The World’s Tiniest List of Sports Energy Drinks That Truly Kick Ass

Now that the dust has settled since energy drinks first exploded onto the market, it’s generally agreed that the high-caffeine energy drinks so popular on campuses, in offices and at clubs and bars are not particularly conducive to sports training and exercise.

It makes sense. Drinking five cups of coffee isn’t generally part of the average marathon runner’s morning training routine.

Typical sports drinks like Gatorade, Powerade, All Sport, Propel, Accelerade, GU20, Endura and Cytomax are deliver electrolytes and carbohydrates to rehydrate and replenish fluids and nutrients lost during vigorous physical activity. Although there’s talk of the myth of the electrolyte, but that’s another story.

sports energy drinks What about the new breed of energy drinks that has emerged in the market targeting athletes who not only want to replenish their fluids but also their energy levels?

We know that caffeine promotes dehydration and excessive carbohydrates can cause cramping. And that if your workout isn’t moderate to intense, it’s recommended that you simply drink water (and keep your sleeping and diet in check).

Still here?

Then you must be waiting for that list.

Here’s the thing.

After trying all the energy drinks out there during marathon training, there’s only one I’ve found that I trust and use again and again apart from water. For true endurance athletes, there’s a whole lot of marketing hype, but it all seems like a can of bull.

So here’s my list of eliminations.

These are the drinks that are endorsed by lots of professionals but that I just can’t seem to get behind. And at the end, I’ll let you know what I think about my #1 pick.

Verve Energy Drink

Verve Energy Drink is known for its use of the Mangosteen fruit, which provides carbohydrates, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals designed to restore and rejuvenate the body safely and naturally. Sounds perfect for athletes. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the kick from it I’d expect from an energy drink. For the sugar content, I don’t find the drink worth it.

ACT Energy Drink

I stay away from caffeine when training, and the main active ingredient in A.C.T. is guarana, which is a natural source of caffeine.

XS Energy Drink

This drink actually isn’t bad, it’s just that I didn’t feel anything. Is it just me? It has about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee, which would normally affect me, but for some reason, I had no reaction and so would much prefer to stick with water.

Chi3 Energy Drink

Not much of a boost, but definitely healthy. The ingredients list is great. The problem? At $3 per 2-oz. shot, I can’t say it’s even close to worth it.

Alright, then.

And now, the world’s tiniest list of sports energy drinks that truly kick ass!

*drumroll please*

#1 FRS Healthy Energy

What can I say? There’s really nothing else like it on the market. I guess it’s that FRS quercetin that works for me, and the little trace of caffeine must just jumpstart the uptake. This is the one sports energy drink I’ll actually drink before a morning long run if I’m not quite feeling as rested and peppy as I’d like to be. No wonder FRS is confident enough to run a 2-week free trial.

Anyone else find FRS Energy Drink to work as well for them?

#2, #3 and subsequent list entries do not exist. I just don’t want to lie to you. And I told you the list would be tiny!

Remember, though, we all have different body chemistries. What works for you? Comments are much more than welcome.