At Best-Supps, you'll find energy drinks from selected brands, classic sugary or sugar-free versions, in various flavors. Discover the selection below. In the guide below, we explain what's in them, what claims are permissible, and what you should look out for.
What are Energy Drinks?
Energy drinks are caffeinated soft drinks primarily consumed for their caffeine content as a pick-me-up. Typically, they come in cans (often 250 ml or 500 ml) and, in addition to caffeine, often contain other ingredients such as taurine, B vitamins, and – depending on the variant – sugar or sweeteners. They are legally classified as beverages, not food supplements, and are labeled accordingly.
Energy drinks are popular in many everyday situations where a quick pick-me-up is needed – from long work or study days to gaming sessions and before sports. As with all caffeinated products, moderation is key.
Energy Drinks – A Brief Overview
Over the years, energy drinks have evolved from a niche product to a staple in beverage aisles. They appeal to a wide audience – from students to shift workers to the gaming and fitness community – and are now available in a wide variety of brands, flavors, and formats. The common denominator remains caffeine as the eponymous "energy" factor, supplemented by ingredients like taurine, B vitamins, and flavorings. In parallel, the availability of sugar-free variants has grown significantly, as many consumers are more conscious about sugar and calories.
Despite all the variety, it's important to see energy drinks for what they are: caffeinated soft drinks for moderate consumption. They can be a practical pick-me-up in certain situations but do not replace sleep or a balanced diet.
Typical Ingredients
The composition varies depending on the brand and flavor. Common ingredients include:
Caffeine
The central active ingredient. The content varies depending on the product and can size; the exact amount is stated on the label. Caffeine is the reason energy drinks are used as a pick-me-up.
Taurine
Taurine is an amino acid found in many energy drinks. There is no officially approved health claim for taurine; it is therefore only mentioned here neutrally as an ingredient.
B Vitamins
Many energy drinks are enriched with B vitamins such as niacin, vitamin B6, B12, or pantothenic acid. For these nutrients, unlike taurine, approved claims exist (see below).
Sugar or Sweeteners
Classic energy drinks contain sugar, while sugar-free variants use sweeteners. The nutritional values per 100 ml are listed on the label.
Other Common Ingredients
Depending on the variety, other ingredients such as guarana (a plant-based caffeine source), inositol, ginseng, or flavorings, colorings, preservatives, and water may be found; ingredient lists sometimes also include the term "aroma." For many of these ingredients, there are no approved health claims – we therefore list them neutrally as components of the recipe. If a product contains guarana, its caffeine contributes to the total caffeine content declared on the label.
Caffeine Comparison: Red Bull, Coffee & Cola
Caffeine is found in many everyday beverages. For context: a cup of filtered coffee provides roughly 80–100 mg of caffeine, a cup of espresso slightly less per serving, and a glass of cola significantly less. Energy drinks, depending on can size and recipe, are in a similar range to coffee – a 250 ml can often in the two-digit mg range, larger cans proportionally higher. The information on the label is always crucial. Anyone consuming several caffeinated beverages throughout the day should add up the amounts to stay within moderation.
Caffeine – Approved Claims & Labeling
In the EU, there are two approved health claims for caffeine, which may only be used with the specified wording and only if a beverage provides at least 75 mg of caffeine per serving: "Caffeine contributes to an increase in alertness" and "Caffeine contributes to an improvement in concentration." Further claims – such as those related to endurance or athletic performance – are not approved for caffeine, and we do not make them.
In addition, there is a legal labeling requirement: beverages with a caffeine content exceeding 150 mg per liter must bear the warning "High caffeine content. Not recommended for children or pregnant or breastfeeding women," along with the caffeine content. You will find this notice on the respective can.
B Vitamins in Energy Drinks
If energy drinks are enriched with B vitamins and contained in sufficient quantities, approved claims can be used – in the exact wording. These include, among others: "Niacin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism" and "Niacin contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue"; similar claims also exist for vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and pantothenic acid. Whether and which of these apply to a product depends on the actual vitamin content and is stated in the nutrition facts table.
Sugary or Sugar-Free?
Energy drinks come in two main variants: classic with sugar and the sugar-free version with sweeteners. Sugar-free variants provide fewer calories and are popular with many who monitor their calorie intake – for example, as part of a calorie-conscious diet or in combination with training. The caffeine content is usually similar in both variants; the main difference lies in sugar and calorie content. A look at the nutrition facts table will show which variant suits you best.
Energy Drink, Pre-Workout, or Caffeine Capsule?
As a pick-me-up and before training, several product types are available. The energy drink, also known as an energy drink, is a ready-to-drink, flavor-diverse beverage for everyday use. A pre-workout booster, on the other hand, is a powder with a usually more extensive matrix of active ingredients, specifically for training. Those who only want pure caffeine without calories can opt for caffeine tablets or capsules. Which option fits depends on the situation and preference. For all, it applies: keep an eye on the total caffeine intake throughout the day.
Energy Drinks & Sports
Many use an energy drink as a ready-to-drink pick-me-up before training or a gaming session, expecting a quick energy boost. It's important for an honest assessment: for caffeine – unlike for attention and concentration – no claims regarding endurance or athletic performance are permitted; therefore, an energy drink should not be generally advertised with performance, power, or increased capability. An energy drink also does not replace the basics: sufficient sleep, hydration, and an appropriate diet. Those specifically looking for a product for training will find a workout-oriented alternative with a pre-workout booster. In any case, keep an eye on the total caffeine intake throughout the day and do not combine it with long, intense exertion, especially since the effect on the body can vary depending on the amount of caffeine.
