Do they make CELSIUS with real sugar? A Nutrition Diet Breakdown

October 15, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the official Celsius website, the vast majority of its products contain zero grams of sugar. This often leads consumers to ask, "Do they make CELSIUS with real sugar?" The answer is no; Celsius relies on a variety of non-caloric sweeteners to provide its flavor without the added sugar and calories.

Quick Summary

The majority of Celsius energy drinks use artificial sucralose or a blend of natural sweeteners like stevia and erythritol instead of real sugar to create their sweet taste. The choice of sweetener depends on the specific product line.

Key Points

No Real Sugar: Most Celsius products contain zero grams of real sugar and are marketed as a sugar-free alternative.
Sucralose in Original Line: The Original and HEAT series of Celsius are sweetened with the artificial sweetener sucralose.
Stevia and Erythritol Alternative: Celsius offers a separate product line called "Sweetened with Stevia" which uses natural non-caloric sweeteners.
High Caffeine Content: Celsius contains a significant amount of caffeine from natural sources like green tea and guarana, typically 200mg per can.
Vitamins and Extracts Included: Products are fortified with B vitamins and other extracts like ginger root and green tea extract.
Read the Label: The specific sweeteners used vary by product line, so it is important to check the label for the exact ingredients.
Consider Sweetener Effects: While sugar-free, it's worth considering the long-term health effects and potential impact on gut health associated with non-nutritive sweeteners.

Unpacking the Sweeteners in Celsius

When a product is advertised as having "zero sugar," it must use alternative methods to achieve a palatable, sweet flavor profile. Celsius utilizes different sweetening agents depending on the product line, and none of them are traditional real sugar (sucrose). Understanding which sweeteners are used is key to incorporating Celsius into a nutritional diet.

Artificial vs. Natural Sweeteners

Celsius products can be broadly categorized into two types based on their sweeteners. The primary distinction is between artificial and naturally-derived zero-calorie sweeteners.

The Original and HEAT Lines: Sucralose

The original line of Celsius energy drinks, along with the CELSIUS HEAT series, uses sucralose as its primary sweetener. Sucralose is a non-caloric artificial sweetener derived from sugar but chemically modified to be around 600 times sweeter than sucrose. Since the body does not metabolize it, sucralose contributes no calories. Despite its popularity, the use of sucralose has been a topic of debate in the nutrition community, with some consumers preferring more natural alternatives.

The "Sweetened with Stevia" Line: Stevia and Erythritol

Recognizing the demand for naturally-sourced sweeteners, Celsius offers a specific product line labeled "Sweetened with Stevia". This line uses a blend of stevia leaf extract and erythritol to create its sweet taste.

Stevia: Derived from the leaves of the Stevia plant, stevia is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener. It is significantly sweeter than sugar, so only a small amount is needed.
Erythritol: A sugar alcohol found naturally in some fruits, erythritol is also used in this line. It provides a clean taste and is a popular natural substitute for sugar.

The Nutritional Profile of Celsius

In addition to its sweeteners, Celsius contains other ingredients that contribute to its function as an energy drink. These include:

MetaPlus Blend: A proprietary blend containing green tea extract (with EGCG), guarana seed extract, and ginger root.
Vitamins: A mix of B vitamins and Vitamin C, which play roles in energy metabolism and immune support.
Caffeine: A significant amount of caffeine, often around 200mg per can, is derived from sources like green tea and guarana.

Sweeteners and Your Nutrition Diet

For those managing their sugar intake, Celsius' zero-sugar claim can be attractive. However, it's important to consider the role of non-nutritive sweeteners in a broader nutrition diet. The consumption of artificial sweeteners, while generally recognized as safe by regulatory bodies like the FDA, remains a subject of ongoing research and debate. Some studies suggest potential effects on the gut microbiome and blood sugar regulation, although more long-term data is needed.

Ultimately, the suitability of Celsius in a nutritional diet depends on individual health goals and tolerance for non-caloric sweeteners. For those who are sensitive to artificial ingredients, the Stevia-sweetened line offers a valuable alternative. For others, the occasional consumption of a sucralose-sweetened drink may not be a concern within an otherwise balanced diet.

Comparison of Celsius Sweeteners and Benefits


Feature	Celsius Originals (Sucralose)	Celsius Sweetened with Stevia	Considerations for Your Diet
Sweetener	Sucralose (Artificial)	Stevia Leaf Extract & Erythritol (Natural)	Personal preference for artificial vs. natural sweeteners.
Calories	Typically 10 calories	Typically 10 calories	Both are very low-calorie, supporting weight management goals.
Sugar	0 grams	0 grams	A benefit for those monitoring blood sugar or avoiding added sugars.
Taste Profile	Often described as very sweet, can have a distinct artificial aftertaste	Some users note a slightly different taste profile compared to sucralose	Flavor perception is subjective and can influence choice.
Health Concerns	Long-term effects and gut microbiome impact are debated.	Generally considered a safe alternative, but still a non-nutritive sweetener.	Research is ongoing for both, moderation is key.

Conclusion: A Quick Summary

To answer the question, do they make CELSIUS with real sugar? No, Celsius does not use real sugar in any of its product lines, and all varieties are marketed as zero-sugar. Instead, the company opts for non-caloric sweeteners to keep its calorie count low. The choice between sucralose-sweetened and stevia-sweetened varieties depends on your personal preference for artificial vs. naturally-derived ingredients. As with any energy drink, moderation is key, and it's essential to consider your individual nutritional goals and health considerations. For personalized guidance on incorporating energy drinks into a balanced diet, it's always best to consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional. For more nutritional information on Celsius, check the official website and product packaging.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Energy Drinks

Caffeine Content: High caffeine content can lead to jitters, increased heart rate, and disrupted sleep.
Sweetener Type: Choose based on your preference for artificial (sucralose) or natural (stevia/erythritol) non-nutritive sweeteners.
Other Ingredients: Look for added vitamins, extracts, and other functional ingredients to ensure they align with your health goals.
Sugar-Free is Not Calorie-Free: While free of sugar, Celsius still contains a small amount of calories (typically 10).
Natural Flavors: Check the ingredients list if you are sensitive to natural flavors or other additives.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary sweetener in the original and HEAT lines of Celsius energy drinks is sucralose, an artificial sweetener that is highly potent and non-caloric.

Yes, Celsius offers a specific line of products labeled "Sweetened with Stevia" that uses stevia leaf extract and erythritol, both natural non-caloric sweeteners, instead of sucralose.

No, sucralose is an artificial sweetener derived from sugar but is not real sugar. It is chemically modified so the body doesn't metabolize it for energy.

Celsius is low-calorie because it uses zero-calorie sweeteners like sucralose or stevia and erythritol, which provide sweetness without adding calories or sugar.

The sweeteners used in Celsius, including sucralose, stevia, and erythritol, are generally considered safe by regulatory bodies like the FDA, but long-term health effects and gut health impacts are still debated and under research.

You can determine the sweeteners used by reading the product label. The "Sweetened with Stevia" line is clearly indicated on the packaging, while other lines will list sucralose in the ingredients.

While the lack of added sugar can be beneficial, Celsius also contains a significant amount of caffeine and other stimulants. A balanced diet and moderation are still key for overall health, and the health impacts of non-nutritive sweeteners are still a topic of discussion.