one customer.

Keep in mind that the amount of caffeine in Super Fuel is slightly more than the amount in an eight-ounce cup of coffee, and some customers say they didn’t get the level of pick-me-up they were expecting.

Pros:

• One serving contains 100 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamins D, C, B6 and Folate
• Gluten-free, soy-free, Keto friendly, vegetarian
• Subscribers can save 20%
• Low-calorie and low-sugar

Cons:

• Some reviewers said they felt no energizing effects
• Supplement facts label doesn’t list the amount of the nootropics L-tyrosine and l-theanine

Best Energy Drink to Stay Awake: Cellucor C4 Performance Energy Carbonated

Cellucor

Key info:

• Caffeine per serving: 200 milligrams
• Servings per container: 12 pack of cans
• Certifications: NSF Certified for Sport®
• Key ingredients: CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine, BetaPower Betaine, B vitamins and caffeine anhydrous
• Price: $27.99 for a 12 pack

If you enjoy carbonated energy drinks and want a healthier alternative to Red Bull that still packs a punch, check out Cellucor C4 Energy Carbonated energy drinks. C4 is a zero-calorie energy drink that provides 200 milligrams of caffeine per can or a little more than a strong cup of coffee from Starbucks. With zero carbs and sugars, these diet-friendly energy drinks are compatible with the keto diet and other low-carb diets, and they're also gluten-free.

In addition to providing a hefty dose of caffeine, the Cellucor C4 Energy Carbonated energy drinks have B vitamins to support energy metabolism and beta-alanine—an amino acid that helps your body produce carnosine, which is a compound that helps buffer acidic buildup in muscles during exercise. The inclusion of beta-alanine also makes C4 a popular choice as a pre-work. Our tester, Jacob Penner who is a competitive weightlifter and certified personal trainer says C4 is his favorite pre-workout to use on the go. “This was one of the first pre-workouts available in a can. I like that it’s carbonated for a nice change of pace from powdered pre-workouts,” said Penner.

Related Post: C4 Pre-Workout Review: Why It’s So Popular and Who It’s Best For

Pros:

• No calories and no sugar
• High caffeine content provides an energy boost
• NSF Certified for Sport®

Cons:

• Contains sucralose, an artificial sweetener
• Doesn’t contain creatine which some athletes look for in a pre-workout

Best Energy Drink Alternative: BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die

BUBS

Key info:

• Caffeine per serving: 0 milligrams
• Servings per container: Six packets
• Certifications: Gluten-free, soy-free, corn-free, non-GMO, nut-free, Keto diet approved, Whole30 diet approved and Paleo diet approved
• Key ingredients: Organic coconut water powder, sodium, potassium, magnesium and chloride
• Price: $13.00

The BUBS Naturals Hydrate or Die is an electrolyte drink mix formulated to help you hydrate quickly. BUBS claims that the hydrating power is stronger than an IV, with a total of 1,340 milligrams of electrolytes to help your cells absorb the water more efficiently. It has a light coconut and lemon flavor from coconut water powder and natural lemon. The product comes in convenient single-serve packets of powder you can mix into water on the go. Although there's no caffeine in this product, the hydrating power of the formula can help prevent the fatigue associated with dehydration.

Pros:

• Caffeine-free
• No artificial colors or flavors, no added sugar
• Comes in convenient travel packets

Cons:

• High sodium content may not be ideal for those with hypertension

Best Energy Drink for Focus: EBOOST Super Fuel

EBOOST

Key info:

• Caffeine per serving: 110 milligrams
• Servings per container: Case of 12 single-serving cans
• Certifications: Non-GMO
• Key ingredients: Vitamin B6, vitamin D, potassium, vitamin D, niacin, folate, vitamin B12, zinc, selenium, chromium
• Price: $32.99 for a case of 12, but users can subscribe for 20% off and receive a delivery every two weeks

When you need to concentrate, especially if you’re feeling groggy or tired, an energy drink can help. EBOOST Super Fuel is our pick for the best energy drink for focus because it combines caffeine, nootropics and several vitamins (vitamin C, B6, B12 and zinc) which are necessary for energy production in our bodies.