Flavor, Varieties & Formats of Monster Energy
A large part of the appeal of energy drinks lies in their taste. The range extends from classic energy flavor to fruity varieties and seasonal editions; exotic notes like pineapple add extra accents. They are usually offered in 250 ml and 500 ml cans, classic or sugar-free. This variety makes it easy to find a favorite flavor – filters in the shop allow sorting by flavor, sugar content, and brand. Since taste is subjective, it's worth trying different variants, especially as the perceived sweetness also influences the choice of variety depending on the recipe.
Who are Energy Drinks Interesting For & When?
Energy drinks are interesting for anyone who appreciates a quick, ready-to-drink pick-me-up on the go – at work, during study, gaming, or before sports. According to mandatory labeling, they are not suitable for children, adolescents, or pregnant and breastfeeding women. Anyone who is caffeine-sensitive, wants to sleep well in the evening, or has certain pre-existing conditions should adjust their consumption accordingly or consult a doctor.
Important Notes on Caffeine Consumption
Caffeine should only be consumed in moderation. For healthy adults, a generally considered safe amount is up to approximately 400 mg of caffeine spread throughout the day, or about 200 mg as a single dose; for pregnant and breastfeeding women, the recommendations are significantly lower. Add up all caffeine sources – including coffee, tea, cola, and pre-workout products. The stimulating effect can be perceived differently by individuals. Energy drinks are no substitute for sleep and fluids; combining them with alcohol or consuming them in conjunction with intense, prolonged physical exertion is not recommended. Always observe the information on the respective can.
Buying Energy Drinks – What Should You Look Out For?
Caffeine & Sugar Content
Take a look at the caffeine per can and the sugar/calorie content per 100 ml. Also, pay attention to the content or volume of the can to find the variant that suits your needs.
Sugar-Free or Classic
Sugar-free variants save calories, while classic ones score on taste for some. Sugar-free options often use sweeteners. Depending on the product, sweeteners shape the perceived sweetness. Both are a matter of taste.
Flavor & Variety: Afri Cola Energy
From classic to fruity-exotic, the selection is vast. For cola profiles, there's afri cola Energy or afri cola, while fruitier variants lean more towards Black Acai. Well-known examples of different flavor profiles also include Monster Energy, Monster, Red Bull, and Rockstar. Try out the varieties of the brands available.
Brand & Declaration
Renowned brands stand for consistent quality and transparent information, also for people with allergies or intolerances. At Best-Supps, we carry energy drinks from selected brands; depending on the product declaration, information regarding gluten or lactose may also be relevant.
Related Categories & Useful Supplements
As a pick-me-up around training, pre-workout boosters and caffeine fit into this environment. Those who want to further support their training will find suitable products in amino acids and proteins.
Sugar-Free & Sweeteners – Briefly Explained
Sugar-free energy drinks replace sugar with sweeteners, thereby providing fewer or almost no calories from sugar. The sweeteners used are listed in the ingredients; all EU-approved sweeteners have been tested before their approval. For taste, this often means only a slight difference from the classic variant. Those who pay attention to sugar and calories, for example, as part of a calorie-conscious diet, will find a suitable option in the sugar-free versions – the caffeine content usually remains unchanged.
Sustainability & Disposal
Energy drinks primarily come in aluminum or tinplate cans. In Germany and Austria, single-use cans and bottles are subject to a deposit system – the empty can can be easily returned via reverse vending machines as a customer-friendly advantage and is recycled. Look for the corresponding deposit symbol on the can. Recycled cans conserve resources; responsible handling of packaging is part of a responsible product range for us.
Quality, Storage & Shelf Life
Energy drinks are best enjoyed chilled and best consumed fresh. For storage: keep cool and protected from direct sunlight; opened cans should be consumed quickly in this manner. The best-before date and all mandatory information are on the can. Keep out of reach of children.
Frequently Asked Questions about Energy Drinks (FAQ)
That depends on the product and can size; the exact amount is stated on the label. Drinks with more than 150 mg of caffeine per liter additionally carry the legal warning notice.
They provide less sugar and calories with usually a similar caffeine content. Whether they are „better“ depends on your goals and preferences – the nutrition table helps with the comparison.
According to the mandatory labeling, not for children or pregnant and breastfeeding women. With caffeine sensitivity or pre-existing conditions, restraint or a check with a doctor is also advisable.
An energy drink is a ready-to-drink beverage for everyday use. A Pre-Workout booster is a powder with a usually more extensive active-ingredient matrix, specifically for your workout.
For healthy adults, up to about 400 mg over the day (approx. 200 mg as a single amount) is considered safe; for pregnant and breastfeeding women, considerably less. Add up all caffeine sources.
Taurine is an amino acid contained in many energy drinks as an ingredient of the formula. There is no authorized health claim for taurine; we therefore mention it only neutrally as a component.
Combining energy drinks with alcohol is not recommended. Follow the notes on the can and generally use caffeine in moderation.
The pick-me-up effect comes from the caffeine. The authorized statement here is that caffeine contributes to an increase in alertness and to an improvement in concentration – at at least 75 mg of caffeine per serving.
Cool and protected from direct sun. They taste best chilled; use up opened cans quickly. The best-before date is on the can, and the delivery time for your order is usually shown in the shop in working days.