Celsius Drinks Review: Pros, Cons, Benefits, Ingredients
I am not a doctor or a registered dietitian, but my backgrounds in nutrition and professional athletics give me a unique view on the the potential. benefits, risks, pros, and cons of Celsius energy drinks.
Important: while Celsius drinks can be an effective caffeine source to power you through your day, relying solely on caffeine for energy isn’t ideal. Your body needs quality sleep, proper hydration, and a nutrient-dense diet to sustain natural energy levels.
When used responsibly, Celsius drinks offer evidence-based benefits, including improved focus, increased metabolism, and better physical performance.
If you decide to try Celsius Energy drinks, I recommend the Celsius On-the-Go Packets, which are compact, affordable, and ideal for staying energized anywhere.
You can find them at grocery stores like Walmart or on Amazon, and they are especially convenient if you have Amazon Prime or Walmart Plus, where they’re often available at competitive prices.
Disclaimer: I am an Amazon and Walmart affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use, trust, and believe provide real value to your health and performance.
Last update on 2025-07-05 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.
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Read the rest of this article to learn the pros and cons of Celsius drinks.
What Are Celsius Drinks?
Celsius drinks are an energy drink designed to boost metabolism, increase energy, and support fat burning, utilizing natural ingredients such as caffeine from green tea and guarana, along with essential vitamins and plant extracts.
Unlike traditional energy drinks, they don’t contain any added sugar, artificial preservatives, or synthetic stimulants.
This makes them a healthier option for those seeking clean, sustained energy.
Is Celsius an Energy Drink?
Yes, Celsius is technically an energy drink, but it offers a healthier alternative to traditional options like Red Bull or Monster.
While it contains caffeine and other energy-boosting ingredients, it differentiates itself by using natural sources of caffeine (like green tea and guarana), no added sugars, and a proprietary blend of vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts to support metabolism, thermogenesis, and overall wellness.
It’s commonly used as a pre-workout drink or a midday energy boost, making it popular among many different people seeking a performance-enhancing beverage with added health benefits
Pros and Cons of Celsius Drinks
Pros: Benefits of Celsius Drinks
Weight Loss and Fat Burning Support
Question: Are Celsius Drinks Good for Weight Loss?
Answer: Celsius drinks are good for weight loss as they contain a proprietary MetaPlus® blend, which includes caffeine, green tea extract (EGCG), and guarana seed extract.
In my opinion, Celsius drinks are the best energy drink for weight loss.
Along with the thermogenic blend, chromium helps regulate blood sugar, reducing cravings and supporting metabolic health (Tsang et al., 2019).
Increased Energy and Workout Performance
I drink Celsius before workouts for a clean energy boost that increases alertness, endurance, and focus.
The caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, improving performance and making intense sessions easier to sustain.
Vitamins & Minerals for Overall Health
Evidence-Based Claims
One study examined the acute effects of ingesting a thermogenic drink (TD) on resting energy expenditure (REE) and serum markers of lipolysis in healthy college-aged individuals.
The findings revealed that TD consumption significantly increased REE and free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations compared to a placebo, suggesting potential benefits for weight loss and body composition improvement (Dalbo et al., 2008).
Another study assessed the impact of Celsius consumption prior to exercise on body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness in sedentary men and women.
Participants who consumed Celsius before workouts experienced greater reductions in fat mass, increases in VO₂peak, and improvements in time-to-exhaustion compared to the placebo group.
This suggests that Celsius may augment the positive adaptations associated with regular exercise (Stout et al., 2008).
A comparative study evaluated the metabolic responses to the acute ingestion of two commercially available soft drinks: Celsius and Diet Coke®.
The results indicated that Celsius consumption led to a more significant increase in metabolic rate over three hours post-ingestion than Diet Coke®, highlighting its thermogenic properties (Mendel & Hofheins et al., 2007).
Additionally, a study involving previously sedentary men investigated the effects of daily Celsius consumption, with or without exercise, over ten weeks.
The study found that participants who consumed Celsius and engaged in exercise showed significant improvements in body composition, including decreased body fat and increased lean muscle mass, compared to exercise alone.
This underscores Celsius’s potential to augment physiological adaptations to combined aerobic and resistance training (Lockwood et al., 2009).
Cons of Celsius Drinks
Question: Are Celsius Drinks Bad for You?
Answer: While Celsius drinks provide several benefits, there are also some potential downsides and a few concerning aspects to consider. I don’t believe Celsius drinks are inherently bad for you, but you should be cautious when using them, and many people may need to avoid them.
High Caffeine Content (Not Suitable for Everyone)
Additionally, due to the high caffeine content, Celsius drinks are not recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers, or children, as they can negatively affect developing systems.
