What energy drink speeds up metabolism? An in-depth nutritional guide

October 15, 2025 •

5 min read

Research has shown that caffeine can increase resting metabolic rate by 5% to 20% within a few hours. This effect has led many consumers to ask: what energy drink speeds up metabolism effectively and safely, and what ingredients are truly responsible for this metabolic boost?

Quick Summary

This article examines popular energy drinks and their ingredients, such as caffeine and green tea extract, that are linked to boosting metabolism. It compares different brands and options, explains the science of thermogenesis, and outlines the significant health risks associated with excessive consumption, promoting healthier alternatives.

Key Points

Caffeine is the primary driver: Caffeine found in most energy drinks can increase your resting metabolic rate and help mobilize fat stores.
Green tea extract enhances thermogenesis: The EGCG in green tea extract works synergistically with caffeine to boost thermogenesis and increase calorie burning.
Choose low-sugar options: High-sugar energy drinks can negatively impact metabolic health and lead to weight gain, counteracting any metabolic-boosting effect.
Exercise amplifies the effect: The metabolic boost from an energy drink is most effective when combined with physical activity.
Consider the risks: High caffeine consumption can lead to side effects like increased blood pressure, anxiety, and cardiovascular strain.
Natural alternatives are often safer: For sustainable results, natural options like green tea, coffee, and water provide metabolic benefits with fewer health risks.
Celsius has documented effects: Celsius has been studied for its thermogenic properties, with research supporting its ability to increase metabolism when combined with exercise.

The Science Behind Metabolism-Boosting Energy Drinks

Metabolism is the process by which your body converts what you eat and drink into energy. Your metabolic rate refers to how many calories you burn. Some ingredients in certain energy drinks are known as "thermogenics," meaning they can increase the body's heat production and, consequently, its calorie-burning rate. However, the efficacy and safety of these drinks depend heavily on their specific formulation and how they are consumed.

Key Ingredients and Their Effects

Caffeine: As the most prominent ingredient in energy drinks, caffeine is a potent central nervous system stimulant. It works by blocking an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which in turn increases the release of others like dopamine and norepinephrine. This process can mobilize fats from fat tissues and increase your resting metabolic rate (RMR). For best results, this effect is maximized when combined with exercise.
Green Tea Extract (EGCG): The main active compound in green tea extract, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), has been shown to boost thermogenesis. Research suggests that EGCG and caffeine have a synergistic effect, meaning they work better together than alone to stimulate fat oxidation and prolong the metabolic boost. Many healthier energy drinks leverage this powerful combination.
Guarana: This natural stimulant, found in the Amazon rainforest, contains more caffeine than the average coffee bean and is a common ingredient in energy drinks. It contributes to the overall caffeine content and its corresponding metabolism-boosting effects.
B Vitamins: B vitamins, including B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6, and B12, play a crucial role in energy metabolism, helping to convert food into usable energy. While essential for this process, simply consuming more B vitamins than your body needs does not provide extra energy or speed up metabolism; excess is simply excreted.
Chromium: This essential trace mineral can be found in some energy drinks. It is known to help normalize blood sugar levels and may help control hunger, thereby aiding in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.

How Thermogenics Affect Metabolism: A Deeper Look

Thermogenesis is the metabolic process that generates heat in the body. When you consume a thermogenic compound like EGCG or caffeine, your body's energy expenditure temporarily increases. This does not mean you can simply drink an energy drink and burn significant calories without effort. The boost is most pronounced when combined with physical activity. For instance, one study found that participants who drank Celsius burned an average of 100 more calories over a 3-hour period than those who drank a placebo, an effect that was amplified with exercise.

Comparison of Popular Metabolism-Boosting Drinks

It's important to differentiate between healthier options and typical high-sugar energy drinks, which can have detrimental effects on metabolic health.


Feature	Celsius	Bang Energy	Typical Sugar-Filled Energy Drink	Natural Green Tea
Key Ingredients	Caffeine, Green Tea Extract (EGCG), Guarana, Ginger, B-Vitamins, Chromium	Caffeine, BCAA Aminos, CoQ10, B-Vitamins	High Sugar, Caffeine, Taurine, B-Vitamins	EGCG (Catechins), Caffeine
Sugar Content	Zero sugar, often uses natural sweeteners	Zero sugar	High sugar content, leading to crashes	Zero sugar
Calories	Low (around 10 calories)	Zero calories	Often high in calories from sugar	Near-zero calories
Metabolism Boost	Clinically proven thermogenic effect, especially with exercise	Contains caffeine, which temporarily boosts RMR	Contains caffeine, but sugar can negatively impact metabolism	Contains EGCG and caffeine for a proven boost
Healthier Choice	Yes, due to natural ingredients and zero sugar	Yes, for a zero-calorie, amino-acid-rich option	No, due to high sugar and artificial ingredients	Yes, offers a natural and antioxidant-rich boost
Side Effects	Potential from high caffeine content	Potential from high caffeine content	Sugar crashes, weight gain, increased cardiovascular risk	Lower caffeine content, generally fewer side effects

Potential Health Risks and Considerations

While some energy drinks can provide a temporary metabolic boost, they come with significant risks, especially with high or frequent consumption.

