What Are The Best Energy Supplements?
Discover the top 5 best energy supplements on the market today to boost your energy levels (without the crash)
Reviewed and fact-checked by certified nutritionists.
In this article:
- What are the benefits and risks of using energy supplements?
- Which energy supplements are the most effective at boosting your energy levels?
- The top 5 best energy supplements on the market today, according to nutritionists
Do you feel constantly tired, even after you get a decent night of sleep? Do you feel like no matter what you do, you always feel drained of energy during the day?
Constant exhaustion is a very common concern. According to the CDC, 1 in 3 adults in the US don’t get enough sleep. The National Safety Council reported that 43% of Americans admit that they may be too tired to function safely at work.
We all know that eating a well-balanced diet, exercising, and getting enough sleep can help maintain good energy levels. But it’s easier said than done when you’re balancing the daily demands and problems of life… For those reasons, many people are turning to energy supplements to give their body an “extra boost”.
While these supplements can’t do miracles, some of them can provide significant boosts of energy that are more than enough to power you throughout the day. However, people who are considering using these supplements should be mindful of their potential side effects, which may include insomnia, jitters, or irregular heartbeat.
In this article, we will share a few examples of energy supplements that are both effective (they give you an instant and long-lasting energy kick) and healthy (they don’t come with unpleasant side effects).
This article is for you if:
- You’re a busy professional working long hours, and you’re looking for a supplement to boost your alertness and productivity
- You’re a fitness enthusiast who is looking to use supplements to boost your performance, stamina and recovery
- You’re a student who want some help to stay energized and focused during exam periods
- You’ve noticed a decline in your energy levels due to aging, and you’re looking to get your vitality back to enjoy life in full colors.
In this article, we will share a few examples of energy supplements that are both effective (they give you an instant and long-lasting energy kick) and healthy (they don’t come with unpleasant side effects).
What are the key benefits of energy supplements?
If well chosen, energy supplements come with many valuable benefits proven by clinical studies, which may include:
Near-instant boost of energy:
When you feel drained, some energy supplements can give you an instant lift, using fast-acting stimulants such as caffeine and L-Theanine. Typically, users can feel a boost in energy within 20-30 minutes of consuming the supplement, even earlier in some cases.
Enhanced physical performance:
Some supplements can also improve your physical abilities such as stamina, endurance, and strength. Although these effects are typically temporary, they can be very convenient before a workout session. They can also help facilitate muscle recovery after intense physical exercise.
Improved focus and mental alertness:
Supplements can help clear “mental fog”, boost your cognitive functions, and help you stay focused and “in the flow”.
Reduce fatigue
if you feel constantly exhausted for no apparent reason, energy supplements can reduce fatigue by stimulating your metabolism. They can help prevent “afternoon crashes” and make you feel sharper, more vibrant during the day.
Better mood:
some supplements contain herbal ingredients that trigger the release of so-called “feel good” hormones, like dopamine. This can help you stay in a good mood, improving your feeling of well-being while reducing stress.
What are the cons of using energy supplements?
Some of them may affect sleep. Choosing the wrong supplements using overly stimulating ingredients may cause insomnia and other sleep problems.
Cannot replace a healthy lifestyle. No matter how effective they are to boost energy, energy supplements should never replace healthy life habits.
Can be expensive. Many supplements come with a hefty price tag, which may be an issue for people who are on a budget.
Varied results. The efficacy of energy supplements greatly varies from one product to another. It’s important to conduct some research before buying any to make sure that what you buy actually delivers energy benefits.
What are the main types of energy supplements, and which ones are the best for you?
Caffeinated pills
What are they?
Pills formulated with caffeine, the most well known compound to stimulate the central nervous system. These pills are designed to give you a quick boost in alertness and energy, without having to drink energy beverages.
Pros
- Quick energy boost (first effects can typically be felt within 20 minutes of consumption)
- Convenient, fast and easy to consume
- Precise and consistent dosage
Cons
- Short duration energy boost. Effects of caffeine pills typically peak 60 minutes after ingestion. Not made to give you energy for a full day.
- May cause jitters, anxiety, or insomnia (common side effects of caffeine pills)
- May cause “energy crashes” during the day a few hours after consumption
Powdered energy supplements
What are they?
