Do Any C4 Energy Drinks Have Sugar? A Clear Look at C4's Sweeteners

December 31, 2025 •

3 min read

According to product packaging and ingredient lists, the vast majority of C4's popular canned energy drinks are explicitly formulated to contain zero sugar. However, some consumers may wonder if there are any exceptions. So, do any C4 energy drinks have sugar, and how does the brand achieve its sweet flavor without it?

Quick Summary

The C4 energy drink lineup is predominantly sugar-free, using low- or zero-calorie artificial sweeteners to provide flavor. This includes the main C4 Energy, Smart Energy, and Ultimate lines, which contain zero sugar and carbs.

Key Points

Zero Sugar Formulation: All major C4 canned energy drinks, including the Energy, Smart Energy, and Ultimate lines, are formulated with zero sugar and zero calories.
Artificial Sweeteners: The sweet flavor in C4 energy drinks comes from artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and acesulfame potassium, not from sugar or carbs.
Variety of Caffeine Strengths: The C4 lineup offers different caffeine levels, from the 150-200 mg in C4 Energy to the potent 300 mg in C4 Ultimate, catering to different energy needs.
Key Ingredients: Beyond caffeine, C4 drinks contain performance ingredients like CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine for endurance and Cognizin® for mental focus.
Common Tingling Sensation: The tingling feeling sometimes experienced after drinking C4 is attributed to the CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine, which is a common and harmless effect.
Wide Flavor Selection: A large variety of flavors are available in the sugar-free format, including collaborations with popular candy brands.

C4 Energy: A Commitment to Zero Sugar

Cellucor, the company behind the C4 brand, has built its reputation on producing performance-focused products, and a key aspect of this is the elimination of sugar from their most popular ready-to-drink (RTD) energy beverages. The core C4 Energy and C4 Ultimate Energy lines are specifically designed to deliver explosive energy and enhanced performance without the calories and sugar crash associated with traditional sugary drinks.

This sugar-free formulation is achieved by using a combination of artificial sweeteners. The most commonly used are sucralose and acesulfame potassium. These sweeteners provide a sweet taste without contributing to the caloric or carbohydrate content, making the drinks suitable for those monitoring their sugar intake, such as athletes, keto dieters, and general health-conscious consumers. The use of these artificial sweeteners is a deliberate choice by the manufacturer to provide a great taste while maintaining the product's performance-oriented profile.

Sweeteners in C4 Energy Drinks

To create a balanced and appealing flavor without sugar, C4 relies on non-nutritive sweeteners. Sucralose is a popular choice due to its high sweetness intensity and lack of aftertaste, while Acesulfame Potassium, or Ace-K, is often used in combination with other sweeteners to create a more sugar-like flavor profile. These ingredients allow C4 to offer a wide variety of delicious and bold flavors across its product lines, from fruit-inspired options like Frozen Bombsicle and Strawberry Watermelon to collaborations with candy brands like Starburst and Jolly Rancher.

C4 Product Comparison: Performance vs. Ultimate vs. Smart Energy

While the zero-sugar policy is consistent across C4's RTD products, the ingredients and intended purpose differ. Below is a comparison of the sugar-free canned drinks, highlighting their key characteristics.


Feature	C4 Energy	C4 Ultimate Energy	C4 Smart Energy
Caffeine Content	150-200 mg	300 mg	200 mg (from InnovaTea®)
Sugar	0g	0g	0g
Calories	0-5 calories	0 calories	0 calories
Key Ingredients	CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine, BetaPower®	TeaCrine®, Dynamine™	Cognizin®, InnovaTea®
Primary Goal	Explosive energy and endurance	Max-intensity energy for advanced users	Mental focus and alertness

Key Ingredients and How They Work

CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine: This ingredient is known for producing a tingling sensation, but its primary function is to support muscular endurance and fight fatigue during workouts.
BetaPower® Betaine: Naturally derived from beets, this ingredient helps support hydration and physical performance.
InnovaTea®: This is a naturally derived caffeine source from green tea, used in the Smart Energy line for sustained energy and alertness.
Cognizin®: A clinically studied ingredient included in the Smart Energy line to support focus, concentration, and mental multitasking.
TeaCrine® and Dynamine™: Used in the Ultimate line, these are stimulants that work alongside caffeine to provide a longer-lasting energy experience.

Potential Drawbacks of Sugar-Free Energy Drinks

While the absence of sugar is a major advantage for many, there are potential drawbacks to consider. For some individuals, artificial sweeteners can cause digestive discomfort, though this is not universal. Additionally, the high caffeine content in some C4 products, particularly the Ultimate line, may not be suitable for everyone. Beginners or those sensitive to stimulants should start with smaller doses to assess tolerance. It is also important to note that energy drinks are not a substitute for a balanced diet and proper hydration.

For more information on the ingredients and potential effects of C4 energy drinks, resources like this review from Barbend can provide valuable insights into the product lineup and its features: R.D. Analyzed: C4 Energy Drink Review (2025) | BarBend.

Conclusion: C4 is Sugar-Free, But Not All Drinks Are Equal

In conclusion, the core C4 canned energy drinks—including the Energy, Smart Energy, and Ultimate lines—do not contain sugar and are zero-calorie. They achieve their signature flavors through the use of artificial sweeteners. However, with different caffeine levels and performance-enhancing ingredients, each product is designed for a specific purpose. While C4 offers a great sugar-free option for those seeking a pre-workout or energy boost, consumers should be mindful of the caffeine content and individual tolerance, as well as the ingredients, before making it a regular part of their routine.

Popular Sugar-Free C4 Energy Drink Flavors

Fruity & Sweet: Cosmic Rainbow, Twisted Limeade, Strawberry Watermelon Ice, Frozen Bombsicle, and Tropical Blast
Tart & Refreshing: Green Apple Jolly Rancher and Orange Slice
Candy-Inspired: Starburst Strawberry and Cherry, Millions Bubblegum
Tropical: Tropical Passionfruit and Peach Mango Nectar

Frequently Asked Questions

C4 uses artificial, zero-calorie sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium to achieve its sweet flavor without any added sugar.

Yes, all of C4's primary canned energy drink lines, including C4 Energy, Smart Energy, and Ultimate Energy, are labeled as having zero sugar, zero calories, and zero carbs.

No, the C4 canned energy drink lines are zero-calorie. The main C4 Energy drink has 0-5 calories, which is negligible, while the Ultimate and Smart lines are strictly zero.

No, C4 Smart Energy is a sugar-free beverage. It is flavored with natural flavors and contains no sugar, calories, or artificial dyes.

The tingling sensation, known as paresthesia, is a harmless and common side effect caused by the ingredient CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine, which supports muscular endurance.

Yes, since C4 energy drinks contain zero sugar and carbohydrates, they are suitable for those following a ketogenic diet as they will not break ketosis.

Yes, the C4 Original Pre-Workout powder, like the energy drinks, is also formulated to be sugar-free. It is important to always check the specific product label for confirmation.