Energy drinks come in many brands with different ingredients, but some features are constant, namely caffeine, sugar, and calories. Most energy drinks can have high amounts of sugar and calories, which is pretty unhealthy if you’re consuming them regularly.
Fortunately, zero-calorie energy drinks are widely available in most places. They’re marketed toward the health-conscious, gym enthusiasts, and high-performers.
Zero-calorie energy drinks have no calories at all, yet can boost your alertness and exercise performance all the same. They’re great options if you’re on diet, or have a consistent workout routine.
If you’re interested to find out more on zero-calorie energy drinks, read on for a detailed discussion on how they’re better for your health and which brands check out all the boxes.
Let’s get started…
Page Contents
What Should You Look For In A Zero-Calorie Energy Drink?
Calories
For zero-calorie energy drinks, the first thing that you should be focusing on is the calorie content.
Some energy drinks can contain lots of sugar, which leads to a high-calorie content. While these drinks are tasty, they’re not healthy and can lead to weight gain in the long term.
Plus, the recommended daily calorie intake is 2,500 calories and 2,000 calories for men and women respectively. Thus, it’s definitely a wise decision to go for zero-calorie energy drinks to maintain a healthy calorie intake.
The best way you can identify a zero-calorie energy drink is to check its nutritional label on the can.
Caffeine Content
Caffeine is an important ingredient in energy drinks as it contributes to higher cognitive health and physical performance.
The amount of caffeine you will need depends on your tolerance towards caffeine. So, before buying a zero-calorie energy drink, make sure that you know your limits with caffeine.
However, keep in mind that an energy drink with a high caffeine content won’t necessarily be more effective.
For reference, the FDA approves a daily caffeine intake of 400mg of caffeine for healthy adults. If you consume more than this amount, you may experience side effects like:
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- Dehydration
- Restlessness
- Rapid heart rate
Make sure to consume caffeine in moderation and choose an energy drink with a suitable caffeine content that aligns with your tolerance.
Artificial Sweeteners
Most zero-calorie energy drinks contain artificial sweeteners. The most popular artificial sweeteners are Sucralose and Acesulfame-K.
Sucralose and Acesulfame-K are zero-calorie sweeteners that are used to enhance the flavor of food products without sugar. They’re approved for use by the FDA and are safe for consumption.
They’re also pretty sweet and can help satisfy your sweet tooth without the unnecessary calories. However, considering that we don’t know much about their long-term side effects, it’s best to consume them in moderation.
Do Zero-Calorie Energy Drinks Help You Lose Weight?
Zero-calorie energy drinks will not make you lose weight unless you have a proper exercise and diet plan.
But, zero-calorie energy drinks can play a role in your weight loss program by supplying you with energy for your exercise sessions.
The caffeine in zero-calorie energy drinks can boost your energy levels and metabolism, as well as improve fat-burning while you work out.
For more effective results, you have to make sure to consume fewer calories than the ones you burn off.
In short, zero-calorie energy drinks can boost weight loss efforts but most of it requires your own discipline in following your routine.
In short, zero-calorie energy drinks can boost weight loss efforts but most of it requires your own discipline in following your routine.
Do Zero-Calorie Energy Drinks Make You Gain Weight?
Drinking zero-calorie energy drinks won’t make you gain weight.
Zero-calorie energy drinks have no calories at all. So, you won’t easily gain weight from drinking them.
However, if you have these drinks while consuming other high-calorie foods and beverages, you’ll eventually rack up a few pounds over time.
Are Zero-Calorie Energy Drinks Bad For Your Health?
Zero-calorie energy drinks aren’t bad for your health if you don’t have any health problems and consume them in moderation.
Zero-calorie energy drinks are like regular energy drinks without sugar or calories. They’re healthier in the meantime as they won’t lead to sugar crashes or potential adverse effects like diabetes and weight gain.
If you drink them in moderate amounts, zero-calorie energy drinks won’t harm your health in any way.
