Are your favorite energy drinks as harmless as they seem? Many of us rely on them for an energy boost, but do we know what’s really inside that can?
With ingredients like excessive sugar, synthetic additives, and caffeine levels that push the limits, these drinks might do more harm than good.
Ready to dive into the truth about the most unhealthy energy drinks and their surprising impacts on your health? Let’s uncover the details together.
50 Most Unhealthy Energy Drinks
Here is the list of the 50 worst energy drinks that are harmful for you.
1. Red Bull
An 8.4 oz can of Red Bull contains 27 grams of sugar and 80 milligrams of caffeine. High sugar content can lead to energy crashes, while caffeine can cause jitters or increased heart rate. Regular consumption may contribute to weight gain, insomnia, or dependency due to its addictive components.
2. Monster Energy
A 16 oz can of Monster Energy contains 54 grams of sugar and 160 mg of caffeine. It’s loaded with synthetic ingredients, including preservatives and artificial flavors. The high sugar and caffeine levels may cause blood sugar spikes, rapid heart rate, and dependency, especially if consumed frequently.
3. Rockstar Energy
Rockstar packs 63 grams of sugar and 160 mg of caffeine per 16 oz can. It’s one of the highest-sugar energy drinks, increasing risks of obesity and diabetes. The excessive caffeine can cause insomnia, headaches, and heart palpitations, making it one of the unhealthiest options.
4. Bang Energy
Bang Energy boasts zero sugar but contains 300 mg of caffeine per 16 oz can. This extreme caffeine level can overstimulate the nervous system, leading to anxiety, rapid heartbeat, and potential heart issues. It also contains artificial sweeteners, which can upset the stomach.
5. Reign Total Body Fuel
Reign contains 300 mg of caffeine per 16 oz can. While it has no sugar, its high caffeine and artificial ingredients can lead to overstimulation, dehydration, and headaches. It’s marketed as a fitness drink, but frequent consumption can strain your heart and adrenal glands.
6. 5-hour Energy
This small 2 oz shot contains 200 mg of caffeine and a mix of synthetic B vitamins. The concentrated caffeine can cause rapid heart rate and jitteriness. Long-term use may strain the heart, and the artificial additives might upset sensitive stomachs.
7. NOS Energy Drink
NOS contains 54 grams of sugar and 160 mg of caffeine in a 16 oz can. The sugar and caffeine combination may cause an energy spike followed by a crash, along with weight gain, mood swings, and potential heart stress.
8. Celsius Energy
Celsius contains 200 mg of caffeine per 12 oz can and artificial sweeteners like sucralose. While it’s sugar-free, the high caffeine can cause jitters, headaches, and sleep disturbances. Over time, the additives might negatively affect gut health.
Also explore the Side Effects of Energy Drinks on Our Body
9. Full Throttle
Full Throttle is loaded with 58 grams of sugar and 160 mg of caffeine in a 16 oz can. The excessive sugar can lead to weight gain and energy crashes, while high caffeine intake may cause heart issues and insomnia.
10. AMP Energy
AMP contains 58 grams of sugar and 142 mg of caffeine in a 16 oz can. Its high sugar and caffeine content can lead to rapid energy spikes and crashes, weight gain, and potential dependency on stimulants.
11. VPX Redline Xtreme
This 8 oz bottle contains 316 mg of caffeine, making it dangerously high for many people. The excessive caffeine can cause nausea, heart palpitations, and extreme jitters. While it’s sugar-free, the artificial additives and high caffeine can overstimulate the nervous system.
12. Mountain Dew Kickstart
With 20 grams of sugar and 90 mg of caffeine in a 16 oz can, Kickstart appears mild but still poses risks. Its sugar content can lead to energy crashes, and the caffeine combined with synthetic ingredients can cause dehydration and headaches.
13. Adrenaline Shoc
Adrenaline Shoc contains 300 mg of caffeine per 16 oz can and no sugar. However, its caffeine level is extreme, potentially causing overstimulation, anxiety, and rapid heart rate. Artificial sweeteners and preservatives may upset digestion over time.
14. Xyience Energy Drink
Xyience contains 176 mg of caffeine per 16 oz can and uses artificial sweeteners like sucralose. While it’s sugar-free, the high caffeine can disrupt sleep, and the synthetic additives might negatively impact gut health with prolonged use.
15. Rockstar Xdurance
This drink contains 300 mg of caffeine and 0 grams of sugar in a 16 oz can. Although it avoids sugar, its caffeine level is excessive, leading to nervousness, heart strain, and possible addiction to stimulants. Artificial flavors and colors add to its unhealthy profile.
16. G Fuel
Marketed for gamers, G Fuel has 140–300 mg of caffeine per serving, depending on the product. It’s sugar-free but contains artificial sweeteners and flavorings that may disrupt digestion. The high caffeine can also overstimulate the brain and heart.
