What's Special About Celsius Energy Drinks?

January 8, 2026 •

4 min read

According to several university studies, Celsius contains a proprietary MetaPlus® blend that is clinically proven to accelerate metabolism, burn calories, and provide a lasting energy boost. But what's special about Celsius energy drinks and what makes them different from the traditional options on the market?

Quick Summary

Celsius markets itself as a fitness-focused energy drink with a MetaPlus® blend that promotes thermogenesis, boosting metabolism and burning calories when combined with exercise. It is sugar-free, low in calories, and contains natural ingredients like green tea extract and guarana seed extract for sustained energy.

Key Points

MetaPlus® Blend: Contains a unique combination of green tea extract with EGCG, guarana, and ginger that supports metabolism.
Thermogenic Properties: The MetaPlus® blend helps trigger thermogenesis, accelerating metabolism and increasing calorie burn when combined with exercise.
Cleaner Ingredients: Free from sugar, aspartame, artificial flavors, and preservatives, appealing to health-conscious consumers.
Sustained Energy: Provides a smooth, long-lasting energy boost from natural caffeine sources, avoiding the jitters and crash associated with traditional energy drinks.
Fitness-Focused: Marketed as a pre-workout supplement that can enhance endurance and fitness results.
Hydration Options: Offers caffeine-free Celsius Hydration products with electrolytes for fluid replenishment, catering to different wellness needs.
High Caffeine Content: Contains around 200mg of caffeine per can, requiring moderate consumption to avoid side effects.
Target Demographic: Strong appeal to the Gen Z market and fitness enthusiasts seeking healthier alternatives.

The Science Behind Celsius: Thermogenesis and the MetaPlus® Blend

Unlike traditional energy drinks that rely on high sugar content for a rapid energy spike followed by a crash, Celsius is built on the concept of thermogenesis. Thermogenesis is the process of heat production in the body, which can help increase metabolic rate and burn more calories. The drink’s proprietary MetaPlus® blend is what powers this effect. This blend includes a mix of key ingredients that work together to provide sustained energy and accelerate metabolism.

Key ingredients in the MetaPlus® blend:

Green Tea Extract (EGCG): This is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to boost metabolism and assist in thermogenesis.
Guarana Seed Extract: Sourced from the Amazon rainforest, guarana provides a natural source of caffeine that provides a smooth energy lift rather than a jittery surge.
Ginger Root Extract: This ingredient is known for its ability to support thermogenesis and aid in digestion.
B Vitamins: A blend of B vitamins is included to help support energy production and cell health.
Vitamin C: An essential nutrient that helps support the immune system.

Healthier Ingredients and Fitness-Focused Formula

Celsius stands out for its commitment to using cleaner, healthier ingredients compared to many competitors. It is free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, and contains zero sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and aspartame. This cleaner profile is a significant draw for health-conscious consumers and fitness enthusiasts who want to fuel their workouts without unnecessary additives.

The brand is heavily marketed towards an active lifestyle, with many users consuming it as a pre-workout drink. Studies cited by the company suggest that consuming Celsius 15-20 minutes before moderate exercise can enhance endurance, reduce body fat, and improve the body's physiological response to exercise. This positions Celsius not just as an energy booster, but as a functional fitness supplement.

Celsius vs. Other Popular Energy Drinks

To better understand what makes Celsius special, here is a comparison with other leading energy drink brands:


Feature	Celsius	Monster Energy	Red Bull
Calories	Very Low (around 10 per can)	High (often 100+ per can)	Moderate (around 110-160 per can)
Sugar Content	Zero sugar	High sugar content (45-54g)	High sugar content (26g)
Caffeine Source	Natural sources (green tea, guarana)	Often synthetic	Often synthetic
Key Ingredients	MetaPlus® blend (green tea, ginger, guarana, B vitamins)	Caffeine, taurine, sugar, B vitamins	Caffeine, taurine, sugar, B vitamins
Target Consumer	Fitness and health-conscious individuals	Broader market, often associated with extreme sports	Broader market, popular for a quick boost
Artificial Ingredients	No artificial flavors, colors, preservatives	Typically contains artificial ingredients	Typically contains artificial ingredients

Electrolytes, Hydration, and the Rise of Functional Beverages

While the original Celsius energy drinks are not formulated specifically for rehydration, the company has expanded its product line to include Celsius Hydration packets. These caffeine-free packets are specifically designed to provide essential electrolytes for replenishment and hydration, showcasing the brand's evolution towards a more comprehensive approach to fitness and wellness. This move aligns with the growing consumer demand for functional beverages that offer more than just an energy boost.

The brand's strategic positioning as a "functional beverage" has contributed significantly to its rise in popularity, especially among younger, health-aware demographics like Gen Z. This demographic is increasingly looking for alternatives to traditional sugary sodas and heavily processed drinks, gravitating towards products that offer clear benefits and align with a healthy, active lifestyle.

Potential Side Effects and Considerations

Despite its healthier profile, it's crucial to remember that Celsius is an energy drink and should be consumed in moderation due to its high caffeine content, typically around 200mg per can. Overconsumption of caffeine can lead to side effects such as anxiety, insomnia, increased heart rate, and jitteriness. For most healthy adults, Celsius is safe when consumed responsibly. The company itself recommends not exceeding two servings per day and advises against consumption for people sensitive to caffeine, children under 18, and women who are pregnant or nursing.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Caffeinated Drink

What's special about Celsius energy drinks is their fusion of functionality and a clean ingredient profile. By leveraging the science of thermogenesis with its MetaPlus® blend, Celsius offers a sustained energy lift and metabolic support without the sugar and artificial additives common in many rivals. While the 'health halo' may be a strong marketing tool, the tangible benefits for an active lifestyle are clear, provided it is consumed in moderation. Its rise reflects a broader shift in consumer preferences towards cleaner, more functional beverages that support wellness goals.

For more information on the clinical studies regarding Celsius's thermogenic properties, you can review the research cited on their official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

The MetaPlus® blend is Celsius's proprietary formula that includes green tea extract with EGCG, guarana seed extract, ginger root, B vitamins, and vitamin C. This combination is designed to work with the body to boost metabolism and provide sustained energy.

According to university studies funded by Celsius, the thermogenic properties of the MetaPlus® blend can help increase metabolic rate and burn calories, especially when combined with exercise. However, some external experts suggest the effects may be short-term and not a substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Celsius is considered a healthier alternative because it is sugar-free, low in calories, and free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, unlike many traditional energy drinks. However, its high caffeine content means it should still be consumed in moderation.

Due to its high caffeine content, potential side effects of overconsumption include jitters, anxiety, increased heart rate, and insomnia. Moderation is key, and it's not recommended for those sensitive to caffeine.

Yes, many people use Celsius as a pre-workout drink. The brand's marketing emphasizes its use for an active lifestyle, and some studies suggest it can enhance endurance and workout performance when consumed prior to moderate exercise.

While the standard Celsius energy drinks do not contain electrolytes, the brand offers a separate product line called Celsius Hydration, which provides essential electrolytes for replenishment. The original energy drink formula is focused on metabolism and energy, not hydration.

Celsius is not recommended for individuals who are sensitive to caffeine, children under 18, and women who are pregnant or nursing. Always consult a healthcare professional before use if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.