For more information on healthy zero-calorie energy drinks, check out the video below:
Best Zero-Calorie Energy Drinks
| Energy Drinks | Calories | Caffeine | Sugar |
| Red Bull Total Zero | 0 | 80mg | 0g |
| Monster Zero Ultra | 0 | 140mg | 0g |
| Adrenaline Shoc | 0 | 300mg | 0g |
| Bang Energy | 0 | 300mg | 0g |
| Xtend | 0 | 125mg | 0g |
| Aspire | 0 | 80mg | 0g |
| C4 Energy | 0 | 200mg | 0g |
| Xyience | 0 | 175mg | 0g |
| Reign | 0 | 300mg | 0g |
| Emerge Sugar-Free | 2 | 75mg | 0g |
Red Bull Total Zero
Red Bull Total Zero is basically the classic Red Bull we all love and adore but without the unnecessary calories and sugar.
A single can of Red Bull Total Zero contains 80mg of caffeine, with a few vitamins and amino acids. The zero-calorie nature of Red Bull Total Zero would make it a great option if you’re on a diet.
If you want to know how Red Bull tastes and works, check out my review on Red Bull for my experience and thoughts on the drink.
Monster Zero Ultra
Monster Zero Ultra maintains the same taste and benefits as the Original Monster with better benefits for your health.
Each can of Monster Zero Ultra is completely calorie-free and contains 140mg of caffeine, along with some amino acids and vitamins.
If you’re a fan of Monster but prefer something with fewer calories and sugar, Monster Zero Ultra is perhaps your best option.
To know if it’s okay to have Monster daily, check out the article I’ve written on whether it’s okay to drink Monster every day for a detailed explanation.
Adrenaline Shoc
As a high-performance energy drink, Adrenaline Shoc strives to improve your energy levels, cognitive health, and physical endurance.
A 16 fl. oz can of Adrenaline Shoc has 300mg of caffeine, along with plenty of amino acids, vitamins, and electrolytes. Adrenaline Shoc would be a great complement to your workout routine as it can provide you with a stronger boost.
Plus, without any calories, Adrenaline Shoc would also complement your meals well if you’re on a diet.
If you want to know how well Adrenaline Shoc works, check out my article on whether Adrenaline Shoc really works for an in-depth discussion.
Bang Energy
Bang is one of the biggest names in the energy drink market, well-known among high-performers and gym enthusiasts.
A single can of Bang is calorie-free and has 300mg of caffeine, with a generous serving of electrolytes, vitamins and amino acids like BCAAs.
Bang has a high caffeine content, which might put you off the first time you see it. Rest assured, as it’s still within the normal range of caffeine an adult can consume in a day.
Want to get your own Bang? Check out some great spots and sites in my article on where to purchase Bang Energy.
Xtend
Xtend is an energy drink geared at the health enthusiasts and high-performers. It aims to boost performance and health with its potent mix of caffeine, amino acids and vitamins.
Xtend Energy is packed with beneficial ingredients for muscle growth, repair, and recoveries like BCAAs, electrolytes, and taurine.
It comes in two options, Xtend On-The-Go and Xtend Carbonated. The difference between the two is that Xtend Carbonated is caffeine-free.
Xtend On-The-Go contains 125mg of caffeine, which is a decent amount to get you going for your workouts and other tasks.
Aspire
With its active blend of energy-boosting ingredients, Aspire is a health-focused energy drink that aspires to boost exercise and cognitive performance.
From its natural caffeine content of 80mg, Aspire is loaded with nutrients like ginger root, L-Carnitine, and Vitamin C for better performance.
If you’re looking for something healthy to complement your diet, Aspire might be a good choice.
To know what Aspire tastes like and if it works, check out my review on Aspire Energy.
C4 Energy
Made by a well-known sports nutrition company, C4 Energy comes forward with is energizing ingredient profile and potential benefits.
Each can of C4 Energy has 200mg of caffeine, along with plenty of amino acids and health-boosting vitamins.
With all its caffeine and nutrients, C4 is an energy drink you’ll want to include in your diet and lifestyle for an excellent boost of energy.