Potential Digestive Issues
Vitamin Overconsumption
Sucralose
Sucralose is a calorie-free sweetener that is generally safe but may impact gut bacteria, so moderation is advised.
While Celsius drinks contain sucralose, they likely remain well below the ADI of 15 mg/kg body weight, as most energy drinks contain only 20-60 mg per serving, though intake from other sources can add up.
Not NSF or Informed Choice Certified
Celsius drinks contain a clean ingredient list free from banned substances, and I don’t believe Celsius drinks will make you fail a drug test.
However, they lack NSF and Informed Choice certifications, which means there’s no official third-party verification guaranteeing they are completely free from contaminants or trace substances that could pose a risk for tested athletes.
Ingredients in Celsius Drinks
Celsius drinks are made with ingredients that support energy, metabolism, and overall health, and I’ve personally had a great experience using them regularly.
Along with a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals, Celsius drinks are formulated with a variety of plant-based ingredients that go beyond basic caffeine stimulation.
These botanical extracts not only provide natural energy but also support digestion, increase fat metabolism, and reduce inflammation, making Celsius drinks a more functional and health-conscious energy drink.
Each plant-derived compound is selected to improve performance, boost focus, and complement your overall wellness, and understanding how these ingredients work together can help you better evaluate whether Celsius drinks align with your health and fitness goals.
Vitamins and Minerals
One key feature that sets Celsius drinks apart from conventional energy beverages is their inclusion of essential vitamins and minerals that support energy production, metabolism, and overall health.
Instead of relying solely on caffeine for stimulation, Celsius uses a nutrient-rich formula to promote clean, sustained energy and recovery.
Each can or on-the-go packet is fortified with a range of B vitamins, vitamin C, chromium, and other micronutrients that play critical roles in cellular energy production, immune function, and metabolic balance.
While these nutrients can be beneficial in moderation, it’s important to understand their individual effects, especially if you’re consuming Celsius regularly or combining it with other supplements.
Green Tea Extract (EGCG)
Green tea extract is rich in catechins like EGCG, which help increase fat oxidation, improve metabolic rate, and reduce body fat percentage (Hodgson et al., 2013).
A 2024 meta-analysis found that green tea extract supplementation significantly lowered body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, and oxidative stress markers while increasing total antioxidant capacity and adiponectin levels (Asbaghi et al., 2024).
These thermogenic and antioxidant effects make green tea extract a powerful ingredient for weight management and metabolic support.
Guarana Seed Extract
Guarana seed extract is a plant-derived source of natural caffeine that contains more caffeine per gram than coffee beans, making it a potent energy-boosting ingredient.
Beyond its caffeine content, guarana also provides other bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, which may contribute to its cognitive-enhancing properties (Hack et al., 2023).
Ginger Root Extract
Ginger root extract supports digestion, reduces inflammation, and provides antioxidant protection through active compounds like gingerols and shogaols (Modi & Modi, 2025).
It’s commonly used to ease nausea, soothe the gut, and support immune health.
While generally safe in moderate amounts, high doses may cause heartburn or gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive individuals.
Taurine
Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that plays a key role in heart health, muscle function, and electrolyte balance.
It supports endurance and recovery by aiding muscle contractions and buffering cellular stress during exercise.
Research shows that taurine supplementation can increase anaerobic performance and reduce perceived exertion, making it valuable for high-intensity training (Buzdağlı et al., 2022).
Caffeine
Question: How Much Caffeine is in Celsius Drinks?
Answer: 12-oz Cans and On-the-Go Celsius drinks contain 200mg of caffeine per serving, sourced from green tea and guarana extract, which are safe, plant-derived forms of caffeine. 16-oz Celsius Essentials contain 270mg of caffeine per serving.
The FDA notes that adults can safely consume up to 400 mg of caffeine daily, but drinking the 200mg of caffeine in regular Celsius cans is still a lot for many people.
Sucralose
Sucralose is a calorie-free sweetener. While generally safe, some research suggests it may affect gut bacteria, so it’s best consumed in moderation.
Celsius drinks contain sucralose, but even though they don’t disclose exactly how much sucralose they contain, it’s unlikely they exceed the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 15 mg/kg body weight, as most energy drinks contain only 20-60 mg per serving.
A 70 kg (154 lb) person would need to consume over 10 cans daily to surpass the ADI, though intake from other sucralose-containing products could add up.
Natural Flavors and Beta-Carotene
These ingredients add taste and color. Beta-carotene also acts as an antioxidant, promoting overall health.
Different Types of Celsius Drinks
Celsius has created a diverse product line to meet the energy needs of athletes, busy professionals, and anyone looking to power through their day with clean, functional energy.
