Celsius Drinks Review: Ingredients, Benefits, Pros & Cons

As a professional athlete with a Master’s Degree in Nutrition Education, I’ve experienced and analyzed the pros and cons of Celsius drinks and determined that they are one of the healthiest energy drinks.

From my experience and understanding, they are an excellent alternative to traditional energy drinks like Red Bull, Rockstart or Monster, but they are not as healthy as natural energy drinks like green tea or black coffee.

Although Celsius energy drinks may look like your average energy drink, they deliver clean, sustained energy and essential nutrients to boost energy, fuel your body, and support your metabolism

Made with vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts, Celsius drinks are a healthy alternative for individuals looking for a metabolism-boosting caffeine source.

Note: while Celsius drinks can be an effective caffeine source to power you through your day, relying solely on caffeine for energy isn’t ideal. Your body needs quality sleep, proper hydration, and a nutrient-dense diet to sustain natural energy levels.

When used responsibly, Celsius drinks offer evidence-based benefits, including improved focus, increased metabolism, and better physical performance.

My wife, Anna, and I regularly share a Celsius energy drink while walking or traveling because they offer sustained energy without the jitters, and I commonly recommend them to my friends and family as one of the healthiest energy drinks.

If you’re looking for a healthier energy-boosting beverage that benefits your short and long-term health, Celsius drinks are a solid choice.

If this article helps you decide to try Celsius drinks, I recommend the Celsius On-the-Go packets as a great option. They’re more affordable, super convenient, and easy to mix with a water bottle anytime you need an energy boost on the go.

Read the rest of this article to learn the pros and cons of Celsius drinks.

Last update on 2025-04-29 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.

What Are Celsius Drinks?

Celsius drinks are an energy drink designed to boost metabolism, increase energy, and support fat burning using natural ingredients like caffeine from green tea and guarana, along with essential vitamins and plant extracts.

Unlike traditional energy drinks, they don’t contain any added sugar, artificial preservatives, or synthetic stimulants.

This makes them a healthier option for those seeking clean, sustained energy.

Different Types of Celsius Drinks

Celsius has created a diverse product line to meet the energy needs of athletes, busy professionals, and anyone looking to power through their day with clean, functional energy.

Whether you’re after a grab-and-go can, a customizable powdered option, or a high-performance formula for intense workouts, each type of Celsius is formulated with similar core ingredients, but with specific tweaks to match your lifestyle, routine, and general needs.

Celsius Live Fit – 12 Oz Celsius Cans

Celsius Live Fit is the flagship product that introduced many people to the concept of a “healthy energy drink.”

These 12-ounce ready-to-drink cans are available in a wide variety of carbonated and non-carbonated flavors, making them a convenient and enjoyable way to boost energy without added sugars or synthetic ingredients.

Each can contains 200 mg of natural caffeine sourced from green tea and guarana, paired with a proprietary MetaPlus® blend of metabolism-boosting compounds.

Alongside the caffeine, you’ll find B vitamins, vitamin C, chromium, ginger, and taurine working together to improve energy, focus, and fat oxidation.

Celsius Live Fit is ideal as a pre-workout beverage, a midday pick-me-up, or a clean energy source for anyone looking to stay alert without the crash associated with traditional energy drinks.

With zero sugar, no artificial preservatives, and functional ingredients, it’s a go-to option for individuals who want energy without compromise.

Celsius On-the-Go Packets

Celsius On-the-Go Packets offer all the same energy and metabolism-boosting benefits of the original cans in a lightweight, portable powder form.

Designed for convenience, each packet contains 200 mg of plant-based caffeine and the full MetaPlus® blend, making it a powerful alternative for those who need clean energy while traveling, commuting, or hitting the gym.

These single-serving packets can be mixed with as much or as little water as you prefer, giving you full control over the intensity of flavor and caffeine delivery.

In fact, the biggest difference between Celsius powder and cans is that the concentration of Celsius-On-the-Go Packets is customizable because you can choose how much water you want to add them to, making them more or less diluted.

Whether you’re mixing it in a water bottle or shaker cup, Celsius On-the-Go is perfect for anyone who wants a customizable energy drink without carrying around cans.

The portability, versatility, and clean ingredient profile make these packets a top choice for athletes, frequent travelers, and anyone with a fast-paced lifestyle who still prioritizes health and performance.

Last update on 2025-04-29 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.

Celsius Essentials

Celsius Essentials is the high-powered version of the original Celsius formula, crafted specifically for individuals who need a stronger energy boost.

Packaged in a larger can, each serving of Celsius Essentials contains 270 mg of natural caffeine, which is significantly more than the 200 mg found in the standard Live Fit cans.