Nootropics are substances that can improve cognitive function such as thinking and memory (although research suggests that these benefits are typically not immediate after a single serving). Specifically, Super Fuel contains the nootropics L-tyrosine and L-theanine. Taking 150 milligrams of L-tyrosine per kilogram of your bodyweight may improve your mood or stress level, according to some studies. However, more research is needed on its ability to increase energy levels. L-theanine is found in green tea leaves and may reduce stress levels and improve attention in doses of 100 to 200 milligrams, according to research. Studies show when paired with caffeine in a 2:1 ratio, L-theanine may be even more effective at improving alertness and cognition. It’s important to note that Super Fuel does not list the amount of L-tyrosine and L-theanine on its nutrition label.

The caffeine in Super Fuel comes from green coffee seeds and green tea. Each serving contains 110 milligrams of caffeine, which is slightly higher than the amount in an eight ounce cup of coffee. While many reviewers on the EBOOST website say they like this energy drink because they don’t experience a crash or jitters, some are left wanting more of a jolt. “Not sure that I got the kick I was hoping for, but there is some there for sure. Also, I didn't notice a sugar crash afterwards that I commonly experience after drinking energy drinks,” writes one customer.

Pros:

• Includes four essential B vitamins, plus 100 percent for the recommended daily value of vitamin C and vitamin D
• 15 calories per can, and all four flavors include two grams of sugar or less
• Keto friendly, vegetarian, gluten-free, soy-free

Cons:

• Some reviewers said they felt no energizing effects

Best On-the-Go Energy Drink: Tailwind Endurance Fuel

Tailwind Nutrition

Key info:

• Caffeine per serving: 200 milligrams
• Servings per container: 12 single-serving packs
• Certifications: n/a
• Key ingredients: Non-GMO Dextrose (Glucose), Non-GMO Cane Sugar, Sodium Citrate, Sea Salt, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Caffeine, Magnesium Oxide
• Price: $29.99

Need an energy drink that will fuel you on the go? Check out Tailwind Endurance Fuel. Think of Endurance Fuel as a combination between an electrolyte stick and your favorite energy drink. Designed for athletes, this drink mix is formulated to meet calorie, hydration and electrolyte needs to help you power through your workout. Our tester Amanda Capritto, who is a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, called Tailwind “a true endurance drink” and found it worked best for her during long workouts. “I wouldn’t recommend drinking Tailwind on a regular basis, but it kept me going and hydrated on my long bike rides,” Capritto said.

Each single serving packet contains caffeine plus sodium, magnesium, calcium and potassium. These electrolytes help keep us hydrated and we lose them as we sweat. Endurance Fuel also contains carbohydrates glucose and sucrose which act as energy sources for our body. Each serving of Endurance Fuel has 35 milligrams of caffeine. Keep in mind, that this is about half the amount of caffeine in a shot of espresso, so you may not get the surge of energy that you would from other drinks on our list.

Endurance Fuel comes in four caffeinated flavors; Matcha, Cola, Raspberry and Tropical. Capritto tried a variety of flavors and said the taste is sweet but not overpowering. “Surprisingly it's not as salty as other sports drinks that I’ve tried,” Capritto said. She said despite the relatively large amount of powder in each serving, Endurance Fuel mixed well with water.

