What are “Clean Ingredients” in Energy Drinks?

Not all energy drinks are created equal. Read on for a breakdown on clean ingredients in energy drinks, and what you should look for on an ingredients label.

By Taylor Hugo

What are “Clean Ingredients” in Energy Drinks?

Not all energy drinks are created equal. Read on for a breakdown on clean ingredients in energy drinks, and what you should look for on an ingredients label.

By Taylor Hugo

While you’re strolling through the grocery store aisles, you’ve likely spotted products that boast the phrase “clean ingredients,” but what exactly does that mean? Clean ingredients in energy drinks, or any products for that matter, are often defined as labels with minimal ingredients that are recognizable and easy to pronounce. And they’re becoming more popular in our increasingly health-conscious world.

“The trend that has emerged with this next generation of centennials, and even some younger millennials, is that they’re very curious about what they’re putting into their bodies. They’re experimental, they want to try different things, but there’s this health consciousness that has shifted away from just basic low sugars, low fats,” says Joseph Nickell, the head of U.S. grocery for Bang Energy drinks, one example of the healthy energy drinks that are dominating the sports beverage market as of late.

Try: Bang Energy Lemon Drop Sweet Tea

For Bang, these clean ingredients include CoQ10, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage, lowers blood pressure and slows the progression of Alzheimer’s; essential amino acids that aid in tissue growth, energy production, immune function and nutrient absorption; and super creatine, thought to improve strength and increase lean muscle mass.

Not all energy drinks are created equal, but there are some general things you can look for when considering a product that claims to have “clean ingredients.”

A simple label with the fewest number of ingredients possible that are easily recognizable and pronounceable.

No synthetic or highly processed ingredients. This refers to ingredients that are man-made and filled with additives, preservatives, and artificial colors and flavors to maintain shelf stability.

No natural flavors. Even though it says “natural,” these ingredients are anything but. Extracted from plants and animals, natural flavors are manipulated through heating or roasting to enhance the taste of a food or beverage rather than add nutritional value.

No added sugar or artificial sweeteners.

A simple label with the fewest number of ingredients possible that are easily recognizable and pronounceable.

No synthetic or highly processed ingredients. This refers to ingredients that are man-made and filled with additives, preservatives, and artificial colors and flavors to maintain shelf stability.

No added sugar or artificial sweeteners.

The most important thing you can do in monitoring your clean ingredient intake is reading ingredient labels. “Everything you put into your body is meant to do something for you,” says Nickell. “It’s not just about pleasure. It’s about driving activities, about filling a macro, about filling an energy or a micronutrient. Clean ingredients should be important for anybody who’s consuming anything.”