15 Zero Sugar (Energy) Drinks That Will Electrify You

Are you on the hunt for an electrifying boost without the sugar crash? When you have so many options for the best diet soda or non-diet sodas, such as Sprite Zero Sugar, Diet Mountain Dew, Diet Pepsi, diet soda, root beer (nonalcoholic, caffeine-free, sweet, and carbonated drink), and regular soda, it’s tough to find one that gives you an energy boost without loading you up with sugar.

BUT HEY, GOOD NEWS!

Zero-sugar energy drinks are popping up everywhere, giving you a way to stay energized, stay healthy, and enjoy some tasty flavors.

Whether you’re hitting the gym or need an afternoon boost, these 15 zero-sugar energy drinks have got your back. Check out the following list of energy drinks to find the perfect one to keep you pumped and focused, all while sticking to your wellness goals.

#1 Lemon and Lime Water

Water with a splash of lemon juice, often found in fancy restaurants, is a great zero-sugar energy drink to enjoy anywhere at any time. If you’re after a bolder taste, consider adding lime juice or a mix of both lemon and lime to your water. This twist can add an extra zing to your refreshment. It’s naturally low or zero in calories and can give a slight energy boost through its refreshing flavors and hydration properties.

#2 Zevia Zero Calorie Energy Drink

Zevia’s sugar-free energy drinks are a great choice if you’re looking for a healthier boost. These drinks have no sugar and use stevia, a type of natural sweetener, to add a sweet flavor. Each can give you 120 mg of caffeine from green tea leaves, keeping you energized.

The tropical flavors are refreshing, though you might notice a slight aftertaste from the stevia. Plus, they’re free from artificial colors or preservatives, making them a smart pick for your health.

#3 Coffee

Coffee is a natural stimulant, thanks to its high caffeine content. Zero-sugar coffee is typically cold brews or coffee extracts that do not contain added sugars. Such zero-sugar beverages focus on the pure, strong flavor of the coffee.

Some brands enhance their products with additional energy-boosting compounds like taurine (an amino acid) or vitamins to appeal to health-conscious consumers. If you love coffee and want to cut back on sugar, here are some easy tips:

• Add cinnamon and nutmeg to your coffee for a natural sweetness.
• Use with various milks like almond, soy, or hazelnut.
• Keep an eye on added sugars in some brands.
• Keep track of how much sugar you usually add to your coffee each week and try to stretch that amount over two weeks instead.

#4 Zoa Zero Sugar Energy Drink

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson created this energy drink, which has 160 mg of natural caffeine from sources like green tea extract. It’s available in several great flavors, all sugar-free, with only 15 calories per can. Plus, it includes 250 mg of branched-chain amino acids. Each can give you all the vitamin C, B6, and B12 you need for the day. Just a heads-up, it does have the sweetener sucralose in it.

#5 Clean Cause Yerba Mate

Yerba mate, a caffeinated tea from the yerba mate tree, gives Clean Cause drinks their energizing boost. These drinks mix in sparkling water and use stevia leaf extract to keep things sweet without the calories.

They also have 160 mg of caffeine per can, but just a heads-up, they use erythritol for sweetness, which might not sit well with everyone’s stomach. What’s really great, though, is that Clean Cause donates half of its profits to help people recovering from alcohol and drug addiction. So when you choose their drinks, you’re supporting a good cause.

#6 Thai Iced Tea or Hot Green Tea

Green tea comes in many flavors, from light and floral to rich and spicy. Whatever your taste is, there’s a tea for you. Teas vary in caffeine content, too, so you can enjoy one that fits your energy needs. You can brew tea hot or cold, make it right before you drink it, or ahead of time, and it doesn’t have any sugar. It’s a versatile and enjoyable drink for any occasion.

Thai iced tea is an energizing beverage, especially when made from leaves that naturally contain caffeine, like black or green tea. Opting for a zero-sugar version means avoiding added sweeteners and relying instead on the natural flavors of the tea leaves themselves. Many also infuse these drinks with herbs like ginseng or guarana for an extra energy boost.

