When it comes to energy drinks, India is no stranger to them. It’s a booming industry with brands such as Red Bull, Monster, and Tzinga all competing in the market. There is no lack of choice when it comes to picking an energy drink. They are available in different flavors and variants, with each brand claiming to be the best.
However, with so many options available, it can be hard to know which energy drink is the best and healthy for you. To help you out, I have made a list of the 8 best energy drinks in India that you can drink to boost your energy levels.
Not only that, but I’ll also tell you everything you need to know about energy drinks, including why they’re needed, what common ingredients are found in them, how to pick the best energy drink for you, and much more. So keep reading.
What are energy drinks?
Energy drinks are beverages that contain caffeine, stimulants, such as guarana and taurine, and sometimes vitamins and nutrients. They are designed to give the drinker a boost of energy, either by providing an adrenaline rush or by raising the blood sugar level.
The first energy drink was developed in 1949 by a Chicago businessman William Mark Swartz. His coworkers urged him to formulate a soft drink fortified with vitamins as an alternative to sugar-filled sodas. Then he came with an “energy booster” drink with B vitamins, caffeine, and cane sugar.
Energy drinks are marketed mainly towards the age group from 18-34, with many claims to give an energy boost to improve physical and cognitive performance.
Some of the most popular energy drink brands in India are Red Bull, Monster, Hell energy, and O’cean one8. However, which is the best for you, we will look ahead.
What are the ingredients in energy drinks?
The energy drinks in the Indian market are mainly composed of five common ingredients, which include B vitamins, sugar, caffeine, Taurine, and Guarana. Let’s see each of them in little detail:
Sugar
The addition of sugar to energy drinks is a topic of debate. Some people believe that sugar is added to provide a quick burst of energy. Others believe that the sugar is added to make the drink more palatable so that people will drink it more often. Well, this is a never-ending debate.
The main reason for adding sugar is that it provides energy. When you drink a sugary beverage, your body breaks down the sugar and releases glucose into your bloodstream. Glucose is a type of sugar that your body uses for energy.
B vitamins
B vitamins are often included in energy drinks because they are essential for energy production. When you drink an energy drink, the caffeine in the drink causes your adrenal glands to release adrenaline. This hormone tells your body to use more sugar and glucose for energy. The B vitamins help your body to convert that sugar into energy.
Caffeine
Caffeine is the most common stimulant that you will find in many energy drinks, with most energy drinks containing between 70 and 200 mg of caffeine in a single cane.
When consumed, caffeine enters the bloodstream and travels to the brain. There, it blocks the effects of a chemical called adenosine. Adenosine normally signals the body to relax and sleep. By blocking its effects, caffeine keeps you feeling awake and alert.
Studies have shown that consuming caffeine before or during exercise in a moderate amount has been an effective ergogenic aid for endurance athletes.
Taurine
Taurine is an organic compound that is found in the body, as well as in certain foods and drinks. It is an amino acid that is important for a number of bodily functions.
It is often added to energy drinks because it is believed to positively affect energy levels and athletic performance. However, the scientific evidence for these claims is mixed.
Guarana
Guarana is a natural source of caffeine, and it is often added to energy drinks because it provides a longer-lasting energy boost than other forms of caffeine. It is also thought to improve mental performance and focus.
Some other ingredients that you may find in energy drinks are:
- ginseng
- green tea extract
- green coffee extract
- ginkgo biloba
- carnitine
- inositol
- flavors
- benzoic acid.
How do energy drinks work?
Let’s not get too deep into the science, or this post will become very long. I’ll try to make it as simple as possible for you.
Most of the energy that you get from energy drinks is because of two main ingredients: caffeine and sugar. A typical energy drink has the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee, i.e., 80 milligrams.
When you consume an energy drink, its caffeine enters your bloodstream within 10 minutes and triggers a rise in heart rate and blood pressure.