Like all Celsius energy drinks, Celsius Essentials features plant-based caffeine from guarana and green tea, and the metabolism-boosting MetaPlus® blend.

This makes it a smart choice for workouts, long training sessions, or high-intensity activities where stamina and focus are essential.

Despite the higher caffeine content, Celsius Essentials still avoids artificial preservatives, added sugar, and synthetic stimulants, delivering clean, functional energy in a stronger dose.

If you’re already a fan of the original Celsius but want something stronger for performance-heavy days, Celsius Essentials is the natural upgrade.

Ingredients in Celsius Drinks

Celsius drinks are made with ingredients that support energy, metabolism, and overall health, and I’ve personally had a great experience using them regularly.

I started drinking Celsius more often because it provides excellent energy, and I quickly noticed improvements in my body composition.

Along with a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals, Celsius drinks are formulated with a variety of plant-based ingredients that go beyond basic caffeine stimulation.

These botanical extracts not only provide natural energy but also support digestion, increase fat metabolism, and reduce inflammation, making Celsius drinks a more functional and health-conscious energy drink.

Each plant-derived compound is selected to improve performance, boost focus, and complement your overall wellness, and understanding how these ingredients work together can help you better evaluate whether Celsius drinks align with your health and fitness goals.

I have primarily used Celsius energy drinks as a replacement for coffee, and I especially enjoy them as a mid-day pick-me-up drink.

Here’s an easy-to-understand breakdown of the ingredients in Celsius drinks:

Vitamins and Minerals

One key feature that sets Celsius drinks apart from conventional energy beverages is their inclusion of essential vitamins and minerals that support energy production, metabolism, and overall health.

Instead of relying solely on caffeine for stimulation, Celsius uses a nutrient-rich formula to promote clean, sustained energy and recovery.

Each can or on-the-go packet is fortified with a range of B vitamins, vitamin C, chromium, and other micronutrients that play critical roles in cellular energy production, immune function, and metabolic balance.

While these nutrients can be beneficial in moderation, it’s important to understand their individual effects, especially if you’re consuming Celsius regularly or combining it with other supplements.

• Vitamin C (<60 mg, 7% DV): Supports immune function and acts as an antioxidant. It’s generally safe, but high doses may cause digestive issues or kidney stones.
  • Upper Limit: 2000 mg/day.
• Riboflavin (B2) (<1.7 mg, 130% DV): Aids in energy production and cell function. It’s rarely harmful but may turn urine yellow/orange.
  • No established upper limit.
• Niacin (B3) (<20 mg, 130% DV): Important for metabolism, digestion, and nervous system health. High doses can lead to skin flushing or liver damage.
  • Upper Limit: 35 mg/day.
• Vitamin B6 (<2 mg, 120% DV): Essential for metabolism and brain function. Long-term high intake can cause nerve damage.
  • Upper Limit: 100 mg/day.
• Vitamin B12 (<6 μg, 250% DV): Needed for red blood cell production and neurological health. No known toxicity.
  • No established upper limit.
• Biotin (<300 μg, 1000% DV): Supports the metabolism of fats, carbs, and proteins. It’s safe, but very high levels may interfere with lab tests.
  • No established upper limit.
• Pantothenic Acid (B5) (<10 mg, 200% DV): Helps produce energy through coenzyme A. Rarely causes side effects, but extremely high doses may cause diarrhea.
  • No established upper limit.
• Chromium (<50 μg, 140% DV): Helps regulate blood sugar and metabolism. High doses can cause skin irritation or headaches.
  • Upper Limit: 200 μg/day.

Green Tea Extract (EGCG)

Green tea extract is rich in catechins like EGCG, which help increase fat oxidation, improve metabolic rate, and reduce body fat percentage (Hodgson et al., 2013).

A 2024 meta-analysis found that green tea extract supplementation significantly lowered body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, and oxidative stress markers while increasing total antioxidant capacity and adiponectin levels (Asbaghi et al., 2024).

These thermogenic and antioxidant effects make green tea extract a powerful ingredient for weight management and metabolic support.

Guarana Seed Extract

Guarana seed extract is a plant-derived source of natural caffeine that contains more caffeine per gram than coffee beans, making it a potent energy-boosting ingredient.

Beyond its caffeine content, guarana also provides other bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, which may contribute to its cognitive-enhancing properties (Hack et al., 2023).

Ginger Root Extract

Ginger root extract supports digestion, reduces inflammation, and provides antioxidant protection through active compounds like gingerols and shogaols (Modi & Modi, 2025).

It’s commonly used to ease nausea, soothe the gut, and support immune health.