#7 Celsius Energy Drink

Celsius has really caught on lately because it’s low in sugar and packs a solid 200 mg of caffeine, which is more than you’ll find in most other energy drinks. Each 12-ounce can is free of added sugars, using a mix of stevia and erythritol instead for sweetness.

It also includes seven vitamins and minerals, like vitamin C and a few B vitamins, to help give you a boost. With 15 different flavors and a handy powder form that mixes easily with water, it’s great for energy on the move. But remember, even though Celsius claims it can help burn body fat, it’s no magic solution.

#8 Fruit and Herb Infusions

Fruit and herb infusions involve steeping fruits and herbs in water, creating a drink that’s full of flavor and antioxidants with zero added sugars. Ingredients like mint, ginger, and berries can contribute not only to the taste but also provide mild energy-boosting effects.

These drinks get tastier the longer you let them sit. For refreshing cucumber-lemon water, just add slices of lemon and cucumber to a jug of cold water and let it steep for at least 4 hours. You could also get a reusable infusion water bottle to take your flavorful water with you wherever you go.

#9 Uptime Premium Energy Drink

These slim, 12-ounce bottles pack a punch with 142 mg of natural caffeine derived from L-Theanine, Panax ginseng root, and angelica root extracts. They’re sugar-free, using stevia as a sweetener, so you get a hint of sweetness without it being overpowering. People really enjoy the variety of flavors and appreciate that the taste isn’t too sweet. However, some find the metal container a bit tough to open.

#10 Flavored and Unflavored Sparkling Water

Aside from tea, sparkling water is probably the strongest choice if you’re looking for diet sodas. You can find it plain or in a wide variety of flavors like Strawberry Lemongrass, Peach Mango, and Key Lime—there are hundreds to try.

If you’re trying to give up regular soda but still want that fizzy sensation, sparkling water is a great zero-sugar-free option. Some brands include caffeine and minerals to make these beverages more energizing, appealing to those looking for a subtle energy lift without the sugar crash.

#11 Freshly Made Lemonade

Freshly made lemonade, when prepared without sugar, can be a tart and refreshing zero-sugar drink. Sweetened naturally with non-caloric sweeteners or enjoyed with its natural tartness, it’s a good beverage for a refreshing, low-calorie energy boost.

This simple swap helps you cut down on refined sugar. For an extra flavor twist, toss in some mint leaves or slices of strawberry. It tastes good and will make your every sip enjoyable!

#12 Coconut Water

Coconut water, with about 8-10 grams of sugar, is a smart choice if you’re trying to cut back on sugar but still want a tropical taste. It’s different from coconut milk, which is creamy. Instead, coconut water is light, slightly sweet, and has a refreshing nutty flavor. Perfect for cooling off or enjoying a naturally sweet drink.

It is a great drink for energy replenishment, especially post-exercise. Its natural sweetness means it doesn’t require additional sugar to enhance its flavor, making it a healthy, energizing option.

#13 Focusaid Clean Energy Drink

This energizing drink is packed with B vitamins and has 100 mg of natural caffeine from yerba mate leaves, giving you a nice boost. It’s also gluten-free, vegan, and low in calories.

Instead of sucralose, it’s sweetened with organic agave nectar and stevia leaf extract, so it tastes just right. While it only comes in two flavors, it’s almost like a multivitamin, providing 100% of the daily value for many nutrients.

#14 Maple Water

You might be surprised to hear that you can drink something straight from a maple tree, but not in the way you might think. Unlike thick maple syrup, maple water is a light, refreshing energy drink alternative. It comes directly from the maple tree sap and is almost entirely water.

This drink is natural, without any added stuff to change its purity. Each 8 oz glass of maple water has just 15 calories and contains a bit of natural sugar, about 5-10 grams, giving it a subtle and pleasing taste. You’ll find it surprisingly refreshing and easy to sip.