17. Raze Energy
Raze Energy includes 300 mg of caffeine and no sugar in a 16 oz can. The caffeine content is extreme, often causing jitters, anxiety, and heart stress. Artificial sweeteners like sucralose can have negative long-term effects on gut health.
18. Ghost Energy
Ghost contains 200 mg of caffeine in a 16 oz can and zero sugar. While lower in caffeine compared to others, its artificial flavors and sweeteners still pose health concerns. Regular intake can lead to dependency on stimulants.
19. Zevia Zero Calorie Energy
This drink has 120 mg of caffeine per 12 oz can and uses stevia as a sweetener. While it’s marketed as “healthier,” the caffeine level can still disrupt sleep and increase heart rate, particularly when consumed excessively.
20. Guayaki Yerba Mate
Guayaki contains 150 mg of caffeine per 16 oz can. Although it’s naturally derived from yerba mate, the caffeine level can overstimulate sensitive individuals, causing heart palpitations or jitteriness. It also has 27 grams of sugar, contributing to energy crashes.
21. Bawls Guarana
With 64 mg of caffeine in a 10 oz bottle, Bawls seems mild but contains 28 grams of sugar. The high sugar content can cause energy crashes and weight gain, while the caffeine, though moderate, can still lead to sleep disturbances if consumed late in the day.
22. Starbucks Doubleshot Energy
This 15 oz can contains 29 grams of sugar and 135 mg of caffeine. The combination of high sugar and caffeine leads to temporary energy boosts followed by crashes. Additionally, the added cream and artificial flavors contribute to its unhealthy profile.
23. Rip It Energy Fuel
Rip It packs 52 grams of sugar and 160 mg of caffeine in a 16 oz can. This high sugar and caffeine combo can lead to energy spikes and crashes, weight gain, and potential cardiovascular strain with frequent consumption.
24. Venom Energy
Venom contains 54 grams of sugar and 160 mg of caffeine per 16 oz can. Its excessive sugar content increases the risk of obesity and diabetes, while the high caffeine can overstimulate the heart and nervous system.
25. Jolt Cola
Known for its tagline “All the Sugar and Twice the Caffeine,” Jolt Cola contains 160 mg of caffeine and 50 grams of sugar in a 16 oz can. This drink delivers a double whammy of unhealthy ingredients, contributing to energy crashes, weight gain, and heart strain.
26. Monster Java
This 15 oz coffee-based energy drink contains 188 mg of caffeine and 35 grams of sugar. While it provides a coffee flavor, the high sugar and caffeine levels can lead to dependency, weight gain, and disrupted sleep patterns.
Also explore the Benefits of Energy Drinks
27. AMP Organic Energy
Despite the word “organic,” this 12 oz can contains 26 grams of sugar and 120 mg of caffeine. The sugar content can cause energy crashes, while the caffeine may result in jitteriness. Artificial flavors and preservatives detract from its organic claims.
28. Coca-Cola Energy
With 39 grams of sugar and 114 mg of caffeine in a 12 oz can, Coca-Cola Energy is a high-sugar option that can cause weight gain, energy crashes, and potential addiction to stimulants. Its artificial flavors and preservatives are also concerning.
29. Lucozade Energy
Lucozade contains 34 grams of sugar and 46 mg of caffeine in an 8 oz bottle. Although lower in caffeine, the high sugar content significantly contributes to weight gain and energy spikes followed by crashes, making it unhealthy for frequent use.
30. Power Horse Energy Drink
Power Horse contains 26 grams of sugar and 80 mg of caffeine in an 8 oz can. Its sugar content leads to weight gain and energy crashes, while the caffeine, though moderate, may cause sleep disruptions if consumed excessively.
31. V Energy
V Energy contains 37 grams of sugar and 78 mg of caffeine in a 12 oz can. The high sugar content can cause weight gain and energy crashes, while the caffeine can lead to restlessness and sleep disturbances when consumed in large quantities.
32. Burn Energy Drink
Burn contains 27 grams of sugar and 80 mg of caffeine per 8.4 oz can. Its high sugar content can contribute to obesity and energy crashes, while the caffeine can overstimulate sensitive individuals, leading to anxiety or rapid heart rate.
33. Carabao Energy Drink
Carabao contains 26 grams of sugar and 50 mg of caffeine in a 10 oz can. While it contains less caffeine, the high sugar content increases the risk of energy crashes, weight gain, and potential long-term health concerns.
34. Blue Charge
Blue Charge contains 46 grams of sugar and 30 mg of caffeine in a 12 oz can. The high sugar and low caffeine make it less effective as an energy drink but highly unhealthy due to its contribution to weight gain and sugar crashes.