While generally safe in moderate amounts, high doses may cause heartburn or gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive individuals.

Taurine

Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that plays a key role in heart health, muscle function, and electrolyte balance.

It supports endurance and recovery by aiding muscle contractions and buffering cellular stress during exercise.

Research shows that taurine supplementation can increase anaerobic performance and reduce perceived exertion, making it valuable for high-intensity training (Buzdağlı et al., 2022).

Caffeine

Rightfully so – one of the most common questions regarding these energy drinks is, “how much caffeine is in Celsius drinks?”

Many people worry that Celsius drinks contain too much caffeine, and if you are sensitive to caffeine, you’d be right to be worried.

Celsius drinks (12 oz cans or on-the-go packets) contain 200 mg of caffeine per serving, sourced from green tea and guarana extract, which are safe, plant-derived forms of caffeine.

The FDA notes that adults can consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day safely, but dirnking 200mg of caffeine at one time is still a lot for many people.

From my experience, the natural energy source in Celsius boosts energy levels and provides a more sustained release, helping to improve alertness and focus without the typical crash associated with synthetic caffeine.

Additionally, if you are considering choosing Celsius Original vs. Celsius Essentials, it’s important to remember that Celsius Essentials has an even higher caffeine content at 270 mg per can, which may be too much for those sensitive to stimulants.

However, Celsius drinks often contain less caffeine than some high-stimulant energy drinks and pre-workout supplements, which can range from 300 mg to 400 mg per serving.

Although Celsius contains more caffeine than sodas and most coffee drinks, it is still a moderate caffeine drink and not a very high caffeine drink.

This makes Celsius a good option for those seeking a significant energy boost without excessive stimulation.

Although caffeine can improve focus, increase alertness, and boost physical performance, excessive intake may lead to side effects such as jitters, insomnia, and increased heart rate.

Regardless, it’s necessary to monitor caffeine consumption, especially if combining Celsius with other sources of caffeine, to avoid exceeding recommended daily limits.

Sucralose

Sucralose is a calorie-free sweetener. While generally safe, some research suggests it may affect gut bacteria, so it’s best consumed in moderation.

Celsius drinks contain sucralose, but even though they don’t disclose exactly how much sucralose they contain, it’s unlikely they exceed the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 15 mg/kg body weight, as most energy drinks contain only 20-60 mg per serving.

A 70 kg (154 lb) person would need to consume over 10 cans daily to surpass the ADI, though intake from other sucralose-containing products could add up.

Natural Flavors and Beta-Carotene

These ingredients add taste and color. Beta-carotene also acts as an antioxidant, promoting overall health.

Pros and Cons of Celsius Drinks

Overall, Celsius drinks is a balanced, health-focused energy drink.

However, those sensitive to caffeine or specific ingredients should monitor their consumption carefully.

Below are some more specifics on the pros and cons of Celsius drinks.

Pros: Benefits of Celsius Drinks

The benefits of Celsius drinks extend beyond a simple energy boost.

Designed with plant-based caffeine, vitamins, and thermogenic ingredients, Celsius energy drinks support fat loss, improve workout performance, and promote metabolic health.

Whether you’re using it as a pre-workout or a midday pick-me-up, Celsius offers a cleaner, more functional alternative to traditional energy drinks.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the key benefits of Celsius drinks:

Weight Loss and Fat Burning Support

In my opinion, Celsius drinks are the best energy drink for weight loss.

Celsius drinks are good for weight loss as they contain a proprietary MetaPlus® blend, which includes caffeine, green tea extract (EGCG), and guarana seed extract.

Although some people still wonder if Celsius causes weight gain like other high-sugar energy drinks, its ingredients promote thermogenesis, increasing calorie burning and supporting fat loss.

Multiple studies, including research from the University of Oklahoma, have shown that Celsius does help burn fat, improve body composition, and increase muscle mass when combined with exercise.

Along with the thermogenic blend, chromium helps regulate blood sugar, reducing cravings and supporting metabolic health (Tsang et al., 2019).

Personally, I’ve noticed a reduction in body fat, especially around my waistline, when using Celsius drinks before workouts.

Although I still enjoy drinking other pre-workout supplements, coffee, and green tea before workouts, Celsius drinks have been the most effective fat burner for me.

Increased Energy and Workout Performance

I drink Celsius before workouts for a clean energy boost that increases alertness, endurance, and focus.

The caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, improving performance and making intense sessions easier to sustain.

Vitamins & Minerals for Overall Health

Celsius is packed with vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin C, B vitamins, and biotin, which support immune function, energy production, and healthy skin, hair, and nails.