#15 Kombucha

Kombucha is still a popular health trend, and you can find it in most grocery stores. Kombucha is a type of fermented tea that naturally contains trace amounts of alcohol and sugars. Still, it can be found in zero-sugar varieties that utilize non-caloric sweeteners or are simply less sweet.

It also has probiotics that help your stomach stay healthy. Some health food stores even serve it fresh from the tap. Its taste is pretty strong, and while it might not be for everyone, it’s definitely worth a try if you’re into healthier drink options.

Hidden Benefits of a Sugar-Free Diet

Refined sugars found in drinks, sweets, and coffee get absorbed by your body quickly, which can be overwhelming for it. So, adopting sugar-free drinks can bring many hidden benefits that go beyond obvious health improvements like weight management and reduced risk of diabetes.

This is because if you cut down on sugar, get some exercise, and start eating healthy, you can boost your heart health, strengthen your immune system, and lower the risk of any heart disease. Here are some of the benefits of a sugar-free diet, such as:

• Eating less sugar helps in burning fat and keeping a stable weight. You can use natural sweeteners like dates, stevia, and honey instead. These are healthier and won’t make you gain weight. Even fruits like bananas contain sugar and are good for weight management.
• Reduce your sugar cravings. For example, if you start eating less sugar, your dopamine levels will go back to normal, and you won’t feel as strongly a need for sugary treats. But if you eat a lot of sugary foods, your brain releases more dopamine, which makes you crave sweets even more.
• If you want clearer skin, cutting down on sugar is a smart move. Too much sugar makes your body produce more insulin and other hormones that can lead to acne.
• Reducing sugar can protect your brain and help you stay focused. The reason is that excessive sugar intake over time can also impact your brain health. It can make your body less responsive to insulin and mess with your blood sugar levels, raising the risk of brain conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
• Balance your mood swings and also support your overall health. After eating something sugary, you might initially feel sharp and alert, but when your blood sugar crashes, you could end up feeling anxious. This doesn’t happen with whole foods that have natural sugars or natural flavors.

Difference Between Zero-Sugar Drinks and Sugar-Free Drinks

When you’re looking at drinks with little to no sugar, you’ll often see labels like zero-sugar and sugar-free. That’s what each one really means:

• Zero-Sugar Drink: These don’t have any sugar added to them, whether it’s natural sugar or the kind that’s added in processing. They might still have some calories and carbs from other ingredients, though. Usually, they’re sweetened with stuff like artificial sweeteners to give you that sweet taste without the sugar.
• Sugar-Free Drinks: These are a bit stricter. They have no sugar at all, not even less than half a gram per serving. They won’t have any sugar-based sweeteners either. These sugar-free drinks might use artificial sweeteners to keep them tasting good without using actual sugar.

Both kinds of drinks are great if you’re trying to cut down on sugar, whether to manage your health or cut calories. What you choose might just depend on what you’re looking for in a drink and how it fits with your diet.

Common Ingredients in Zero-Sugar Energy Drinks

You must be wondering what’s really in your energy drink. Each energy drink has its own boasts of a natural energy blend, but remember, companies don’t have to share how much of each ingredient they use. So, here you have a clear look at 10 common ingredients found in these drinks and what they mean for you.

