Energy drinks are everywhere these days.
You see them in the gym, at the office, in people’s backpacks, and maybe even tucked in cupholders during your morning commute.
As common as energy drinks are, they used to be packed full of sugar more often than not.
But now that there are endless sugar-free energy drink options, they’re marketed as the “better” alternative. No sugar, fewer calories, and packed full of smooth energy.
But are sugar-free energy drinks actually better for you?
Let’s clear the air about what sugar-free energy drinks are really about…
Especially if you’re somebody who is serious about your health, performance, and making choices to bring you closer to your goals ... You'll want to stick around and keep reading.
In This Article:
• What Sugar-Free Energy Drinks Actually Are
• Common Concerns and What Science Says
• How to Pick a Better Option
• What Is the Best Option for You
What Are Sugar-Free Energy Drinks, Really?
Let’s start with the basics. A sugar-free energy drink is exactly what it sounds like…
It’s an energizing beverage that skips the added sugar. But sugar-free doesn’t mean ingredient-free, and this is where things get interesting.
Common Ingredients:
Caffeine – The go-to for increased alertness and energy
B Vitamins – To help your body produce energy naturally
Artificial or Natural Sweeteners – Like sucralose, aspartame, or stevia
They're popular among folks looking to reduce sugar intake while still getting that much-needed kick of energy to crush their workout or attack their 3 PM meetings.
Are Sugar-Free Energy Drinks Actually Healthy?
Ah, the million-dollar question … and here’s the truth: it depends.
There’s a lot of chatter out there about the downsides of sugar-free energy drinks. Some of it is valid. Some of it is exaggerated. So let’s take a moment and break it all down.
Metabolic Effects
There are some studies that show that sugar-free sodas may contribute to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, but in my experience, here’s what I have found:
First, as a Type 1 Diabetic, I have noticed zero negative impact on my blood sugar levels when drinking sugar-free sodas or sugar-free energy drinks.
Second, I have helped people lose tens of thousands of pounds in their health and fitness journeys, and sugar-free beverages have only shown to help. In addition to that, there are studies that show improvements to body weight, blood sugar readings, and a whole lot more (1).
Neurological Concerns
There have been studies that show negative effects on brain health when using artificial sweeteners.
But where those studies tend to mislead you is here:
Many of these studies use WAY more than normal human dosages. For example, one of the big studies used 500 ppm up to 16,000 ppm sucralose in feed. That’s equivalent to 75 mg/kg up to 2400 mg/kg.
I’d have to drink 90 Diet Cokes to reach 40 mg/kg sucralose. So these studies use insanely high doses above what’s realistic for humans to consume.
With that being said, it’s often found that further studies must be done to clarify the potential risk, but as of now, humans show very minimal negative effects (2).
Cardiovascular Risks
Energy drinks can cause cardiovascular health risks. However, it all depends on what’s in it, your specific health situation, and a number of other factors, too.
While caffeine can increase your heart rate and your blood pressure, so can coffee, and so can working out.
But in this conversation, one thing that matters a lot is context. Having one smartly formulated sugar-free energy drink per day? Probably fine.
Slamming 3+ daily? That’s a different story. Too much of anything is typically not good!
What To Look For In Sugar-Free Energy Drinks
If you’re going to grab a sugar-free energy drink, you want to make sure you’re getting a good one.
That means not only one that is delicious, but one that has quality ingredients, too!
Here are 3 things to look at when picking out an energy drink for you:
Caffeine Content
Try to keep it 200mg per serving or less, especially if you're sensitive to caffeine (3).
Natural Ingredients
Natural ingredients like coffee fruit extract, natural flavors, and natural caffeine tend to be easier on the gut for most people.
Transparency
If the label looks like a chemistry project, it’s probably not built with your performance & health in mind.
Pro Tip: Look for brands that tell you why they use each ingredient, not just what’s in it.
Real Talk: Are Sugar-Free Energy Drinks Safe?
Yes, they absolutely can be! That is, if you’re smart about how you use them.
Just like it can be for anything, everything in moderation is typically best.
A sugar-free energy drink can be a helpful tool to support your performance. A sugar-free energy drink can also be a great way to help you get through a long day. But it shouldn’t replace the quality habits that can help keep you energized throughout the day.
Everyone’s different, so you have to know your own body. If caffeine makes you jittery, skip the super-high caffeinated cans. If you’re managing a health condition, talk with your doctor first.
Okay, So What Should I Be Drinking for Energy?
Well, I’m glad you asked!
The unfortunate fact is that energy doesn’t just come from a can … Energy comes from:
• Good nutrition
• Hydration
• Quality sleep
• Consistency in your routine
But for those moments when you need an extra kick, sugar-free energy drinks can be a big help!
The best part about them? You can get the energy, hydration, and focus all in one … without the sugar.
Which Sugar-Free Energy Drink Is Best For You?
The best energy drink for you will depend on a number of factors. But if you are looking for a high-quality, sugar-free energy drink, then you are in the right place.
You see, here at 1st Phorm, we are a company that is founded on quality, built on service, and measured by results … and our energy drinks aren’t any different.
Phorm Energy isn’t just another energy drink. It’s a premium sugar-free energy drink, and we built this thing to help you fuel your performance.
Smooth Energy & Focus: Natural caffeine from green tea to improve mental clarity.
Zero Sugar or Artificial Flavors: Provides hydration and mental focus to help support your goals.
Transparent Ingredients: You deserve to know what you’re drinking and why it works.
Here’s the deal: just because it says sugar-free doesn’t mean it’s better for you. That’s a myth. If you need fewer calories from an energy drink, sure, sugar-free may be a better option for you. However, there's a lot more to consider when it comes to an energy drink other than its sugar content.
If you’re ready to feel the difference a clean energy drink can make...
Discover all Phorm Energy Flavors here!
References:
(1) McGlynn ND, et al. Association of Low‑and No‑Calorie Sweetened Beverages as a Replacement for Sugar‑Sweetened Beverages with Body Weight and Cardiometabolic Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta‑analysis. JAMA Network Open. 2022;5(3):e222092.
(2) Toews I, et al. Association Between Intake of Non-Sugar Sweeteners and Health Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of Randomised and Non-Randomised Controlled Trials and Observational Studies. BMJ. 2019;364:l471.
(3) Nawrot P, et al. Safety of Ingested Caffeine: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Clinical Toxicology. 2015.