What is Clean Cause?
Clean Cause is a beverage company that produces a line of organic sparkling and non-carbonated yerba mate energy drinks. Founded on a social mission, the company donates 50% of its net profits to support addiction recovery, a commitment that appeals to many health-conscious consumers. Their primary product centers around yerba mate, a traditional South American brew known for its sustained energy effects. The brand positions itself as a cleaner, more natural alternative to conventional energy drinks laden with artificial ingredients. By using organic ingredients and offering both sweetened and zero-calorie options, Clean Cause caters to a broad audience looking for a mindful way to get an energy lift.
Key Ingredients and Nutritional Profile
Clean Cause products feature a relatively simple ingredient list compared to many mainstream energy drinks. The foundation is purified water and organic brewed yerba mate. Depending on the specific product line, other components include organic cane sugar, natural flavors, citric acid, and either organic stevia and erythritol for zero-calorie varieties.
The Yerba Mate Advantage
Yerba mate is the star of the Clean Cause lineup, and it comes with several reported health benefits. It provides a natural, sustained energy boost without the jittery side effects or crash often associated with high-dose synthetic caffeine. The unique composition of yerba mate includes natural stimulants like theobromine and theophylline alongside caffeine, which work synergistically to promote alertness and mental clarity. Additionally, yerba mate is rich in antioxidants, which are compounds that help protect the body from free radical damage and contribute to overall wellness. This powerhouse of nutrients offers more than just a jolt of energy, providing a functional benefit not found in many other caffeinated beverages.
Dissecting the Sweeteners
Clean Cause offers different formulations to accommodate various dietary preferences, primarily concerning sweeteners. The original sparkling and non-carbonated lines contain organic cane sugar. While a more natural option than high-fructose corn syrup, the sugar content can add up, with some flavors having up to 15g of added sugar per can. For those watching their sugar intake, the zero-calorie line is sweetened with a combination of organic stevia and organic erythritol. Stevia is a natural, non-caloric sweetener, while erythritol is a sugar alcohol. Although generally recognized as safe, consuming large amounts of erythritol can cause digestive discomfort for some individuals.
The Potential Downsides: What to Consider
While marketed as a healthier alternative, Clean Cause is not without its potential drawbacks, mainly revolving around its caffeine content and sweeteners. Each 16oz can contains 160mg of caffeine, which is a significant dose for a single beverage. The FDA considers up to 400mg of caffeine per day safe for most healthy adults, but individuals with caffeine sensitivity may experience jitters, anxiety, or sleep disturbances. Furthermore, relying heavily on any energy drink, even a healthier one, can mask underlying fatigue and lead to a dependency on stimulants. The sugar content in the non-zero calorie versions should also be considered as part of your total daily intake, as excessive sugar consumption is linked to various health issues.
Comparison Table: Clean Cause vs. Standard Energy Drinks
| Feature | Clean Cause (Regular) | Clean Cause (Zero Calorie) | Standard Energy Drinks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Caffeine Source | Organic Yerba Mate, Green Tea Extract | Organic Yerba Mate, Green Tea Extract | Synthetic Caffeine, Guarana |
| Sweeteners | Organic Cane Sugar | Organic Erythritol, Stevia | High-Fructose Corn Syrup, Sucralose |
| Sugar Content | 8g to 15g per 16oz can | 0g per 16oz can | Often 25g+ per 16oz can |
| Artificial Ingredients | No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives | No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives | Often contain artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives |
| Crash Potential | Lower likelihood due to sustained energy from yerba mate | Lower likelihood due to sustained energy from yerba mate | Higher likelihood due to quick sugar and synthetic caffeine spikes |
| Functional Ingredients | Antioxidants, Vitamins | Antioxidants, Vitamins | Often contains Taurine, B-Vitamins (synthetic) |
Who is Clean Cause for?
Clean Cause can be a good option for people seeking an energy drink with more natural ingredients and a smoother energy boost. Those who are sensitive to the jitters or crash from synthetic caffeine might find the yerba mate base more tolerable. The zero-calorie options appeal to those managing their sugar intake. However, individuals with existing heart conditions, pregnant women, adolescents, and those sensitive to caffeine should exercise caution due to the high caffeine dose. The article from the Cleveland Clinic is a great resource for understanding the health risks of energy drinks more broadly: Are Energy Drinks Bad for You?. As with any caffeinated beverage, moderation is key.
Conclusion: Is Clean Cause Healthy? The Verdict
Is Clean Cause healthy? The answer is nuanced. Compared to traditional energy drinks packed with artificial ingredients, high sugar, and synthetic caffeine, Clean Cause is generally a healthier alternative due to its organic yerba mate base and simpler ingredient list. The natural caffeine provides a smoother energy curve, and the company's social mission is an appealing bonus. However, with 160mg of caffeine per can, it is still a potent stimulant and should be consumed in moderation. The regular versions contain added sugar, and the zero-calorie versions use sugar alcohols, which may affect some people. Ultimately, Clean Cause is a better choice than most conventional energy drinks, but it's not a health food and mindful consumption is recommended.
