Many individuals turn to energy drinks for a quick lift to help them stay productive and alert throughout the day. For those who are also mindful about food additives, options like the Best non alcoholic drinks without red dye are becoming increasingly popular, especially among people seeking cleaner beverage choices.
However, a large number of conventional energy drinks are high in added sugar — sometimes exceeding the amount found in soda. Many also include artificial colors and sweeteners, which some consumers prefer to avoid, along with substantial doses of caffeine that may trigger feelings of jitteriness, anxiety, or agitation (1).
According to both the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the European Food Safety Authority, up to 400 mg of caffeine per day is generally considered safe for most healthy adults (2).
Fortunately, several brands now offer healthier, naturally sourced energy drinks that can provide the desired boost without many of the unwanted side effects associated with traditional formulas.
A quick look at our picks of the best natural energy drinks
- Best yerba mate-based energy drinks:Sound Sparkling Organic Yerba Maté with Citrus and Hibiscus and Guayaki Unsweetened Yerba Maté
- Best natural energy shots:Proper Wild Energy Shots
- Best natural energy shot with collagen:Vital Proteins Collagen Energy Shots
- Best guayusa tea-based energy drink:Mati Sparkling Organic Energy Drinks (Unsweetened)
- Best matcha-based energy drink:Toro Matcha Sparkling Ginger
- Best pre-workout natural energy drink powder:Ora Renewable Energy
- Best coffee-based energy powder:Laird Superfood Instafuel (Unsweetened)
What are natural energy drinks?
In contrast to many mainstream energy beverages, natural energy drinks are formulated without artificial sweeteners or synthetic color additives — ingredients that some people intentionally limit in their diets. This makes them appealing to those searching for the Best non alcoholic drinks without red dye and other artificial ingredients.
These beverages are typically crafted from naturally derived sources such as green tea, yerba mate, guayusa, matcha, coffee extracts, and various botanical ingredients.
Importantly, the options featured here contain no added sugars, which can negatively impact health when consumed in excess (3). Choosing drinks without added sugars may support better metabolic health and help reduce unnecessary calorie intake.
Benefits
Energy drinks made with ingredients like green tea, coffee, and guarana can offer a rapid increase in alertness when you’re feeling tired. Consuming one may enhance wakefulness and could even positively influence mood (4).
Some individuals also use energy drinks to support athletic performance or to improve concentration and memory during work or academic tasks (5). Caffeine acts as a central nervous system stimulant, which explains its ability to temporarily sharpen focus and reduce perceived fatigue.
While using an energy drink occasionally to combat tiredness or support a workout can be reasonable, relying on them daily is not advisable. They should not replace adequate sleep, a balanced diet, effective stress management, or evaluation of potential medical causes of persistent fatigue.
For those who are sensitive to artificial additives, exploring options such as Non alcoholic drinks without red dye or Easy non alcoholic drinks without red dye may align better with overall wellness goals while still offering variety in beverage choices.
Risks and side effects
Energy drinks that deliver high levels of stimulants may cause unwanted side effects.
A 2021 review reported that the most frequently observed side effects among teens and adults included insomnia, stress, restlessness, and mood alterations.
The review authors suggest moderating energy drink intake and indicate that consuming 5–7 energy drinks per week could be excessive (6).
Additionally, excessive consumption has been associated with serious medical conditions, including seizures, coma, liver injury, and heart arrhythmias (7, 8).
There have even been reports linking energy drink overuse to certain deaths (9, 10).
For these reasons, energy drinks should not be consumed excessively or used as a routine daily crutch. Moderating stimulant intake, including caffeine, helps lower the likelihood of adverse reactions such as insomnia and nervousness.
The natural energy drinks highlighted below contain less than 200 mg of caffeine per serving — comparable to or less than a standard 12-ounce (360-mL) cup of coffee — making them less likely to cause side effects when enjoyed in moderation (11).
How we chose the best natural energy drinks
- Ingredients. All products listed contain 0 grams of added sugar and are free from artificial sweeteners and colors.
- Caffeine content.We selected options providing under 200 mg of caffeine per serving.
- Dietitian-recommended. Each product was carefully chosen by a registered dietitian.
- Vetting. All items were reviewed to confirm they meet HealthEH’s medical and business standards.
A note on price
General cost ranges are shown below using dollar signs ($–$$$). One dollar sign reflects a more budget-friendly product, while three dollar signs indicate a higher price point.
In most cases, prices range from $0.22–$1.75 per serving, or $14.95–$54.00 per package, depending on the retailer.
Serving sizes differ. Seven of the options are ready-to-drink beverages, and three are powdered formulations.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $0.25 per serving
- $$ = $0.25–$1.00 per serving
- $$$ = over $1.00 per serving
HealthEH’s picks of the best natural energy drinks
Best yerba mate-based energy drinks
Sound Sparkling Organic Yerba Maté with Citrus and Hibiscus
Price:$$
Sound produces refreshing beverages naturally flavored with botanical extracts.
Though not specifically marketed as an energy drink, its Sparkling Organic Yerba Maté contains 70 mg of caffeine sourced from yerba mate, white tea, and green tea to help increase alertness.
Research indicates that yerba mate may enhance exercise performance without affecting participants’ rate of perceived exertion, potentially allowing them to accomplish more work with the same effort (12).
Yerba mate tea is prepared from the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis, a South American tree naturally rich in caffeine.
This variety features hibiscus, lemon, and lime extracts, delivering a bright citrus flavor without added sugar.
Each 12-ounce (355-mL) bottle provides (13):
- Calories: 0
- Caffeine: 70 mg
Guayaki Unsweetened Yerba Maté
Price:$
Evidence suggests that yerba mate may support improvements in energy, concentration, and exercise performance (12, 14).
Guayaki Unsweetened Yerba Maté is certified organic and contains less than 1 gram of naturally occurring sugar.
Each 16-ounce (473-mL) bottle provides (15):
- Calories: 5
- Caffeine: 140 mg
The bottom line
If you want a naturally sourced energy boost, consider trying one of the beverages listed above — particularly if you’re seeking the Best non alcoholic drinks without red dye and without added sugars or artificial ingredients.
That said, if you regularly depend on energy drinks to make it through the day, consult a healthcare professional to explore sustainable strategies for improving your energy levels and overall health.
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