Energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster are something people have been consuming for decades in order to increase their energy levels in everyday life. However over the years many people have started to question how good they actually are for us because of their high sugar content and questionable ingredients.

For a few years now I’ve started to see more and more Natural Energy drinks take to the shelves of my local supermarkets. As a somewhat pre workout and coffee junkie, I’ve always turned my nose up to natural energy drinks without even trying them. However after seeing how much caffeine some of them have it’s got me thinking, are they actually any good?

Because of this I decided to trial all the natural energy drinks I could get my grubby mits on. I then compared them to some of my usual synthetic favourites to give you a low down on how they tasted, the caffeine levels they contain and how they performed energy wise on me.

1) Red Bull – Synthetic

Taste: Red Bull is unique compared to its peers. It has an unknown flavour. So mysterious that even the official website doesn’t tell you what flavour it is. Pair that with a smell that is easily recognisable and you have yourself the market leader of energy drinks.

Sugar content per 100ml: 11g

Caffeine content per 100ml: 32mg

My energy rating out of ten: 9/10

2) POW – Natural energy

Taste: The only place I found this was in Waitrose. It has a strong great tasting flavour (cranberry and apple) which works really well for this energy water. Perfect for a lunchtime lift.

Sugar content per 100ml: 1.6g

Caffeine content per 100ml: 10mg

My energy rating out of 10: 6.5/10

3) Tenzing – Natural energy

Taste: Made up of only six natural ingredients, this full flavour drink has both an awesome refreshing taste as well as a great back story. They donate 5% of their profit to raise awareness about reducing marine litter in the North Atlantic. Love that!

Sugar content per 100ml: 5g

Caffeine content per 100ml: 32mg

My energy rating out of 10: 6/10

4) Monster Energy Ultra – Synthetic

Taste: This tropical tasting drink is one of my favourites on the list. It’s completely synthetic in production but produces a great tasting drink which I know many of us enjoy.

Sugar content per 100ml: 0g

Caffeine content per 100ml: 30mg

My energy rating out of 10: 8/10

5) Flyte – Natural energy

Taste: This zesty tasting energy drink is full of flavour and caffeine punch. It does have slightly less caffeine than others on this list however I felt like I had a lot more energy after drinking this drink compared to some of the more water based drinks.

Sugar content per 100ml: 2g

Caffeine content per 100ml: 30.3mg

My energy rating out of 10: 8.5/10

6) Virtue – Natural energy

Taste: Given that this is only an energy water (like POW) you have to be prepared for a less concentrated taste. Although I found that the taste wasn’t as strong as POW, I did feel that my overall energy was higher after drinking Virtue.

Sugar content per 100ml: 0g

Caffeine content per 100ml: 32mg

My energy rating out of 10: 6/10

The Verdict

For an overall tasty pick me up, Flyte (a natural energy drink) won this test. I was surprised too but given how I felt after drinking it and knowing it is a natural energy drink I was pleased with its return. Don’t believe me? Then give one a go yourself.

What are your favourite natural energy drinks?