Best Energy Drinks Reviewed and Compared

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In a Hurry? Editors choice:
1. Celsius Sugar Free
Test Winner: 1. Celsius Sugar Free

Energy drinks can be a great aid to your body before and after your workout routine. Energy drinks for fitness contain special formulas to boost your energy and physical preparation. If you wonder what is the best energy drink then make sure to choose among the top rated ones available by checking our list below.

Last Updated: March 11, 2020
By Briana Bennett:

The energy drinks market is highly competitive, with new products constantly being released. That’s why we researched and compared energy drinks available in 2020 to update our recommendations. Coming in at first place is Celsius' Fitness Drink, a zero-sugar, artificial sweetener-free, low-sodium pre-workout drink whose thermogenic properties are backed by research. It’s followed by Gu’s Energy Gel, a convenient, portable gel that contains only 100 calories but provides all the energy you need, and Vega Sports’ Sugar-Free Energizer, a powdered, low-calorie pre-workout energy supplement. Read on to compare the best energy drinks on the market.

Celsius Sugar FreeOffer
  • Celsius Sugar Free
  • 5 out of 5
    Our rating
  • Lasting Energy
  • Price: See Here
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GU Original
  • GU Original
  • 4.6 out of 5
    Our rating
  • Unique Formula
  • Price: See Here
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Vega SportOffer
  • Vega Sport
  • 4.3 out of 5
    Our rating
  • Low Calories
  • Price: See Here
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While energy drinks are incredibly popular with teens and young adults, they truly are meant for adults. As many energy drinks contain caffeine levels of which are higher than what is actually recommended for any person under the age of 18 years old, they just are not suitable for a growing and developing body. It should also be noted that, children are typically not aware of their sensitivity to caffeine and how it may affect them, not to mention if the child may possibly have any preexisting heart condition(s) that perhaps has yet to be diagnosed.

All in all, there are truly some great benefits that can arise from the consumption of energy drinks and can enjoy them in moderation while others may not be able to experience all of the benefits. And some simply prefer coffee or tea over energy drinks. This is most certainly okay and neither choice does not make one group better or worse than than the other.

Many people who drink energy drinks are looked down upon and may be told that they are ruining their overall health and body. If you enjoy energy drinks, do not let such words get you down. Energy drinks are in fact entirely okay, just be sure to enjoy them in moderation and do not go overboard.

10 Best Energy Drinks

1. Celsius Sugar Free

1. Celsius Sugar Free

Celsius Sugar Free Energy Drink is a tasty option for an energy drink that provides you with the extra boost you need for proper focus.

Jitter Free

Celsius Sugar Free Energy Drink is a completely sugar free and one of the longest lasting energy drinks that provides up to 5 hours of extra energy with absolutely no jitters.

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7 Great Flavours

Is available in five delicious flavours: Sparking Wild Berry, Raspberry Acai Green Tea, Sparkling Cola, Sparkling Orange, Sparkling Grape, Sparkling Watermelon and Peach Mango Green Tea. Two of these flavours are non-carbonated, so you are sure to find the flavour you love.

Features and Specifications

  • Sugar free
  • 5 hours of energy
  • Supported by multiple university studies
  • Can help to burn up to 93% more fat when exercising
  • No preservatives
  • No artificial colours or flavours
  • Low Sodium
  • Gluten Free

Price/Value

Comes in a pack of twelve for a very good price, and this makes it a good value energy drink overall.

Directed Use

Drink one can at least thirty minutes before exercising, or as an energy drink throughout the day.

FAQ

How is it sweetened?

Using small amounts of sucralose.

Is it caffeinated?

Yes.

Decision Time

Celsius Sugar-Free Energy Drink is a fantastic option that can help to give you a boost throughout the day or when you need to power through your workouts.

Pros
  • Sugar free
  • 5 hours of healthy energy
  • Research supported
  • Helps to burn extra fat during exercise
  • All natural, no additives or preservatives
  • Gluten Free
  • Non-carbonated options as well as carbonated
Cons
  • Has an aftertaste to it, which some may find unpleasant.
  • Only comes in one size.

2. GU Original

2. GU Original

GU Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel is a unique formula to give you energy enough to get the best workout and even better results.

Only 100 Calories

With only 100 calories per pouch of GU Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel, you can get the energy you need without sacrificing your overall nutrition. Meaning great workouts with few calories.

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Lasting Energy

GU Original is made with fructose that uses non-competing pathways so that you can get the best results that will last as long as possible for better workouts.

