Which energy drinks don't have high fructose corn syrup? A guide to healthier options

October 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a study cited by Hartford Hospital, chronic overconsumption of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) can increase fat production and worsen insulin sensitivity. For those looking to avoid this common additive, identifying which energy drinks don't have high fructose corn syrup is a crucial step toward a healthier lifestyle. This guide details several brands and ingredients to help you make informed decisions.

Quick Summary

This article explores several brands of energy drinks that are free from high fructose corn syrup. It highlights common natural and artificial sweeteners used instead, offers a comparison of popular options, and discusses healthier ingredients like B vitamins, adaptogens, and electrolytes. The content also includes guidance on how to read nutrition labels effectively and provides natural alternatives for sustained energy.

Key Points

Check the Ingredients List: Always scrutinize the nutrition label for the 'ingredients' section, as HFCS may be present even in seemingly healthy or non-sweet items.
Look for Alternative Sweeteners: Energy drinks without HFCS often use natural sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or fruit juices, or artificial ones like sucralose and erythritol.
Identify Natural Caffeine Sources: Many HFCS-free options use natural caffeine from sources such as green tea extract, yerba mate, or coffee beans for a cleaner boost.
Consider Healthier Alternatives: For a natural and unprocessed energy lift, options like brewed coffee, green tea, or kombucha are excellent choices that provide caffeine and antioxidants.
Recognize Potential Health Impacts of HFCS: Excessive consumption of HFCS is linked to increased fat production, insulin resistance, and a higher risk of diseases like diabetes and fatty liver disease.
Beware of Different Sugar Labeling: Not all sugars are the same, but excess intake of any added sugar, including sucrose, carries health risks. Be mindful of different labels like 'cane sugar' or 'sugar'.

The shift away from high fructose corn syrup

The rising public awareness of the health concerns associated with high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has prompted many consumers to seek out alternatives. HFCS has been linked to increased liver fat, insulin resistance, and higher risks for conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. This has led to a growing market for energy drinks that use different sweeteners or natural sources of energy.

Energy drink manufacturers are responding by reformulating products with alternative sweeteners, such as stevia, erythritol, and monk fruit extract, or by using sources like fruit juice and fruit extracts. For the health-conscious consumer, knowing what to look for on a product label is essential. Brands like CELSIUS, Zevia, and many organic varieties offer compelling options without HFCS, though it's still vital to check the ingredient list for other additives that may not align with your dietary goals.

Popular energy drink brands without HFCS

A number of brands have made a commitment to avoiding HFCS. Here are some of the most prominent options:

CELSIUS: This brand is known for its functional energy drinks that contain no HFCS, no aspartame, and no artificial flavors or colors. They use a mix of green tea extract and other ingredients for energy and flavor.
Zevia: As its name suggests, Zevia energy drinks are sweetened with stevia leaf extract and are completely sugar-free. They provide a clean energy boost with caffeine from tea leaves, making them a popular zero-calorie choice.
OCA: These energy drinks are naturally sweetened with stevia, agave syrup, and tapioca. They contain 120mg of natural caffeine from green coffee beans or green tea and are free of artificial flavors and colors.
Guru: Offering a line of energy drinks naturally sweetened with stevia and fruit juices, Guru provides 140mg of natural caffeine from organic green tea.
Guayakí Yerba Mate: For those who prefer a less-carbonated option, Guayakí offers beverages powered by yerba mate, a naturally caffeinated herb. Their cans contain no corn syrup and are free of artificial additives.
RIOT: Focused on a shorter, cleaner ingredient list, RIOT energy drinks use green tea for energy and fruit juices for flavor, without any HFCS.

Deciphering the label: Key ingredients to look for

Beyond just avoiding HFCS, understanding the ingredient list is crucial. Energy drinks without HFCS often use a variety of other ingredients for energy, sweetness, and flavor. These can be categorized as natural or artificial alternatives.

Sweeteners

Instead of HFCS, manufacturers use several different sweeteners:

Natural Sweeteners: Stevia and monk fruit are plant-based, zero-calorie sweeteners. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that is also low in calories. Some drinks use organic fruit juices, agave, or honey, which still contain sugar but are less processed than HFCS.
Artificial Sweeteners: Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K), and aspartame are zero-calorie artificial sweeteners found in many sugar-free energy drinks. While effective for sweetness without the calories, some people prefer to avoid artificial ingredients.