35. Shark Energy Drink
An 8.4 oz can of Shark Energy contains 28 grams of sugar and 80 milligrams of caffeine. While it provides a quick energy boost, the sugar content causes rapid energy crashes, and the caffeine can overstimulate, leading to jitteriness.
36. Energy Drink by 28 Black
This drink contains 20 grams of sugar and 80 mg of caffeine per 8.4 oz can. The sugar content is relatively lower than others, but it still poses risks for weight gain and energy crashes. Caffeine may cause mild overstimulation.
37. Dark Dog Energy Drink
Dark Dog contains 25 grams of sugar and 113 mg of caffeine in an 8.4 oz can. Its sugar and caffeine levels can lead to energy spikes followed by crashes, contributing to weight gain and disrupted sleep patterns.
38. XL Energy Drink
XL Energy contains 32 grams of sugar and 80 mg of caffeine in an 8.4 oz can. The high sugar content contributes to energy crashes and potential weight gain, while the caffeine can overstimulate the nervous system.
39. Boost Energy
Boost Energy contains 46 grams of sugar and 75 mg of caffeine in a 12 oz can. The excessive sugar content is a primary concern, leading to rapid energy crashes and potential health issues like diabetes and obesity.
40. Original Pussy Natural Energy
Despite its natural branding, this drink contains 26 grams of sugar and 80 mg of caffeine in an 8.4 oz can. The sugar and caffeine combination can lead to energy spikes, crashes, and potential dependency on stimulants.
41. Go Fast Energy Drink
Go Fast contains 22 grams of sugar and 150 mg of caffeine in a 16 oz can. While its sugar content is moderate compared to others, its high caffeine level can lead to overstimulation, headaches, and anxiety.
42. Guru Energy
An 8.4 oz can of Guru contains 21 grams of sugar and 100 milligrams of caffeine. The moderate sugar and caffeine levels still pose risks for energy crashes, weight gain, and sleep disruptions with frequent consumption.
43. Hiball Energy
Hiball Energy contains 160 mg of caffeine per 16 oz can and no sugar. While sugar-free, its high caffeine level can overstimulate, leading to anxiety, rapid heart rate, and possible dependency on stimulants.
44. Uptime Energy Drink
Uptime contains 37 grams of sugar and 142 mg of caffeine in a 12 oz bottle. The sugar content can contribute to weight gain and energy crashes, while caffeine may lead to overstimulation and sleep issues.
45. C4 Energy
C4 contains 200 mg of caffeine per 16 oz can and no sugar. Despite being sugar-free, its high caffeine level may cause jitters, rapid heart rate, and dependency, especially if consumed regularly.
46. Venom Black Mamba
Venom Black Mamba has 54 grams of sugar and 160 mg of caffeine in a 16 oz can. This high sugar and caffeine combination can cause energy crashes, weight gain, and overstimulation of the nervous system.
47. Original Energy Shot by Red Rain
This small 2 oz shot contains 200 mg of caffeine and 20 grams of sugar. The concentrated formula can cause rapid energy spikes followed by crashes, along with overstimulation and potential heart strain.
48. Red Devil Energy Drink
Red Devil contains 30 grams of sugar and 80 mg of caffeine in an 8.4 oz can. The sugar content leads to weight gain and energy crashes, while the caffeine may overstimulate the nervous system.
49. Wire Energy Drink
Wire contains 58 grams of sugar and 120 mg of caffeine in a 16 oz can. The excessive sugar and caffeine can cause energy crashes, weight gain, and overstimulation, making it one of the unhealthiest options.
50. Emerge Energy Drink
Emerge contains 26 grams of sugar and 80 mg of caffeine in an 8.4 oz can. Its sugar content can lead to weight gain and energy crashes, while the caffeine may cause jitteriness and disrupted sleep patterns.
Best Alternatives to Energy Drinks
Here are the 20 best healthy alternatives to energy drinks.
1. Coffee
Coffee is a natural energy booster packed with caffeine. A standard 8-ounce cup contains about 95 mg of caffeine, offering a quick pick-me-up without added sugars. It’s also rich in antioxidants, benefiting overall health. Opt for black coffee to avoid extra calories and experience sustained energy throughout your day.
2. Green Tea
Green tea provides a moderate caffeine boost, with around 35 mg per 8-ounce cup. It’s also rich in L-theanine, which promotes calm focus. Known for its antioxidants, green tea supports metabolism and mental alertness, making it a healthier alternative to sugary energy drinks.
3. Matcha Tea
Matcha, a powdered green tea, delivers about 70 mg of caffeine per cup. Its antioxidants and L-theanine content ensure steady energy and focus without jitters. The vibrant drink is perfect for those seeking sustained productivity while enjoying a calming effect.