Features and Specifications

  • Helps to reduce muscle fatigue
  • 100 calories per pouch
  • Dual source energy for long lasting results
  • High absorbency
  • Caffeine free
  • 60mg sodium
  • 35mg potassium

Price/Value

It comes with 24 gels for a good price. The workout benefits also make this product very high value.

Directed Use

Take one packet five minutes before training or racing, and then every 45 minutes during activity for best results.

FAQ

Is it caffeinated?

There are caffeinated and non-caffeinated options.

How many flavours are available?

There are 17 different flavours.

Do they need to be followed with water?

Yes, due to the thickness of the gel.

Decision Time

The benefits make these gels great value and include boosting your energy during workouts can help you achieve the best results overall. There are so many different flavours so you’re sure to get the flavour you love.

Pros
  • Lasting energy
  • Fast absorption
  • Low calorie
  • Decreases muscle damage and fatigue
  • Caffeine free
Cons
  • Can cause nausea with exertive exercise
  • Can cause an odd aftertaste
  • The thick texture can make the product hard to swallow when exercising

3. Vega Sports

3. Vega Sports

Vega Sports Sugar-Free Energizer is a powdered supplement that you can take before workouts in order to get the best results overall, without taking gels or carbonated drinks.

Sweetened by Stevia

Vega Sports Sugar-Free Energizer is sweetened by stevia rather than fructose and sucralose, keeping the sugar and calories low in this energy drink.

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Just 5 calories per serving

With only 5 calories in each serving, you can get the very best results for a powerful workout without risking your nutrition and overall calorie intake.

Features and Specifications

  • 40 servings per container
  • 5 calories per serving
  • Pre-workout drink
  • Naturally caffeinated
  • Certified by Informed Choice
  • Low sugar

Price/Value

With 40 servings per container, the Vega Sports Sugar-Free Energizer offers a great product for great value, although it is a little bit more expensive than other options.

Directed Use

Mix 1 scoop with liquid and take 30 minutes before exercise.

FAQ

Is it caffeinated?

There is natural caffeine found in the green tea, but there is no unnatural caffeine added.

Is it suitable for longer exercise?

This option is best for shorter exercise, but not for more exertive and longer exercises.

Decision Time

Vega Sports Sugar-Free Energizer offers you excellent support in your workouts so that you can develop your fitness naturally and healthily. With great value and all-natural ingredients, the Vega Sports Sugar-Free Energizer is a great option for a pre-workout. smoothie or drink.

Pros
  • Naturally low in sugar
  • Low calorie
  • Certified quality
  • All natural ingredients for the best results
Cons
  • Only suitable for short duration and low-intensity exercise
  • Can cause an aftertaste if taken with just water
  • Has quite a strong smell
  • Doesn’t provide as much energy as other options

4. PowerBar Gel

4. PowerBar Gel

PowerBar is a well known brand in energy drinks and healthy supplements, so you know that you will be receiving a top quality product with PowerBar Energy Gel.

No Artificial Flavours

PowerBar Energy Gel has no artificial flavours or additives and is one of the healthiest energy drinks that ensures the healthiest and most natural energy source from your energy boosting gel.

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High in Sodium

PowerBar Energy Gel is a high sodium energy gel so that it can properly replace electrolytes that are lost during exercise and exertion.

Features and Specifications

  • 44-ounce pouches
  • 24 servings per pack
  • Gluten free
  • No artificial additives
  • High sodium
  • 50mg of caffeine
  • 200mg of sodium

Price/Value

With 24 servings per pack, this is an excellent value supplement, and they are quite inexpensive. With all of the benefits, they are well worth the money.

Directed Use

Consume 1 energy gel every 20 to 30 minutes during extended periods of exercise.

FAQ

How should this product be stored?

In an area that stays between 40-80 degrees celsius.

How long do they last?

Each packet has a use by date individually stamped on the product.

Are they caffeinated?

There are caffeinated and caffeine-free options available.

Decision Time

PowerBar Energy Gel is an excellent option for an energy supplement that will give you all that you need for a high performance and to keep yourself working at your best. Although they are slightly higher in sodium than other options, you can utilise this to your advantage if hydrated properly and taken in the correct way to avoid any issues.

Pros
  • High sodium for electrolyte replacement
  • Gluten free
  • 24 servings per pack
  • Easy to take
  • Act quickly
  • Fast absorption
Cons
  • High sodium can be dangerous if not properly hydrated
  • Not very long lasting
  • Not suitable for those sensitive to milk and soy

5. AdvoCare Spark

5. AdvoCare Spark

Advocare offers you everything that you need for a high-quality energy supplement to help you make the most of every workout. With plenty of great features, you are sure to find it suits you perfectly.

