What Is Erythritol and Why Is It in Your Energy Drink?
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol (also known as a polyol) that is used as a zero-calorie or very low-calorie sweetener. Unlike other sugar alcohols like sorbitol or xylitol, erythritol is almost completely absorbed by the body in the small intestine and then excreted unchanged in the urine. This unique metabolic pathway means it causes significantly less gastrointestinal distress than other sugar alcohols, making it an attractive additive for food and beverage manufacturers.
Commercially, erythritol is produced by fermenting glucose from corn or wheat starch with a yeast called Moniliella pollinis. Its clean, sweet taste and stability make it a desirable ingredient for creating sugar-free products that mimic the sensory experience of their sugar-sweetened counterparts. In energy drinks, erythritol is typically combined with other low- and non-caloric sweeteners, such as sucralose and monk fruit extract, to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Popular Energy Drinks That Use Erythritol
Erythritol has become a staple ingredient in the sugar-free and diet lines of many major energy drink brands. Below is a list of popular products known to contain this sugar alcohol:
- Red Bull Zero: This version of the classic energy drink replaces sugar with a blend of sweeteners that includes erythritol, sucralose, and monk fruit extract. Red Bull Sugarfree also uses erythritol.
- Monster Energy Zero Sugar/Ultra Line: Monster uses erythritol in several of its sugar-free products, including Monster Energy Zero Sugar and its Ultra lineup, which features many different flavors. The specific Ultra flavor, like Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red, also lists erythritol among its ingredients.
- Reign Storm: This energy drink brand, known for its focus on “clean energy,” uses erythritol in some of its flavors, such as Valencia Orange, alongside sucralose.
- Kill Cliff IGNITE: Marketed as a naturally sweetened energy drink, Kill Cliff Ignite uses a combination of erythritol and stevia leaf extract to achieve its sugar-free status.
- Bang Energy: Certain flavors of Bang Energy drinks, which are marketed towards a fitness-oriented audience, contain erythritol.
- 3D Energy Drink: This brand, often found in gyms, also utilizes erythritol to deliver a sugar-free energy boost.
Considerations Regarding Erythritol and Health
While erythritol offers a low-calorie alternative to sugar, it is not without a wider discussion regarding its health impacts. For years, it was considered a very safe option, especially for individuals managing diabetes, because it does not affect blood glucose or insulin levels. Its minimal impact on the digestive system also made it a preferred choice over other sugar alcohols known for causing bloating and gas. However, more recent research has raised some questions.
In 2023, a study published in Nature Medicine gained significant attention for linking higher blood levels of erythritol to an increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, and blood clots, especially in individuals already at a heightened risk for cardiovascular issues. Further research presented at the 2025 American Physiology Summit suggested that even a single serving of an erythritol-sweetened beverage could damage blood vessels in the brain by increasing oxidative stress and reducing nitric oxide production. While these studies highlight a potential correlation and not definitive causation, they underscore the need for moderation and more research, especially for at-risk populations.
Comparison Table: Energy Drinks with Erythritol
| Brand/Product | Sweeteners Used | Other Key Ingredients | Health Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Bull Zero | Erythritol, Sucralose, Monk Fruit Extract | Caffeine, Taurine, B-Group Vitamins | Low-calorie alternative, minimal GI issues, recent cardiovascular concerns |
| Monster Ultra | Erythritol, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium | Caffeine, L-Carnitine, Taurine, Inositol | Zero sugar, potentially linked to increased cardiovascular risk |
| Reign Storm | Erythritol, Sucralose | Caffeine, Panax Ginseng Extract, B-Vitamins | 'Clean energy' marketing, high caffeine content in some products |
| Kill Cliff IGNITE | Erythritol, Stevia | Green Tea Caffeine, B-Vitamins, Electrolytes | Naturally sweetened with erythritol and stevia, natural caffeine source |
| Bang Energy | Erythritol, Sucralose | Caffeine, BCAAs, CoQ10, Electrolytes | High caffeine content, popular in fitness community, uses erythritol |
| Celsius Holdings | Erythritol, Stevia, Sucralose | Green Tea Extract, Guarana, Ginger Root | Many varieties use a blend including erythritol for a metabolic boost |
Considering Alternatives to Erythritol-Sweetened Energy Drinks
For consumers wary of erythritol, there are several alternative options. Some energy drinks are sweetened with different compounds, while others contain no sweeteners at all. For example, some products rely solely on stevia or monk fruit, though it's important to read labels carefully as some brands mix these with erythritol. Other brands have entered the market specifically to avoid sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners. Brands like Gorgi and Juno, for instance, advertise their exclusion of erythritol and other sweeteners like sucralose. Unsweetened options, such as Guayaki Unsweetened Yerba Mate or sparkling water with natural flavors, are also available for those seeking zero calories without any sweeteners. The healthiest choice for long-term health is typically plain water, coffee, or tea, which provides caffeine without added sweeteners or functional ingredients. The rise of natural sweeteners like allulose also presents another alternative in some food and beverage applications.
Conclusion
Several popular energy drink brands, including specific lines from Red Bull, Monster, Reign, and Bang, use erythritol as a key low-calorie sweetener. While erythritol has long been considered a safe sugar substitute, recent research has linked higher levels of its consumption to potential cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risks, raising caution for regular users, particularly those with pre-existing heart conditions. As the science continues to evolve, consumers should be mindful of their intake and consider the broader health implications of consuming large quantities of erythritol. For those seeking to avoid it, many brands offer alternatives using other sweeteners or no sweeteners at all. The best approach is to always check the ingredient list to determine which energy drinks use erythritol and make a conscious decision based on personal health goals and risk factors.
Outbound Link: For further details on the 2023 study connecting erythritol and cardiovascular risk, you can read the report published in Nature Medicine.