Over the next 14-45 minutes, the caffeine levels in the bloodstream get to the peak. It blocks the effect of adenosine, a chemical responsible for tiredness in the body.
When adenosine is blocked, it causes brain neurons to think that the body is in an emergency and releases adrenaline. This hormone tells your body to use more sugar and glucose for energy. It also causes the liver to release extra sugar into the bloodstream for energy.
These physical responses make you feel as though you have more energy.
Energy drinks give you energy, but it will be short-lasting and cannot be sustained for long. Also, once your body gets familiar with energy drinks, it will not give you the same effect in one can as it gave in the beginning.
What happens 24 hours after drinking an energy drink?
Here is the infographic for you.
How to choose the best energy drink?
Nothing is best, not even energy drinks. They’re only good when consumed in moderation. However, there are always better and safer energy drinks to choose from.
While there are so many energy drinks in India, here are a few tips to help you choose the best energy drink for your needs.
Choose no or less sugar
Maybe you’re watching your weight and don’t want the extra calories from sugar-sweetened beverages. Whatever the reason, if you want to limit your sugar intake, always choose energy drinks with less or no sugar.
They often have similar ingredients to regular energy drinks but without sugar.
Look for caffeine content
Caffeine is the key ingredient in energy drinks that helps to provide you with that burst of energy. That’s why it’s essential to consider the amount of caffeine in each can or bottle.
Generally, energy drinks contain caffeine from 75 milligrams to 200 milligrams. The daily intake limit of caffeine is 400 milligrams.
It is also important to be aware of how much caffeine you are drinking daily. Too much caffeine can be harmful.
Look for caffeine source
When looking for an energy drink, not only the amount of caffeine but also the source of caffeine is important. Always choose the energy drink with caffeine from natural sources such as green tea or guarana. Natural caffeine gives you long-lasting energy all day, while synthetic caffeine gives short-lasting energy.
Look for additional nutrients
Always choose energy drinks that provide additional nutrients such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and vitamins.
Free of artificial sweeteners and colors
Most energy drinks in the market label themselves as sugar-free but contain artificial sweeteners and flavors. Although artificial sweeteners are not bad for your health, you should consume them within a limit.
If possible, look for energy drinks that use natural sweeteners and flavors.
Known allergens
Always check the list of ingredients for known allergens if you are allergic to. Such as some people can not drink caffeine due to caffeine sensitivity, so it’s better to stick to those instant energy drinks that have no caffeine in them.
8 Best energy drinks in India
This list may not include all of India’s most popular energy drink brands, but only those that are healthier and safer for you.
Flow & Mo Ayurvedic Energy Drink
Type: powder
Flow&Mo is India’s first ayurvedic energy drink, containing natural ingredients such as Badriphal. It is a fruit found in the Himalayas rich in vitamin C and antioxidants and is a good source of energy.
This energy drink does not give you wings like other energy drinks, but it is all-natural, caffeine-free, low in sugar, and contains many ayurvedic ingredients.
The great thing about this ayurvedic energy drink is that it can be consumed by anyone in the family, from children to the elderly.
Key ingredients: Badriphal (Sea Buckthorn), Kokum, Gokshur, Haridra, Bitter Melon, Pippali, Saindha Namak, Gur, Carnitine, Co-Enzyme Q10, Arginine AKG, Chrysin
When to use:
- Pre-workout, Intra-workout, post-workout recovery
- Daily energy
- Hydration
- Late-night study
- Early morning energy
Benefits:
- No artificial color and flavors
- No caffeine
- Use of natural ingredients
- Provides up to an hour of energy boost for your workouts and sports sessions
- Low sugar
- No side effects
Tonino Lamborghini Energy Drink (Sugar-free)
Type: Liquid
Tonino Lamborghini Energy Drink is a carbonated soft drink that helps people live intensely without sacrificing their style.