Pros:

• Non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan, dairy and soy free
• No dyes or preservatives
• Contains electrolytes to boost hydration

Cons:

• Only 35 milligrams of caffeine per serving, so it may not be the best for someone looking for a highly caffeinated energy drink
• Some reviewers on Tailwind’s website complain about the sodium content and say they were left with an unpleasant salty aftertaste

Best Tasting Energy Drink: Celsius

CELSIUS

Key info:

• Caffeine per serving: 200 milligrams
• Servings per container: 12 ounces per can
• Certifications: Vegan, Kosher
• Key ingredients: Green tea extract, guarana seed extract, ginger root, vitamin B, vitamin C, chromium
• Price: $19.32 for a pack of 12

With 20 flavors to choose from, Celsius is our pick for the best-tasting energy drink. Our team at SI Showcase tried several flavors including Sparkling Orange, Sparkling Lemon Lime, Sparkling Wild Berry and Sparkling Peach Vibe. “Peach and Orange are definitely my favorite. The fruit flavor is subtle, but not overpowering or chemically like some other energy drinks” said our tester. While most flavors are available on Amazon, there’s also a variety pack option so you can try a few and pick your favorite. We like that each flavor contains zero grams of sugar, no artificial colors, no aspartame and no high fructose corn syrup.

To provide you with that jolt of energy, Celsius used a proprietary blend that includes taurine, guarana extract, green tea leaf extract, caffeine, ginger root and glucuronolactone. While taurine, caffeine and glucuronolactone are commonly used in energy drinks, health experts have raised concerns about the potential health risks of this combination in high quantities. Each serving of Celcius contains 200 milligrams of caffeine, which is half the amount considered safe for adults on a daily basis. Our tester said she felt the surge of energy after drinking a Celcisus before a workout. “I actually ended up not finishing the can because I noticed a jittery feeling. I wouldn’t recommend this for someone who is caffeine-sensitive,” she said.

Pros:

• Gluten-free, Kosher, non-GMO, vegan
• No artificial colors, no high fructose corn syrup
• 4.7/5 stars with more than 88,000 reviews on Amazon

Cons:

• Formulated with a proprietary blend using taurine, caffeine and glucuronolactone which some experts have raised concerns about when taken in high amounts
• Relatively high amount of caffeine per can, so it is not recommended for someone who is caffeine-sensitive

Best Non-Carbonated Energy Drink: Cellucor C4 Energy Non-Carbonated

Cellucor

Key info:

• Caffeine per serving: 200 milligrams
• Servings per container: One bottle contains 12 ounces
• Certifications: NSF Certified for Sport®
• Key ingredients: CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine, BetaPower Betaine, Caffeine, Citrulline, N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
• Price: $29.99 for a 12 pack

While many energy drinks come carbonated, that fizzy taste may not be to everyone’s liking. For a non-carbonated energy drink, we recommend Cellucor C4 Energy Non-Carbonated. Cellucor C4 is designed to replace your pre-workout powder, removing the mixing and the mess. Simply open a bottle 20-30 before your workout, and get ready to hit the gym. Like some pre-workouts C4 contains beta alanine so you may experience a tingling sensation. However, the exact amount of beta-alanine is not disclosed on the label.

Our tester, certified personal trainer Sydney Smith, tried the Cotton Candy flavor. "I liked the taste. However, the beta-alanine is strong,” said Smith. “If you're used to sipping on an energy drink with carbonation, this one has the same effect, minus the fizz."

We love that this drink is NSF Certified for Sport meaning that Cellucor C4 doesn’t contain any banned or unsafe levels of substances.

Pros:

• Third-party tested and NSF Certified for Sport®
• Money back guarantee
• Subscribe and save model

Cons

• Exact amounts of some active ingredients not disclosed
• Not recommended for people who are caffeine-sensitive since each can has 200 milligrams of caffeine
• Beta-alanine may cause tingles which could be off-putting to some people

Best Energy Drink with Vitamins: Alani Nu

Alani Nu

Key info:

• Caffeine per serving: 200 milligrams
• Servings per container: One can contains 12 ounces
• Certifications: N/A
• Key ingredients: Erythritol, Taurine, Caffeine, L-Theanine, Sucralose, L-carnitine tartrate, Acesulfame Potassium, Niacinamide, Glucuronolactone, Inositol, Guarana Seed Extract, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Biotin, Vitamin B12
• Price: $29.99 for a 12 pack

Chances are you’ve seen this viral energy drink on TikTok or Instagram thanks partly to its celebrity endorsements, collaborations and colorful packaging. Alani Nu caught our attention because each can is packed with energy-supporting B vitamins. Every serving contains niacin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 all of which may have cognitive health benefits, vitamin B5 which supports metabolic function and biotin which some research suggests may help with skin and hair health, according to health experts.