Powders containing a blend of ingredients designed to boost energy. Often consumed by athletes, these powders can be mixed with water, milk, or other beverages, and typically contain ingredients like caffeine, creatine, amino acids, and other performance-boosting substances.
Pros
- Can easily be mixed with the beverage of your choice, such as orange juice, milk, tea or water
- Customized dosing. You can choose how much you want to put in your drink. In general, the more powder you mix, the greater the energy boost (although these supplements provide recommended dosage guidelines)
- Can be effective to boost energy levels right before workouts. Often contain ingredients that are designed to improve stamina, endurance, and muscle strength.
Cons
- Requires preparation, less convenient than “on-the-go” options like energy drinks or pills
- Many users complain about the taste or texture of powdered supplements. May not be the most palatable option
- Most powdered energy supplements are typically made for athletes to help them get the best out of workout sessions. Harder to find quality powdered supplements that can boost focus and mental function.
- Tend to contain artificial sweeteners and thickeners which may be unhealthy in the long-term
Energy bars
What are they?
Nutrient-dense bars designed to provide a strong boost of energy for athletes and people with an active lifestyle. These bars typically contain a combination of carbs, proteins, fats, and other key nutrients, enabling a progressive release of energy during physical activities.
Pros
- Can provide a slow, progressive release of energy, which make them particularly suitable for endurance sports and workouts
- Rich source of nutrients
- Portable, convenient, and easy to consume
Cons
- May be high in sugar and calories
- May cause digestive issues
- Typically don’t contain fast-acting stimulants, can be slow to affect energy levels
- Limited impact on energy, most people only noticed a mild improvement
- Mostly suitable for athletes
Energy drinks
What are they?
Beverages containing a combination of stimulants, vitamins, and other ingredients designed to give you a rapid boost of energy and mental alertness. Common ingredients include caffeine, taurine, guarana, B-vitamins, and others.
Pros
- Fast-acting. Energy drinks can provide a quick, near-immediate energy boost due to caffeine and other stimulants. First effects can typically be felt within 30 minutes.
- Convenient, portable, and easy to consume
- Come with various flavors
Cons
- May contain high amounts of sugar and unhealthy artificial sweeteners such as aspartame or ace-K
- Often cause strong energy crashes and jitters due to high concentration of caffeine
- May cause elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- Have been linked with several health issues
Natural energy drinks
What are they?
Alternative energy drinks made with plant-based and natural ingredients. These drinks are designed to replicate the energy-boosting effects of regular energy drinks, without the unhealthy chemicals and bad side effects such as jitters and energy crashes. To achieve that, natural energy drinks typically use lower doses of caffeine along with herbal stimulants.
Pros
- Limited options as the market is still very new
- Some energy drinks who claim to be “natural” also use unhealthy artificial sweeteners. Consumers need to be mindful when choosing a natural energy drink.
- Expensive. Natural energy drinks can be more expensive than regular energy drinks due to the rich blends of plant-based ingredients they contain.
Cons
- May contain high amounts of sugar and unhealthy artificial sweeteners such as aspartame or ace-K
- Often cause strong energy crashes and jitters due to high concentration of caffeine
- May cause elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- Have been linked with several health issues
What doctors think of energy drinks
“Energy drinks can be a convenient and powerful option for people seeking a fast energy kick during the day. That said, drinks that are filled with sugar, high in caffeine, and using artificial sweeteners should be avoided. Mainstream energy drinks have been linked to several cardiovascular issues, irregular heartbeat, anxiety, and other health issues that can damage your long-term health.”
Dr. Amelia Hart, Nutrition Scientist
“Herbal or better-for-you energy drinks are an option worth exploring for consumers who want a sustained energy boost without the side effects that traditional energy drinks can produce. Many of these natural energy drinks are formulated with potent plant-based ingredients that can yield the same energy benefits as your classic Red Bull, without the negative consequences.
Some natural energy formulas, especially those made with ginger root, vitamins and certain classes of amino acids, can even improve your levels of energy in the long-term, not just during the few hours after consumption.”
Dr. Andrew Schulman, Certified Nutritionist
What to look for in energy supplements
Choosing the wrong supplements can wreck your sleep and cause unwanted side effects such as anxiety, jitters, and energy crashes. Choosing the right one should help you fuel your body with clean energy, enabling you to perform at your best whenever you decide. Here, we explain how to find high-quality, effective energy supplements by listing a series of key criteria.