The combination of ingredients in Tonino Lamborghini Energy Drink improves concentration during stressful and difficult working periods, improves physical performance and mental efficiency, increases your sense of well-being, and stimulates your metabolism.
The best thing about this energy drink is that it’s sugar-free and low in calories. However, they have used artificial sweeteners, which is ok if consumed in moderation.
Key ingredients: Caffeine, Taurine, Inositol, B vitamins, artificial sweeteners, and flavors.
When to use:
- At work
- During lectures
- While gaming
- Late-night study
Benefits:
- Sugar-free
- Low in calories
- Improve physical performance
- Increase your focus
Downsides:
- Not suitable for children, pregnant or lactating women
- Use of artificial sweeteners and flavors
Auric Tender Coconut Water Energy Drink
Type: Liquid
The auric tender Coconut Water energy drink is made from 100% Natural Coconut Water. It is sourced from the native farms in Tamil Nadu and is packaged in a safe, hygienic recyclable tetra pack.
It is a rich natural source of electrolytes, making it great for keeping you hydrated. It’s a life energy that can shield you against impurities and cleanse your body.
It rehydrates and energizes you so you can enjoy your day to the fullest. It also helps with body detoxification and acts as a natural stress reliever.
Not every energy drink on the market can do this much for you.
Key ingredients: Tender coconut water
When to use: You can use it anytime to get a refreshing, hydrating, and energizing feeling.
Benefits:
- Real coconut water
- Boost your immunity
- No caffeine
- No added sugars
- Low in calories
- No chemical or preservatives
- No side effects
Red Bull Energy Drink (Sugar-free)
Type: liquid
Red bull is one of the most popular energy drinks in India.
Almost everyone who drinks Red Bull agrees that its motto “Red Bull gives you wings,” is true. The drink provides a quick boost of energy from its ingredients-caffeine, taurine, B-group vitamins, sugars, and alpine water.
Red Bull offers a variety of energy drinks, some of which are loaded with sugar. If you are looking for an energy drink without added sugar, Red Bull’s sugar-free option is the only good choice.
Although they have used artificial sweeteners but that’s Ok if you consume red bull in moderation.
Key ingredients: Caffeine, B vitamins, Taurine, Artificial sweeteners, and water.
When to use:
- At work
- During sports
- While studying
- During video games
Benefits:
- Sugar-free
- low in calories
- Recyclable can
- Boost your physical and mental energy
Downsides:
- Not suitable for children, pregnant or lactating women
- Use of artificial sweeteners and flavors
Enerzal Energy Drink
Type: Liquid and powder
Enerzal is one of the most commonly consumed energy drinks in India. It contains carbohydrates and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, chloride) to prevent dehydration and keep you energetic. The drink comes in many flavors, such as lemony lime, Apple naturome, and Pulpy orange.
It’s the scientific mix of
- glucose: for instant energy
- sucrose: for the sustained energy
Key ingredients: Sucrose (69%), glucose (21%), Acidity regulator, and 5 electrolytes.
When to use:
- During low energy levels
- During excessive sweating
- When you feel tired or dehydrated
Benefits:
- No caffeine
- No artificial sweeteners and colors
- Packed with 5 vital electrolytes
- No preservatives
- Suitable for all
- Good for diabetes
Downsides:
- Contains sugar
Fyre Energy Drink Mix
Type: Powder
Fyre is another of the best energy drinks you can find in India. It is India’s first ‘cut-pour’ energy drink that provides energy, alertness, and focus for all your work.
It has all the main ingredients that you would find in any popular energy drink on the market, and that too without any added sugar.
Moreover, it is available in regular, orange, and Lemon flavors.
Key ingredients: Caffeine, Taurine, and B vitamins.
When to use:
- During physical activities
- Late night study
- Long drives
- During workouts
Benefits:
- Sugar-free
- Low in calories
- Easy to carry and use
- Low price
Downsides:
- Not suitable for children, pregnant or lactating women
- Use of artificial flavors
Fast&Up Reload
Type: Tablets
Fast&Up Reload is India’s first effervescent tablets energy drink that gives your body an instant energy boost.
