5 Caffeinated Drinks To Try Instead Of Celsius

Celsius Holdings Inc., the creator of the widely popular Celsius energy drinks, has made quite a name for itself in the ever-growing global energy drink market. Celsius energy drinks are best known for their supposedly healthy formula, claimed to provide an efficacious metabolic boost. Celsius is formulated with green tea extract, which contains EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) renowned for its thermogenic properties, and guarana seed extract that delivers a natural caffeine kick. It also includes ginger root and taurine, along with vitamins like Biotin, Riboflavin, and vitamins B6 and B12.

However, it contains sucralose, an artificial sweetener that can cause health issues when consumed on a regular basis. Drinking something with sucralose every once in a while is fine, but if you drink something like Celsius every single day, a constant consumption of sucralose could negatively impact gut bacteria, which affects digestion, immune function, and mood regulation. It can also alter the body's insulin response and blood sugar levels, potentially leading to metabolic disorders. Consuming sucralose often can also cause a change in taste preferences, deliver carcinogenic effects, and result in migraines.

Celsius has been witnessing remarkable growth over the past few years, but it's not exactly accurate to label its energy drink as healthy. Nevertheless, in its annual report for 2022, Celsius Holdings Inc. announced annual revenues exceeding $200 million, a testament to the product's growing popularity. The brand's main demographic of adults between 18 and 34 is mirrored in its marketing strategies, which often feature fitness influencers, professional athletes, and celebrities endorsing the product.

But if you want an energy boost from caffeine daily without consuming sucralose, here are several alternatives.

MUD/WTR

The brand offers various morning starter kits such as rise Cacao. It's a mix of ayurvedic herbs, adaptogens, and cacao—and all ingredients are organic. The masala chai is what brings the caffeine into the drink, and it's accompanied by lion's mane, cordyceps, and reishi, all of which help your body better process the caffeine. It comes in the form of a powder, so you can either make a hot or iced drink for yourself in the morning.

Zevia Zero Calorie Energy

There are many different flavors to choose from (grapefruit, raspberry lime, kola, mango ginger, etc.), and each of these Zevia drinks are sweetened with stevia. The caffeine source is organic and there are 120 milligrams of caffeine in each can.

Sambazon Acai Energy Drink

With only six grams of sugar and 40 calories, this energy drink is a good alternative to anything with sucralose because it's sweetened with erythritol and stevia. Green tea, yerba mate, and guarana are the sources of caffeine, and one serving is equivalent to two espresso shots.

Nuun Energy

You get 80 milligrams of caffeine, 20 milligrams of adaptogens, and only 15 calories in each serving from these little tablets. All you have to do is dissolve one in about 16 ounces of water (and add ice if you like). Nuun tablets boast the Informed Choice checkmark, a quality assurance program that requires third-party testing to receive its approval.

Rowdy Energy

Sweetened with monk fruit, stevia, and erythritol, these energy drinks come in a variety of flavors such as strawberry lemonade, cherry limeade, peach mango, and more. Each can offers 160 milligrams of caffeine, which comes from green tea, as well as vitamin C and L-theanine.

Neuro Gum

Okay, it's a not drink. But it's a solid alternative if you want a caffeine boost without any of the nasty ingredients. The whole purpose of Neuro Gum is to help you focus on what's in front of you by using natural caffeine, L-theanine, and B vitamins. Each piece of gum has 40 milligrams of caffeine.