How healthy is sugar-free energy drink?
Is sugar-free energy drink healthy? Better than the sugary version; coffee or tea is simpler. Sugar-free energy drink scores 83/100 on the HowHealthyIs Score: 100 g provides 4 kcal and 25 mg vitamin C. A sugar-free energy drink has almost no calories but still contains caffeine, often similar to a cup of coffee per small can, plus sweeteners and added vitamins. Source: USDA FoodData Central.
Score explained
The score compares nutrient density per 100 kcal across every food we cover (NRF9.3 method). Sugar-free energy drink ranks higher than 83% of them.
Note: The score is high mainly because the drink is fortified with vitamins and has almost no calories. Added vitamins do not make it a nutritious drink; caffeine is what matters most here.
Counts in favor (% daily value per 100 kcal)
- Vitamin C100%
- Protein4%
- Fiber0%
- Vitamin A0%
- Vitamin E0%
- Calcium0%
- Iron0%
- Potassium0%
- Magnesium0%
Counts against
- Saturated fat0%
- Added sugars0%
- Sodium9%
Raw NRF9.3: 104 minus 9 = 95. The score is not a verdict on whether to eat a food; portion, the whole meal and your own health matter more. Full methodology
How many calories are in sugar-free energy drink?
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per portion | %DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy and macronutrients | |||
| Calories | 4 kcal | 10 kcal | |
| Protein | 0.4 g | 1.1 g | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 0.4 g | 1.1 g | 0% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 0 g | 0 g | |
| Added sugars | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Fat | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Omega-3 fats | 0 g | 0 g | |
| Vitamins | |||
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 25 mg | 65 mg | 72% |
| Vitamin D | 0 µg | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin K | 0 µg | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.5 µg | 6.5 µg | 271% |
| Folate | 283 µg | 736 µg | 184% |
| Minerals | |||
| Calcium | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0% |
| Magnesium | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0% |
| Zinc | 0 mg | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 42 mg | 109 mg | 5% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, "Beverages, Energy Drink, sugar free" (FDC 174822). Values rounded.
Why is sugar-free energy drink good for you?
- 6.5 µg vitamin B12 in 1 can (250 ml), 271% of the daily value. Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells.
- 736 µg folate in 1 can (250 ml), 184% of the daily value. Folate contributes to normal blood formation.
- 65 mg vitamin C in 1 can (250 ml), 72% of the daily value. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
Good ways to use it
- Stepping down from sugary energy drinks
- An occasional caffeine boost
What should you watch out for?
- Caffeine is the main concern: not for children or during pregnancy, and large cans add up quickly. Acidic drinks can wear tooth enamel.
Which drinks score higher?
Other drinks with more nutrition per calorie. Variety matters more than picking one winner.