It is powered with 5 Instant Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, and Chlorides). Plus, it has Vitamins and is low in sugar.
Fast and up reload is available in many variants, such as:
- ORS
- Caffeine
- ISO
- Probiotics
It’s also available in more than 10 refreshing flavors such as Aam Panna, orange, blueberry, cola, lime mango, etc.
Key ingredients: 5 electrolytes, vitamin C, vitamin B12, and root extract(beet).
When to use: You can use it for many purposes, such as exercising, traveling, hydration, After the workout, and intra-workout.
Benefits:
- Prevents dehydration
- Provides instant energy
- Boost performance
- Prevent cramps
- 100% vegetarian
- Low in sugar
Glucon D Instant Energy Drink
Type: Powder
Glucon D is a popular energy health drink in India. It is manufactured and marketed by Heinz India Pvt. Ltd.
It’s a glucose-based instant energy drink that replenishes your body’s glucose and gives you a boost of energy. In India, it is one of the most popular summer choices.
The most appealing point about glucon d is that it contains absolutely no caffeine. This makes it ideal for children and adults who need to get a head start on a heavy day.
Related reading: Glucon D: Everything You Should Know (Benefits + Side effects)
The regular flavor contains no added sugar, whereas the other glucon d flavors are high in sugar. Also, the regular flavour has 99% glucose making it an ideal option to go with.
Key ingredients: Glucose, Calcium, Vitamin C and Vitamin D
When to use:
- When you feel tired or require quick energy
- Before/after/during sports sessions
- For dehydration
Benefits:
- Provide instant energy
- No added sugar
- 99% glucose for instant energy
- No side effects
Downsides:
- It provides quick but short-lasting energy.
- Flavors glucon d are loaded with sugars.
How long does it take to feel the effect of energy drinks?
Energy drinks generally get absorbed faster by the body due to the presence of caffeine and other ingredients.
On average, It takes about 10 -15 minutes for the caffeine in an energy drink to enter your bloodstream. You will begin to feel a surge of energy within you at this point. Then it takes 20 to 45 minutes for it to fully absorb into your bloodstream, at which point you will notice the most noticeable effects.
How many energy drinks should you have in a day?
If you are between 18 and 55 and are in good health with an average weight and no serious health problems such as diabetes or another chronic disease. You can then consume up to 2-4 drinks per day.
But then a question arises: Do you really need this much energy drink? Are you climbing or breaking a mountain?
Generally, it’s enough to consume a single drink per day. However, you should not make it a habit to drink energy drinks. Do it in moderation and only when absolutely necessary.
What is the best time to drink energy drinks?
If you are going for a heavy workout or sports session and any other activity. The best time to take an energy drink is 15-20 minutes before.
After 15-20 minutes, when you will start doing your workout or any other activity, your body will have enough energy to get a good start.
What are the worst energy drinks in India?
While there are some good energy drinks in India, I found some of the worst while researching. These energy drinks are often the most popular and unhealthiest due to the high amount of sugar and artificial flavors. These energy drinks include red bull, monster, rockstar, and sting.
Final words
So there you have it, some of the best and healthiest energy drinks available in India.
Some of these drinks contain caffeine, while others do not, but they will make you feel more alert and energetic. And the best thing is that they don’t have any serious side effects on you.
Choosing the right drink and drinking in moderation is the key to energizing yourself.
Please let me know If there is any other good energy drink that I have not included in this list. It will undoubtedly be added to the list.
Found this information helpful?
Share it with your friends and family to help them get the energy they require.
Meanwhile, here are a few other posts you can read that may help you:
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- 10 Best Bread Brands In India For Every Taste And Budget
- 10 Best Dry Fruits Brands In India To Look Out For In 2022
- Top 10 Healthiest Noodles Brands In India in 2022
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