Undoubtedly, nothing can ever replace water, the Elixir of Life. However, in the contemporary era, energy drinks seem more of a trend to get going or move on. Sports persons to health enthusiasts, young adults to MNC executives prefer the strongest energy drinks to get into their work mode!
So do you also need the necessary push of a healthy morning drink or energy drink to kick-start your day?
Worry not, here we will recommend you some of the best healthy energy drinks that will keep you going throughout the day.
Also Read: How to Choose the Best Amino Acid Supplement for Your Fitness Goals
11 Leading Energy Drinks for Enhanced Performance and Improved Focus
As discussed earlier, the market for energy drinks is enormous. While searching for the best or strongest energy drink, either online or offline in the market, you will see endless options; here are the top ones shortlisted for you!
Red Bull Energy Drinks
Price: $2.99
Red Bull is used as synonymous with the strongest energy drinks. You have heard about this drink if you are more into physical adventures. Red Bull is one of the strongest energy drinks because it gives your body the necessary gush of glucose to maintain energy levels.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Energy | 460 KJ |
| Carbohydrates | 29 |
| Sugars | 27 |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 |
| Fat | 0 |
| Protein | 0 |
| Sodium | 105mg |
| Vitamins | B Vitamins (B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12) |
Other Added Preservatives
- Caffeine
- Taurine
- Glucuronolactone
- Carbonated water – Sodium Bicarbonate and Magnesium Carbonate
- Added flavors – Trisodium Citrate/Citric acid
- Artificial sweeteners – Acesulfame K and Aspartame (Sucralose)
Reign Total Body Fuel
Price: $2.82
Reign Total Body Fuel comes in different flavors. It is the best healthy energy drink category, with no sugar, artificial flavors, or colors added. Tea leaves, coffee beans, electrolytes, BCAA amino acids, and CoQ10 are this drink’s main sources of aroma and taste.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Energy | 67 KJ |
| Carbohydrates | 4.6g |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Protein | 1.1g |
| Sodium | 4% of 100mg |
| Vitamins-B3, B6 and B12 | 16 mg, 1.4 mg, and 2.5 mcg |
Other Added Preservatives
- Caffeine
- Carbonated Water
- L-arginine
- Natural Caffeine
- Sweeteners
Monster Energy Drinks
Price: $6.95
Monster energy drinks are high in sugar and low in caffeine. Nevertheless, other ingredients include ginseng, B- vitamins, and taurine. Monster Ultra is their zero-sugar version, that includes juices, coffees, and teas to boost alertness.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Energy | 47kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Sugars | 11g |
| Dietary Fiber | Gluten-free |
| Fat | Negligible Amount |
| Protein | Negligible Amount |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Vitamins-Niacin, B6 and B12 | 100% |
Other Added Preservatives
- Carbonated Water
- Sugar
- Glucose
- Taurine
- Inoisitol
- B-Vitamins
- L-Carnite
Bang Energy Drinks
Price: $2.25
Bang drinks can be categorized as the best healthy energy drinks because it does not merely stimulate your central nervous system but can also gear up weight loss to some extent. Even some studies have stated that this is one of the best energy drinks for increasing focus and concentration.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Energy | 5kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 0g |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Protein | 2% of 40 mg |
| Sodium | 2% of 40 mg |
| Vitamins | 26% |
| Caffeine | 300mg |
Other Added Preservatives
- Sodium Benzoate
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Citric Acid
- Sucralose
Rockstar Unplugged Drink
Price: $1.50
Rockstar Unplugged is the strongest yet different energy drink because of its ingredients. Hemp seed oil and B vitamins are the main ingredients that can instantly uplift your mood. Apart from low caffeine content, this drink is sugar-free and calorie-free. So yes, it can become your go-to drink when you are having a rough day.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Energy | 21kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 5.3g |
| Sugars | 4.8g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Fat | 0.546g |
| Sodium | 85mg |
| Vitamins-Niacin, B6 and B12 | 20% each of 100ml |
Other Added Preservatives
- Carbonated water sugar glucose syrup
- Taurine
- Guarana seed extract
- Caramel color
- Sodium Benzoate
5-Hour Energy Shot
Price: $2.99
Energy shots are energy drinks in concentrated form. The level of caffeine found in energy shots is the same as 12 ounces of premium coffee. Though energy shots are best to get an instant wave of zeal, it’s prescribed to consume not more than two shots in a day as it can have a considerable impact on the nervous system.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Energy Blend | 2000mg |
| Carbohydrates | 0g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Protein | 10mg |
| Sodium | 15mg |
| Caffeine | 230mg |
Other Added Preservatives
- Taurine
- Folic Acid
- Glucronolactone
Ghost Energy Drink
Price: $2.99
Ghost Energy Drink is another best pre-workout energy drinks, as it has caffeine with zero sugar and only five calories per serving. The drink is gluten-free, vegan-friendly, sugar-free, and soy-free. Plus, it has no artificial colors, so you can drink it without hesitation.
