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10 Health-Minded Energy Drinks

By Ethan Boldt

Energy drinks are all the rage these days. Everyone seems to be sipping one of these skinny cans at work, at the gym, in the car and maybe even first thing in the morning. These carbonated energy boosters can even become addictive for some.

The downside is that most of these energy drinks are loaded with caffeine, sugar or artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, preservatives and other additives many people want to avoid.

So what are some quality, health-minded energy drinks? Here are some features that such drink ideally have:

• Natural caffeine sources, like green tea or coffee, though not excessively high in caffeine

• Without artificial sweeteners, colors and preservatives

• Natural, low-calorie sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit

• Overall a low-calorie drink to support management of a healthy weight

• Possibly includes electrolytes for hydration

• May include ingredients that support cognitive health and performance

• Supports healthy energy without the jitterness

After all, as we age, energy levels can fluctuate more often, and it’s sometimes even difficult to stay alert throughout the day. Muscle function even begins to decline in our 30s because our mitochondria — our cellular powerhouses — naturally can function less efficiently.

Fortunately, there are easy ways to boost your energy levels with the following health-minded energy drinks.

As always, you should consult your healthcare professional prior to beginning any new dietary or lifestyle regimen.

1. Water

Did you know that one of the first signs of not staying hydrated enough is feeling tired? That’s right — not drinking enough water could be the reason your energy levels are sometimes lacking. So yes, water is an energy drink.

Stay hydrated by making sure you’re drinking enough water and other fluids throughout the day. The National Academy of Medicine suggests about nine cups of water a day for women and 13 cups for men. When it’s hot outside or you’ve been exercising, then you’ll want to take in even more water.

2. Clean Energy

Ancient Nutrition's Clean Energy supplement is designed to promote alertness, focus and cognitive health, plus physical performance and endurance. It's designed to help your body generate energy from a cellular level. It even promotes lean muscle and strength for a healthy body composition.

Clean Energy contains 74 milligrams of caffeine per serving — less than a typical cup of coffee — and comes in two flavors: cherry limeade and strawberry kiwi. It’s powered by an Ancient Superfood Energy Blend of coconut water, organic beet root, Ancient Mineral Complex, organic coffeeberry and apple extract. These ingredients are backed by clinical studies, and some have thousands of years of traditional use.

It’s also “clean,” as in made without artificial sweeteners or flavors, synthetic additives or unnecessary fillers. So rather than reach for an over-caffeinated beverage before a workout, now you can simply have Clean Energy. Simply mix a scoop with 8 ounces of cold water for a refreshing boost.

3. Electrolyte drink

If you have an intense workout, you might want to supplement water with a drink that helps replace the electrolytes your body sweats out. Forget sports drinks loaded with high fructose corn syrup and additives, and opt for something like Ancient Nutrition's Multi Collagen Advanced Hydrate. It contains two times the electrolytes versus leading sports drinks, plus it improves exercise recovery by 56 percent.

Also consider Rapid Hydration powder — available in stick packs — that delivers essential electrolytes for fast-acting hydration, all powered by real food ingredients: coconut water, natural sea salts and red marine algae. These superfoods are less-processed, naturally occurring ingredients that retain beneficial antioxidants and nutrients to serve whole body health. (Some competitors use synthetic sources.)

In addition, this formula delivers essential electrolytes magnesium, calcium, sodium and potassium in an optimal ratio for whole-body hydration (because water alone isn’t always enough for effective hydration).

On top of rapid body hydration, this supplement supports cellular health, healthy energy and absorption of key nutrients. It also helps reduce occasional bloating.

4. Coconut water

Rich in electrolytes like potassium, sodium and magnesium, coconut water naturally hydrates by replenishing lost fluids and minerals. It’s good for during and after exercise.

Containing electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, coconut water helps maintain our skin’s natural pH and even supports the transfer of nutrients to the skin.

5. Green tea

Green tea is a natural energy booster, as it contains some caffeine but less than coffee. It’s also high in antioxidants, such as catechins.

Ancient Nutrition’s collagen and matcha product combines the power of Multi Collagen Protein with that of matcha green tea: Collagen Matcha Energizer.

What does matcha collagen do for your energy? This winning combination provides you with a convenient combo of both protein and phytonutrients, helping to support healthy energy levels and a reduction in fatigue. It also supports enhanced focus and mental stamina, healthy cortisol and DHEA balance, and more.

Ancient Elixirs Superfood Matcha contains matcha powder, organic coffee cherry and adaptogenic superfoods, providing a jitter-free energy boost. Containing 135 milligrams of caffeine, Superfood Matcha supports healthy energy, reduces fatigue, helps promote mental clarity and concentration, and promotes a positive mindset.

6. Coffee

Regular coffee is a natural energy drink, as it contains antioxidants and caffeine. For the most benefits, consume unsweetened, organic coffee.

A strong central nervous system stimulant, caffeine blocks adenosine (a chemical that makes you feel tired). This can lead to increased alertness and energy, plus trigger adrenaline release, providing a temporary physical and mental energy spike.

7. Black tea

Black tea is rich in tannins and antioxidants and contains some caffeine (less than coffee but more than green tea). It boosts mental alertness and combats fatigue.

It also contains compounds called theaflavins that support heart health and circulation, which can help deliver oxygen more efficiently to the muscles and brain.

8. Yerba mate

Yerba mate is a type of tea from South America that has a greenish color and an earthy, herbal aroma. It contains polyphenols and other antioxidants that can help boost energy levels.

It contains caffeine, theobromine (an alkaloid of the cacao bean) and theophylline (another alkaloid that acts as a stimulant) to provide an energy lift that’s known to be smooth and sustained. Yerba mate also naturally contains B vitamins, magnesium and other nutrients that support metabolic energy.

9. Beetroot juice

Coming from the root part of the plant, beetroot juice converts to nitric oxide in the body and can improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles and brain. It’s been found to reduce the amount of oxygen that muscles require in order to function optimally.

10. Switchel

Considered nature’s sports drink, switchel is an all-natural drink similar to lemonade. Made from apple cider vinegar, fresh ginger, lemon juice, maple syrup and then cut with water, it’s easy to make and can be satisfying after a workout or even as a mocktail on a hot day.

The apple cider vinegar and maple syrup provide the electrolytes potassium and magnesium.