If you’d like to know more, check out my review on C4 Energy Drink.
Xyience
Focused on boosting your physical reflexes, mental alertness and concentration, Xyience is the zero-calorie energy drink you’d want to fulfill your energy needs.
A 16 fl. oz can of Xyience contains 175mg of caffeine, along with a bunch of amino acids and vitamins.
While it has a pretty small flavor range, you can expect a decent boost fortified with plenty of vitamins and refreshing nutrients.
Reign
Alongside Bang, Reign is another highly caffeinated energy drink geared to improve vigilance, cognition and stamina.
A single can of Reign has 300mg of caffeine, along with a generous mix of vitamins, electrolytes and amino acids.
Marketed as a total body fuel energy drink, Reign would surely impress you with its incredible energy boost and benefits as well as line-up of flavors.
To know whether Reign or coffee is better, check out the article I’ve written on Reign VS Coffee for an interesting comparison.
Emerge Sugar-Free
A hit energy drink from the UK, Emerge is a rich fruit-flavored carbonated beverage with some amino acids and vitamins.
Its sugar-free option, Emerge Sugar-Free has an ideal caffeine content of 75mg and a meager 2 calories.
With its low calorie and caffeine content, Emerge is a great option to consider if you’re on a diet or working out.
Final Thoughts
Zero-calorie energy drinks are great alternatives to regular energy drinks, especially if you drink them consistently.
Without the additional calories or sugar, they’re much healthier and provide a cleaner boost to improve performance.
Zero-calorie energy drinks can be beneficial if you are on a diet or are generally health-conscious. They won’t lead to weight gain, instead they can contribute to your weight loss journey.
Still, zero-calorie energy drinks contain caffeine, so make sure to consume them in moderation.
Thus, if you’re looking for something to change your energy drink selection, go for a zero-calorie energy drink and see the difference.
Related Articles
- Celsius vs Coffee
- 10 Best Sugar-Free Energy Drinks
- Best Energy Drinks For High Blood Pressure
FAQs
Are zero sugar energy drinks good for weight loss? ›
Sugar free energy drinks are often lower in calories and carbohydrates than their sugary counterparts, making them a more healthy choice overall. Additionally, these drinks can offer benefits like improved mental clarity and focus, better physical performance, and even weight loss.
Red Bull Zero and Red Bull Sugarfree contain the same main ingredients – caffeine, taurine and some B-group vitamins. Both are made without sugars, instead using different low calorie sweeteners. Red Bull Zero gives consumers the choice to enjoy a product with a different taste than Red Bull Sugarfree.
Should you drink sugar free energy drinks? ›Two Curtin research studies have found the excessive consumption of energy drinks, even sugar-free varieties, can cause significant damage to brain cells and increase the risks of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
Two Curtin research studies have found the excessive consumption of energy drinks, even sugar-free varieties, can cause significant damage to brain cells and increase the risks of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.
How many sugar free Red Bulls can I drink in a day? ›While safe doses of caffeine vary by individual, current research recommends limiting caffeine to 400 mg per day or less in healthy adults ( 28 ). As one small 8.4-ounce (260-ml) can of Red Bull provides 75 mg of caffeine, drinking more than 5 cans per day could increase your risk of caffeine overdose ( 2 ).
- RUNA Energy Drinks.
- Zevia Energy.
- Bai Bubbles.
- EBOOST Super Fuel.
- Hiball Sparkling Energy Water.
- V8 +Energy.
- Matchabar Hustle.
- Guayaki Yerba Mate.
Summary: Occasionally drinking one energy drink is unlikely to cause problems. To reduce potential harm, limit your consumption to 16 ounces (473 ml) daily and avoid all other caffeinated beverages.
Red Bull Zero and Red Bull Sugarfree contain the same main ingredients – caffeine, taurine and some B-group vitamins. Both are made without sugar, instead using different low calorie sweeteners. Red Bull Zero gives consumers the choice to enjoy a product with a different taste than Red Bull Sugarfree.
