Energy Drinks That Give You Pep Without Giving You Cancer

Whenever one of my patients mentions “energy drinks”, I cringe.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind? Processed, chemically enhanced liquid that contains caffeine.
I thought, “Are there any energy drinks out there that are healthier than others?” Of course!
If you need some pep in your step choose these energy drinks instead of the bull that gives you wings.

7 Natural Energy Boosting Beverages

Steaz

Steaz makes a few different natural canned teas and an energy shot. They are all natural, contain clean ingredients, and sweeten with some stevia or carrot juice. I love all of their products, and you get a natural caffeine boost from real tea and some B-vitamins. Rating: A

FRS Energy Drinks

These low in caffeine with about 35mg coming from green tea. FRS drinks contain added antioxidants from green tea, and quercetin. Some are sweetened with Stevia but others Splenda! FRS claims you get your energy boost from the potent antioxidants that are targeted to fight fatigue, and the boost of B-vitamins. Rating: B+

Ex Drinks

Contains 80 mg of natural caffeine and use beet sugar and stevia to lightly sweeten. Most drinks do not contain anything artificial.  Watch out for the flavors that contain more sugar. Another complaint is that there is a longer list of ingredients. I like the flavors that contain some kombucha for the probiotic benefits. Rating: B

 V8 Energy Shots

This is reconstituted “vegetable” juice shot with Splenda. They say this gives you a serving of fruits and vegetables, but I am not convinced. You get a small energy boost from the green tea extract. You might as well make a cup of tea and put a teaspoon of honey in it. This would give you more natural results! 1 bottle is 10 grams of sugar. Rating: B-

Starbuck’s Double Shot Light

Simple ingredients of espresso, cream, splenda, and acesulfame K in this canned latte. Of course, I don’t prefer the artificial sweeteners. Why not get a real coffee? Rating: C+

Hawaiian OLA Energy

OLA is a high antioxident energy shot with Noni, Goji, and Acai Juices and 140mg of natural caffeine from yerba mate’ and green tea. It has a nice dose of B vitamins and only 6 grams worth of natural sugars. Be careful because the caffeine may be too high for some. Rating: A

Celestial Seasonings Enerji Shots

This is another all-natural energy shot with 100mg of caffeine from green tea. It’s sweetened with cain juice and stevia while giving a nice boost in energy and alertness. It’s easy to drink and not cough syrup tasting like the popular 5 Hour Energy. Rating: A
Remember: Do not combine any energy drinks with alcohol or drink more than one in a short period of time.
Overall, I prefer to try to increase my energy naturally by taking a quick walk, stretching, or drinking more water. If that doesn’t work, I grab a small black coffee!
How about you, do you drink any caffeine during your day?