New Product Friday: Gorgie
Natural Energy Drink
Although energy drinks in general are typically marketed towards men, there is a growing category within the (recently emerged) natural energy sector that contains beverages that are focused on women. These beverages include natural caffeine and other plant-based/natural ingredients that increase energy as well as including ingredients that support health and beauty. Gorgie’s newest line of energy drinks targets women by providing focused energy as well as vitamins for skin, hair, and nail health. Although the line is available in six different flavors, for purposes of simplicity, we will be examining the Paradise Punch flavor variant here:
Filtered Carbonated Water—Self-explanatory.
Citric Acid— Naturally present in citrus fruits, citric acid gives these fruits their characteristic tart taste. Any citric acid found in food and beverage products is produced as a by-product of mold fermentation.
Natural Raspberry Berry Flavor With Other Natural Flavors— While most companies just list “natural flavors”, this company has decided to call out what type of natural flavor is in this product. In this case, flavor chemicals from raspberries and berries are combined together with flavor chemicals from other natural sources (fruit, vegetables, spice, plants, etc.) to create a Sparkling Paradise Punch flavor.
Vegetable Juice for Color—The vegetable juice makes up the red color of this beverage. More than likely, beets (and/or other vegetables that are red) are juiced and their color is concentrated. Vegetable (or fruit) juice for color has very little nutritional value.
Potassium Citrate—An electrolyte. The potassium level is not called out in this beverage, so it is not known why it is added.
Natural Caffeine from Green Tea—Caffeine that is naturally present in green tea leaves is extracted and concentrated to give a 150 milligram of caffeine claim.
Steviol Glycosides (Reb M)— The “Reb M” designation indicates the type of rebaudioside (or sweet molecule in the stevia plant) being used here. There are several different types of rebaudioside molecules, with Reb A being the most prominent. The amount of Reb M in the stevia leaf is pretty low, making this an expensive ingredient. However, it does not have a prominent bitter/metallic aftertaste like Reb A characteristically does.
L-Theanine—Studies have shown that L-theanine stabilizes mood and increases a sense of calm. When combined with caffeine, it is known to decrease the jitteriness of caffeine, increase cognitive performance, and provide a more focused energy.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)—Vitamin B3 is most known for improving skin health when used topically. When taken orally, studies have shown that it reduces inflammation associated with mild to moderate rosacea and acne.
Ginger Root Extract—Most known to relieve symptoms of nausea (especially with pregnant women) and provide digestive support.
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)—A B Vitamin most known to support energy production.
Biotin—Also known as Vitamin B7, this vitamin is most known to support hair, skin, and nail health. There is very little scientific evidence that shows that people without a biotin deficiency benefit from supplementation.
Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)—A B Vitamin most known to support energy production. Vegans and vegetarians are typically deficient in it since dietary sources are animal based.
Final Evaluation
Ingredient Quality: A. This beverage is non-GMO Project Verified, vegan, kosher, and gluten-free (although not certified).
Ingredient Clarity: A-. All ingredients make sense to the overall product, except for potassium citrate. Potassium Citrate is an electrolyte, but there is no indication on the nutrition facts panel about the amount of this ingredient.
Functional Benefit: B. This beverage claims 150 milligrams of natural caffeine (equivalent to about a cup and a half of coffee), which is about the mid-point of other natural energy beverages. The caffeine and L-theanine combination has been well researched and studied to improve memory and cognition and provide focused, jitter-free energy. Research has shown that effective dosages for L-theanine is between 100-200 milligrams per serving. Based on the ingredient statement, it could be included at anywhere between 1-150 milligrams per serving; which may or may not be an effective dosage. Vitamins B6 and B12 are most known for energy production, which complements the caffeine and L-theanine combination. Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) and Vitamin B7 (biotin) are additional ingredients added to support skin, nail, and hair health. However, studies have shown little improvement in hair, skin, and nail health for individuals who are not deficient. Studies have shown that ginger extract helps improve digestion and reduce nausea. However, these studies show that the effective dosage is between 1-3 grams; nowhere close to what this beverage has. Finally, potassium citrate is included as an electrolyte to keep properly hydrated. However, this beverage does not indicate the amount of potassium, so it is unknown whether the sole electrolyte is included at a beneficial amount.
Nutritional Value: A. This beverage does not have any sugar and is only 5 calories.
Overall Score: B+. The combination of natural caffeine and L-theanine is very effective at improving cognition and providing jitter-free, focused energy. However, it is not known whether the L-theanine is included at an effective dosage. The 100% daily value inclusion of Vitamins B12 and B6 rounds out the energy supporting ingredients. As this beverage is targeted towards women, it is nice to see other functional ingredients (Vitamins B3—Niacinamide--and B7—Biotin--) that support hair, skin, and nail health. However, studies have shown that these vitamins are more effective either taken topically (niacinamide) or if a person is deficient (biotin). It is not known why potassium citrate or ginger extract are added; whether it be for functionality or another reason. For functionality, both ingredients are at (presumed) ineffective dosages. The ginger extract might be added for flavor, but it is not known why the potassium citrate is added, since the amount of potassium is not shown on the nutrition facts panel. This beverage does not contain any sugar and has 5 calories, which makes it a much lower calorie and sugar alternative to other naturally flavored and sweetened energy beverages. At a little over $3/can, it is on the pricier end, but definitely in line with other naturally flavored and sweetened energy beverages. If the flavor is good, it might be worth trying.
Have you tried this beverage before? If so, what do you think?