This drink can help you build endurance as it is the best energy drink for workouts and keeps you focused to meet work targets and fitness goals.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Sodium | 30mg |
| Vitamins-Niacin, B6 and B12 | 0g |
| Natural Caffeine | 200mg |
Other Added Preservatives
- Sodium Benzoate
- Potassium Sorbate
Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy RTD
Price: $3.99
Amino Energy RTD is a product by Optimum Nutrition that is considered to be the most renowned and best pre-workout energy drink. The amalgamation of amino acids and caffeine in the set proportions helps to increase your energy and concentration during workouts.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 2g total and 2g net |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Sodium | 5% |
| Amino Acids | 5gm |
| Natural Caffeine | 100mg |
Other Added Preservatives
- Amino Blend
- Carbonated water
- Natural and artificial flavor
- Potassium sorbate and Potassium benzoate
Gatorade Gatorlyte Rapid Rehydration Electrolyte Beverage
Price: $2.78
Gatorlyte is specially formulated for rapid rehydration. It has a special blend of 5 electrolytes, especially after sweat loss during workouts or runs. The 5 electrolytes include magnesium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and sodium. As compared to its contemporaries, the leading sports drinks, Gatorlyte has low calories, less sugar, and no artificial flavors. This drink is specifically for those who have salty or excessive sweating. The drink comes in various delicious and refreshing flavors.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sodium | 490mg |
| Potassium | 350mg |
| Chloride | 1,0004mg |
| Magnesium | 105mg |
| Calcium | 120mg |
| Calories | 40 or less in 12 fl oz. |
Other Added Preservatives
- Citric Acid
- Salt
- Purified Stevia Leaf Extract
- Sucrose Acetate
- Glycerol Ester of Rosin
- Yellow 6
Scratch Labs Hydration Powder
Price: $1.95
Skratch Labs makes products with natural ingredients only. This one is the hydration sports mix, made to replace the electrolytes generally lost during workouts due to sweat. They provide you with a tad bit of energy also. This drink will quench the thirst while accentuating your workout performance. This drink has minimal sugar, and only real fruits are used for flavor.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Portion Size | 22g |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 380mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20g |
| Calcium | 47mg |
| Iron | 0.1mg |
Other Added Preservatives
- Caffeine
- Sugar (Glucose + Fructose)
- Lemon Oil
- Calcium Citrate
Brein Fuel
Price: $3.99
Brein Fuel is regarded as one of the strongest energy drinks for your mind’s alertness. It contains natural sources of caffeine, like green tea and green coffee beans. The ingredients help in lowering stress and providing mental clarity. It can certainly be the best energy drink as it contains green tea and coffee beans – the natural energy sources.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 |
| Total Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 35mg |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Total Sugars | 3g |
| Vitamin C | 15mg |
| Vitamin E | 7.5mg |
Other Added Preservatives
- MCT Fractionated coconut oil powder
- Natural flavors
- Citric acid
- Fruit and Vegetable juice for color
- Sodium Benxoste
- Potassium Sorbate
Also Read: Clear Mind, Healthy Body: The Psychological Advantages of Fitness
Protein Powders-The Best Energy Drinks After Workout
Workouts are incomplete without protein powders which can also be the best and strongest energy drink for gym lovers. Besides the energy drinks preferred by athletes all over the world to rehydrate the body, protein powders are used to build muscle mass. Here are the two most preferred protein powders:
POWHER Pre-Workout
Price: $45
This pre-workout sports drink is especially for females who go the extra mile to achieve their weight loss and fitness goals!
POWHER pre-workout is a female-oriented supplement. Majorly, it contains ingredients like vitamin B and coconut water powder to prevent tiredness during workouts. Consuming this powder with water, half an hour before you hit the gym, will provide you with the zest to stay in shape.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Serving Per Scoop | 10g |
| Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine HCI) | 2mg |
| Folic Acid | 400ug |
| Vitamin B12 as Cyanocobalamin | 3ug |
| Beta Alanine | 2000mg |
| Instantised Leucine | 2000mg |
| RedNiteTM | 500mg |
| L Tyrosine | 500mg |
| CocoMineralTM | 500mg |
| OxyjunTM | 400mg |
| EnxtraTM | 300mg |
| Natural Caffeine | 100mg |
Other Added Preservatives
- Anti-caking agent – Silicon Dioxide
- Maltodextrin-Intensely processed carbohydrate
- Flavoring
- Natural Caffeine
- Sucralose
- Red Beetroot Extract
MyProtein The Pre-Workout
Price: $31.99
The Pre-Workout is a vegan, cruelty-free energy drink for high-intensity workouts. This protein powder contains special ingredients to reduce fatigue and enable you to focus on the workouts. So, consuming it 30 minutes prior to your gym will keep you motivated through the workout.
