If you’re looking for the best energy drink for badminton, you’re in the right place…
The answer would be REIZE Energy which contains a sensible amount of caffeine at 50mg, taurine at 1000mg, ginseng, and B vitamins.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a world-class professional or an amateur badminton player, your body deserves the best supplements that you can get.
And in my opinion, one of the best available supplements to take your badminton game to the next level is energy drinks.
This article aims to give you a rundown on some of the best energy drinks that are beneficial for a string of smash hits.
So let’s get to it!
Things to Look for When Buying Your Energy Drink
Here are some things to look for in an energy drink.
- Caffeine
- Sugar
- Price
Caffeine
An interesting study found that energy drinks with caffeine can enhance physical performance in badminton players.
Your smash jumps, squat jumps, agility and handgrip force improve, thanks to the caffeine in energy drinks.
Even so, you might want to stick to the recommended daily caffeine intake set by the FDA.
Up to a maximum of 400 mg of caffeine per day should keep you safe from complications like a potential caffeine overdose, muscle breakdown, or bodily discomfort.
Sugar
Carbs should make at least 60% of your total calories to prevent depleted muscle glycogen and avoid fatigue.
Watch out though because some energy drinks are rich in carbs in the form of excessive added sugar. Too much sugar is really bad for your health (and your game) so it’s best not to have too much.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends 25g of sugar per day for women and 37g per day for men.
That’s sugar from ALL SOURCES in your diet, not only energy drinks. Read the nutrition label on your energy drink to make sure you’re not having too much.
Some energy drink brands contain more than those recommended levels in a single can. They might taste good, but there isn’t the healthiest option, nor are they likely to help you bring your A-game in your next match.
Check my recommendations for sugar-free energy drinks in this article.
Price
Whether you play badminton as a hobby or have aspirations to be a pro, there should be no compromise when it comes to the quality of the ingredients in your energy drinks.
The problem is, that some energy drink brands are really expensive.
I love getting a good deal, especially if I don’t have to sacrifice any of the quality.
There are some really high-quality brands out there for very reasonable prices if you know where to look for them.
REIZE is my personal favourite. It only costs only about $1 per drink but has so much to offer.
It’s rich in taurine, B vitamins, and ginseng and contains a sensible amount of caffeine – all the essential nutrients for a better badminton performance.
But more on that a little later…
Are energy drinks good for stamina?
Yes, energy drinks are good for stamina.
The name says it all. The ‘energy’ part is mostly the product of caffeine, but there are usually several other key ingredients in the mix too, often including sugar.
A typical energy drink has about 80mg of caffeine, which is pretty similar to a cup of coffee.
In a controlled study, Red Bull significantly improved endurance along with several other physical and mental performance markers.
That’s a real vote of confidence for the effectiveness of energy drinks for athletic performance and stamina.
Take that Chen Long!
What supplements can badminton players take?
Badminton players can take a range of supplements, including:
- protein shakes
- energy drinks
- herbal remedies
- vitamins
But, be sure to get advice from your dietitian on the risks and benefits of these supplements.
Also, do cross-check the ingredients of your supplements with the Badminton World Federation.
Make sure not to consume anything that’s restricted, especially if you’re playing professionally.
What should I eat before playing badminton?
Before playing badminton, you should eat a light, carbohydrate-rich meal like:
- pasta
- vegetables
- chicken
- rice
You could throw in a few protein bars too. Or if you don’t feel like eating, having a wholesome liquid shake is also a good replacement.
This simple yet filling meal will keep your energy level up during games.
What should I eat after playing badminton?
After playing badminton, you should eat a meal of carbohydrates and protein.
It’s advisable to have a meal within 20 minutes of a game for quick muscle recovery. You can get creative, outdo Gordon Ramsey and make delicious meals out of these essential foods:
- pineapples, ripe bananas, watermelon, or dates
- boiled egg whites
- chicken or salmon
- dried fruits or nuts
- mixed vegetables
- whole-wheat crackers
- mashed potatoes
- a whey protein shake or fruit smoothie
- cereal and skim milk
How do you not get tired while playing badminton?
Aside from energy drinks, there are other ways to reduce fatigue while playing badminton such as doing warm-ups before the game.
All you need is a 10-minute warm-up session to build up stamina and a 5-minute warm-down session for your body to regain the lost energy.
Also, a cool-down can help you recover after a tough game and build up stamina as well.
Are there other ways to increase my stamina besides energy drinks?
There are many other ways to increase your stamina such as:
- meditation or yoga
- herbs or supplements
- music
- routine exercise
Energy Drinks for Badminton Players
To save you time, I’ve created a neat little summary of the main ingredients in each of the energy drinks ideal for badminton players:
| Brand | Caffeine | Sugar | Calories |
| Advocare Spark Energy Drink | 120 | 0 | 15 |
| Carabao | 32.2 | 15 | 63 |
| NOS Energy Drink | 260 | 41 | 160 |
| REIZE | 50 | 0 | 11 |
Advocare Spark Energy Drink
I think this one is a good deal. It comes in a stick pack of a quarter ounce of dry powder. Each sachet has 120mg of caffeine and just 15 calories.
There’s a long list of vitamins and amino acids. However, check out my other article where I take an in-depth look at the Spark ingredients and point out some potential issues to be aware of.
There’s a wide selection of flavors to dive into. Mango Strawberry is my favorite so far.
I’m a fan of powdered energy drinks and Spark is definitely a good option, although not as affordable as some other brands.
If you’re considering getting some Spark, check out my review article before you take the plunge to get the full story on all of the pros and cons.
Carabao
If you like sparkling drinks, Carabao is worth checking out.
It has 32.2 mg of caffeine per serving. The drink is rich in taurine and B vitamins.
These two ingredients work wonders in restoring energy and fighting off fatigue. To top it off, the entire can have only 63 calories, which is less than some other leading brands.
It’s not widely available in the States or elsewhere in the English-speaking world, but you can get it online.
NOS Energy Drink
Nitrous Oxide Systems, or NOS for short- was once known for its automotive-ish packaging.
The drink has a hefty 260mg of caffeine with high levels of taurine. That’s practical if you have a high tolerance to caffeine and want a big boost, but it’s probably going to be a bit overpowering for most people.
Personally, I prefer less caffeine in my energy drinks.
The wide range of fruity flavors is impressive. There’s plenty to keep your tastebuds entertained.
REIZE (10 out of 10)
REIZE is my absolute favorite energy drink for several reasons. Like Spark, it’s a powdered energy drink that’s really convenient to take anywhere you go.
REIZE is a lot more versatile than Spark in my opinion and it tastes better. Not to mention I get a better energy boost from REIZE and it doesn’t leave me really thirsty.
With a nice mix of caffeine, taurine, ginseng and B group vitamins, REIZE gives me a perfect and long-lasting energy boost, with no crash afterwards.
It’s sugar-free, contains just 11 calories, and costs only around $1 per drink, including shipping right to your door. That really is amazing value for money.
Give REIZE a try today and you might also find that it’s the best energy drink to fuel your badminton performance.