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When you stop and read the nutritional labels of your favorite energy drinks, you might find something disappointing: a number of popular drinks are loaded with sugar, calories, and caffeine.
Relying on sugary beverages to provide a jolt of energy will work — in the short term. But after they’ve finished flooding your system and have converted into glucose, which the body stores as fat if it isn’t burned, you’re going to experience a nasty crash. And, with that crash, comes a taste for even more sugar. And that can become a vicious, unhealthy cycle.
These four energy drinks have less sugar and caffeine than their competitors, according to Brierley Wright, M.S., R.D., as reported in Eating Well. And while there’s no substitute for a diet filled with whole foods, protein, and vitamins and minerals, supplementing with these energy drinks on occasion can help you get a quick energy boost when you really need one.
Crystal Light With Caffeine ($12 for 40 Packets)
The daily recommendation for women when it comes to sugar is 25 grams, yet most Americans are consuming 82 grams of sugar each day, according to the University of California San Francisco. When it comes to energy drinks, choosing options that are low in calories and sugar content is key.
Crystal Light's Caffeinated packets contain 5 calories per packet, with 0 grams of sugar and 0 carbs. They pack in 60 mg of caffeine, which is significantly lower than other energy drinks.
5 Hour Energy ($22 for a 6 Pack)
This little energy drink contains 215 mg of caffeine, which is about as much as two cups of strong coffee. But it lacks any sugar whatsoever and has just four calories per serving. The fruit-flavored beverage also stands out for packing in a little extra vitamin B and amino acids.
AdvoCare Spark Energy Mix ($29 for 14 Pouches)
With over 20 vitamins and minerals, 45 calories per packet, and 11 carbohydrates with zero grams of sugar, this energy powder is one of the healthier options out there. It contains 120 mg of caffeine, which is also less than your average cup of Starbucks coffee.
V8 + Energy Juice Drink ($16 for 24 cans)
Each can combines veggies and fruit and has 50 calories, 13 grams of carbohydrates, 10 grams of sugar, and 80 mg of caffeine. These drinks are also infused with green tea and have no GMOs or artificial flavors or colors. If you prefer your energy drink to have a lower caffeine content, while also providing one full serving of vegetables and fruits, this is the one to choose. Given the fact that this drink does contain sugar, be careful not to overdo it.
