Not all energy drinks are created equal. Jack Hart analysed the best performance-enhancing glugs on offer, from natural sources to those fizzing with electrolytes.
If you're wanting to boost your running performance, energy drinks can be a big help. However, it's a flooded market out there and some are a lot better than others. Consider our expert recommendations on the best energy drinks for runners. While energy boosters and supplements can be useful, we want to stress how important a healthy, balanced diet is. Energy drinks are an extra, not to replace the nutritious food you need. The drinks listed below cover a range of uses and all have a purpose within running training. Some are best consumed pre-workout like those caffeine-rich options, others high in energy and carbs work best when used during, and those with a big dose of protein are best used post-session to help speed up recovery.
As the most hyped ergogenic (performance-enhancing) aid of recent years, beetroot juice - like Beet It - has a lot of expectation to live up to.
Its nitrate content is the cause of the excitement. The body converts this into nitrite and nitric oxide, which simultaneously dilates blood vessels and increases the efficiency of muscle cells’ mitochondria.
In a nutshell, it means your muscles and cardiovascular function will work more effectively, increasing your speed and stamina at the swig of a bottle.
| Calories (per 100ml) | 88kcal |
| Sugar (per 100ml) | 17g |
| Caffeine (per 100ml) | 0mg |
Best coffee
227g 6-Pack
Granted, what is the 'best coffee' is highly subjective. But we place Cafédirect (the stronger the better) at number one.
Beetroot juice may be the centre of attention right now, but caffeine still rules supreme – and not just for longevity. Research published in Applied Physiology, Nutrition & Metabolism studied the comparative effects of caffeine and beetroot juice on aerobic performance, and coffee’s primary ingredient blew beets out the park.
A cautionary word, though: the combination of coffee and running can call nature rather abruptly.
With little in the way of sugar or caffeine, what does Nuun bring to the table? Electrolytes. And they're intended to replace vital sodium and potassium lost through sweating and help keep muscles functioning efficiently.
Also, according to a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, sports drinks with a high electrolyte content were better at rehydrating people than water. We still won’t advise giving up on H2O, but it’s impressive.
| Calories (per serve) | 15kcal |
| Sugar (per serve) | 1g |
| Caffeine (per serve) | 0mg |
Beyond an F1 team, extreme cliff-diving and other adrenaline-fuelled sports, Red Bull still have an impressive foothold in the world of health and fitness, including the Red Bull Steeplechase trail run.
Nor is that foothold unfounded. A study in Amino Acids journal found that Red Bull significantly improved aerobic performance and mental alertness. Caffeine and sugar are clearly a potent combination, so be sure to have Red Bull in moderation.
| Calories (per 100ml) | 46kcal |
| Sugar (per 100ml) | 11g |
| Caffeine (per 250ml) | 80mg |
We’d always advise being wary of ‘low-calorie water’ because water has no calories. But the 20g of protein you get in each bottle of Vieve is novel.
That’s about the same as three eggs and comes courtesy of whey protein, which is balanced by an array of sweeteners. Topping up on protein before, during and after a run will help to accelerate your recovery and prevent breakdown of muscle mass, for energy during long-distance races.
| Calories (per 100ml) | 80kcal |
| Sugar (per 100ml) | 0g |
| Caffeine (per 100ml) | 0mg |
This powder from Tailwind mixes with water (2-3 scoops per 590-710ml) to power you up with calories and electrolytes, without the stomach upsets associated with energy gels. A caffeinated versions are available (Raspberry Buzz, Matcha/Green Tea Buzz, Colorado Cola and Tropical Buzz), depending on your own preference.
| Calories (per 100g) | 370kcal |
| Sugar (per 100g) | 93g |
| Caffeine (per 100g) | 0mg |
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