Alani Nu energy drinks come in more than a dozen flavors with names like Cosmic Stardust, Breezeberry and Watermelon Wave. Each flavor has zero grams of sugar and 15 calories or less. Our tester at SI Showcase said her favorite flavor is Peach Ring which has become one of her go-to drinks to fight the afternoon slump. “Alani Nu's energy drinks give a good burst of energy that lasts for multiple hours. I love to drink one on a long drive to help me stay alert,” she said.

Pros:

• Vegan, gluten-free
• Includes energy-supporting B vitamins

Cons:

• Formulated with the sugar substitute erythritol, which some studies suggest has an associated risk of heart attack or stroke
• Contains taurine, caffeine and glucuronolactone which some experts have raised concerns about when taken in high amounts

How To Choose the Best Energy Drink for You

There are several important factors to consider when choosing the best energy drink for you. Here are the top factors to keep in mind:

Taste

Taste is subjective, but with the wide range of brands and products in the energy drink market, you shouldn't have trouble finding a flavor that appeals to you. Most energy drinks have some sort of fruity flavor, and some are carbonated, whereas others are flat. 

One of the main differences in the flavor profile of energy drinks is the amount of sweetness in the drink. Surprisingly, zero sugar energy drinks that use artificial sweeteners such as sucralose or Stevia are often sweeter tasting than energy drinks that use conventional sucrose (AKA table sugar). If you read the customer reviews for the product, you can often get an idea of how sweet the energy drink will be. Some are described as sickeningly sweet or cloying. 

Energy drinks that include electrolytes, particularly athletic performance-based energy drinks, may have a salty aftertaste because of the high sodium content deliberately added to help replace the electrolytes lost in sweat. If you're looking for a daily energy drink that you don't plan to consume in conjunction with exercise, you may prefer to stay away from ones that have more than five to 10 percent of your daily value of sodium per serving or there will likely be a noticeable salty taste.

Price

Energy drinks can be expensive, depending on the brand, quality of ingredients and the number of servings you purchase at one time. Most of the premium energy drinks cost between $1.50 and $4.00 per serving when purchased online, with some variability on either end of this spectrum. If you buy a single can of a Rockstar Energy Drink or Bang Energy Drink, you may spend upwards of $3.00 or more. Although this can seem costly, an à la carte energy drink is typically not that much more expensive than purchasing a cup of coffee from Starbucks.

Most of the best energy drinks can be purchased in bulk online, usually as a 30-day supply, either from the manufacturer’s website or from Amazon. The benefit of buying directly from the manufacturer is that you often can enjoy a 10-20 percent discount per month if you purchase a monthly subscription. These types of subscriptions auto-renew, so you'll need to cancel before your next shipment is prepared if you decide that you no longer want to receive the product. In most cases, it's a good idea to try the energy drink before signing up for a subscription, but you can usually cancel after tasting your first few servings if you decide it's not for you. 

Caffeine content

The amount of caffeine or other energy-boosting ingredients is certainly one of the most important factors to consider when choosing the best energy drink for you. Most energy drinks that contain caffeine provide between 80-300 milligrams of caffeine per serving. If you have a smaller body size or are particularly sensitive to caffeine, you may want to choose an energy drink that’s on the lower end of this spectrum.

There are also energy drinks that don't contain any caffeine, as seen in some of our picks for the best energy drinks. People who prefer other natural ingredients thought to boost energy or energy production—such as B vitamins, medium-chain triglycerides and certain amino acids—should try non-caffeinated energy drinks to see if they feel a noticeable improvement in their physical and mental performance. These options are also safer for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding, those with an allergy or intolerance to caffeine, or anyone with a cardiovascular condition or other health issue that may make consuming high amounts of caffeine unhealthy or dangerous.

