Energy drink vs sugar-free energy drink: which is healthier?

Sugar-free energy drink is more nutrient-dense, scoring 83/100 against 12/100 for energy drink. Both can be part of a healthy diet; the table below shows where each one is stronger. Source: USDA FoodData Central.

Energy drink

12/100Low nutrient density

62 kcal per 100 g. 1 can (250 ml): 260 g

Sugar-free energy drink

83/100Excellent nutrient density

4 kcal per 100 g. 1 can (250 ml): 260 g

Higher score

Which to pick for your goal

Fewer caloriesSugar-free energy drink62 vs 4 kcal per 100 g
More proteinAbout even0.4 vs 0.4 g per 100 g
More fiberAbout even0 vs 0 g per 100 g
Less sugarSugar-free energy drink14 vs 0 g per 100 g
More potassiumEnergy drink10 vs 0 mg per 100 g
Less saturated fatAbout even0 vs 0 g per 100 g

Nutrition side by side

Per 100 g and per typical portion. Bold marks the better value for each row.
Nutrient	Energy drink, 100 g	Sugar-free energy drink, 100 g	Energy drink, 260 g	Sugar-free energy drink, 260 g
Calories	62 kcal	4 kcal	161 kcal	10 kcal
Protein	0.4 g	0.4 g	1.1 g	1.1 g
Carbohydrates	15 g	0.4 g	39 g	1.1 g
Sugars	14 g	0 g	36 g	0 g
Fiber	0 g	0 g	0 g	0 g
Fat	0 g	0 g	0 g	0 g
Saturated fat	0 g	0 g	0 g	0 g
Vitamin C	25 mg	25 mg	65 mg	65 mg
Vitamin A	0 µg	0 µg	0 µg	0 µg
Potassium	10 mg	0 mg	26 mg	0 mg
Iron	0 mg	0 mg	0 mg	0 mg
Calcium	0 mg	0 mg	0 mg	0 mg
Magnesium	0 mg	0 mg	0 mg	0 mg
Sodium	48 mg	42 mg	125 mg	109 mg

Last updated November 12, 2026. Scores use the HowHealthyIs Score method.

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