The good news: there are plenty of healthy options in the energy drink category if you shop around and study the labels carefully.
Best Healthy Energy Drinks
Optimum Nutrition AMIN.O. Energy + Electrolytes - $29.88 for a 12-pack
Nutrition per serving: 5 calories, 0g fat, 100mg sodium, 1g total carbs Each serving of AMIN.O. Energy + Electrolytes provides about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee, but with an invigorating fruit flavor. It’s a great way to replace electrolytes lost during a workout or to help you stay hydrated in hot summer weather. Available in a range of delicious flavors.
Kill Cliff Ignite - $34.99 for a 12-pack
Nutrition per serving: 25 calories, 0g fat, 95mg sodium, 15g total carbs Founded by a Navy SEAL, Kill Cliff has a mission of giving back to the community and supporting the Navy SEAL Foundation. The brand’s Ignite energy drinks get their sweetness from natural sugar and have 150mg of clean caffeine produced from green tea. Kill Cliff also has a high-caffeine CBD energy drink called Octane.
DripDrop ORS - $18.99 for a 16-count pack
Nutrition per serving: 35 calories, 0g fat, 330mg sodium, 9g total carbs Specially formulated to optimize fluid absorption, a DripDrop packet provides three times the electrolytes of a typical sports drink, with half the sugar. I can attest that it works quickly to help alleviate the symptoms of dehydration. Available in several variety packs that include great-tasting flavors like watermelon, mango, and pineapple coconut.
Hiball Energy Seltzer - $23.99 for an 8-pack
Nutrition per serving: 0 calories, 0g fat, 0g sodium, under 1g total carbs Hiball gives you a boost as a result of “good energy” – meaning, produced by organic ingredients (caffeine, guarana, and ginseng). There are no preservatives, artificial sweeteners, or other unhealthy things you want to avoid.
Skinny Syrups from Skinny Mixes - $7.99
Nutrition per serving: 0 calories, 0g fat, 10mg sodium, 0g carbs Skinny Syrups energy syrups from Skinny Mixes come in a tiny, easy-to-carry bottle that makes 24 servings. It can be mixed with water, tea, or other liquids to make cocktails, mocktails, or tasty drinks the kids will love.
Mude Play - $4.79
Nutrition per serving: 40 calories, 0g fat, 0mg sodium, 10g total carbs This energy drink from Mude gives you a healthy boost fueled by green tea and other natural ingredients. Mude also makes other mood-boosting drinks, including one designed to help you focus at work and another that can improve your sleep.
BODYARMOR EDGE – $20.99 for a 12-pack
Nutrition per serving: 180 calories, 0g fat, 50mg sodium, 45g total carbs Taking the same hydration formula that makes BODYARMOR Sport Drink so effective and giving it an extra kick, BODYARMOR Edge combines caffeine and electrolytes for a powerful impact. You get the energy you need, without any artificial flavors or sweeteners.
Plink! - $22 for an 18-pack
Nutrition per serving: 13 calories, 0g fat, 275 mg sodium, 4g total carbs Plink! is an energy drink in tablet form. Designed to help reduce plastic waste, Plink! provides the energy and refreshing taste – you just supply the water. Available in three fruity varieties, all of which are bursting with flavor.
Vida Maté – $2.49 and up
Nutrition per serving: 25 calories, 0g fat, 3mg sodium, 6g total carbs Vida Maté relies on the naturally occurring caffeine in Yerba Mate to provide an energy boost. It is low in calories and made with real fruit juice. The specially blended ingredients help prevent the sudden spikes and crashes you sometimes encounter with energy drinks. Choose from blackberry lemonade, mango lime, and lemon mint. Currently only available in Washington and Oregon, but watch for updates on expanded distribution. Next up, learn the 10 key signs of dehydration (and how to fight it).
