The question, "Is Burst an energy drink?" does not have a single answer because several distinct companies market products using the name 'Burst.' While some versions, like Exante Burst, are explicitly labeled as energy drinks due to their caffeine content, others, like Bubly Burst sparkling water, contain no caffeine at all. To understand which 'Burst' you have, it is necessary to examine the specific brand and its ingredients.
Decoding the Different Burst Beverages
To avoid confusion, let's explore some of the most prominent beverages currently on the market that use the 'Burst' name:
Bubly Burst Sparkling Water
In 2024, PepsiCo introduced Bubly Burst as a new line of lightly sweetened, non-alcoholic sparkling water. This beverage is not an energy drink. It contains zero added sugar, minimal calories, and, most importantly, no caffeine. Instead of providing an energy boost, its purpose is to deliver a flavored, fizzy drink experience that serves as a lower-calorie alternative to sugary sodas.
Exante Burst Energy Drink
For consumers in the UK, the Exante Diet company offers a product called BURST, which is explicitly described as a multivitamin energy drink. This powdered sachet is mixed with water and contains caffeine, along with other ingredients like collagen and green tea extract. Exante Burst is designed to provide a stimulant-based energy boost and is a true energy drink. The company also offers a caffeine-free version, so it's important to read the label.
Joyburst Energy Drinks
Joyburst is a Canadian beverage company that offers a variety of products, including a line of natural energy drinks. These drinks are known for using green tea extract as their source of caffeine and typically feature natural flavors. Joyburst’s 'Energy Drinks' are marketed as a cleaner, more natural alternative to conventional energy drinks.
Gruppo Burst Endurance Mix
Gruppo Nutrition, a company focused on sports nutrition, offers a product called BURST, an endurance drink mix. Primarily targeting athletes, this product contains carbohydrates from dextrose to provide fuel for intense workouts. It is formulated to be consumed before and during high-intensity exercise to sustain performance and is not a conventional energy drink, but rather a performance-enhancing supplement.
Brüüst Protein Coffee
Another distinct product is Brüüst, a canned cold brew coffee with added protein. While not named 'Burst,' its similar branding and caffeine content can cause confusion. Brüüst contains significant caffeine, with the light roast containing 120mg per bottle, and is aimed at providing a protein- and energy-rich boost for busy individuals.
Burst vs. Other Energy Drinks: A Comparison
| Feature | Bubly Burst | Exante Burst | Joyburst Energy Drink | Traditional Energy Drink (e.g., Red Bull) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Source | N/A (no energy provided) | Caffeine, B-vitamins | Natural caffeine from green tea extract | High caffeine, B-vitamins, sugar (often) |
| Caffeine Content | 0 mg | ~83 mg per serving | Varies by flavor, typically 140 mg per can | 80–160 mg+ per can |
| Sugar | 0g Added Sugar | Low in sugar | Varies; some are sugar-free | High in sugar is common |
| Calories | Very low (10 or less) | Very low (15 per serving) | Varies; typically low or zero | Varies; often high |
| Key Ingredients | Water, fruit flavor | Multivitamins, collagen, green tea extract | Green tea extract, natural flavors | Synthetic caffeine, taurine, sugar, guarana |
How to Tell the Difference Between 'Burst' Brands
With multiple products sharing or featuring similar-sounding names, it is crucial to check the packaging to avoid confusion. Here’s a quick guide:
- Bubly Burst: Look for the small, colorful bubbles logo and the PepsiCo branding. It will clearly state 'sparkling water' and advertise 'zero added sugar' and 'no calories'.
- Exante BURST: This will be sold in powder sachets, often by the UK-based company Exante. The packaging will indicate it's a multivitamin drink mix with added caffeine or explicitly state 'caffeine-free'.
- Joyburst: Look for the word 'Energy' on the packaging, as Joyburst offers multiple product types. The label should specify that the caffeine comes from green tea extract.
- Gruppo BURST: The packaging will be branded under Gruppo Nutrition and specify its use as an 'endurance mix' for athletic performance, with details about its carbohydrate content for fuel.
Conclusion
The name 'Burst' does not automatically mean a beverage is an energy drink. It is a shared brand name across several distinct product lines, ranging from a diet-focused multivitamin drink with caffeine (Exante Burst) to a simple sparkling water with no stimulating properties (Bubly Burst). The key to identifying whether a specific 'Burst' is an energy drink is to check the product label for its ingredients and caffeine content. Always read the fine print to ensure you're consuming the product that matches your intentions.
What do the varying Burst brands have in common?
While their functions differ, the various 'Burst' products share an emphasis on fruit flavor and a lighter, more modern marketing approach compared to traditional, high-sugar alternatives. This common branding style contributes to the public's confusion about their specific purposes.
Potential health implications of energy drinks
For those consuming a 'Burst' product that is indeed an energy drink, such as Exante Burst or Joyburst, it's important to be aware of the potential health implications of caffeine, especially when consumed in large quantities. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other medical organizations have published numerous articles discussing the effects of energy drink consumption on adolescents and adults, highlighting both potential benefits and adverse effects depending on usage and individual health. Excessive caffeine intake can lead to jitters, anxiety, and sleep disruption. It is always wise to consume any caffeinated product in moderation.
A Final Word of Advice
When you see a product labeled with 'Burst,' don't assume you know what's in it. Take a moment to read the packaging carefully, consider the specific brand (e.g., Bubly, Exante, Joyburst), and verify the ingredient list. This will help you make an informed decision about whether it meets your needs for a flavored drink, an energy boost, or a sports supplement.