Sugar free

Is made without adding any excess sugars from unnatural sources, so you get a great tasting supplement without sacrificing any of your nutrition.

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42 Servings per container

Offers one of the highest numbers of servings currently available on the market so that you get the most out of your pre-workout, and get the best value for money.

Features and Specifications

  • Sugar free
  • 15 calories per serving
  • 42 servings per container
  • Added vitamins and amino acids
  • Lasts up to 3 hours
  • Helps aid in proper focus
  • 120mg of caffeine per serving

Price/Value

Is much more expensive than other options and only gives a few more servings than other options.

Directed Use

Add one scoop to water or a smoothie 30 minutes before your workout.

FAQ

Is this product caffeinated?

Yes, there is 120mg of caffeine per serving.

How many calories per serving?

There are 15 calories in every serving.

Decision Time

This is a great product, very healthy and natural energy drink, however, it is very expensive and does not offer much more servings than options with lower amounts of servings.

Pros
  • High caffeine levels give you the best energy boost for a successful workout
  • Plenty of servings in every container
  • Extra vitamins and amino acid for better health benefits
  • Long-lasting
  • Fast absorbing
  • Helps to maintain focus and reduce fatigue
Cons
  • Much more expensive than other options
  • Customers have found that it gives undesirable jitters
  • Powder formula tends to clump at the bottom of the smoothie

6. Dark Dog

6. Dark Dog
Coconut water is a popular health food phase recently, as it hydrates you as well as giving you some extra vitamins and minerals that are vital for a healthy lifestyle. Dark Dog Organic Coconut Water Energy Drink combines the benefits of coconut water with the benefits of an energy booster to give you the best all-around option.
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50 Calories per serving

It's very low calorie so that you can get the best results without sacrificing any of your nutrition and dietary needs.

100% of your daily vitamin C and B complex

Offers you all of the vitamins that you need to stay healthy and achieve excellent health so that you can keep working and stay focused.

Features and Specifications

  • 50 calories
  • 12 servings per container
  • Naturally caffeinated
  • Chemical and additive free
  • Gluten free
  • USDA certified
  • Non-GMO
  • Naturally sweetened with organic cane sugar
  • No preservatives

Price/Value

Is priced similarly to other options on this list, and offers many health benefits, giving you great value and an excellent product that is well worth the money.

Directed Use

Limit your use to two cans per day.

FAQ

Are there other flavours available?

There are 3 delicious flavours available.

Is it carbonated?

Yes.

Decision Time

This is the perfect option for those who are looking for an energy boost but want to stick to an all natural and additive free option.

Pros
  • Additive free
  • 100% of your vitamin recommendations
  • Jitter and crash free
  • GMO certified
  • Completely organic
  • No added sugars or flavours
Cons
  • Higher calorie than other options on this list

7. Celsius “Flo Fusion”

7. Celsius “Flo Fusion”

Celsius “Flo Fusion” On-the-Go are very convenient energy boosting gel pouches that fit perfectly in your bag so that you can get an energy boost on the go, or during exertive exercise and competitions.

No preservatives or additives

Is free of all chemicals so that you can be sure to get the best product and the healthiest benefits possible, without any chemical flavourings or preservatives that can damage your body.

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Help to burn up to 100 more calories per workout

It helps you to last longer during a workout so that you can make the most out of your workouts and last longer. This can help you burn up to 100 extra calories in every workout compared to gel-free workouts.

Features and Specifications

  • Burns up to 100 more calories
  • Helps to increase endurance
  • No artificial flavours or colours
  • Comes in 5 great flavours
  • Easy to swallow

Price/Value

This option is quite inexpensive and offers you a great number of benefits, so it is well worth the money spent on the supplement.

Directed Use

Take 1-3 times per day. Mix with 12-16 ounces of water and mix well.

FAQ

How much caffeine is in the product?

There is around 120mg of caffeine in each gel.

How many calories per serving?

There are less than 10 calories in each gel, but this varies depending on the flavour.

Decision Time

This is an excellent energy boost gel that gives you supreme health benefits so that you can make the most of your day, stay focused, and stay healthy.