Energy and functional ingredients

The energizing effect comes from various sources:

Natural Caffeine: Sourced from green tea extract, coffee beans, yerba mate, and guarana seed extract, natural caffeine can provide a smoother energy boost.
B Vitamins: Vitamins like B6 and B12 are essential for energy metabolism and are commonly added to energy drinks.
Adaptogenic Herbs: Ginseng, rhodiola, and ashwagandha are herbs added to some drinks to help the body manage stress and support overall energy levels.
Electrolytes: Minerals like potassium, sodium, and magnesium are included to aid hydration and muscle function, especially in drinks designed for performance.

Comparison of popular energy drinks (HFCS-free)


Feature	CELSIUS	Zevia	OCA	Guru	Guayakí Yerba Mate
Sweetener	Sucralose, Erythritol	Stevia Leaf Extract	Stevia, Agave, Tapioca	Stevia, Fruit Juices	No Corn Syrup/Artificial
Caffeine Source	Green Tea Extract	Tea Leaves	Green Coffee/Green Tea	Green Tea	Yerba Mate
Caffeine (mg)	200mg	120mg	120mg	140mg	140mg
Calories	10	0	60	50	5
Artificial Flavors	No	No	No	No	No
Other Features	Metabolism-boosting	Zero sugar	Organic, Natural	Low calorie	Naturally occurring sugar

Healthier alternatives for a natural boost

While HFCS-free energy drinks are a better choice, the healthiest way to get a lift often involves steering clear of processed beverages entirely. For a more natural and holistic approach to boosting energy, consider the following alternatives:

Coffee and Tea: A simple cup of black coffee or green tea provides a natural caffeine boost with added antioxidants, without the extra sugar and additives.
Kombucha: This fermented tea contains probiotics and can offer a gentle lift. Some kombuchas contain very little sugar and can be a gut-friendly alternative.
Yerba Mate: This herbal tea can be brewed at home and offers a concentrated source of caffeine.
Matcha: A concentrated green tea powder, matcha provides caffeine alongside antioxidants and L-theanine, which helps promote focused energy.
Coconut Water: Excellent for hydration and replenishing electrolytes, coconut water contains natural sugars for a quick energy lift without processed additives.

Conclusion

For consumers wary of the health implications of high fructose corn syrup, a variety of energy drinks are available that offer a cleaner, often naturally-sweetened alternative. Brands like CELSIUS, Zevia, and Guru provide options with natural caffeine sources and minimal or no artificial ingredients. When choosing an energy drink, it is always best to carefully read the nutrition label, paying attention to the type of sweetener, caffeine source, and the presence of other functional ingredients. For the most wholesome energy boost, considering natural alternatives like tea, coffee, or kombucha remains an excellent option.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a sweetener made from corn starch that is processed to convert some of its glucose into fructose. It is widely used in processed foods and beverages, including many energy drinks, primarily because it is a cost-effective and very sweet ingredient.

Studies show that both HFCS and table sugar (sucrose) can increase liver fat and decrease insulin sensitivity when consumed in excess. While there is no conclusive evidence that HFCS is inherently worse than sucrose, its widespread use in processed foods means people often consume it in excessive quantities, increasing health risks.

To identify if an energy drink contains HFCS, you must carefully read the ingredient list on the product label. The ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, so if HFCS is near the top of the list, it is a primary component.

Common natural sweeteners include stevia leaf extract, monk fruit extract, and erythritol. Some drinks also use organic fruit juices or extracts to provide sweetness.

Avoiding HFCS can help reduce your intake of empty calories and may lower the risk of various health problems associated with high sugar intake, including weight gain, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and heart disease.

Sugar-free energy drinks, while free of HFCS, often contain other artificial sweeteners. While these don't add calories, some individuals may prefer to avoid them due to personal preference or sensitivity. Natural alternatives that use plant-based sweeteners or fruit juices are generally considered healthier.

Healthier natural alternatives to energy drinks include water with electrolytes, green tea, kombucha, coffee, and yerba mate. These options provide a boost of energy and often come with additional health benefits like antioxidants or probiotics.