| Ingredients | Quantity (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Serving 1 scoop | 15.6g |
| Vitamin B12 | 25mcg |
| L Citrulline | 4000mg |
| Niacin | 15mg |
| Folic Acid | 416mcg |
| Betaine Anhydrous | 2500mg |
| Creatine Monohydrate | 2000mg |
| Caffeine Anhydrous | 150mg |
| Beta Alanine | 2000mg |
| N-Acetyl L-Tyrocine | 750mg |
Other Added Preservatives
- Citric acid
- Natural and artificial flavoring
- Sucralose
- Black carrot juice concentrate
- Silicon dioxide
- Calcium Silicate
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Consuming Energy Drinks
In this fast-paced world, energy drink consumption has undoubtedly become the need of the hour for some. If consumed moderately, these power drinks can help you survive the day without feeling lethargic, however, excess consumption can cause severe health implications.
To help you make an informed decision about whether to make energy drinks an important part of the day, we have discussed the benefits and drawbacks of these power boosters, so give it a good read.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Energy drinks give a quick surge to your energy levels. | They can be addictive, especially, for teenagers, and can can lead to insomnia or other medical conditions. |
| Healthy energy drink options can improve your physical performance by giving you stamina and strength while working out. | Most energy drinks are high in sugar, which may lead to weight gain and obesity in the long run. |
| Due to caffeine content, these drinks keep you mentally alert. | Energy Drinks can affect the cardiovascular system and can lead to an increase in blood pressure. |
| They are a convenient option; you need not brew a mug of coffee and wait. Plus, during summer, people prefer cold over hot brewed drinks. | Caffeine, if over-consumed, can lead to dehydration; so, watch out for the quantity intake. |
| In the case of sports, consuming a healthy energy drink can be beneficial over water to enhance productivity. | They can have negative impacts if co-consumed with certain kinds of medications. |
| These drinks make you physically active and mentally alert. |
What’s the Hype About Energy Drinks?
Energy drinks like Celsius Drinks have become a crucial part of modern lifestyle, but why is it so? Why are people inclined towards the consumption of energy drinks?
Well, energy drinks have high levels of caffeine, and caffeine consumption stimulates the nervous system, which in turn increases the heart rate. As a result, the blood is pushed towards the muscles, which prompts the liver to release glucose and give that rush of energy.
And, energy is what we need to perform!
Technically, energy drinks give our body the boost of glucose that we all need at some point of time in our day to keep going. The instant wave of energy they provide has made them popular among the masses.
While energy drinks do have some benefits, it is not wise to consume them in the long term. If you need more information about this, watch this YouTube video by Institute of Human Anatomy on the longterm effects on energy drinks on our body:
In the next section, we have given explained different types of energy drinks that you can find on the market.
Different Types of Energy Drinks
The market for energy drinks is vast, so it is crucial to know about the different types of energy drinks available. Depending on the sugar, caffeine, and other ingredients, energy drinks can be classified into five categories, they are as follows:
- Sports Drinks: Sports people lose glucose, electrolytes, and fluids after intense exercises; they need sports drinks to replenish and enhance their stamina. Do not confuse the best pre-workout energy drinks with regular ones, as they inculcate the required amount of electrolytes- potassium, sodium, phosphate, magnesium, chloride, and calcium.
- Natural Energy Drinks: These drinks fall under the category of good energy drinks as natural ingredients like guarana, ginseng, Yerba maté, and green tea are used in their production. Natural energy drinks refrain from synthetic colors and artificial sweeteners.
- Standard/ Regular Energy Drinks: Standard energy drinks are a concoction of caffeine, B vitamins, taurine, and similar ingredients to make you alert by boosting your energy level and improve brain game. Remember, it is the caffeine that triggers and makes us feel full of energy.
- Energy Shots: Energy shots contain the same ingredients as energy drinks, but are in a more concentrated form to offer a quick energy boost. They have significantly shown performance improvement, but consuming it in concentrated form might be an issue of health concern.
- Sugar-Free Energy Drinks: Sugar-free energy drinks are considered the best healthy energy drinks. They are a healthy pick-up over regular energy drinks as they are low in calories and carbs. Diet-conscious people prefer sugar-free energy drinks.
The Crux
Hope, now you know what is the best energy drink that can work for you. The only thing that you should be cautious while consuming them is the ingredients. High-sugar and caffeine drinks can cause permanent damage to your body.
Remember that blindly following the trend of combining alcohol with energy drinks can have adverse effects on your health and may lead to adverse psychological, cardiovascular, and even fatal incidents. So consume them in moderation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: Yes! Energy shots have the same ingredients as energy drinks but in a concentrated form.
Ans: It is suggested to consume only two shots in a day.
Ans: Sports persons, young adults, women in sports, and fitness enthusiasts can consume them.
Ans: Adolescents, children, and expecting mot hers can not consume energy drinks.
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