Natural energy beverages are growing in popularity as consumers look for clean, natural, plant-based sources of energy as opposed to the more traditional, synthetic ingredient alternatives. Most of these natural energy beverages contain at least 200 milligrams of plant-based caffeine (the equivalent of two cups of coffee) and are sweetened with plant-based sweeteners. Although these high caffeine natural energy beverages satisfy many, some people are looking for alternatives that have lower amounts of caffeine. However, many consumers are looking for beverages with lower amounts of caffeine so that they do not have to contend with its negative side effects (like sleep issues and jitteriness). Due to this demand, brands like Cloud Water are formulating products like their Peach Mango Green Tea+ Energy and Electrolytes, which contains less than a cup of coffee’s equivalence of caffeine plus energy promoting B Vitamins to provide a light energy lift. Let’s take a deeper look at the ingredients to see how beneficial they are.
Carbonated Water— Self explanatory
Organic Wildflower Honey— Wildflower honey is created from the pollination of multiple sources of flowers. Because of the variety of different flowers, its flavor is often richer and more complex than standard honey.
Organic Green Tea Extract—Green tea extract is rich in antioxidants (like EGCG) that are known to improve heart and brain health. Additionally, it also contains caffeine and L-theanine, which is a well-studied combination to improve mood and energy.
Organic and Natural Flavors— It is interesting to see that organic and natural flavors are lumped together here. Organic flavors are strictly from either organic or organic compliant sources. Natural flavors have flavor chemicals from natural, plant-based sources, but can also contain materials that may or may not be considered natural. Although “organic” and “natural” flavors are very different, the flavor chemicals of both flavors are coming from peaches, mangos, and other natural (plant, fruit, vegetable, etc.) sources.
Organic Lemon Juice Concentrate— After organic lemons are juiced, water is removed, and a concentrate is formed. The lemon juice concentrate is added for flavor and contributes to the 2% juice claim.
Electrolyte Sources (sodium citrate, magnesium lactate and potassium phosphate)— Sodium and potassium are the two main electrolytes in the body and most critical to maintaining proper hydration. Magnesium is another type of electrolyte and critical to many other body processes like regulating muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure.
Natural Caffeine (sourced from green coffee beans)—The caffeine naturally present in unroasted coffee beans is extracted with alcohol and/or other chemical solvents. The solvents are evaporated off, resulting in pure caffeine. The remaining green coffee bean is roasted and used to make decaf coffee.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride)— Vitamin B6 turns food into energy and helps with brain, skin, and nerve health.
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)— Vitamin B12 turns food into energy, getting its reputation as an energy producing vitamin. It also helps with red blood cell formation and nerve function. Since it is usually found in the diet in animal-based sources, many vegans and vegetarians are deficient in it.
Final Evaluation
Ingredient Quality: A-. This beverage is Non-GMO Project Verified and gluten-free (although not certified).
Ingredient Clarity: A. All ingredients are purposely added and make sense to the product.
Functional Benefit: B+. This beverage contains 80 milligrams of caffeine (slightly less than a cup of coffee) and rounds out its energy benefits by including two of the most recognized energy producing B Vitamins. However, studies have shown that supplementing Vitamins B6 and B12 does not yield the energy producing benefits that most consumers expect. So, the energy producing benefits is primarily from the natural caffeine from green coffee beans. Green tea extract complements the green coffee bean caffeine since it also contains caffeine as well as L-theanine. The L-theanine/caffeine combination has been well studied to produce focused energy. The green tea extract is listed as the third ingredient on the ingredient statement, which means that it is probably at an amount that would be worthwhile/beneficial. This beverage also contains electrolytes from multiple sources (sodium, potassium, and magnesium). Compared to other hydration beverages, this beverages has more sources of electrolytes (which is beneficial) but is included at much lower amounts. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it is worth noting. This beverage should not be used as a primary source of hydration.
Nutritional Value: B. This beverage has 7 grams of added sugar (15% of the recommended daily value), which is more than most other natural energy drinks, but far from an extreme amount. However, the added sugar is from the organically sourced wildflower honey. With 30 calories this is slightly more than other energy and hydration beverages.
Overall Score: B+. It is refreshing to see a beverage that contains less than a cup of coffee’s worth of caffeine from natural sources (green tea extract and green coffee beans). Most energy beverages have the caffeine equivalent of 1-2 cups of coffee (or more). So, for those that are more sensitive to caffeine or want to watch their caffeine intake, this is a much more reasonable substitute. In addition to the natural caffeine from green coffee beans, the addition of green tea extract rounds out the functional benefits by providing a natural source of caffeine and L-theanine. This combination has been studied thoroughly for its focused energy benefits. Although the amount of caffeine/L-theanine from green tea extract is not known, it is the third ingredient on the ingredient list which indicates a high likelihood that it is included at a beneficial amount. Vitamins B6 and B12 round out the energy producing benefits and are included at 100% daily value. However, studies have shown that supplemental consumption of these vitamins does not produce extra energy and would only be beneficial for people who do not absorb nutrients effectively. For hydration benefits, the electrolytes sodium, potassium, and magnesium are added. Compared to other hydration beverages, the electrolytes are included at pretty low/light levels, which is in alignment with its lower caffeine level. This beverage is lightly sweetened with 7 grams of added sugar from organic wildflower honey. Although the added sugar amount is higher than what is typically seen in energy/hydration beverages, at 15% recommended daily value this is not an extreme amount. At a little under $3/can, this beverage is on the pricier side, but within range of most other hydration/energy beverages currently on the market. This would be a worthwhile purchase, especially for people looking to drink low caffeine energy drinks.
Would you buy this drink? Why or why not? Comment below and let us know!