5 of the best natural energy drinks

Do you find yourself grabbing an energy drink when you need a pick-me-up after a full-on exercise class, a particularly long day or an intense study session?

Or maybe you know of them and have seen them about, but are yet to reach out and try them?

Natural energy drinks are a whole new world in themselves, packed full of different flavours, sizes and ingredients. Should you pick this one or that one? And is that one better for you or the other one?

Skip to: 

• Are natural energy drinks good for you?
• Natural energy drinks vs energy drinks
• 5 of the best natural energy drinks

Are natural energy drinks good for you?

Now that’s the million-dollar question – you see, there’s lots of speculation and debate over whether or not energy drinks are healthy, which we don’t intend to add to in this article.

But what we would like to highlight, is there’s a new ‘breed’ of energy drinks out there now that you could describe as being a mark two on the traditional energy drink.

It’s these newer varieties of natural energy drinks that are reportedly more focused on the impact on people’s bodies – i.e. creating less of brain buzz and being even kinder to the waistline.

On the whole, these natural energy drinks are fuelled with B vitamins and brain-boosting adaptogens and contain zero added sugar, sweeteners, flavours and colours.¹

What’s the difference between natural energy drinks and energy drinks?

Generally speaking, natural energy drinks contain more natural ingredients, e.g. natural fruit flavours, cold-pressed vegetable and fruit juice, no added sugars and other added artificial extras, such as sweeteners, flavouring and colouring. They also contain no caffeine.² 

Meanwhile, energy drinks that come without the ‘natural’ tag tend to contain varying levels of caffeine and sweeteners and stimulants, including guarana and ginseng, as well as sugar.

Some can also contain some more unusual ingredients, such as taurine, super citrimax, inositol and carnitine, the safety of which is yet to be fully established.

A quick note about caffeine… caffeine’s ok in small doses, but large doses (i.e. anything over 400mg) can potentially lead to issues, such as breathing difficulties, an irregular heartbeat, diarrhoea, fever and convulsions.

5 of the best natural energy drinks

1. Virtue Clean Energy Tropical 250ml

Virtue Clean Energy is a healthy energy drink, with zero sugar & zero calories, made with all-natural ingredients.

With the same amount of natural caffeine (80mg) as the leading energy drink or coffee, its natural energy is sourced from green coffee beans, plus B-vitamins.

Also available in lemon & lime or a mixed berry flavour.

2. PerfectTed Matcha Energy Drink 250ml

This energy drink is powered by organic, ceremonial-grade matcha green tea from Japan, giving it the same caffeine level (80mg) as a cup of coffee. 

It also has l-theanine in it which can contribute to your ability to focus. 

Available in either a refreshing pineapple yuzu flavour or pear ginger. 

3. Tenzing Natural Energy Drink 250ml

As well as providing natural energy from plants, these drinks from Tenzing also offer a triple hit of vitamin C, natural caffeine and electrolytes. 

Available in four different flavours, 48 calories per can, and 80mg of natural caffeine - the same as one cup of coffee. 

4. XITE Energy Raspberry & Watermelon 330ml

These sparkling energy drinks contain caffeine, ginseng and amino acids. 

They also contain B vitamins for an energy boost, with zero added sugar. 

5. James White Drinks Turmeric Zinger Shot 70ml

Blended with apple, lemon, pepper and chilli for an extra zing.

Contains freshly-pressed turmeric juice and no preservatives or artificial colours.

Also available in Organic Ginger Zinger, Organic Xtra Ginger Zinger and Lime & Chilli flavours.

The final say 

Hopefully, you know your classic energy drinks from your natural energy drinks now and which ingredients to look out for when making your first or next energy drink purchase.

Curious about other ways to get more energy?

Listen to Dr Sohere Roked, author of 'The Tiredness Cure' break down how to get your energy up in this episode of our podcast, The Wellness Edit.

Last updated: 31 May 2022