Does Prime Stick have caffeine? Separating Fact from Brand Confusion

October 29, 2025 •

3 min read

According to reports, the marketing for Prime drinks has caused consumer confusion, blurring the lines between their various products. When asking, "Does Prime Stick have caffeine?" it is crucial to understand that Prime Hydration Sticks are specifically formulated to be caffeine-free.

Quick Summary

Prime Hydration Sticks are explicitly caffeine-free, offering electrolytes, vitamins, and antioxidants for hydration and recovery, whereas the caffeinated Prime Energy is sold in cans.

Key Points

Caffeine-Free Product: Prime Hydration Sticks contain zero caffeine and are formulated for hydration and recovery.
Canned Energy Drink: The caffeinated version, Prime Energy, is sold in cans and contains 200mg of caffeine per serving.
Purpose Differences: The sticks focus on electrolytes and vitamins for rehydration, while the energy drink provides a stimulant boost.
Distinguishing Packaging: Consumers must read labels carefully to differentiate between the caffeine-free Hydration Sticks and the caffeinated Energy cans.
Age Restriction: Prime Energy is explicitly not recommended for individuals under 18, and parents should be aware of this distinction.
Brand Confusion: Similar branding has led to confusion, prompting consumer warnings and a call for investigation into marketing practices.

Does Prime Stick Have Caffeine? The Definitive Answer

The simple and definitive answer is no, Prime Hydration Sticks do not contain caffeine. The confusion arises because the brand, founded by influencers Logan Paul and KSI, offers a distinct product line called Prime Energy, which is heavily caffeinated. The key is to differentiate between the two product types: Prime Hydration products (including the sticks and bottled versions) and Prime Energy drinks (available in cans). The stick packs are designed for hydration and replenishment, while the energy drink is intended for a caffeine boost.

The Purpose and Ingredients of Prime Hydration Sticks

Prime Hydration Sticks are a powder-based supplement meant to be mixed with water to create an electrolyte drink. They are formulated to help with recovery and replenishment and contain several key ingredients that support this function, all while being free of stimulants.

Electrolytes: The sticks contain essential minerals like dipotassium phosphate and magnesium citrate to help restore fluid balance.
B Vitamins: They include B vitamins such as B6 and B12, which are known to aid in energy production from food, not from caffeine.
Antioxidants: The formula provides antioxidants, including Vitamin E and Vitamin C, to support overall wellness.
10% Coconut Water: This ingredient contributes to hydration and flavor.
Naturally Flavored & Caffeine-Free: The sticks are promoted as naturally flavored, gluten-free, and explicitly caffeine-free, making them suitable for all-day consumption.

Understanding the Caffeinated Version: Prime Energy

In stark contrast to the hydration sticks, Prime Energy is a canned beverage with a significant amount of caffeine. This product is intended for adults seeking an energy boost, and its high caffeine content has drawn controversy and warnings.

Caffeine Content: Each can of Prime Energy contains 200mg of caffeine, which is comparable to approximately two Red Bulls or half a dozen cans of Coke.
Warnings: Prime Energy cans carry warnings stating they are not recommended for children under 18, pregnant or nursing women, or individuals sensitive to caffeine.
Marketing Confusion: The similar branding between Prime Hydration and Prime Energy has led to widespread confusion, with some parents and consumers inadvertently purchasing the high-caffeine version for children.

Comparison Table: Prime Hydration Sticks vs. Prime Energy

To further clarify the differences, the following table breaks down the key characteristics of both products.


Feature	Prime Hydration Sticks	Prime Energy (Canned)
Caffeine Content	0 mg (Caffeine-Free)	200 mg per can
Product Form	Powder stick pack	Canned beverage
Primary Function	Hydration & replenishment	Energy boost
Target Audience	General consumers, athletes	Adults 18+
Coconut Water	Yes (10%)	Yes, though content may differ by variant
B Vitamins	Yes	Yes
Added Sugar	Zero added sugar	Zero added sugar

The Impact of Brand and Marketing

The similar packaging and branding across the Prime product line have been a significant source of the public misunderstanding regarding caffeine. The issue has become so prominent that Senator Chuck Schumer called on the FDA to investigate the marketing practices, citing concerns that the caffeinated version was being sold to and consumed by minors. Schools in various countries have also banned the caffeinated version due to the health risks it poses to children. This illustrates the importance of reading labels carefully and understanding that different products from the same brand can have vastly different formulations and intended uses.

Who Should Choose Which Product?

Choosing the right Prime product depends entirely on your needs. For those looking to rehydrate after a workout, during a long day, or simply to add some flavor to their water without a stimulant, the caffeine-free Prime Hydration Sticks are the appropriate choice. They offer electrolytes and vitamins to help you recover and replenish. Conversely, if you are an adult seeking a significant energy kick and are accustomed to high-caffeine products, Prime Energy is the product with the stimulant, but should be consumed responsibly, adhering to the age recommendations. For most children and adolescents, the best option is always the caffeine-free Hydration Stick, but water remains the gold standard for hydration.

Conclusion

In summary, Prime Hydration Sticks are unequivocally caffeine-free, and should not be confused with Prime Energy, the brand's canned, high-caffeine beverage. The two products serve different purposes and are marketed towards different demographics. By reading the packaging carefully, consumers can easily distinguish between the two and ensure they are selecting the product that best aligns with their hydration or energy needs. The sticks are a hydration and recovery aid, while the cans provide a substantial energy boost and are not suitable for children or sensitive individuals.

Learn more about the risks of high-caffeine energy drinks at Poison Control.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Prime products are caffeine-free. The Prime Hydration line, including the stick packs, contains no caffeine, but the Prime Energy line, sold in cans, contains 200mg of caffeine per serving.

The main way to tell the difference is the packaging. Prime Hydration Sticks come in single-serve powder packets or are sold in bottles, whereas Prime Energy is sold in cans. Checking the label for the caffeine content is also essential.

Prime Hydration Sticks contain electrolytes (like potassium and magnesium), B vitamins, antioxidants, BCAAs (in some versions), and 10% coconut water. They are also made with zero added sugar.

No, Prime Energy is not recommended for children and teenagers. Each can contains 200mg of caffeine, which can have negative health effects on developing bodies. The Hydration products are caffeine-free and safer for younger individuals.

The confusion stems from the similar branding and marketing for both the caffeinated Prime Energy and the caffeine-free Prime Hydration products. Critics, including Senator Chuck Schumer, have raised concerns that this similarity could be misleading to consumers, especially parents.

If a child consumes a Prime Energy drink, the high dose of caffeine could cause side effects such as rapid heartbeat, anxiety, or an upset stomach. Medical advice from Poison Control or a healthcare professional should be sought immediately if symptoms are severe.

The sticks are beneficial for rehydration and recovery. They help replenish electrolytes lost during exercise and provide vitamins and antioxidants to support general wellness, all without relying on a caffeine stimulant.