Evidence-Based Claims

​Several studies have investigated the effects of Celsius energy drinks on metabolism, body composition, and exercise performance. 

These studies consistently indicate that Celsius consumption can increase metabolic rate and support improvements in body composition when combined with exercise.​

One study examined the acute effects of ingesting a thermogenic drink (TD) on resting energy expenditure (REE) and serum markers of lipolysis in healthy college-aged individuals. 

The findings revealed that TD consumption significantly increased REE and free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations compared to a placebo, suggesting potential benefits for weight loss and body composition improvement (Dalbo et al., 2008).

Another study assessed the impact of Celsius consumption prior to exercise on body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness in sedentary men and women. 

Participants who consumed Celsius before workouts experienced greater reductions in fat mass, increases in VO₂peak, and improvements in time-to-exhaustion compared to the placebo group. 

This suggests that Celsius may augment the positive adaptations associated with regular exercise (Stout et al., 2008).

A comparative study evaluated the metabolic responses to the acute ingestion of two commercially available soft drinks: Celsius and Diet Coke®. 

The results indicated that Celsius consumption led to a more significant increase in metabolic rate over three hours post-ingestion than Diet Coke®, highlighting its thermogenic properties (Mendel & Hofheins et al., 2007).

Additionally, a study involving previously sedentary men investigated the effects of daily Celsius consumption, with or without exercise, over ten weeks. 

The study found that participants who consumed Celsius and engaged in exercise showed significant improvements in body composition, including decreased body fat and increased lean muscle mass, compared to exercise alone. 

This underscores Celsius’s potential to augment physiological adaptations to combined aerobic and resistance training (Lockwood et al., 2009).

Collectively, these studies suggest that Celsius energy drinks possess thermogenic properties that can increase metabolic rate and, when combined with exercise, may lead to favorable changes in body composition and improvements in exercise performance.​

Cons of Celsius Drinks

While Celsius drinks provide several benefits, there are also some potential downsides to consider, as well as a few concerning aspects that make people wonder, “Are Celsius drinks bad for you?”

Here are a few cons of Celsius to consider before adding these energy drinks to your diet.

High Caffeine Content (Not Suitable for Everyone)

The high caffeine content in Celsius drinks may cause side effects like jitters, insomnia, or an increased heart rate, especially in individuals sensitive to caffeine.

Monitoring overall caffeine intake is essential to avoid these effects.

Additionally, due to the high caffeine content, Celsius drinks are not recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers, or children, as they can negatively affect developing systems.

Potential Digestive Issues

While ginger root generally aids digestion, energy drinks like Celsius are known to cause stomach discomfort.

Vitamin Overconsumption

Excessive consumption of vitamins, such as B vitamins or biotin, may lead to side effects like nerve issues or interference with lab tests. Although Celsius drinks are generally safe, it’s important to stay understand the possibilities.

Sucralose

Sucralose is a calorie-free sweetener that is generally safe but may impact gut bacteria, so moderation is advised.

While Celsius drinks contain sucralose, they likely remain well below the ADI of 15 mg/kg body weight, as most energy drinks contain only 20-60 mg per serving, though intake from other sources can add up.

Not NSF or Informed Choice Certified

Celsius drinks contain a clean ingredient list free from banned substances, and I don’t believe Celsius drinks will make you fail a drug test.

However, they lack NSF and Informed Choice certifications, which means there’s no official third-party verification guaranteeing they are completely free from contaminants or trace substances that could pose a risk for tested athletes.

What Was the Celsius Lawsuit About?

Celsius faced a class-action lawsuit due to labeling that claimed their drinks contained no preservatives despite including citric acid, which can act as a preservative.

However, Celsius stated that citric acid was used primarily for flavor enhancement, not preservation.

Overall, the issue is largely about labeling semantics rather than health risks, and Celsius drinks remain a popular choice for those seeking energy and metabolic support.

What is Citric Acid? Citric acid is a common, naturally occurring compound found in citrus fruits. It’s widely used in food and beverages to improve flavor and maintain acidity. While technically a preservative, it’s also a natural extract.

Impact on Consumers: The lawsuit resulted in a settlement allowing consumers who purchased Celsius products to claim compensation. However, the presence of citric acid should not be a major concern for consumers, as it’s a safe and widely used ingredient in the food industry.

Best Alternatives to Celsius Drinks

If you enjoy Celsius energy drinks but want to explore a healthier alternative, several excellent options deliver clean energy, metabolism support, and additional functional benefits.

As a professional basketball player with a Master’s Degree in Nutrition Education and over fifteen years of experience using supplements and energy drinks, I’ve tested tons of different options.

