In brief, the ingredients in Celsius Energy are not bad at all as long as you plan to consume the drink in moderation.
Celsius Energy drink is fast becoming a firm favourite in the ever-growing energy drinks industry.
Founded in 2004, Celsius showed no fear in the face of the big bad Bulls, Monsters, and Rockstars that dominate the energy drink industry and has quickly climbed to one of the top spots in a tough list to crack.
In fact, they’ve won several industry awards and are an official sponsor of Tough Mudder. Moreover, they’ve even won awards for their packaging.
However, we’re here to talk about the product and its ingredients, not the pretty paper it’s wrapped in.
So, which of the Celsius energy drink ingredients has won the people’s vote? Find out more in this article.
Celsius Energy Drink Ingredients
Some studies do show evidence that some of Celsius energy drink’s ingredients have metabolism-boosting properties.
Celsius promises a proprietary “MetaPlus” blend that will boost metabolism and burn calories. It advertises itself as a fitness drink that is “clinically proven to function”.
Bold claim.
Looking at the small print:
“These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.”
Huh. How about that.
Celsius “Originals” Ingredients
For the Celsius Original ingredients, here’s a bit of a rundown.
- Vitamin C (60mg)
- Riboflavin (1.7mg)
- Niacin (20mg)
- Vitamin B6 (2mg)
- Vitamin B12 (6mcg)
- Biotin (300mcg)
- Pantothenic Acid (10mg)
- Calcium (50mg)
- Chromium (50mcg)
(Plus Carbonated Water, Citric Acid, Fruit & Vegetable Juice for Color, Sucralose, and Natural Flavour).
Celsius “Naturals” Ingredients
On the other hand, here’s a brief summary of Celsius Naturals’ ingredients.
- Dietary Fibre (2g)
- Vitamin C (60mg)
- Riboflavin (1.7mg)
- Niacin (20mg)
- Vitamin B6 (2mg)
- Vitamin B12 (6mcg)
- Biotin (300mcg)
- Pantothenic Acid (10mg)
- Calcium (51mg)
- Chromium (50mcg)
- Sodium (5mg)
(Plus Carbonated Water, Erythritol, Citric Acid, Natural Flavor, Stevia Rabaudiana Leaf Extract, and Vegetable Juice (colour).)
Celsius “On-the-Go” Ingredients
This is a Celsius energy drink in powder form (hey, great minds, right?). One stick is equivalent to one can.
- Vitamin C (60mg)
- Riboflavin (1.7mg)
- Niacin (20mg)
- Vitamin B6 (2mg)
- Vitamin B12 (6mcg)
- Biotin (300mcg)
- Pantothenic Acid (10mg)
- Calcium (50mg)
- Chromium (50mcg)
(Plus Citric Acid, Natural Flavor, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sucralose, Erythritol, Annato, and Silicon Dioxide)
Celsius “Heat” Ingredients
For Celsius Heat, they have:
- Vitamin C (60mg)
- Riboflavin (1.7mg)
- Niacin (20mg)
- Vitamin B6 (2mg)
- Vitamin B12 (6mcg)
- Biotin (300mcg)
- Pantothenic Acid (10mg)
- Calcium (50mg)
- Chromium (50mcg)
- Citruline (2g)
(Plus Carbonated Water, Citric Acid, Natural Flavor, Fruit & Vegetable Juice (color) and Sucralose)
And a massive 300mg of caffeine – more on that below.
All varieties contain the Celsius “MetaPlus proprietary blend” ingredients (1.81g):
- Taurine
- Guarana
- Caffeine
- Glucuronolactone
- Ginger Extract
- Green Tea Extract
Green Tea Extract
Celsius uses a special Green Tea extract with a specific ratio of EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). In fact, scientists have found EGCG boosts metabolism, which burns more calories and banishes more fat.
Moreover, research does suggest that green tea could have benefits for weight loss.
A study published in the Clinical Nutrition Journal observed significant weight loss and decreases in BMI and waistline circumference after 12 weeks of high-dose green tea extract. There weren’t any side effects either, and even an improvement in cholesterol levels.
Good old green tea, right? Can’t go wrong. It’s top of the list of Celsius energy drink ingredients, so you know it’s good.
However, the Celsius can doesn’t say how much green tea extract is actually included in a can, so we don’t know if it’s just a tiny pinch for marketing purposes or if it’s enough to reach what’s known as a clinically effective dose.
Guarana Seed Extract
Intrepid Celsius scientists ventured deep into the Amazon rainforest to source a key ingredient for the blend: guarana. It is a natural source of caffeine and is apparently pretty potent.
In fact, it’s been used in traditional Amazonian medicine for centuries, a stimulant reportedly known as ‘the elixir of long life.’
In detail, Celsius uses the seeds (not the roots) which contain twice the caffeine content of a regular coffee bean.
