Energy drinks have often been criticized for being linked to serious health problems, such as heart disorders, anxiety, and even liver and kidney damage.
However, despite their not-so-good reputation, they remain very popular. More than a third of adults consume them regularly.
They are even more prevalent among teenagers: some surveys suggest that nearly 70% of them drink them. This is despite some countries banning their sale to minors under 16 and restricting advertising to avoid targeting children.
But can any energy drink really be healthy?
According to companies that have launched a new wave of products, the answer is yes. These brands claim to provide energy without the usual negative effects, using “natural” ingredients, less sugar, and ingredients that are said to help with focus.
However, nutritionist Rob Hobson, author of The Low Appetite Cookbook, says that even these drinks should be consumed with caution.
According to him, many of the new brands have less sugar and calories than classic energy drinks, but they should still be consumed only occasionally. Energy should mainly be based on a healthy diet, good sleep and regular hydration.
He analyzed some of the most popular drinks on the market, assessing their caffeine, sugar, and ingredient content.
Some of the rated energy drinks
NOCCO BCAA Melon Blast
Caffeine: 180 mg
Calories: 15 kcal
Sugar: 0 g
This sugar-free drink contains caffeine, B vitamins, and BCAA amino acids, which are linked to muscle metabolism. However, most people get these amino acids from their daily diet. Therefore, the additional benefit may be limited.
Health rating: 3/10
Celsius Energy Drink – Sparkling Kiwi Guava
Caffeine: 200 mg
Calories: 10 kcal
Sugar: 0 g
It contains caffeine from green tea and guarana. However, the caffeine level is very high – about the same as two strong cups of coffee.
Health rating: 4/10
TENZING Raspberry & Yuzu
Caffeine: 106 mg
Calories: 63 kcal
Sugar: 14.9 g
It is promoted as a “natural” energy drink with caffeine from coffee and green tea. However, it contains about 15 grams of sugar per can.
Health rating: 4.5/10
Zelus Lemon, Lime & Mint
Caffeine: 105 mg
Calories: 120 kcal
Sugar: 14 g
This drink combines caffeine with collagen protein and electrolytes. However, collagen is not a complete muscle-building protein.
Health rating: 5/10
Brite Natural Energy Pineapple & Mango
Caffeine: 80 mg
Calories: 60 kcal
Sugar: 13.5 g
It contains a lot of fruit juice and caffeine from green coffee beans. Even though the sugar comes from fruit, it is still considered free sugar in terms of nutrition.
Health rating: 5/10
Carabao Energy Drink Original
Caffeine: 105 mg
Calories: 40 kcal
Sugar: 9.2 g
Classic energy drink with caffeine, taurine and B vitamins.
Health rating: 5.5/10
Circus Stove
Caffeine: 70 mg
Calories: 60 kcal
Sugar: 12.9 g
It is promoted as a “nootropic” drink that is supposed to help with focus, with ingredients like ginseng and ginkgo. However, most studies use doses much higher than those found in the drink.
Health rating: 6/10
Purdey's Natural Energy Apple & Grape
Caffeine: 25–30 mg
Calories: 50 kcal
Sugar: 10.5 g
It has low caffeine content and is mainly based on fruit juice.
Health rating: 6.5/10
Brio Maté Organic Energy Drink
Caffeine: 80 mg
Calories: 35 kcal
Sugar: 8.8 g
It's more like a fizzy iced tea, with caffeine from yerba maté and black tea.
Health rating: 7/10
Mission Natural Energy Lemon & Ginseng
Caffeine: 20 mg
Calories: 12 kcal
Sugar: 0 g
It has very little caffeine and is gentler on the body.
Health rating: 7/10
PerfectTed Health Energy Pear & Ginger
Caffeine: 80 mg
Calories: 30 kcal
Sugar: 6.8 g
Contains matcha and L-theanine, which can help provide a more relaxed feeling of energy.
Health rating: 7.5/10
Virtue Clean Energy – Yerba Mate
Caffeine: 80 mg
Calories: 5 kcal
Sugar: 0 g
Very low-calorie and sugar-free drink, with caffeine from yerba maté.
Health rating: 8/10
Vilgain Energy & Focus
Caffeine: 106 mg
Calories: 5 kcal
Sugar: 0 g
It has few ingredients and contains no sugar.
Health rating: 8.5/10
Huel Cherry & Raspberry Daily A–Z Vitamins + Natural Energy
Caffeine: 65 mg
Calories: 10 kcal
Sugar: 0 g
This drink contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals and very few calories.
Health rating: 9/10
Experts' conclusion
Although some new brands are more balanced and contain less sugar, experts emphasize that energy drinks should not become a daily part of the diet.
The most sustainable energy comes from:
balanced diet
enough sleep
good hydration
physical activity. /GazetaExpress/
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