To help you choose weight loss shakes that are genuinely good for you (both effective and healthy), we prepared a list of key “green flags” – following the latest recommendations from top nutritionists.
- Contain ingredients that are clinically proven to boost energy. At the end of the day, the effectiveness of an energy supplement all comes down to its ingredients. Certain ingredients have been proven to increase energy levels. Here is a non-exhaustive list of some of the most effective energy boosting ingredients: caffeine, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, panax ginseng, guarana, ginger root, taurine, and L-tyrosine.
- Provides a sustained boost of energy, without crashes. The best energy supplements can give you a strong boost of energy for several hours, without causing jitters or crashes. This can be achieved with moderate amounts of natural caffeine and other plant-based energy boosters such as panax ginseng or ginger root extract.
- The supplement is suited to your lifestyle. Energy bars are better before workout sessions, energy pills are best for quick but temporary bursts of energy, while natural energy drinks are better for sustained boost of energy throughout the day. It’s important to choose a supplement that fits your goals. The benefit of energy drinks (both classic and natural ones) is that they can pretty much fit any lifestyle. Powdered energy supplements are also very versatile.
- Moderate to low amounts of caffeine. Too much caffeine can create jitters and abrupt energy crashes. Anything between 50 and 100 grams is more than enough to give you a perceptible boost of energy, without causing unpleasant crashes.
- No aspartame or ace-K. These artificial sweeteners can damage gut health and cause long-term health issues. Nearly all low-sugar energy drinks use sweeteners to make the drink taste good.
- Must be sugar-free or low on sugar. Natural sugar from real fruits is healthier than added sugar. Note that a drink with 5 grams of natural sugar is better than a sugar-free drink full of artificial sweeteners.
- Rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Vitamins can not only improve your energy levels, but also boost your metabolism and immune system.
What to avoid in energy supplements
- High in sugar
- Excessive dose of caffeine (over 200 mg), which may cause jitters and energy crashes
- Contains artificial sweeteners such as ace-K or aspartame
- Provide short-term, unsustainable boost of energy
The Top 5 Best Energy Supplements On The Market Today, According To Nutritionists
To help you choose an energy drink that will give you a strong boost of energy without the crash, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 best energy supplements on the market. This list was carefully curated in partnership with certified nutritionists, and takes several factors into consideration, including: ingredients quality, health impact, taste, value for money, and verified customer reviews.
#1 / Alpine Bliss Peak Performance Energy Booster
Energy Boost
Taste
Value for Money
Ingredient Quality
Scientific Evidence
PROS:
- Provides a strong, sustained boost of energy without crashes
- Improves mood and well-being thanks to a natural blend of dopamine boosters
- Optimal dose of caffeine
- Low on calories and sugar
- Contains a strong dose of vitamins and antioxidants
- No ace-K or aspartame
- Great taste, according to users
- Uses pure Alpine water with high-quality plant-based ingredients
CONS:
- Expensive
- Frequently out of stock due to limited production
THE BOTTOM LINE
Alpine Bliss is a premium, fast-growing Swiss brand of flavored sparkling water offering functional health benefits, using clinically studied ingredients. The Alpine Bliss Peak Performance Energy Booster is a fruity herbal energy drink that combines pure alpine water sourced from the European Alps with natural energy-boosting ingredients based on plants.
One of the key benefits of this herbal energy drink is its ability to provide a strong, sustained boost of energy for several hours, without causing unpleasant energy crashes often associated with coffee.
This is achieved through a unique blend of high-quality plant-based ingredients, including 70 mg of caffeine from natural source, L-tyrosine, panax ginseng, saffron and high-purity ginger root extract. Some users report feeling energized even one day after consuming the drink, which may be due to the long-term energy-boosting effects of saffron and ginger root. No case of insomnia or sleep issues were reported.
Consumers also report experiencing a powerful and clean boost of energy, comparable to that of high-dose coffees or regular energy drinks, without jitters or afternoon crashes.
Aside from enhancing mental and physical energy, this formula is also known for creating a distinct feeling of well-being thanks to a proprietary blend of plant-based ingredients called DopaBliss. This natural blend is specifically designed to boost dopamine levels – the “happy hormone” responsible for making us feel good and happy.
