Which Energy Drinks Contain Beta-Alanine?

December 16, 2025 •

4 min read

While most energy drinks focus on caffeine for a quick jolt, a growing number of performance-oriented beverages are including additional functional ingredients like the amino acid beta-alanine. It's crucial for consumers to know which energy drinks contain beta-alanine to make informed choices based on their fitness and performance goals.

Quick Summary

Several performance-focused energy drinks, including varieties from C4 Energy and Ghost, feature the amino acid beta-alanine for enhanced muscular endurance. Brands like Celsius primarily rely on alternative ingredient blends, demonstrating the need to check product labels carefully before purchase. Consumers seeking beta-alanine should specifically review ingredient lists.

Key Points

Check Product Labels: Always verify the ingredient list, as not all drinks from a single brand contain beta-alanine.
C4 Energy Contains Beta-Alanine: Popular C4 Energy drinks, especially the Performance Energy line, include CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine.
Ghost Legend Includes Beta-Alanine: Ghost's powdered pre-workouts, such as Ghost Legend and All Out, feature a transparent label with beta-alanine content.
Beta-Alanine Aids Endurance: The amino acid works by increasing carnosine levels in muscles to buffer fatigue-causing hydrogen ions during high-intensity exercise.
Paresthesia is Normal: A harmless tingling sensation, or paresthesia, is a common side effect of beta-alanine intake.
Celsius Does Not Have Beta-Alanine: Brands like Celsius focus on other ingredients for metabolism and energy, so they do not contain beta-alanine.

Understanding Beta-Alanine in Energy Drinks

Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid known for its ability to increase muscular endurance and delay fatigue by boosting carnosine levels in the muscles. This can help athletes and fitness enthusiasts push harder during high-intensity training sessions. However, its inclusion is not universal across all energy drink brands, and the quantity can vary significantly. The most recognized brands to feature this ingredient tend to be those positioned more as a pre-workout supplement rather than a standard energy booster.

Popular Energy Drinks with Beta-Alanine

C4 Energy

One of the most prominent brands associated with this ingredient is C4 Energy. Specifically, their C4 Performance Energy line and certain pre-workout formulations include CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine.

C4 Performance Energy: These carbonated ready-to-drink cans are widely available and explicitly list CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine on their ingredient panels. The amount included is intended to support muscular endurance and fight fatigue during active pursuits.
C4 Ultimate: The Ultimate series, often found in powdered form but also available in cans, is designed for high-intensity training and features an even higher dose of beta-alanine along with other powerful ingredients.

Ghost Legend

For those who prefer a powdered mix or a more robust pre-workout profile, Ghost Legend is another strong contender. The Legend and All Out formulas are well-regarded for their transparent labels, which clearly state the dose of each active ingredient, including beta-alanine.

Ghost Legend Pre-Workout: Contains a blend of performance-enhancing ingredients, including beta-alanine, for explosive energy and focus.
Ghost Legend All Out: This is a more potent version of the pre-workout, featuring higher doses of key ingredients, including a substantial amount of beta-alanine.

Other Brands and Considerations

While C4 and Ghost are the most reliable sources, some less common or store-exclusive brands may also incorporate the amino acid. For instance, some listings for Lucky Energy mention the inclusion of beta-alanine, alongside other supplements like taurine and ginseng. The key takeaway is that you must always check the ingredient list, as not all products from a single brand will have the same formulation.

Comparison of Energy Drinks Containing Beta-Alanine


Feature	C4 Performance Energy	Ghost Legend All Out (Powder)	Celsius Energy Drink
Contains Beta-Alanine?	Yes, CarnoSyn®	Yes, 3.2G CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine	No
Key Focus	Everyday performance energy	Max-intensity pre-workout	Accelerated metabolism & wellness
Primary Energy Source	Caffeine (200mg per can)	High Caffeine dose (400mg total)	MetaPlus® Blend (Green Tea, Guarana)
Format	Ready-to-drink (RTD) cans	Powdered mix	Ready-to-drink (RTD) cans
Side Effects	Potential tingles (paresthesia)	Strong tingles likely due to high dose	Minimal, typically caffeine-related
Best For	Moderate workouts and active days	Heavy gym sessions and peak performance	General energy and metabolic boost

The Function of Beta-Alanine

Beta-alanine works by synthesizing with the amino acid histidine to form carnosine within muscle cells. Carnosine acts as a buffer against hydrogen ions, which accumulate during high-intensity exercise and cause a drop in pH, leading to muscle fatigue. By buffering these ions, carnosine helps to delay the onset of muscle fatigue, allowing you to perform for longer. The tingling sensation, known as paresthesia, that many people feel after taking beta-alanine is a harmless and temporary side effect of this process.

How to Choose the Right Drink

For those specifically looking to enhance their athletic performance and muscular endurance, a product clearly labeled with beta-alanine is the way to go. C4 Performance Energy is a convenient option available in a ready-to-drink format, perfect for a quick pre-workout boost. If you're a serious lifter or athlete looking for maximum performance enhancement and don't mind a powdered mix, Ghost Legend All Out provides a higher dose for more intense training sessions. In contrast, drinks like Celsius, which market themselves on general energy and metabolic health, do not contain this specific ingredient and are better for a milder, general energy lift. Always read the label to ensure you're getting the ingredients you want, and remember that for optimal carnosine saturation, consistent intake over several weeks is more important than a single, large dose. For more detailed information on supplement research and efficacy, the International Society of Sports Nutrition is an excellent resource.

Conclusion

In summary, while many energy drinks exist, only a subset includes the performance-boosting amino acid beta-alanine. Brands like C4 and Ghost are reliable choices for those seeking this ingredient to improve muscular endurance and fight fatigue during exercise. It is essential to check the ingredient list, especially on products from different lines, as not all energy drinks from a single company may contain it. For a functional, performance-oriented energy drink, look for a clear indication of beta-alanine on the label.

Frequently Asked Questions

The C4 Performance Energy series and the C4 Ultimate products contain CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine. However, some variants like C4 Smart Energy may use different formulas, so checking the specific product label is always recommended.

No, Celsius energy drinks do not contain beta-alanine. Their formulas typically focus on a MetaPlus® blend of ingredients like green tea extract, guarana, and ginger, along with B vitamins.

The tingly feeling, known as paresthesia, is a common and harmless side effect of beta-alanine. It's caused by the amino acid stimulating nerve endings and usually subsides as your body gets used to the supplement.

While beta-alanine is a common ingredient in performance-focused energy drinks and pre-workouts for its endurance benefits, caffeine is typically the main stimulant providing the primary energy boost.

The dosage in a single can of an energy drink may not be enough to achieve full muscle carnosine saturation. For optimal benefits, consistent intake over several weeks is often needed, which is why many athletes take it as a dedicated supplement.

Energy drinks with beta-alanine are primarily formulated for athletic performance. While they can be consumed casually, the added performance ingredients may not be necessary for non-strenuous activities, and the high caffeine content should be considered.

Not all pre-workout drinks include beta-alanine. While it is a common ingredient for enhancing endurance, formulas vary widely between brands and product lines. It is important to read the ingredients carefully to be certain.