1. A little bit of caffeine can help you feel more alert and improve your athletic performance. Just try to keep it to no more than 200 mg at a time and not more than twice a day. You can try some of my favorite non-caffeine drink options from Starbucks if you want to limit your caffeine intake.
2. Despite its popularity, there’s no solid proof that ginseng can boost your energy. In fact, it might even make it harder for you to endure during exercise. Plus, it can lower your blood sugar, so avoid energy drinks if you’re on diabetes meds.
3. B6, B12, niacin, and folic acid are all safe since your body gets rid of any extra through urine. However, they probably won’t give you an energy boost, even though many energy drinks say they will.
4. Watch out for sugar in energy drinks. Some have as much as 62 grams per can, which adds up to 250 calories—that’s more than what’s in a large soda and way over what you should have in a day.
5. Taurine amino acids might help improve your athletic skills and metabolism. It’s safe up to about 3,000 mg a day, but going up to 6,000 mg could harm your DNA.
6. Green tea extract offers a mild caffeine boost and lots of antioxidants that fight cancer. But there’s no strong proof green tea extract can help you lower blood pressure especially in energy drinks without sugar versions.
7. The extract of the guarana plant is also packed with caffeine. This plant is found in South America. It helps with weight loss or reduces fatigue, but it is questionable.
8. Coming from unroasted coffee beans, the green coffee extract has caffeine but doesn’t taste like coffee. There’s no solid evidence yet that it helps with weight loss, but it is mostly used in energy drinks.
9. Ginkgo Biloba, a kind of herb, is also used in some zero-sugar energy drinks. These are used as natural sources and thought to combat mental tiredness and boost memory.
10. Carnitine amino acid is also a main ingredient in energy drink manufacturing to help burn fat. But unless you’re lacking carnitine, adding extra to your diet isn’t useful. Stick to less than 3 grams a day to avoid side effects like stomach problems and a fishy smell.

FAQs

How Many Zero-Sugar Energy Drinks Are Too Many?

When it comes to zero-sugar energy drinks, it’s smart to stick to just one can a day. That’s because each can pack a lot of caffeine—often as much as four cups of coffee! The safe limit for caffeine is about 400 milligrams per day, which you can hit with just one energy drink.

Drinking more than that can lead to jitteriness and other unwanted side effects. So, to keep things safe and avoid too much caffeine, try to keep it to one can if you’re reaching for a zero-sugar energy boost.

What Are the Diet Sodas?

Diet sodas are popular drinks worldwide, especially for those looking to cut down on sugar or calories. These beverages use artificial sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose instead of sugar. This makes them a favorite choice for people watching their weight or sugar intake.

Many of the well-known sugary drinks have a diet version, such as Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Diet Pepsi, Sprite Zero Sugar, and Diet Mountain Dew. The concept of diet sodas started in the 1950s, originally for diabetics, but it quickly became popular among those trying to manage their weight. Although they don’t contain sugar or calories, the health impacts of diet sodas and their sweeteners are a topic of debate.

How Do Diet Sodas Taste Like?

If you’re curious about how diet sodas taste, Diet Coke is a great example of having its own distinct flavor. Diet Coke isn’t just a low-calorie version of regular Coke; it’s a whole different drink. It’s got a unique taste that’s lighter and crisper than the original. The sweetness and tartness are balanced differently, which makes it a good choice if you want something that stands out on its own.

Do Sugar-Free Energy Drinks Keep You Awake?

While energy drinks can help keep you awake, they’re not for everyone. They have caffeine, which can mess with your sleep and make you feel anxious. They might also upset your stomach or increase urination. If caffeine usually bothers you, you must avoid energy drinks, especially if you’re trying to avoid sugar to keep your energy up without the extra calories.

Who Should Avoid Zero-Sugar Energy Drinks?

According to Sommer, the following groups should not drink zero-sugar energy drinks because of the health risks:

• Children and teens.
• Pregnant and nursing women.
• People with health issues like heart or kidney disease.
• Anyone on regular medication for health problems.

As a Final Point

Choosing zero-sugar energy drinks offers a smart alternative for those looking to maintain their energy levels without the downsides of sugar consumption. The variety and benefits of these drinks cater to everyone’s tastes and needs. By opting for zero-sugar options, you not only avoid the notorious sugar crash but also contribute positively to your overall health and wellness. With offerings from natural sources like green tea and yerba mate to innovative options like kombucha and maple water, there’s certainly a zero-sugar-free energy drink to suit everyone’s preferences. But make sure to consume these drinks in moderation and choose ones that align best with your dietary needs and health goals.