Ginger
Ginger, or “Zingiber officinale” is enjoying some time in the spotlight as a superfood these days. It’s been proven to stimulate digestion, regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and more.
Strictly speaking, it hasn’t made its name as a metabolism booster, but apparently, a more efficient digestive system frees up more of the body’s energy elsewhere.
We’ll let this one slide, Zingiber.
This Celsius energy drink ingredient is also celebrated for its “wonderful spicy flavour” (untraceable in a can of Sparkling Orange, however).
Vitamin Complex
Celsius proudly packs several essential vitamins and minerals into its product. These vitamins are considered essential for metabolism and energy production, as well as all-around good health.
Vitamin B12, for example, helps make our DNA and red blood cells. On the other hand, biotin helps break down fats and proteins.
Celsius state that a can contains 100% of the recommended daily value of these essential nutrients. However, a closer look at the Celsius energy drink ingredients and their doses tells a slightly different story.
However, yes, they DO contain 100% – but in some cases, way over the necessary value. 300mcg of Biotin per serving is ONE THOUSAND per cent of the recommended daily amount.
Overkill, much?
Besides, B vitamins are water-soluble, which means our bodies absorb what they can, and then “expel” the rest. That’s 900% of your Biotin down the basin.
Celsius does not include sugar, no artificial preservatives, flavours, or colours, and no high fructose corn syrup or aspartame. It’s Certified Vegan, Gluten-Free, Kosher, and Non-GMO.
Someone give this drink a Boy Scout badge!
Taurine
Taurine is an essential amino acid in the brain that occurs naturally in our bodies and is commonly used as a supplement and energy drink ingredient.
The “wonder molecule” helps maintain hydration, supporting the central nervous system, and regulating the immune system. Smart choice, Celsius!
Taurine also has exercise-boosting benefits. It improves muscle endurance, reduces damage, and increases fat burning during workouts.
Is Celsius vegan?
Yes, Celsius Energy Drink is vegan-friendly.
Not only vegan-friendly but kosher, soy, gluten, and sugar-free. It’s probably one of the least offensive drinks out there after water.
For a more detailed analysis, check out my other article where I cover everything you need to know about whether Celsius is vegan or not.
When should I drink Celsius?
Drink Celsius before working out.
Although it’s been around since 2004, it’s evolved with the energy drink industry over the last decade. New trends and new tastes were appearing everywhere to keep up with the ever-busier and faster-paced lives of the millennial generation.
Much like Monster Energy Drink, Red Bull, and Rockstar, Celsius saw itself as not just a power-boosting product, but a lifestyle brand.
Given the ingredients in Celsius and their proprietary metabolism-boosting, fat-burning formula, they decided to officially rebrand and reposition as a ‘Fitness Drink’.
It seemed to go down well, as they won the InnoBev ‘Best Functional Drink’ at a big fancy gala dinner in Frankfurt, Germany. Judges recognized their “innovation … interesting flavours… sleek packaging design”.
Ticking all the boxes there, Celsius!
In fact, Celsius can be a good pick-me-up during the day, especially after a late night. However, you should avoid drinking it within five hours of bedtime.
200mg of caffeine will have you counting sheep for a while.
Celsius also have a ‘proper’ pre-workout version: Celsius Heat, containing 300mg of caffeine.
If you’re struggling to hit that PB in the gym, or you’ve decided to run from LA to New York in three days, take this “trainer grade” version and call me from the road.
Still, all things considered, always remember to consume all energy drinks in moderation.
Does Celsius really burn calories?
Well, technically yes. Celsius Energy Drink ingredients have been shown to have a calorie-burning effect over a 3-hour period.
Celsius claims a can will burn a minimum of 100 calories.
They base their calorie-burning claim on the concept of thermogenesis: increasing your heart rate and your body temperature.
Celsius ingredients such as green tea, guarana, and ginger are proven thermogenic.
Moreover, Celsius themselves have six separate scientific studies. These studies appear to have found that Celsius encourages an increased metabolic rate and a higher rate of weight loss.
However, the weight-loss equation isn’t always that simple, and there’s no quick fix for a sedentary lifestyle without putting in some effort yourself (and no, lifting the can to your mouth doesn’t count as a bicep curl).
They themselves state that “CELSIUS alone does not produce weight loss in the absence of a healthy diet and moderate exercise.”
It’s also worth noting that brands don’t have to disclose the concentration of components in their ‘proprietary’ blends.
So, while the individual ingredients in Celsius have been independently proven to have varying degrees of effect on weight loss and metabolism, there’s no way of knowing if the number of ingredients in the blend is anywhere near the effective threshold to achieve their respective health promises.
How much caffeine is in a Celsius drink?
Celsius drinks contain 200 to 300mg of caffeine.
This is 40mg more than a can of Monster Energy Drink (160mg in a bigger can), over twice as much as Red Bull (80mg of caffeine), and three times as much as a cup of espresso coffee (50-60mg).