Ingredients

Along with paying attention to the caffeine content and other active ingredients in the energy drink, it’s important to read the full list of ingredients, including any information about where the caffeine is sourced. Many energy drinks include ingredients that are not necessarily recommended for optimal health, including added sugars, artificial sweeteners, artificial colors and flavors, preservatives and other chemicals.

Calories and sweeteners

Choosing the best energy drink for your needs should involve a quick analysis of the nutrition facts. Look at the number of calories per serving and the amount of added sugar, including the presence of high-fructose corn syrup. Depending on your dietary needs and weight loss goals, you may want to look for a low-calorie energy drink or one with no added sugar. Energy drinks with lots of sugar can cause a rapid spike in your blood sugar followed by a crash after insulin is secreted to help your cells take up the blood sugar (glucose) from circulation. This is termed reactive hypoglycemia and can leave you feeling more tired than before you had the energy drink.

Be particularly mindful of energy drinks that claim to contain “zero sugar.” Most of these energy drinks are still sweetened, but they use non-caloric sweeteners. Although the common non-caloric, plant-based sweetener Stevia is usually preferable to artificial sweeteners like sucralose, there is still a limited understanding of the potential long-term consequences of consuming Stevia in high amounts. Additionally, unlike regular sugar, the amount of non-caloric sweeteners is not listed on a product label, so you don't know how much you're consuming per serving. Finally, sugar alcohols, such as erythritol, are also commonly found in sugar free energy drinks. However, these tend to cause adverse digestive symptoms, such as bloating, gas, flatulence and diarrhea. If you're going to try a zero sugar energy drink, look closely at the alternative sweeteners that are used and consider starting with half a serving of the drink to see how you feel.

Ingredients to Look For

The specific formulas used for each type of energy drink vary, but here are some of the most common energy-boosting ingredients:

Caffeine

Most energy drinks contain caffeine, which is a stimulant that can increase alertness and energy. Nearly all traditional energy drinks contain at least some caffeine, and most have somewhere in the neighborhood of 75-300 milligrams per serving, which is the equivalent of about one to four cups of coffee.

For comparison, a 12-ounce cup of coffee from Starbucks has 193 milligrams of caffeine (dark roast), while the medium and blonde roasts have 235 and 270 milligrams, respectively.

There are also some non-caffeinated energy drinks that rely on other sources of natural energy or nutrients thought to boost energy production. In addition to giving you a jolt of energy, caffeine may also increase your stamina or time to exhaustion during endurance exercise. Natural sources of caffeine are generally thought to be preferable over synthetic caffeine.

B vitamins

B vitamins, especially Vitamin B12 and niacin, play a key role in energy production and metabolism, so they are often found in energy drinks. Because B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning you'll excrete any excess in your urine, it should be safe to consume them in any energy drink.

Related Post: The Best Vitamins to Boost Your Energy

BCAAs

BCAAs, which stands for branched-chain amino acids, are three essential amino acids—leucine, isoleucine and valine—that have a unique chemical structure. Their structure enables them to bypass digestion in the liver and go straight to the muscles where they can be immediately used for energy. This is why many pre-workout supplements and in-workout fueling sources have BCAAs, and they can be helpful ingredients in energy drinks. Moreover, BCAAs have been shown to support muscle protein synthesis, helping you repair and build muscle after a hard workout, and may reduce fatigue during exercise. For example, studies show BCAAs can reduce the level of perceived exertion, preserve glycogen stores during endurance exercise and decrease lactate production, increasing the time to exhaustion.

Ingredients You May Want to Avoid

As mentioned, there are several ingredients commonly found in energy drinks that you may want to avoid.

Added sugar and artificial sweeteners

The first ingredient to look out for is added sugar and/or alternative sweeteners used in sugar-free energy drinks (ex: Stevia, sucralose and sugar alcohols). The best energy drinks have little to no added sugar and no high-fructose corn syrup. If non-caloric sweeteners are used, Stevia or monk fruit extract are typically the best options because these products are natural.