Whether you’re after a grab-and-go can, a customizable powdered option, or a high-performance formula for intense workouts, each type of Celsius is formulated with similar core ingredients, but with specific tweaks to match your lifestyle, routine, and general needs.
Celsius Live Fit – 12 Oz Celsius Cans
Celsius Live Fit is the flagship product that introduced many people to the concept of a “healthy energy drink.”
These 12-ounce ready-to-drink cans are available in a wide variety of carbonated and non-carbonated flavors, making them a convenient and enjoyable way to boost energy without added sugars or synthetic ingredients.
Each can contains 200 mg of natural caffeine sourced from green tea and guarana, paired with a proprietary MetaPlus® blend of metabolism-boosting compounds.
Alongside the caffeine, you’ll find B vitamins, vitamin C, chromium, ginger, and taurine working together to improve energy, focus, and fat oxidation.
Celsius Live Fit is ideal as a pre-workout beverage, a midday pick-me-up, or a clean energy source for anyone looking to stay alert without the crash associated with traditional energy drinks.
With zero sugar, no artificial preservatives, and functional ingredients, it’s a go-to option for individuals who want energy without compromise.
Celsius On-the-Go Packets
Celsius On-the-Go Packets offer all the same energy and metabolism-boosting benefits of the original cans in a lightweight, portable powder form.
Designed for convenience, each packet contains 200 mg of plant-based caffeine and the full MetaPlus® blend, making it a powerful alternative for those who need clean energy while traveling, commuting, or hitting the gym.
These single-serving packets can be mixed with as much or as little water as you prefer, giving you full control over the intensity of flavor and caffeine delivery.
In fact, the biggest difference between Celsius powder and cans is that the concentration of Celsius-On-the-Go Packets is customizable because you can choose how much water you want to add them to, making them more or less diluted.
Whether you’re mixing it in a water bottle or shaker cup, Celsius On-the-Go is perfect for anyone who wants a customizable energy drink without carrying around cans.
The portability, versatility, and clean ingredient profile make these packets a top choice for athletes, frequent travelers, and anyone with a fast-paced lifestyle who still prioritizes health and performance.
Last update on 2025-07-05 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.
Celsius Essentials
Celsius Essentials is the high-powered version of the original Celsius formula, crafted specifically for individuals who need a stronger energy boost.
When comparing Celsius Original vs Celsius Essentials, the biggest difference is that Celsius Essentials is 16 ounces, and each serving contains 270 mg of natural caffeine.
Like all Celsius energy drinks, Celsius Essentials features plant-based caffeine from guarana and green tea, and the metabolism-boosting MetaPlus® blend.
This makes it a smart choice for workouts, long training sessions, or high-intensity activities where stamina and focus are essential.
Despite the higher caffeine content, Celsius Essentials still avoids artificial preservatives, added sugar, and synthetic stimulants, delivering clean, functional energy in a stronger dose.
If you’re already a fan of the original Celsius but want something stronger for performance-heavy days, Celsius Essentials is the natural upgrade.
Best Alternatives to Celsius Drinks
If you enjoy Celsius energy drinks but want to explore a healthier alternative, several excellent options deliver clean energy, metabolism support, and additional functional benefits.
As a professional basketball player with a Master’s Degree in Nutrition Education and over fifteen years of experience using supplements and energy drinks, I’ve tested tons of different options.
While I still believe Celsius is one of the healthiest energy drinks, not every energy drink fits every lifestyle, caffeine sensitivity, or wellness goal. Fortunately, there are outstanding alternatives available.
Below are the five healthiest Celsius alternatives based on my personal experience, ingredient analysis, and health impact.
Bloom Energy Drinks
Why it’s a Top Alternative: Bloom Energy Drinks offer a cleaner, slightly lower-caffeine option (180 mg per can) with additional digestive support through prebiotic fiber and apple cider vinegar. The inclusion of L-theanine provides smoother energy without jitters, balancing the stimulant effect of caffeine better than Celsius does.
Key Advantages: It incorporates prebiotics for gut health and L-theanine for focus, which are two areas where Bloom edges out Celsius (Giesbrecht et al., 2010).
Last update on 2025-07-05 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.
ZOA Zero Sugar Energy Drinks
Why it’s a Top Alternative:: ZOA delivers 210 mg of natural caffeine with a strong hydration formula, thanks to added electrolytes like potassium and magnesium. It also includes antioxidant-rich camu camu and vitamin C, offering immune system support alongside clean energy.
Key Advantages: Ideal for athletes needing hydration and performance support, something Celsius does not directly address.
