8 Best Energy Drinks of 2023, According to Dietitians

We updated this article in November 2022 to ensure all picks selected by the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab were in stock and accurately priced.

Looking to improve your stamina and energy levels? Quick fixes are available, but quality sleep, optimal hydration (with good old H2O) and a balanced diet are the ultimate tools for improving energy in the long run. But many turn to caffeine and energy drinks for a quick boost. For most, moderate intake — that’s a maximum of 400 mg of caffeine per day or about four or five cups of coffee, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration — should be okay. But most energy drinks are also laden with food colorings, additives and exorbitant amounts of added sugar.

If you’re looking for a healthier option, the experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab compiled a list of some of the better energy drink picks that focus on low added sugar counts and prioritize natural sources of caffeine (as opposed to synthetic caffeine). Our experts say it’s important to check the caffeine content on the label so you can avoid more than 200 mg of caffeine per drink (the equivalent of two cups of coffee), especially if you are consuming other caffeinated beverages and foods during the day. You’ll find that many options are also fortified with B vitamins which may provide an additional natural boost. Here are the best energy drinks of 2022.

Our top picks:

At the end of this guide, you can read more about how we evaluate energy drinks in our Lab, as well as the difference between natural and synthetic caffeine plus who should avoid energy drinks.