Best Energy Drink For Workout: Verified By Experts

Key Takeaways

• Energy drinks can give you an excellent push to exercise better and for longer durations. Criteria for choosing are several, ranging from caffeine content to flavor choices. 
• With so many options on the market, how can you choose which to stick to? Check out these 15 contenders for the title of “Best energy drink for workout”!

Best Energy Drink For Workout

1. Celsius Live Fit

Celsius Live Fit. Source: Walmart.

Let’s kick off with Celsius Live Fit, a killer energy drink in the fitness world. Designed to give you a sustained energy boost, it’s perfect for powering through those tough workouts!

An awesome feat of this drink is the unique blend of ingredients like green tea extract, guarana seed, and ginger root. These work together to enhance your metabolism, and you’ll burn more calories!

With zero sugar and no artificial preservatives or flavors, it's a cleaner best energy drink for workout option for those watching their intake. The best part? It comes in a variety of refreshing flavors like Sparkling Orange and Peach Mango Green Tea.

2. Bang Energy

Bang Energy. Source: Bang Energy

Bang Energy packs a serious punch with 300mg of caffeine per can, which is no joke! But it's not just about the caffeine, like other best energy drinks for workout in this list. Bang also includes essential amino acids (EAAs) and CoQ10, which can support muscle recovery and overall health. 

Another cool thing about Bang is its huge variety of flavors – from Rainbow Unicorn to Birthday Cake Bash. It's sugar-free and calorie-free, making it a popular choice for those watching their macros. 

With that much caffeine, though, it's definitely not for the faint-hearted. So maybe drink it with caution.

3. Red Bull Sugarfree

Red Bull Sugarfree. Source: Red Bull.

This OG energy drink has been fueling athletes and busy bees for years, and for good reason! Red Bull might not be marketed specifically as a pre workout energy drink, yet many folks swear by it for gym support.

It's got 80mg of caffeine per can – enough to perk you up without going overboard. The blend of B vitamins, taurine, and caffeine can help improve focus and reaction time.

We recommend the Sugarfree version as it gives you the same wings as the original but without the sugar crash. Yet, it's still got that signature tangy taste that Red Bull fans love. 

4. Amino Energy

Amino Energy. Source: Ubuy.

The next best energy drink for workout sessions can be Amino Energy by Optimum Nutrition. It comes in powder and performs the same function! 

It's got a solid dose of amino acids – 5 grams per serving – to support muscle recovery and growth. And with 100mg of caffeine from green tea and green coffee extracts, you'll get a clean energy lift without the anxiety. 

But what really sets it apart is you can customize your intake! Mix one or two scoops depending on your needs. With delicious flavors like Concord Grape and Blueberry Mojito, it's a treat for your taste buds, too. 

5. Cellucor C4 Smart Energy

Cellucor C4 Smart Energy. Source: Cellucor.

Cellucor C4 Smart Energy is designed so you don’t have to wonder "Are energy drinks good for working out?" anymore. 

It's full of nootropics like N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine and Cognizin® Citicoline to sharpen your mental focus. The 200mg of caffeine per can will definitely wake you up, but the real magic is in the sustained energy it provides. No crazy spikes or crashes here! Plus, it's sugar-free and only has 10 calories per can. 

Available in fruity flavors like Electric Sour and Peach Mango Nectar, C4 Smart Energy is perfect for those days when you need to be on top of your mental and physical game.

Note: Each person has a different response to nootropics, so our advice is to consider personal tolerances or consult with a healthcare professional!

6. Tenzing Natural Energy Drink + BCAAs

Tenzing Natural Energy Drink + BCAAs. Source: Tenzing.

If you're on the hunt for the best energy drink before workout, give Tenzing Natural Energy Drink + BCAAs a try! This all-natural powerhouse is changing the energy drink game with plant-based ingredients. We’re talking green coffee, green tea, and Himalayan rock salt! 

It's loaded with BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids) to support muscle recovery and reduce fatigue. With only 48 calories per can and no artificial ingredients, it's a cleaner alternative to traditional energy drinks. 

The caffeine content (80mg per can) provides a gentle boost without the jitters. Moreover, it's got a refreshing taste that'll quench your thirst during those intense workout sessions. Nature's energy in a can – how cool is that?

7. Science In Sport Beta Fuel 80

Science In Sport Beta Fuel 80. Source: Science In Sport.

Science In Sport Beta Fuel 80 is the secret weapon for endurance athletes. It's a high-carbohydrate formula created to fuel long-distance activities. Each serving contains 80 grams of carbohydrates, significant for sustained energy release.

What's interesting is its 2:1 ratio of maltodextrin to fructose. That allows for rapid absorption, keeping you energized mile after mile. Despite not being for everyday use, Beta Fuel 80 can be a valuable tool for athletes pushing their endurance limits.

One more bonus: it's designed to be super easy on your stomach, even during intense exercise. You wouldn’t have to worry about tummy troubles anymore!

8. NOCCO Carbonated Caffeine Drink

NOCCO Carbonated Caffeine Drink. Source: NOCCO.

If you ask, “What's the best energy drink for working out?” a lot of people will answer NOCCO Carbonated Caffeine Drink. NOCCO stands for "No Carbs Company,” which is quite telling of what this product aims at.