High Caffeine Effects: Excessive caffeine intake can lead to increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, and headaches. A single energy drink can increase blood pressure in healthy individuals within 30 minutes.
Added Sugars and Artificial Ingredients: Many mainstream energy drinks are loaded with added sugars, which can lead to weight gain and insulin resistance. Choosing sugar-free options is better, but some artificial sweeteners may cause digestive issues.
Cardiovascular Strain: Chronic consumption of stimulants like caffeine can put consistent strain on the cardiovascular system by increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Individuals with pre-existing heart conditions should be particularly cautious.
Unknown Interactions: The complex mix of ingredients in energy drinks means there can be synergistic effects that are not fully understood or tested. This can lead to unpredictable adverse reactions.
Risk for Specific Groups: Vulnerable groups, including adolescents, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health issues, should avoid or limit consumption significantly.

Healthier, Safer Alternatives for Boosting Metabolism

For sustainable and safe metabolic support, relying on whole foods and natural beverages is the best approach.

Green Tea: A natural source of both caffeine and EGCG, green tea provides a mild metabolic boost without the high-stimulant, high-sugar profile of many energy drinks.
Coffee: Black coffee delivers a metabolism-boosting dose of caffeine along with antioxidants. The key is to consume it without excessive sugar or creamers that add unwanted calories.
Hydration with Water: Staying properly hydrated is fundamental to a healthy metabolism. Mild dehydration can slow down your metabolic rate, so drinking enough water is crucial.
Apple Cider Vinegar: A popular home remedy, some studies suggest that acetic acid in apple cider vinegar may aid in metabolism and fat-burning, but it should be consumed diluted.
Spices like Ginger and Cayenne: Both ginger and cayenne contain compounds that promote thermogenesis, and they can be added to teas or infused water for a natural metabolic boost.

Conclusion

When asking what energy drink speeds up metabolism?, the answer is nuanced. While ingredients like caffeine and green tea extract in certain drinks like Celsius and Bang can provide a temporary increase in metabolic rate, especially when combined with exercise, they are not a magic solution. The healthiest approach is to focus on a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper hydration. For those seeking an extra edge, opting for low-calorie, sugar-free drinks with natural thermogenics is a better choice than conventional high-sugar energy drinks, but mindful consumption and moderation are essential due to the potential health risks, especially from high caffeine levels. Always prioritize a healthy lifestyle over quick fixes from a can.

For more in-depth nutritional information on metabolism and weight management, a great resource is the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

It heavily depends on the ingredients. Energy drinks that boost metabolism typically contain thermogenic compounds like caffeine and green tea extract (EGCG). High-sugar energy drinks can actually hinder metabolic health despite containing caffeine.

B vitamins are essential for converting food into energy, but they do not provide energy on their own. A deficiency would hinder metabolism, but for most people with a balanced diet, taking more B vitamins through energy drinks does not offer an extra energy boost; the excess is simply excreted.

The primary mechanism is thermogenesis, where the body increases its heat production, which in turn increases its energy expenditure. This is largely driven by the stimulant effects of caffeine and the synergistic action with compounds like EGCG from green tea extract.

Celsius is frequently cited for its clinically proven thermogenic properties. Its formula combines green tea extract, guarana, and caffeine to increase metabolism and burn more calories, especially when paired with exercise.

Yes, there are significant risks, mainly due to high caffeine content. These include increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, anxiety, and insomnia. High-sugar drinks also carry risks of weight gain and insulin resistance.

Healthier alternatives include drinking black coffee or green tea, as both contain caffeine and antioxidants that stimulate metabolism. Staying well-hydrated with water and adding natural spices like ginger or cayenne pepper to beverages also supports metabolism.

They should be used in moderation and ideally sugar-free. They are most effective when consumed before exercise. It is crucial to stay within recommended caffeine limits and not rely on them as a primary weight-loss strategy, instead focusing on diet and exercise.