Do CELSIUS drinks have sugar in them? The Zero-Sugar Truth

November 23, 2025 •

3 min read

Many traditional energy drinks are loaded with high amounts of added sugar, leading to a quick spike followed by a crash. In stark contrast, CELSIUS energy drinks contain no sugar, a key feature that has cemented its popularity among health-conscious consumers and fitness enthusiasts. This article explores the truth behind the zero-sugar claim and examines what sweeteners are used instead.

Quick Summary

Celsius energy drinks contain zero sugar, relying on artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium for their flavor. They are positioned as a lower-calorie and sugar-free alternative to many traditional energy drinks on the market.

Key Points

Zero Sugar: CELSIUS drinks contain zero sugar, distinguishing them from many other energy drinks on the market.
Artificial Sweeteners: The sweet flavor is provided by artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium.
Functional Ingredients: The drinks include a proprietary MetaPlus blend featuring green tea extract, guarana, ginger, and B vitamins.
High Caffeine Content: With 200 mg of caffeine per can, Celsius is not suitable for children or individuals sensitive to caffeine.
Positioned as 'Healthy': The brand markets itself as a better-for-you alternative, but health claims should be considered alongside caffeine content and artificial sweeteners.
Prevents Sugar Crash: The absence of sugar means consumers can avoid the blood sugar spike and subsequent crash often associated with traditional energy drinks.

Celsius: A Zero-Sugar Foundation

For anyone considering an energy drink for an energy boost without the added calories and sugar, the question, "Do CELSIUS drinks have sugar in them?" is a critical one. The answer, which is confirmed directly on the brand's website, is a definitive no. The company prides itself on offering a zero-sugar, no high-fructose corn syrup, and no aspartame product line. This positioning sets it apart from many competitors that rely on large quantities of sugar to deliver both flavor and a perceived energy boost, often leading to a subsequent energy crash.

The Sweeteners That Replace Sugar

If Celsius contains zero sugar, where does its sweet taste come from? The brand uses a blend of non-caloric artificial sweeteners to achieve its flavor profiles. The primary sweetener found in many Celsius products is sucralose, which is marketed under the brand name Splenda. Other formulations may also include acesulfame potassium (Ace-K). Sucralose is a popular artificial sweetener that is 320 to 1,000 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar), so only a small amount is needed to create a sweet flavor. The use of these artificial sweeteners allows Celsius to deliver a sweet taste without the calories or blood sugar impact associated with traditional sugar.

The MetaPlus Blend: Beyond Sweetness

Celsius's formula is more than just sweetened water with caffeine. The company's proprietary MetaPlus blend is what gives the drinks their signature function. This blend includes:

Green Tea Extract: Containing EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which is believed to help boost metabolism.
Guarana Seed Extract: A natural source of caffeine, with a higher concentration of caffeine per seed than coffee beans.
Ginger Root: Included for flavor and its positive effects on digestion.
Vitamins: A blend of B vitamins (B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B12) to support energy production, and Vitamin C to support the immune system.

This combination of ingredients is designed to provide sustained energy and support the body's metabolic processes, in contrast to the rapid-acting, short-lived energy from sugary drinks.

Celsius vs. Traditional Energy Drinks: A Comparison

To highlight the difference, let's compare the nutritional profile of a standard Celsius energy drink with a popular sugary alternative like Red Bull.


Feature	CELSIUS (Original 12oz)	Red Bull (Original 8.4oz)
Calories	~10	110
Total Sugar	0 grams	27 grams
Caffeine	200 mg	80 mg
Primary Sweetener	Sucralose, Ace-K	Sugar (Sucrose, Glucose)
Key Ingredients	MetaPlus blend (Green Tea, Guarana, Ginger, Vitamins)	Taurine, B-vitamins

This comparison clearly shows the different approaches. While Red Bull provides an immediate and intense energy surge due to its sugar content, Celsius offers a zero-sugar option with a higher caffeine dose and other ingredients intended for a more sustained energy release.

Potential Health Considerations

While Celsius's zero-sugar content is a significant draw, it's important to consider other factors. The high caffeine content (200 mg per can) means it is not recommended for children, caffeine-sensitive individuals, or pregnant/nursing women. As with any energy drink, moderation is key. Some consumers also prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners like sucralose, despite their FDA approval for safety. However, for those seeking a sweet energy boost without the negative effects of sugar, Celsius remains a viable option. For more details on the ingredients, you can visit the company's official website.

The Verdict: Zero Sugar Confirmed

In summary, the core products offered by Celsius contain zero sugar. The sweet, fruity flavors are a result of artificial, non-caloric sweeteners such as sucralose. This makes Celsius a sugar-free alternative to many of the other energy drinks on the market. For those who are concerned about their sugar intake but still want a caffeinated beverage, Celsius delivers on its promise of a zero-sugar option. The functional ingredients in the MetaPlus blend provide an energy boost that is less dependent on sugar and aims to provide more sustained energy.

Conclusion

Do CELSIUS drinks have sugar in them? The answer is a clear and simple no. By leveraging artificial sweeteners and a proprietary blend of natural ingredients, Celsius has successfully positioned itself as a modern, health-conscious alternative to traditional sugary energy drinks. This zero-sugar approach appeals to those looking to manage their calorie and sugar intake while still enjoying the functional benefits of an energy drink. However, consumers should remain mindful of the high caffeine content and the presence of artificial sweeteners when making their dietary choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Celsius drinks contain zero grams of sugar. They are sweetened with artificial sweeteners to provide flavor without the calories associated with added sugar.

Celsius uses non-caloric artificial sweeteners, primarily sucralose (Splenda), and some varieties may also contain acesulfame potassium (Ace-K).

While not entirely calorie-free, most Celsius drinks are very low in calories, typically around 10 calories per can, which comes from the other ingredients, not sugar.

Celsius is considered a lower-calorie and sugar-free alternative to sugary drinks like Red Bull. However, with a higher caffeine content, its healthiness depends on individual tolerance and overall consumption.

Beyond caffeine from sources like guarana and green tea, Celsius contains a proprietary blend with ginger, essential B vitamins, vitamin C, and chromium.

Since Celsius doesn't contain sugar, it is designed to provide sustained energy without the blood sugar spike and subsequent crash that is often experienced with sugary energy drinks.

It is not recommended to drink Celsius if you are sensitive to caffeine, as each can contains 200 mg, a significant amount that can cause jitters or other side effects.