Last update on 2025-07-05 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.
TRU Focus Seltzer
Why it’s a Top Alternative: TRU Focus Seltzer provides a lighter caffeine load (100 mg from yerba mate) combined with adaptogens and nootropics to promote focus and cognitive function. It’s perfect for individuals who find Celsius too stimulating.
Key Advantages: Adaptogen and nootropic blend supports mental clarity while offering a lower-stimulant, more sustainable energy boost.
Last update on 2025-07-05 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.
CLEAN Cause Yerba Mate
Why it’s a Top Alternative: CLEAN Cause Yerba Mate provides 160 mg of naturally-sourced caffeine from yerba mate, with zero sugar and a mission-driven model supporting addiction recovery. It’s a strong, natural caffeine source without the artificial sweeteners found in Celsius.
Key Advantages: Offers clean, sustained energy with a philanthropic mission—50% of profits fund addiction recovery initiatives.
Last update on 2025-07-05 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.
Black Coffee
Why it’s a Top Alternative: Simple and natural, black coffee offers a powerful caffeine boost (100–200 mg per serving) without any additives, sweeteners, or artificial ingredients. Coffee provides antioxidants and mental clarity benefits, though it lacks the thermogenic support of the green extract found in Celsius.
Key Advantage: Most natural, affordable, and flexible option, with easy-to-adjust caffeine content based on brewing method and serving size. I recommend Four Sigmatic Coffee for home brewing, with its unique adaptogenic blends. For example, Happy Gut provides energy while supporting gut health.
Last update on 2025-07-05 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.
What Are the Risks of Consuming Celsius Drinks: Are Celsius Safe?
Celsius drinks have specific advantages as a more natural, healthier energy drink, but they’re not risk-free.
Here is a an analysis of the risks associated with consuming Celsius Drinks regularly:
High Caffeine Content
Each can of Celsius contains between 200 and 270 mg of caffeine, which is about the same as two to three cups of coffee.
For some individuals, this can lead to side effects such as jitters, insomnia, or an elevated heart rate, particularly if they’re sensitive or if other caffeinated drinks are consumed on the same day (FDA, 2022).
Staying within the FDA’s recommended limit of 400 mg of caffeine per day is key to avoiding negative effects.
Artificial Sweeteners and Gut Health
Celsius drinks use sucralose, an artificial sweetener that keeps the drinks low in calories.
While sucralose is generally recognized as safe, some research suggests that consuming it in high amounts may disrupt healthy gut bacteria over time (Ruiz-Ojeda et al., 2019).
Most people won’t reach problematic levels with one can a day, but frequent use alongside other caffeine-containing foods or drinks in your diet can add up.
Risk of Vitamin Overconsumption
Celsius includes high doses of B vitamins and biotin to support metabolism and energy production.
While these nutrients are beneficial, consistently exceeding daily recommended limits by drinking multiple cans plus taking supplements may raise the risk of nerve problems or lab test interference (NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, 2021).
Monitoring your total daily intake helps prevent unnecessary side effects.
Lack of Third-Party Certification
Unlike some sports nutrition products, Celsius is not NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Choice certified.
This means professional athletes or anyone who must pass drug tests should be cautious, as there’s no official guarantee the drinks are completely free from banned substance contamination.
Final Word on Safety
So, are Celsius drinks safe?
For most healthy adults, moderate use is generally safe as part of an overall healthy routine.
If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, or have heart conditions, it’s best to avoid energy drinks altogether and check with a healthcare provider about safer alternatives.
What Was the Celsius Lawsuit About?
Where to Buy Celsius Drinks
Final Thoughts: My Take on Celsius Drinks
When enjoyed responsibly, Celsius drinks can be a useful choice for anyone who wants a convenient boost of clean energy, better focus, and a little extra support for metabolism and performance.
The blend of plant-based caffeine, green tea extract, and essential vitamins works well to help you feel more energized without the heavy sugars or artificial ingredients found in typical energy drinks.
But, are Celsius drinks good for you?
For most healthy adults, yes, especially if you drink them in moderation and remember that no energy drink should replace a good night’s sleep, proper hydration, and a well-balanced diet.
I’ve personally found Celsius drinks to be a handy option on busy days or before training, and I appreciate that they fit easily into my routine without the crash I often get from other energy drinks.
That said, everyone’s body is different, so it’s always wise to know your caffeine limits and pay attention to how your body responds.
If you ever feel unsure, consult with your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional to determine if Celsius drinks are a good fit for your goals and lifestyle.
When used sensibly, they can be a useful and enjoyable addition to your routine.
Last update on 2025-07-05 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.
Frequently Asked Questions about Celsius Energy Drinks
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