Are CELSIUS Drinks Healthy or Unhealthy? An In-Depth Analysis

October 25, 2025 •

4 min read

CELSIUS markets its drinks as being clinically proven to boost metabolism and help burn fat when combined with exercise. But many health experts caution against relying on heavily caffeinated beverages as a health product. So, are CELSIUS drinks truly healthy, or is the perceived "health halo" just clever marketing?

Quick Summary

This article examines the pros and cons of CELSIUS energy drinks by analyzing their ingredients, caffeine content, and potential health effects to provide a balanced and informed health perspective.

Key Points

High Caffeine Content: A standard 12oz can of CELSIUS contains 200mg of caffeine, more than many traditional energy drinks, which can lead to adverse side effects like jitters and increased heart rate.
Not a Health Drink: Experts classify CELSIUS as an energy drink, not a wellness product, due to its high stimulant content and artificial ingredients, despite its zero-sugar and low-calorie claims.
Metabolism Boost Requires Exercise: The claim that CELSIUS boosts metabolism is based on company-funded studies that showed significant effects only when combined with regular exercise.
Contains Artificial Sweeteners: The drinks are sweetened with sucralose and erythritol, which some studies suggest may have negative impacts on gut health.
Not for Everyone: CELSIUS is not recommended for children, caffeine-sensitive individuals, or pregnant/nursing women due to its high stimulant load and potential health risks.
Moderation is Essential: For healthy adults, limited, occasional consumption is generally considered acceptable, but habitual use can lead to side effects and dependency.

What's Inside a Can of CELSIUS?

CELSIUS energy drinks are distinguished from many competitors by their zero-sugar and low-calorie formulation. The primary ingredients include a proprietary blend marketed as MetaPlus®, a mix of various vitamins and extracts designed to accelerate metabolism and burn fat. However, the exact amounts of many of these ingredients are not disclosed, making it difficult to assess their true impact.

Key ingredients and their functions:

Caffeine: A central nervous system stimulant, CELSIUS contains a high dose of 200mg per 12oz can (with some products like CELSIUS Essentials containing even more, up to 270-300mg). This caffeine comes from multiple sources, including synthetic caffeine and natural extracts like guarana and green tea, which are potent stimulants.
Green Tea Extract: Contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which CELSIUS claims helps boost metabolism. However, high doses of green tea extract are linked to potential liver injury, and since the exact amount isn't listed, this poses a risk.
Guarana Seed Extract: A natural source of caffeine that contains additional stimulants beyond caffeine, such as theobromine and theophylline, which can enhance the effects of caffeine.
Ginger Root Extract: Believed to support digestion and thermogenesis.
Vitamins: Fortified with various B vitamins (B2, B3, B6, B12), biotin, and Vitamin C. While beneficial, the B12 used (cyanocobalamin) is a synthetic form that may not be easily absorbed by everyone.
Artificial Sweeteners: CELSIUS avoids sugar by using artificial sweeteners like sucralose (Splenda) and erythritol. Some studies suggest these sweeteners may impact gut bacteria and blood sugar regulation.

The “Healthy Energy” Claim Under Scrutiny

CELSIUS's positioning as a healthier alternative is a cornerstone of its marketing. Yet, many nutritionists argue that relying on stimulants for energy is a "slippery slope" and that the vitamins added are a form of "health halo" marketing. The potential metabolic boost from CELSIUS is modest and, according to company-funded studies, most effective when combined with exercise. A single can will not miraculously change your metabolism or body composition without other significant lifestyle changes.

Potential Health Risks and Side Effects

The high concentration of stimulants in CELSIUS can lead to several adverse health effects, particularly with excessive consumption.

Common side effects include:

Cardiovascular effects: Increased heart rate, heart palpitations, and elevated blood pressure. The CDC warns against regularly consuming highly caffeinated beverages due to these risks.
Nervous system effects: Jitters, anxiety, and insomnia are common, especially for individuals sensitive to caffeine.
Digestive issues: Upset stomach, nausea, and general gastrointestinal discomfort can occur. The artificial sweeteners and citric acid may contribute to these issues.
Liver damage: While rare, high doses of green tea extract, an ingredient in CELSIUS, have been linked to liver injury.
Dependency and withdrawal: Habitual consumption of high caffeine levels can lead to dependency and withdrawal symptoms, such as fatigue and headaches, when stopped.

