Perk up without jitters or sleepless nights.
Our product recommendations are selected by editors, tested first-hand, or expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site.
An energy drink can get you through a mid-afternoon slump and deliver the oomph you need pre-workout. The problem is, many energy drinks pack high levels of caffeine. (Cue jitters, GI issues, headaches, and insomnia.)
Before you go defending your beloved Celsius—we picked it as our healthiest energy drink, and consider it pretty good for you if you need a boost—caffeine isn’t necessarily bad for you. It’s a natural stimulant that has many health benefits. A review in Nutrition Bulletin reveals that it can boost mood and alertness at 37.5 milligrams (mg) per day—that’s less than the caffeine you’d find in a cup of coffee (1, 2). But if you drink the equivalent of 4 cups of caffeinated coffee daily, those benefits could give way to side effects (3). Some people’s caffeine tolerance is so low that it doesn’t take much to feel restless and have trouble sleeping, and some find that even small amounts heighten feelings of anxiety.
What do you do when you need a boost, but don’t want a highly caffeinated energy drink or another cup of coffee? Caffeine-free energy drinks could be the answer. Caffeine-free energy drinks rely on other ingredients to perk you up. Popular choices include amino acids, B vitamins, and electrolytes. Each ingredient works differently, but they have one thing in common: They provide energy without the jitters.
So, if you’re searching for a caffeine-free pick-me-up, look no further. We rounded up four caffeine-free, sugar-free options to try.
In place of caffeine, BioTechUSA’s flavored drink powder has amino acids, plant extracts, vitamins, and minerals. A single serving provides roughly 100 percent of your daily needs of vitamin B6 and vitamin B12, both of which your body needs to access and make energy from food and make oxygen-carrying red blood cells (4). This drink powder was designed as a pre-workout, so it also contains electrolytes to keep your muscles firing when you sweat. Drink flavors include Tropical Fruit and Lemon Iced Tea.
Mtn Ops’ Enduro drink powder was designed as a cardio enhancer. It contains amino acids L-Arginine and L-Citruline, which the manufacturer claims support normal blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles and cells. Thus, giving you the energy to go longer. In fact, a 2020 review in Nutrients found that L-Arginine supplementation could improve cardio performance (5). Purchase a tub for your kitchen or score trail packs to bring on long runs and rides. Choose between eight flavors, including Tiki Island Punch, Raspberry, and Black Cherry.
These hydration powders are packed with electrolytes, vitamins, and the amino acid L-Tyrosine. L-Tyrosine is key in creating epinephrine (adrenaline), norepinephrine, and dopamine (6). Your body releases these brain chemicals—also known as neurotransmitters—to help you handle stress (7). In that sense, L-Tyrosine may help you fight fatigue. However, keep in mind that the research isn’t rock-solid yet, although a 2011 study found that L-Tyrosine helped cyclists bike longer in the heat (8). The drink powder comes in many flavors, including Blueberry Acai and Tropical Citrus.
When the 3 p.m. slump hits, reach for this neuroscientist-formulated energy drink to pick your tired, fatigued body up off the floor. Made with natural ingredients and zero caffeine, Synapse is formulated with 10 different nootropics (like L-theanine and creatine) to provide a dose of laser focus and mental clarity that powers you through the finish line. Its unique flavor comes from a blend of ginger and Asian pear, for a slightly sparkling, fresh drink that you can pop any time of day without throwing off your whole sleep cycle.
Related Articles
May 30, 2024
According to the celebrity chef, eating “healthy” foods you hate, dieting, and restriction are off the menu.
Mar 12, 2024
If thick protein shakes aren’t your vibe, consider these drinks a tastey alternative.
Mar 12, 2024
Air-fried chicken: crispy and delicious. PFAS chemicals: not so much.
Apr 25, 2023
Our perks include filling, protein-rich lunches in five minutes or less.
Jun 05, 2024
They share a few key benefits—and one major problem.
Oct 19, 2022
It tastes like Bisquick, looks like milk, and I can't stop drinking it.