No doubt it will give you a powerful pick-me-up. The can does warn you that you shouldn’t exceed two servings a day.
Probably a smart move, as you’ll be flirting with ‘unsafe’ territory for daily caffeine consumption.
For a brief, here’s a rundown of Celsius nutrition facts:
| Nutritional Value | Celsius Original (12 fl. Oz) |
| Calories | 10 |
| Caffeine | 200 mg |
| Carbohydrate | 1 g |
| Vitamin C | 60 mg |
| Riboflavin | 1.7 mg |
| Niacin | 20 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 2 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 6 mcg |
| Biotin | 300 mcg |
| Pantothenic Acid | 10 mg |
| Calcium | 50 mg |
| Chromium | 50 mcg |
| MetaPlus Blend | 1.81 g |
Taste
I’ve got to admit, Celsius tastes awesome.
I tried Sparkling Wild Berry and Sparkling Orange and both are crisp, light, refreshing, and flavourful. Sparkling Wild Berry is like a breeze in a summer orchard. Sparkling Orange is bright like the golden sun. Look, they’ve got me looking like a low-rent Shakespeare.
Not ashamed to say I drank one pretty quickly and then immediately looked around for another. Although, probably a good thing I didn’t drink another – 400mg caffeine would have me seeing double.
But overall, I have to agree with the many other positive reviews that Celsius has earned for their product.
Some people have noted that the drinks have an artificial or chemical taste, but I can report no cloying effect or sickly aftertaste in the cans I’ve consumed.
Is Celsius Energy good for you?
Celsius may be good for you if consumed in moderation and not too often.
Celsius markets itself as firmly in the “healthy” category.
Sugar-free, traditional ingredients, packed full of vitamins, nutrients, and minerals… and 100 calories burnt per can, what’s not to like?
Well, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
If you’re caffeine-sensitive, you should certainly seek medical advice before consuming any kind of high-caffeine energy drink, but you should take special care with Celsius. 200mg of caffeine is at the top end of a pretty jittery scale.
And after such a high, there comes an inevitable crash.
One energy drink alternative, REIZE, is specially formulated to avoid the dreaded fall back to earth. It’s also in powder form, so you can mix it as you please.
And while a calorie-burning concoction sounds like an attractive proposition, again, even Celsius insist that this should be part of a daily diet including healthy eating and moderate exercise. One can that contains 200mg of caffeine a day suddenly doesn’t sound so good.
Many of Celsius energy drinks’ ingredients are quite common to the market, so in many ways, it’s no better or worse than many of their competitors.
Their main selling point is the metabolism-boosting blend of ingredients. As I said, however, while they state the “MetaPlus” blend as being 1.81g per can, there’s no breakdown of the blend, so we simply don’t know how effective it is.
Oh, and it does contain a load of artificial ingredients.
So much for ‘Naturals’.
Why is Celsius banned by the NCAA?
The NCAA has banned Celsius due to its guarana content.
The guarana extract in Celsius stimulates the nervous system and increases energy production. However, it is hard to tell if the amount of guarana in Celsius is that beneficial to you.
Still, the ban on Celsius serves as a reminder to athletes to watch out for their consumption of this product.
Celsius Drink Side Effects
These are the potential side effects of Celsius overconsumption:
- headaches
- jitters
- rapid heartbeat
- sleep problems
- sweating
- bad stomach
- dependency
Verdict?
It tastes great, is low-calorie, sugar-free, and contains more than enough caffeine to give you some serious energy. Before the gym or after a big night out, Celsius is a smart choice for a pick-me-up.
Just don’t drink four cans a day in the hope of reducing your waistline without any exercise.
If you want to read an in-depth review of Celsius check out my other article.
If you’re simply looking for the best place to buy Celsius online, the answer is Amazon. It’s worth checking the current prices because there are sometimes some really good deals to be had.
Have other questions or want to learn more about Celsius? I’ve compiled everything you could possibly want to know about in this epic Celsius energy drink guide.
Alternatives to Celsius
Here’s a list of some great products and flavours that I suggest you take a look at…
Ready-to-drink cans:
Powder energy drinks:
- Zipfizz (check out my review of Zipfizz here too)
- Advocare Spark (I also made a review of Spark)
- G Fuel
- REIZE Energy Drink (10 out of 10)
Or if you don’t like the sound of any of those you might also want to consider Mio water enhancer drops or caffeine pills as another way to stay caffeinated and energized.
Either way, there are literally hundreds of awesome energy drinks out there just waiting to be discovered.
REIZE (10 out of 10)
If you’re looking for a great alternative to Celsius that’s also sugar-free, low-cal tastes awesome and comes at a much more affordable price point (including shipping), then you might want to take a look at REIZE Energy Drink.
REIZE provides a great energy boost and ships right to your door for only around $1 per drink.
Give it a try and you might just find that you prefer it to Celsius.