Each can contains 180mg of caffeine, putting it in the potent sector of energy drinks. The BCAAs inclusion, similar to the previous option, helps support muscle recovery and reduce fatigue.

Oh, and did we mention it's sugar-free and comes in a range of mouth-watering flavors? From Caribbean to Limon Del Sol, there's a taste for every palate. 

9. Red Bull (Apricot-Strawberry Edition)

Red Bull (Apricot-Strawberry Edition). Source: Red Bull.

Another Red Bull selection for the best energy drink for workout championship, this time in apricot-strawberry flavor. You still get that 80mg caffeine, perfect for when you need wings, but with a nice change of pace. If you find the original too medicinal, this is for you! 

However, remember that even though the flavor is different, it still contains the same active ingredients, including taurine, B vitamins, and sugars. As with all energy drinks, be moderate. The sweet flavor shouldn't distract you from the fact that it's still an energy drink with potential side effects if drunk too much.

10. Protein Works Endless Nootropic

Protein Works Endless Nootropic. Source: Protein Works.

Protein Works Endless Nootropic is a cognitive enhancement drink that combines energy-boosting ingredients with nootropic compounds. We're talking improved focus, mental clarity, and even mood enhancement. 

But wait, there's more! It's got a nice caffeine kick to keep you alert, plus L-Theanine to take the edge off. And get this – it's sugar-free and only 20 calories per serving. 

While it’s not specifically one of the energy drinks for working out, it can be used for that purpose! 

But don’t overuse this product, its high caffeine content and nootropics might get you into trouble. It’s best to check with your doctor or start slow before going all-in!

11. Gatorade Zero (For Post-Workout)

Gatorade Zero. Source: Amazon.

You know how regular Gatorade is awesome for replacing those electrolytes you sweat out, but you're not always keen on the sugar overload? Well, Gatorade Zero swoops in to save the day!

It's got all the electrolyte goodness of the original Gatorade but without any of the sugar. Yep, you heard that right – zero sugar, zero calories, but still filled with those essential electrolytes like sodium and potassium. 

It comes in a bunch of tasty flavors, too, so you can quench your thirst, satisfy your tastebuds, and replenish your electrolytes without any extra calories.

12. BodyArmor Lyte (For Post-Workout)

BodyArmor Lyte. Source: BodyArmor.

BodyArmor Lyte is another low-calorie sports drink designed for post-workout hydration and nutrient replenishment. It's got 20 calories per bottle, which is pretty sweet (not literally).

It’s got electrolytes from coconut water and a bunch of vitamins to boot. Additionally, it's got no artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors – just a natural mix of pure cane sugar and stevia leaf extract! Who doesn’t love a healthy dose of energy?

Note: The lower carbohydrate content may not be suitable for refueling after intense, prolonged workouts.

13. Propel Electrolyte Water (For Post-Workout)

Propel Electrolyte Water. Source: Propel.

Packed with electrolytes and vitamins, Propel Electrolyte Water's got what you need to bounce back after breaking a sweat. The drink is also fortified with vitamins B3, B5, B6, C, and E. Unlike many sports drinks, this baddie contains zero calories and zero sugar, so you can replenish and not undo all your hard work.

It comes in a bunch of yummy flavors, too, like Grape and Kiwi Strawberry.

Note: Also not ideal for recharging after high-impact, lengthy exercises due to the lack of carbohydrates. Another downside is the presence of artificial sweeteners, as with any flavored water product.

14. Powerade Zero (For Post-Workout)

Powerade Zero. Source: Powerade.

Zero calories and 100% hydration power – here comes Powerade Zero! It's got all the electrolytes you need to bounce back after a killer workout: sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

Whether you're hitting the gym, pounding the pavement, or just need a tasty way to stay hydrated, Powerade Zero's got your back. Give this a shot and see if it’s worth the title of the best energy drink for workout!

Note: Powerade Zero is sweetened with artificial sweeteners for a familiar taste profile. If you’re trying to manage your sugar intake, you might want to reconsider this drink.

15. Science In Sport Beta Fuel + Nootropics

Science In Sport Beta Fuel + Nootropics. Source: Science In Sport.

This isn't your average energy drink; Science In Sport Beta Fuel + Nootropics is a high-octane combo of carbs for your muscles and brain-enhancing goodies. Packed with a special blend of carbs to keep you going for hours, plus nootropics to sharpen your mental game. But don’t worry about tummy issues; it’s intended to minimize gastrointestinal distress.

What’s it good for, then, you might ask? Those long rides, epic runs, or when you need to be physically AND mentally on point.

Note: Just a reminder – nootropics can hit everyone differently. It's smart to know your own limits or get some expert advice!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Energy Drinks Good For Working Out?

Energy drinks for working out can definitely give you a boost! They can increase your energy, focus, and even performance during exercise. 

But, of course, it comes with downsides also. Too much caffeine or sugar might leave you jittery or crash mid-workout, so don’t be too dependent on it!

2. When To Drink Energy Drinks Before A Workout?

Timing is everything, right? For the best results, try sipping your energy drink about 30-60 minutes before you hit the gym. This gives your body time to absorb the caffeine and other energizing ingredients. By the time you start your workout, you'll be feeling pumped and ready to go!