From a nutrition standpoint, the drink is also scoring pretty well. The formula contains zero added sugar, just 10 calories per can, and only 4 grams of natural sugar from wild berries. It doesn’t contain any harmful artificial sweeteners like aspartame or ace-K. The drink is also a rich source of vitamin B6 and B12 – two vitamins that promote a healthy metabolism.
Beyond its functional health benefits, the Alpine Bliss formula also performs well on taste, according to consumers. Users praise its fruity wild berries flavor and refreshing fine bubbles. It strikes a delicate balance of sweetness and freshness, and delivers an enjoyable drinking experience.
On the minus side, we note that the drink is quite expensive ($3.95 per can) – which can be explained by the “fancy” ingredients that it contains, including extracts of saffron and ginger roots (some of the most expensive spices in the world). We also note that the drink is frequently out of stock, because it’s produced in limited batches as of now.
Taking all of this into consideration puts Alpine Bliss Peak Performance Energy booster in our #1 spot in our top 5 energy supplements.
#2 / Vali Caffeine & L-Theanine Pills
Energy Boost
Taste
Value for Money
Ingredient Quality
Scientific Evidence
PROS:
- Blend of caffeine and L-Theanine which may improve attention, memory, and focus
- Has received positive reviews for reducing morning anxiety
- Provides a quick energy boost
- Convenient for on-the-go energy due to small, easy-to-swallow capsules
- Reasonably priced compared to other caffeine supplements, especially caffeine pills
CONS:
- Some users may experience side effects like jitteriness or sleep disturbances
- Some users may find the capsules hard to swallow because of their size.
- Cost can still add up if multiple capsules are taken daily
- Due to the effect of caffeine, the energy boost is typically of short duration. May not be suitable for people who want long-term boost of energy throughout the day
THE BOTTOM LINE
Vali Caffeine & L-Theanine is a caffeine pill that offers a unique blend of 50mg of caffeine and 100mg of L-Theanine. This combination of ingredients is believed to improve attention, memory, and focus. The product has received many positive reviews for its effectiveness in reducing morning anxiety and providing a quick energy boost during the day.
However, the product’s effectiveness can vary from person to person, and some users may experience side effects such as jitteriness or sleep disturbances due to the caffeine content. Despite this, many users have found the product fast-acting and suitable for them. A key benefit is to combine a good balance between caffeine and L-theanine, which can mitigate the likelihood of experiencing energy crashes (typical for highly caffeinated pills).
This pill is also very convenient to use. The small, easy-to-swallow capsules are perfect for those who need a quick energy boost on the go. However, some users have reported that the capsules can be hard to swallow due to their size.
Cost-wise, Vali Caffeine & L-Theanine is reasonably priced compared to other caffeine supplements on the market. However, some users have noted that the cost can add up if you take multiple capsules per day.
Further, due to the effect of caffeine, the energy boost is typically of short duration. May not be suitable for people who want long-term boost of energy throughout the day
Overall, Vali Caffeine & L-Theanine is a well-rounded caffeine supplement that offers a unique blend of ingredients designed to improve mental performance. While it may not be suitable for everyone, many users have found it to be an effective temporary solution for boosting energy and focus.
#3 / Celsius Stevia
Energy Boost
Taste
Value for Money
Ingredient Quality
Scientific Evidence
PROS:
- Established beverage brand
- Low calorie, low sugar
- Strong boost in energy levels thanks to a high dose of caffeine, guarana and green tea extract
- Wide range of tastes and flavors
- Rich in vitamins
CONS:
- Caffeine dose may be too high (200 mg)
- Contains erythritol - an artificial sweeteners which may have negative effects on cardiovascular health, but more research is needed
THE BOTTOM LINE
Celsius Stevia is another better-for-you energy drink that aims to provide a powerful boost of energy while offering several nutritional benefits.
One of the key features of Celsius is its low-calorie content. This makes it an attractive option for those watching their calorie intake while still seeking an energy boost.
The energy-enhancing effects of Celsius can be attributed to its high dose of caffeine and guarana seed. These ingredients provide a potent and immediate surge of energy. Another positive aspect of Celsius is its inclusion of green tea extracts, which are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are known for their health benefits, supporting overall well-being.
One of the advantages of Celsius is its wide range of tastes and flavors. This allows consumers to choose the option that best suits their preferences and keeps things interesting.