While I still believe Celsius is one of the healthiest energy drinks, not every energy drink fits every lifestyle, caffeine sensitivity, or wellness goal. Fortunately, there are outstanding alternatives available.

Below are the five healthiest Celsius alternatives based on my personal experience, ingredient analysis, and health impact.

Bloom Energy Drinks

Why it’s a Top Alternative: Bloom Energy Drinks offer a cleaner, slightly lower-caffeine option (180 mg per can) with additional digestive support through prebiotic fiber and apple cider vinegar. The inclusion of L-theanine provides smoother energy without jitters, balancing the stimulant effect of caffeine better than Celsius does.

Key Advantages: It incorporates prebiotics for gut health and L-theanine for focus, which are two areas where Bloom edges out Celsius (Giesbrecht et al., 2010).

Last update on 2025-04-29 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.

ZOA Zero Sugar Energy Drinks

Why it’s a Top Alternative:: ZOA delivers 210 mg of natural caffeine with a strong hydration formula, thanks to added electrolytes like potassium and magnesium. It also includes antioxidant-rich camu camu and vitamin C, offering immune system support alongside clean energy.

Key Advantages: Ideal for athletes needing hydration and performance support, something Celsius does not directly address.

Last update on 2025-04-29 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.

TRU Focus Seltzer

Why it’s a Top Alternative: TRU Focus Seltzer provides a lighter caffeine load (100 mg from yerba mate) combined with adaptogens and nootropics to promote focus and cognitive function. It’s perfect for individuals who find Celsius too stimulating.

Key Advantages: Adaptogen and nootropic blend supports mental clarity while offering a lower-stimulant, more sustainable energy boost.

Last update on 2025-04-29 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.

CLEAN Cause Yerba Mate

Why it’s a Top Alternative: CLEAN Cause Yerba Mate provides 160 mg of naturally-sourced caffeine from yerba mate, with zero sugar and a mission-driven model supporting addiction recovery. It’s a strong, natural caffeine source without the artificial sweeteners found in Celsius.

Key Advantages: Offers clean, sustained energy with a philanthropic mission—50% of profits fund addiction recovery initiatives.

Last update on 2025-04-29 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.

Black Coffee

Why it’s a Top Alternative: Simple and natural, black coffee offers a powerful caffeine boost (100–200 mg per serving) without any additives, sweeteners, or artificial ingredients. Coffee provides antioxidants and mental clarity benefits, though it lacks the thermogenic support of the green extract found in Celsius.

Key Advantage: Most natural, affordable, and flexible option, with easy-to-adjust caffeine content based on brewing method and serving size. I recommend Four Sigmatic Coffee for home brewing, with its unique adaptogenic blends. For example, Happy Gut provides energy while supporting gut health.

Last update on 2025-04-29 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.

Where to Buy Celsius Drinks

Celsius drinks are widely available at various retailers, making it easy to find the option that best suits your needs.

For those who prefer convenience, Amazon offers a variety of on-the-go packs that are perfect for stocking up.

If you’re looking for boxes of Celsius cans, Walmart and Target often have them at competitive prices. Shopping at these stores allows you to pick up your favorite flavors while running other errands.

For those who want to buy in bulk, consider visiting BJ’s, Costco, or Sam’s Club. These wholesale clubs often offer bulk boxes of Celsius drinks at discounted prices, making them an excellent choice for regular consumers.

Additionally, you can save money on Celsius drinks by using apps like Ibotta or Fetch.

These apps frequently feature cashback offers and discounts on groceries, including Celsius products, helping you get more value for your purchases.

Final Thoughts: Celsius Drinks Pros and Cons

I am now an official Celsius drinker and have loved the convenience and results of this drink.

There are several benefits of Celsius drinks, and if you need a convenient energy source that will boost your metabolism and help you lose weight, I believe Celsius drinks are good for you.

With ingredients designed to increase energy levels and support metabolism, they can help improve workout performance and aid in fat burning.

The blend of caffeine, green tea extract, and other components work together to promote thermogenesis, making them effective for those looking to boost their fitness routine.

However, it’s essential to consider individual factors such as caffeine sensitivity and the potential for vitamin overconsumption.

Celsius drinks are a great addition to a balanced diet and exercise regimen for most people, especially those seeking a convenient energy boost and metabolic support.

As always, it’s wise to consult with a healthcare provider if you have specific health concerns or conditions.

Overall, if you’re in search of a refreshing energy drink that complements an active lifestyle, Celsius is certainly worth trying.

Last update on 2025-04-29 / This article includes affiliate links/Images via Amazon Product Advertising API. I may earn commissions on purchases made through these links.

Frequently Asked Questions about Celsius Energy Drinks