Pros
  • Naturally sweetened
  • Helps to burn more fat and calories
  • Low calorie
  • Crash free
Cons
  • Can cause some aftertaste
  • Difficult to dissolve
  • Can cause jitters

8. GU Roctane

8. GU Roctane
GU Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Drink Mix offers an energy drink mix to help give you some incredible benefits at a low cost and a high value.
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1220mg of branched-chain amino acids

Gives you an incredibly high amount of complex amino acids to help boost and support your muscles, reducing fatigue and increasing results.

High sodium

Offers over 300mg of sodium to ensure that you can properly replace your amino acids as you workout so that you can maintain a high level of intensity.

Features and Specifications

  • 240 calories per serving
  • 1220mg of branched-chain amino acids
  • 35mg of caffeine
  • 50mg of potassium
  • 320mg of sodium
  • 24 servings per container

Price/Value

This is a very affordable health boosting supplement with many great benefits that are well worth the money.

Directed Use

Add two scoops of GU Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Drink Mix to water or a shake and consume 30 minutes before an intense workout for best results.

FAQ

Are there NON-caffeinated options available?

Yes, there is one flavour that does not contain caffeine.

Is it carbonated?

No, it is a powder supplement and is completely still.

Decision Time

This is an excellent energy drink mix for those who would like to boost their athletic performance. If you are looking for an excellent energy boost supplement then the GU Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Drink Mix is a great option to consider.

Pros
  • High sodium so that you can stay properly hydrated
  • High levels of amino acids help to reduce fatigue and speed up recovery
  • Low in caffeine to reduce the jitters and crashes associated with energy boosters
  • Heightens endurance so that you can workout for longer
Cons
  • Low serving size per container
  • High calorie
  • Has an aftertaste that some find unpleasant.

9. SIX Nutrition

9. SIX Nutrition

SIX Nutrition is a well-known brand for health and wellness supplements that are specifically created to boost your performance and keep your body working at its optimum. SIX Nutrition Hydra Energy & Electrolytes Drink Mix helps to boost your performance and keep your muscles strong and hydrated.

Naturally sourced caffeine

Contains natural caffeine so that you can get the best health and energy benefits, without any added chemicals or additives.

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Careful blend of electrolytes

Offers you a scientific blend of electrolytes to maintain proper hydration and supplements that athletes need during long periods of exercise.

Features and Specifications

  • Less than 5 calories per serving
  • Naturally sourced
  • Scientifically blended electrolytes
  • Carb free for a workout that burns more fat
  • Gluten free
  • Paleo friendly

Price/Value

It's slightly more expensive than other options on this list, however, it is completely natural and offers many more benefits, making it well worth the money.

Directed Use

Mix 2 scoops of SIX Nutrition Hydra Energy & Electrolytes Drink Mix powder with 16-20 ounces of water and stir and mix well.

FAQ

How long does the product last?

Shelf life of the product is around 12 months.

Is it caffeinated?

Yes, but only from natural sources.

Decision Time

SIX Nutrition Hydra Energy & Electrolytes Drink Mix is a slightly more expensive brand and product, however, the energy that it provides and the incredible benefit boosts make it well worth the money.

Pros
  • Low calorie
  • Blended from natural ingredients
  • Suitable for a number of dietary needs
  • Naturally sourced
  • Jitter and crash free
  • Sugar free
Cons
  • Does not provide as much energy as other options that contain more caffeine
  • There is an aftertaste that is left from drinking the product

10. Cullocor C4

10. Cullocor C4

The final option on this list is the Collector C4 On The Go Pre-Workout, which is one of the best options on the market for a pre-workout energy drink that will keep your working and reduce fatigue.

Sugar free

It's naturally sugar-free so that you don’t have to sacrifice nutrition in order to get the benefits that come with this incredible energy booster.

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Works fast

It offers an impressively fast absorption and gives you a huge burst of energy faster than many other options on this list.

Features and Specifications

  • 8 calories per serving
  • Sugar free
  • Fast absorption
  • Boosts focus
  • 12 servings per pack

Price/Value

Offers 12 servings in each pack, which is relatively standard, and the price is similar to other products. However, the fast absorption and other impressive features make this product well worth the money.

Directed Use

Drink 30 minutes before exercise, or through the day as required.

FAQ

Is the product caffeinated?

Yes.

Are there any carbs in the product?

It's sugar and carb free.

Decision Time

The best option on this list of energy boosters as it offers you all of the best features for a great price and impressive value.

Pros
  • Award winning brand
  • Very convenient and easy to take
  • Delicious flavour
  • Low calorie
  • Sugar free
  • Works fast to boost energy and focus for an intense workout
Cons
  • Has an odd aftertaste


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