The popularity of hydration beverages does not seem to be stopping. In fact, more and more companies are developing beverages that add even more functional benefits. Protein2O led the charge in this trend by offering a clear protein beverage that was as hydrating as it was filling. Other companies, like Joyburst, are formulating beverages that include the hydrating benefits of electrolytes plus B Vitamins (that are known to contribute to energy production), and one of today’s trendy focus ingredients: Lion’s Mane mushroom. Available in three different flavors—Strawberry Lemonade, Watermelon, and Peach—Joyburst looks to differentiate itself in the market by offering hydration plus energy and cognitive (focus) benefits. For purposes of simplicity, we will be examining the Strawberry Lemonade to see how these benefits play out and how effective they actually are.
Water—Self explanatory
Natural flavors—As a strawberry lemonade flavored beverage, flavor chemicals from strawberries, lemons, and other natural sources are extracted and combined together to create a natural strawberry lemonade flavor.
Citric acid—Naturally occurring, citric acid makes lemons, limes, and oranges taste tart. Commercially, it is produced as a fermentation by-product of mold.
Tripotassium citrate—An electrolyte and the source of potassium. It also makes sure that the beverage retains its taste until its expiration date.
Malic acid—Naturally present in apples, commercial malic acid is produced by chemical reactions in a lab. Malic acid is used to help bring out fruit flavors (particularly strawberry flavors) in a beverage.
Joyburst hydration vitamin & electrolytes blend:
Dimagnesium Phosphate—An electrolyte and the source of magnesium and phosphate.
Niacinamide—Also known as Vitamin B3, this vitamin is known to help convert fats and sugars into energy as well as many other biological processes.
Vitamin B12 [cyanocobalamin]—Cyanocobalamin is the synthetic version of Vitamin B12. Studies are conflicting whether one form is better than another. Either way, Vitamin B12 is most known to help maintain a healthy nervous system, produce red blood cells, and other biological processes.
Calcium Pantothenate—Also known as pantothenic acid (or Vitamin B5), this vitamin is most known to aid in energy metabolism. This form of pantothenic acid also supplies calcium, another electrolyte.
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride—Also known as Vitamin B6, this vitamin is most known for brain development and keeping the nervous and immune systems healthy.
Thiamine Mononitrate—Also known as Vitamin B1, this vitamin helps improve the immune system and convert food into energy.
Sucralose—A chemically altered form of sugar that is about 600 times sweeter than sugar. Sucralose is produced in a laboratory and contains no calories and does not spike blood sugar.
Lion’s mane mushroom powder— This mushroom has promising research supporting cognitive enhancement and the improvement of anxiety and depression.
Final Evaluation
Ingredient Quality: C. This product does not have any claims. Additionally, it contains ingredients that are not considered natural (i.e. sucralose and dimagnesium phosphate).
Ingredient Clarity: B. All ingredients make sense to the overall product. However, sucralose and dimagnesium phosphate are not natural and could be replaced by other naturally occurring counterparts.
Functional Benefit: B. This product uses tripotassium citrate, dimagnesium phosphate, and calcium pantothenate as its sources of electrolytes. Both dimagnesium phosphate and calcium pantothenate are chemically synthesized and are not naturally occurring electrolytes. The amounts of these electrolytes are on the lighter side of hydration, compared to other hydration beverages. B Vitamins are known to produce energy, but this beverage does not contain all the B Vitamins, only a selection. However, the B Vitamins that are included are at 100% of the Daily Value. Lion’s Mane does not have a lot of scientific studies around it (let alone an effective dosage). Other beverages include it at 500 milligrams or above. Considering that it is the last ingredient on the ingredient statement, it is more than likely included at a level that would not provide any benefit.
Nutritional Value: A. This beverage contains no sugar and no calories.
Overall Score: B. It is unclear why tripotassium citrate is not included in the “Vitamin and Electrolyte Blend” since it functions as an electrolyte. Despite this, this beverage contains essential electrolytes not commonly seen in other hydration products. The addition of B Vitamins provides a light burst of energy, however, not all B Vitamins are included in this product. By including Lion’s Mane, this beverage compliments the B Vitamins by providing cognitive support. However, there are no studies suggesting an effective dosage of Lion’s Mane for cognitive support. (Other beverage brands typically claim 500 milligrams of Lion’s Mane.) Since Lion’s Mane is listed last on the ingredient statement, it is more than likely included at an amount that would not be beneficial or effective. Although this beverage does not provide quite as much hydration power as the traditional hydration beverages (like Gatorade or Powerade), it is a lighter calorie and healthier alternative since it does not have any calories or sugar. At $3/bottle, this is on the pricier side, especially since the Lion’s Mane is not at a functional amount and the electrolytes are on the lighter side of proper hydration. Since the product is offered in refreshing flavors, it might be worth the higher price point.
Would you buy this product? Why or why not?
This product was evaluated purely based upon the perspective of a food scientist. The writer’s opinions are purely her own without influence or affiliation with the brand.