However, there are a couple of considerations to keep in mind. The caffeine dose in Celsius Stevia is relatively high at 200 mg. For individuals sensitive to caffeine or looking to limit their intake, this may be a drawback. Such a high dose of caffeine may cause unpleasant crashes in some people, which would defeat the purpose of drinking healthier energy drinks.
Additionally, while this drink uses Stevia as a sweetener (which is safe), it also contains the artificial sweetener erythritol. While more research is needed, there are some concerns that erythritol may have negative effects on cardiovascular health. Although Celsius is a very good healthier alternative to traditional energy drinks, it’s important to be aware of this potential downside and consider your individual health needs.
#4 / Bare Performance Nutrition Electrolytes
Energy Boost
Taste
Value for Money
Ingredient Quality
Scientific Evidence
PROS:
- Strong reputation among fitness enthusiasts
- Designed to replenish electrolytes and hydration post-workout, facilitating recovery
- Provides a complete electrolyte profile
- Strawberry flavor is noted to be pleasant without being overly strong
- Easily dissolves in water, making it user-friendly
CONS:
- May lead to lowered blood pressure and pulse for some users
- Texture may be unappealing to some users
- Mostly made for spot recovery, may not be suitable for people who want a quick, strong boost of energy in their daily lives
THE BOTTOM LINE
Bare Performance Nutrition Electrolytes is a powdered energy supplement that has been gaining popularity among fitness enthusiasts and athletes. This product is designed to replenish electrolytes and hydration after workouts, making it a popular choice among fitness people.
One of the key benefits of this supplement is its comprehensive electrolyte profile. Electrolytes are essential for many bodily functions, especially during workouts. When you sweat, you don’t only lose fluids, but also electrolytes. Bare Performance Nutrition Electrolytes provides a wide range electrolytes to help maintain proper hydration levels, optimize physical performance, and improve daily health goals.
This powdered supplement has received positive reviews from customers for its taste and effectiveness. Users have praised the strawberry flavor for tasting good without being overpowering. The product is also reported to dissolve easily in water.
On the minus side, we note that some users have reported that the product may lower blood pressure and pulse. This may be a concern for individuals with already low blood pressure or pulse. We also note that the texture of the powder, even dissolved into a liquid, can be off-putting for some people. An unpalatable texture is usually a common complaint for powdered energy supplements, and this one is no exception.
Finally, we note that this supplement, although very effective for sport performance, may not be suitable for busy professionals or people who just want a quick, strong boost of energy. This product is more about recovery and physical performance optimization.
#5 / Kate’s Real Food Bars
Energy Boost
Taste
Value for Money
Ingredient Quality
Scientific Evidence
PROS:
- Good nutritional value
- Portable and convenient snack bars
- Made with minimal, natural ingredients like oats and nuts
- Good taste
- Suitable for quick replenishment
- Gluten-free and soy-free
CONS:
- Limited boost of energy. Designed as a supporting snack, not as a supplement to give you an immediate kick. May not be enough to reduce fatigue.
- May be too sweet for some consumers
- Not suitable for vegans due to the inclusion of honey
- Only half a bar is considered one serving, which may be misleading to some consumers
THE BOTTOM LINE
Kate’s Real Food bars are nutritious snack bars made with minimal ingredients like oats, nuts, and are sweetened with honey. These snacks can be taken to give a quick boost of energy at any time during the day. They are gluten-free and soy-free, making them a suitable choice for those with dietary restrictions.
A key benefit of this bar is its taste, which is praised by its users. The bars are subtly sweet, but not overpowering, and the texture is reportedly quite similar to the chewy crispiness of a Rice Krispies treat. The format of this supplement is very convenient – users can grab their bars on the go and eat it whenever they need a small replenishment.
That said, while the bars are generally well-received, some consumers have noted that they can be overly sweet. Additionally, while all eight bars are gluten-free, they’re not technically vegan since they contain honey. This could be a potential drawback for vegan people.
We also note that the consumers eating these bars should not expect a significant boost of energy. This product is designed as a supporting snack, not as a supplement giving you an immediate kick. If however, you’re looking for a tasty snack giving you a bit of energy, this could be a good option.
In terms of nutritional value, Kate’s Real Food bars offer 120 to 130 calories per serving (half a bar), with zero cholesterol and 65 to 70 milligrams of sodium. They also provide two grams of fiber and three to four grams of protein per serving.