4. Yerba Mate
Yerba Mate is a South American herbal tea with 85 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce serving. It combines caffeine with nutrients like vitamins and minerals, promoting both energy and focus. Its natural compounds also support mental clarity and physical endurance.
5. Coconut Water
Coconut water is hydrating and packed with electrolytes like potassium and magnesium. It naturally boosts energy levels without caffeine or sugar crashes. A single cup provides about 46 calories and is a refreshing alternative for post-workout recovery or an afternoon energy slump.
6. Lemon Water
Lemon water refreshes and revitalizes with its vitamin C content. While it doesn’t contain caffeine, the hydration it offers combats fatigue. Adding a slice of lemon to your water is a simple way to enhance alertness and promote overall well-being.
7. Protein Shakes
Protein shakes fuel your body with essential nutrients, supporting energy and muscle recovery. A typical serving has around 20-30 grams of protein, depending on the brand. They’re a great alternative for staying energized, especially after workouts.
8. Beetroot Juice
Beetroot juice is packed with nitrates that improve blood flow and oxygen delivery, enhancing endurance. It’s caffeine-free and naturally sweet, making it a great pre-workout energy booster. A standard serving offers about 100 calories and countless health benefits.
9. Kombucha
Kombucha, a fermented tea, contains small amounts of caffeine (10-15 mg per cup) and probiotics that support gut health. Its natural fizz and flavor make it an energizing and refreshing drink, especially for those seeking an alternative to soda or sugary energy drinks.
10. Chia Seed Drink
Chia seed drinks provide lasting energy due to their protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acid content. A serving can offer 10 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein. When soaked in water, chia seeds create a gel-like texture that sustains hydration and stamina.
11. Smoothies
Smoothies made with fruits, vegetables, and nuts are nutrient-dense and energizing. Adding spinach, bananas, or berries can provide natural sugars, vitamins, and fiber for a sustained energy boost. They’re versatile and can be customized to your needs.
12. Black Tea
Black tea delivers a moderate caffeine kick with 40-70 mg per cup. It’s also rich in antioxidants and offers a smooth energy boost. Its bold flavor and health benefits make it a go-to option for tea lovers seeking energy without sugar.
13. Turmeric Latte
Turmeric lattes, made with turmeric, milk, and spices, are caffeine-free yet energizing. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties promote overall health, and its warm, earthy flavor is comforting. Add a pinch of black pepper to enhance its benefits.
14. Sparkling Water
Sparkling water is hydrating and refreshing without added sugars or caffeine. Brands offering flavored options can satisfy cravings for fizzy drinks while keeping you alert. It’s a simple, calorie-free way to stay energized and focused.
15. Herbal Teas
Herbal teas like peppermint or ginger are caffeine-free and naturally invigorating. They soothe digestion and promote hydration. A warm cup can refresh your mind and help you stay alert without stimulants.
16. Apple Cider Vinegar Drink
Apple cider vinegar mixed with water and honey is a natural energy enhancer. Its acetic acid content supports metabolism and blood sugar regulation. Start with one to two tablespoons in a glass of water for a refreshing and health-boosting drink.
17. Chocolate Milk
Chocolate milk combines protein and natural sugars, making it an excellent recovery drink. A cup provides about 8 grams of protein and is rich in calcium and vitamins. It’s a tasty way to recharge after a workout or during a busy day.
18. Guayusa Tea
Guayusa tea, a traditional Amazonian drink, has about 90 mg of caffeine per cup. It’s rich in antioxidants and delivers smooth energy without jitters. Its earthy flavor and calming effect make it a great coffee alternative.
19. Wheatgrass Juice
Wheatgrass juice is a nutrient powerhouse, rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Though it lacks caffeine, its revitalizing properties support energy and detoxification. Just one ounce delivers a potent health boost.
20. Homemade Electrolyte Drinks
Mix water, a pinch of salt, honey, and a splash of citrus juice to create a natural electrolyte drink. This DIY option hydrates and replenishes lost minerals, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought energy drinks.
Conclusion
While energy drinks can be a quick fix, their long-term health risks outweigh the temporary benefits.
I always recommend checking the label and opting for healthier alternatives like water or natural energy boosters. Want to learn more about safer options?
Explore my guide to low-caffeine, zero-sugar energy drinks now!
FAQs
What energy drink is the most unhealthy?
Redline Xtreme is among the most unhealthy, with 316 mg of caffeine in just 8 oz, posing risks of heart issues, insomnia, and extreme energy crashes.
Is Red Bull or Monster worse?
Monster is worse due to its higher sugar content (54g in 16 oz versus Red Bull’s 27g in 8.4 oz) and larger serving size, leading to higher calorie intake.
What is the safest energy drink to drink?
Zevia Zero Calorie Energy is one of the safest, with 120 mg of natural caffeine, zero sugar, and no artificial additives, offering a clean and steady energy boost.