Whats the difference between sugar free and zero? ›A couple of things stood out – first, Zero has three artificial sweeteners: aspartame (nutrasweet), sucralose (splenda) and acesulfame potassium (“Ace-K” in the food industry), while Sugarfree has only the latter two.
To be sugar-free is to consume zero sugar. This includes avoiding sugars that are found naturally in fruits, vegetables, honey, etc. However, according to the FDA, a food is considered “sugar-free” if it contains less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving.
Can you gain weight from zero calorie drinks? ›
No. Coke Zero Sugar is a zero-sugar, zero-calorie cola. Sugar alternatives are used in place of sugar in many foods and drinks to provide people with a reduced, low, or no sugar and calorie option.
...
Monster Energy Zero Ultra, Sugar Free Energy Drink.
| Vitamin B12 100% | Vitamin B6 100% |
|---|---|
| Erythritol | Niacin (Vit. B3) 100% |
| Pantothenic Acid (Vit. B5) 100% |
It's packed with B vitamins.
It's got a day's worth of niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and pantothenic acid—all key nutrients your body needs to function at its peak. Vitamin B6, in particular, may be tied to healthy immune function, a Nutrients review shows. And “all B vitamins help the body convert food into energy.
Consuming artificial sweeteners does not appear to cause weight gain — at least not in the short term. In fact, replacing sugar with artificial sweeteners may be helpful in reducing body weight — though only slightly at best.
Will I lose weight if I stop drinking energy drinks? ›A study from Victoria University found that when caffeine is in a sugary beverage it causes people to consumed more of that sugary beverage compared to a sugary beverage without caffeine. Quitting just a one Monster Energy Drink/day habit saves 200 calories per day, 1,400 calories a week, or 73,000 calories a year!
Sugar-free energy drinks still cause spike in blood glucose and insulin, linked to diabetes, study finds.
What happens if you drink energy drinks everyday? ›Excessive or regular consumption of energy drinks can lead to heart arrhythmias, headaches, high blood pressure, and anxiety, Popeck says. In the US, more than 20,000 emergency room visits in 2011 were associated with energy drink use.
Consuming too many energy drinks and thus too much of this stimulant can lead to a caffeine overdose. According to Healthline, severe cases can be life-threatening and cause you to experience trouble breathing, confusion, chest pain, and even convulsions.
How do you know if you're overdosing on caffeine? ›- Breathing trouble.
- Changes in alertness.
- Agitation, confusion, hallucinations.
- Convulsions (seizures)
- Diarrhea.
- Dizziness.
- Fever.
- Increased thirst.
- Jump Start With a Snack. Look for foods that have a low sugar index, as they are absorbed more slowly and won't lead to a sudden drop in energy. ...
- Eat Well and Regularly. ...
- Exercise. ...
- Try the Stimulating Breath Technique. ...
- Stay Hydrated. ...
- Take a Power Nap. ...
- Connect With Nature.
What is a natural energy booster? ›
Exercise is a natural energy booster, because whenever you do it, oxygen-rich blood surges through your body to your heart, muscles, and brain. Regularly squeezing a workout into your day -- even if you can spare only 10 minutes at a time -- will help keep your energy levels at their peak.
There is no industry standard for "healthy," so many energy drinks that claim to be healthy can still pose health risks. Drinks with less sugar are better, but some of the so-called "healthy" choices still contain added sugar – it's just organic cane sugar or honey rather than glucose or high fructose corn syrup.
Which energy drink gives you the most energy? ›Redline Xtreme tops the list of the energy drinks with the most caffeine. Drinking one 8-ounce bottle is the same as drinking three cups of coffee, and Redline will give you a significant energy boost without the inevitable sugar crash. What is this?
Though energy drinks aren't all bad, coffee is the better choice. The potential health benefits and the ability to restrict the number of additives when it comes to coffee outweigh the trace amounts of nutrients and sugar crash usually associated with energy drinks.
Which is better for you Red Bull or Monster? ›Red Bull also has less sugar and calories than Monster drinks, making it an ideal option for anyone counting calories. However, Monster drinks are usually priced lower than Red Bull, giving you more product and more caffeine. But Monster will likely give you more of a caffeine boost, given its total caffeine content.
