We all love a hot cup of coffee in the morning.
Whether we boil the kettle as soon as we’re out of bed or grab a latte on our mid-morning work break, there’s no doubt that coffee is the staple that lots of us reach for when we need a quick boost of energy.
In fact, for many across the US, coffee isn’t just seen as a way to kick-start the day. Lots of us also enjoy coffee throughout the afternoon — and even the evening!
But is it good for our health?
Short answer, no. There’s no shortage of evidence to suggest that drinking lots of coffee may not be that great for our bodies — no matter how much we love it.
These days, some of the energy drinks on the market offer a great middle ground. They can provide a boost in energy when you’re craving it, without any negative impact on your health.
In fact, these drinks may even be good for us. Sound too good to be true?
Let’s dive into the top 5 energy drinks that are better than coffee…
Why not coffee?
Before we look at healthier alternatives, let’s explore why coffee has a bit of a bad rep.
After all, it isn’t all bad news.
Coffee can actually be part of a healthy balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
It’s packed full of polyphenols, which can decrease blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. There’s even some evidence that the polyphenols in coffee could offer some protection against dementia!
But there are also some negative effects that drinking coffee may have on your body.
When we are awake, a chemical called adenosine builds up in our bodies naturally. When our adenosine levels are high, we start to feel sleepy.
When you drink coffee, the caffeine binds to the adenosine receptors in your brain and stops you from feeling sleepy — which is why you feel more energized after drinking it!
But this caffeine also stimulates your nervous system. Too much, and you’ll start to feel quite anxious and shaky.
Your levels of adrenaline also increase, which isn’t great for your body when you’re sitting on the sofa and don’t actually need that adrenaline. In fact, this can even cause an irregular heart beat and higher blood pressure.
So, too much coffee can actually have a negative impact on your health.
And most traditional energy drinks aren’t much better!
Most energy drinks contain huge amounts of sugar in every can. In fact, some contain more than double the recommended daily intake!
Consuming too much sugar can cause all sorts of problems for our health, including diabetes, obesity and tooth decay. Traditional energy drinks also tend to contain high amounts of caffeine, with many containing as much as two whole cups of coffee!
The good news is that not all energy drinks are bad for your health.
The good energy drinks
If you’re looking for a quick energy boost, but don’t want to consume the high amount of sugar and caffeine found in traditional energy drinks or coffee, there are some great alternatives available.
These healthier energy drinks often use sparkling water, natural fruit flavors, or even fruit juice.
Here are just a few available on the market right now…
The best alternative drinks on the market
Nuun Energy
Nuun Energy comes in tablet form — so all you need to do is drop it into water!
The drink contains tapioca syrup and dextrose — a type of sugar made from corn —, but it’s such a tiny amount compared to traditional energy drinks that this is definitely a healthier option.
Nuun Energy also contains vitamins, organic beet powder, stevia leaf extract, and organic ginseng extract, which gives the drink its caffeine.
Ultimately, the drink’s ingredients are much healthier than those of traditional energy drinks and coffee. It contains far less sugar, while also giving you a natural caffeine boost.
In fact, Nuun Energy offers about the same amount of caffeine as a small cup of coffee!
RUNA Energy Drinks
RUNA Energy drinks contain 0 calories, 0 fat and 0 sugar!
These drinks are made with organic guayusa tea (a naturally occurring source of caffeine found in South America).
The cans offer 150 milligrams of caffeine, which is sure to give you a great energy boost!
What’s more, this source of caffeine even has antioxidant properties! What more could you ask for?
Organic pear juice concentrate is used to give RUNA Energy Drinks a hint of sweetness, without causing a massive spike in blood sugar.
ZOA Zero Sugar
This alternative energy drink is backed by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson!
ZOA Zero Sugar energy drinks contain high amounts of vitamin C, which helps to support your immune system, as well as superfoods camu camu and acerola.
The drinks also contain amino acids, which helps to support muscle growth, as well as lots of powerful vitamins.
ZOA drinks contain a clean source of caffeine, which comes from green tea and green, unroasted coffee beans, which helps to boost your energy in a more natural way!
Zevia Energy
Zevia Energy drinks contain zero calories and zero sugar. You don’t get much healthier than that!
It’s also packed with 120mg of organic caffeine, to give you the boost of energy you need to start your day.
What’s more Zevia Energy drinks don’t contain any artificial sweeteners. But that doesn’t mean they taste bland! You can choose from a wide range of natural flavors, including Raspberry Lime, Grapefruit, Mango Ginger, Kola, Strawberry Kiwi and Pineapple Paradise.
Guayaki Unsweetened Yerba Maté
Yerba Maté offers a great natural energy boost.
Research shows that this ingredient can improve energy, focus and concentration — which makes Guayaki Unsweetened Yerba Maté a great natural alternative to traditional energy drinks!
These drinks also contain less than 1g of natural sugar, so you can be sure that they won’t spike your blood sugar in the same way that artificially caffeinated drinks do.
We’re experts in foods that are good for you — and good for the planet
Here at Buffalo Market, we specialize in food and beverage brands that are good for the Earth and good for you.
If you want to find out more about organic, plant-based and eco-conscious food and drink products, check out our blog!
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