For certain populations, like children, adolescents, pregnant or nursing women, and those with pre-existing heart conditions, CELSIUS and other energy drinks are not recommended. The NCAA has even banned excessive stimulant consumption, including ingredients found in CELSIUS, for athletes due to potential unfair advantages and health concerns.

Comparison: CELSIUS vs. Other Beverages


Beverage	Typical Caffeine Content	Sugar Content	Typical Calorie Count	Key Ingredients	Verdict
CELSIUS (Original)	200 mg (12 oz can)	0g	10 kcal	Caffeine, Green Tea Extract, Guarana, Vitamins, Artificial Sweeteners	High stimulant, zero sugar option; not truly "healthy" for daily use.
Black Coffee	95-190 mg (8-16 oz)	0g	~2-5 kcal	Caffeine, Water	A more natural, single-ingredient source of caffeine without added stimulants or sweeteners.
Red Bull	80 mg (8.4 oz can)	~27g	~110 kcal	Caffeine, Sugar, B Vitamins, Taurine	High-sugar, moderate caffeine option. High caloric load and potential sugar crash.
Water	0 mg	0g	0 kcal	Water	The healthiest and most effective option for hydration and overall well-being.

The Verdict: So, Are CELSIUS Drinks Healthy?

Based on a comprehensive review, the healthiness of CELSIUS drinks is complex and depends heavily on context and moderation. While marketed as a healthy fitness drink due to its zero-sugar formula and added vitamins, it remains, fundamentally, a high-stimulant energy drink. The significant caffeine levels and presence of artificial sweeteners and undisclosed proprietary blends mean it should be treated with caution, not as a daily health tonic.

For healthy adults who consume it sparingly and mindfully before exercise, it can provide a short-term boost. However, for those sensitive to caffeine, children, or individuals with certain health conditions, the risks of insomnia, anxiety, and heart complications outweigh any potential benefit. The best long-term strategy for energy and metabolic health still involves a balanced diet, proper hydration, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. Natural alternatives like coffee or tea offer similar energy-boosting effects with fewer and more transparent ingredients.

Conclusion: Moderation is Key

Ultimately, while CELSIUS is a better alternative to sugary energy drinks, it is not a health drink. Its high caffeine content, reliance on artificial ingredients, and the potential for side effects demand a cautious approach. Consumers should critically assess the marketing and use CELSIUS as an occasional pre-workout supplement rather than a daily beverage. Prioritizing whole foods and regular exercise will always be the most effective and healthiest route to sustained energy and fitness.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most healthy adults, occasional consumption is likely fine, but due to its high caffeine content, regular daily consumption is not recommended. Excessive intake can lead to adverse health effects like anxiety, insomnia, and increased heart rate.

A standard 12oz can of CELSIUS contains 200mg of caffeine. Some of their other product lines, like CELSIUS Essentials, contain even higher levels, up to 270-300mg per can.

CELSIUS is sugar-free and lower in calories than traditional sugary energy drinks. However, it often contains more caffeine and should still be consumed in moderation, as it is still a processed, high-stimulant beverage.

CELSIUS is clinically shown to have modest thermogenic effects that can slightly increase calorie burn. However, these effects were observed in studies combined with exercise, so it is not a weight-loss solution on its own.

Yes, healthier alternatives for energy include black coffee, green tea, or herbal teas. These provide a caffeine boost with fewer ingredients and without artificial sweeteners or other synthetic additives.

Common side effects include jitters, anxiety, insomnia, increased heart rate, and upset stomach. These are typically due to the high caffeine and other stimulants in the drink.

No, health authorities and pediatric dietitians do not recommend stimulant-containing energy drinks like CELSIUS for children and adolescents under 18 due to the high caffeine content.