Too many Monster Energy drinks can cause health problems including increased blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and mental health issues.
How many cups of coffee is equivalent to a monster? ›Besides 320 mg of caffeine - the amount in about four cups of coffee - the energy drink contained 4 ounces of sugar, several B vitamins and a proprietary "energy blend" of taurine and other ingredients that are often found drinks like Monster Energy, Red Bull and 5-Hour Energy.
For most people, the immediate effects of an energy drink will kick in within 10 minutes of consumption, peak at the 45 minute mark, and decline over the next 2-3 hours. Nevertheless, energy drinks and their ingredients will stay in your system for up to twelve hours.
Can you lose weight drinking sugar free Red Bull? ›What is this? One of the reasons people choose zero-calorie drinks like Red Bull Sugarfree is to avoid extra calories. But the evidence shows that consuming artificial sweeteners is surprisingly ineffective for weight loss. And they may even lead to weight gain.
Unless you cut about 200-500 calories from your diet, you won't be able to lose weight. Many people think that skipping a meal and consuming an energy drink can help create that deficit, but energy drinks are devoid of nutrition and high in empty calories.
Can you gain weight from zero calorie drinks? ›
No. Coke Zero Sugar is a zero-sugar, zero-calorie cola. Sugar alternatives are used in place of sugar in many foods and drinks to provide people with a reduced, low, or no sugar and calorie option.
- Green Tea.
- Kombucha.
- Protein Water.
- Coffee.
- Black Tea.
- Raw Apple Cider.
- Ginger Tea.
- Raw Vegetable Juice.
- Green Tea. Share on Pinterest. ...
- Coffee. Coffee is used by people around the world to boost energy levels and lift mood. ...
- Black Tea. Like green tea, black tea contains compounds that may stimulate weight loss. ...
- Water. ...
- Apple Cider Vinegar Drinks. ...
- Ginger Tea. ...
- High-Protein Drinks. ...
- Vegetable Juice.
Although these drinks have on average less than 12 calories per 8-ounces, they are chock-full of artificial sweeteners like aspartame that are linked to diabetes, gut microbiome disruptions, obesity, and have even been found to hinder your metabolism.
Does coffee make you lose weight? ›Yes, coffee can help with weight loss
Coffee contains nutrients such as niacin, potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants — which can improve digestive health, support muscle function, and lead to better heart health. It also contains caffeine, which boosts metabolism, improves energy, and can promote weight loss.
- Beans. “Becoming a bean lover can help you lose weight and whittle your middle,” registered dietitian Cynthia Sass told Today. ...
- Swap your beef for salmon. ...
- Yogurt. ...
- Red bell peppers. ...
- Broccoli. ...
- Edamame. ...
- Diluted vinegar.
Studies show that frequent energy drink consumption leads to increased belly fat, which is one of the easiest places for body fat to accumulate. If wondering how this happens, the fructose in energy drinks has been linked to fat accumulation around the midsection, often referred to as belly fat or visceral fat.
Diet soda is essentially a mixture of carbonated water, artificial or natural sweetener, colors, flavors, and other food additives. It usually has very few to no calories and no significant nutrition.
Are zero drinks good for you? ›Alternative sweeteners and zero-sugar sweetened drinks can be part of your plan to reduce added sugars, but don't get carried away. Just because something has no calories or sugar doesn't make it healthy or even beneficial in the long run.
"A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that dark green veggies, like broccoli, may help reduce belly fat," says Amidor. Bonus: "The study also found that these veggies may also decrease risk factors for type 2 diabetes." "Beans are the ultimate weight loss food," says Hever.
Does lemon water help you lose weight? ›
Lemon water can promote fullness, support hydration, boost metabolism and increase weight loss. However, lemon water is no better than regular water when it comes to losing fat. That being said, it is tasty, easy to make and can be used as a low-calorie replacement for higher-calorie beverages.