Artificial colors and artificial flavors

Artificial colors, such as Red 40 and Blue 1, should be avoided if possible, as these types of food dyes are linked to adverse health effects. Artificial flavors and other chemical ingredients should also be avoided if you’re looking for the healthiest energy drinks.

Guarana

Guarana is a very common ingredient in energy drinks, and although you don’t necessarily need to avoid it, there are a few things to be mindful of when you see it on an energy drink ingredients label. Guarana is an herbal extract that naturally contains around 40 milligrams of caffeine per gram. Interestingly, energy drink manufacturers are not required to include the caffeine content from the guarana on the product label. In other words, an energy drink product label may say that each serving provides 80 milligrams of caffeine, but if guarana is listed in the ingredients label, the number of milligrams of caffeine contained in the guarana does not have to be included in this 80 milligram figure. That number may only include the amount of caffeine from other sources, such as green tea extract or coffee extract. Therefore, the amount of caffeine you are actually getting per serving can be significantly higher than what the label says.

How We Chose the Best Energy Drinks

To choose the best energy drinks, we considered:

• The ingredients used
• The amount of caffeine and it's source (natural or synthetic)
• The number of calories per serving
• The price per serving
• Additional health benefits (ex: nutrients, improved focus or athletic performance)
• Certifications and transparency in product labeling
• Customer reviews regarding taste and effectiveness

Energy Drink FAQs

Who should not drink energy drinks?

Energy drinks are not safe for everyone, particularly if they contain caffeine. Children, teens, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, anyone with a heart condition or high blood pressure and anyone with other chronic health conditions should not have energy drinks unless specifically discussed and cleared with your doctor or health care team. Additionally, energy drinks should never be consumed in conjunction with alcohol, as this combination can be deadly.

What's the difference between natural and synthetic caffeine?

Natural and synthetic caffeine are chemically identical for all intents and purposes, but natural caffeine is sourced from plant-based ingredients like coffee beans, cocoa, yerba maté leaves or tea leaves, whereas synthetic caffeine is manufactured in a laboratory setting using urea or ammonia and other ingredients. Some experts say that synthetic caffeine is metabolized faster and causes more of a sudden bang of energy instead of sustained energy levels.

Do energy drinks have side effects?

Energy drinks can have side effects, particularly if you are sensitive to caffeine. According to research, the most commonly cited side effects of energy drinks among adults and adolescent consumers include insomnia or difficulty sleeping, stress, restlessness, agitation and mood changes. Limiting the number of energy drinks that you consume on a daily and weekly basis is critical for your health. Over-consuming energy drinks has been linked to serious medical issues including heart arrhythmias, liver damage, seizures, coma and even death.

Additionally, if you are consuming sugary energy drinks, it's possible to gain weight if you're not making adjustments in your diet or engaging in physical activity to offset the calories.

How many energy drinks can I drink per day?

The number of energy drinks you can drink per day depends on the ingredients in the drink, your body size and any health conditions. Most health experts say that you should not exceed three milligrams of caffeine per pound of body weight each day and that you should not exceed five to seven energy drinks per week.

Can energy drinks damage your heart?

There is some evidence to suggest that overconsumption of energy drinks can potentially cause heart arrhythmias, especially in children, teens and individuals with cardiovascular disease risk factors. Evidence suggests that energy drinks may increase blood pressure and heart rate and impede healthy blood vessel function—all of which can be detrimental to heart health. There are more than 20,000 emergency room visits per year in the U.S. associated with energy drink consumption.

Final Thoughts

Energy drinks can be a viable alternative to coffee or tea for those who prefer a different source of caffeine. Overall, the best energy drinks provide a clean source of natural energy, little to no added sugar, no artificial or chemical ingredients and additional energy-supporting nutrients like B vitamins and antioxidants. Choosing the best energy drink for your needs involves considering the caffeine content, number of calories per serving, types of sweeteners you prefer, your budget and your preferred flavors.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.