WELLBEING

Caffeine-Free Energy Drinks: Can they replace a morning coffee?

Kathryn Wheeler
By Kathryn Wheeler,
updated on Jan 22, 2018

Caffeine-Free Energy Drinks: Can they replace a morning coffee?

80% of the world’s population consumes a caffeinated product each day, so what would it take to give it up?

morning cup of coffee

Caffeine is a natural brain and central nervous system stimulant found in tea, coffee, and cocoa plants. While it’s relatively harmless, those with anxiety and panic disorders should avoid it, and over time we can become dependant on a daily caffeine fix. Do you wake up feeling groggy and irritable? Or maybe you just can’t concentrate until you’ve had your first cup of coffee? It’s possible that you may be experiencing caffeine withdrawal, rather than actual fatigue.

This month Happiful tested five different natural, caffeine-free energy drinks, to see if they could give us the energy boost we normally look for in a cup of coffee. From the concentrated shots adored by celebrities, to fruity energy drinks, how do they stand up to the energy-boosting staples?


Organic Ginger Shot - James White

Organic Ginger Shot - James White

Made from crushed ginger and apple juice, this shot is designed to give you an intense pick-up. RRP: £1.35

Taste: 4/5
Packaging: 3/5
Feeling energised? Yes.

“It was lovely! I had it instead of my morning coffee at 8am – an hour later I’m feeling so much more energised and ready for the day!” – Ellen


Multivitamin Fruit Drink - Purdey’s Edge

Multivitamin Fruit Drink - Purdey’s Edge

Free from artificial flavourings, preservatives and sweeteners and enhanced with vitamins, this drink is a blend of fruit juices and sparkling water.
RRP: £1.45

Taste: 5/5
Packaging: 5/5
Feeling energised? Yes.


Organic Green Tea Energy Powershot - Little Miracles

Organic Green Tea Energy Powershot - Little Miracles

Despite containing green tea, this drink remains caffeine free and is a refreshing blend of super fruits and ginseng. RRP: £1.39

Taste: 2/5
Packaging: 2/5
Feeling energised? Maybe


Turmeric Juice Shot - James White

Turmeric Juice Shot - James White

A spicy blend of turmeric, apple juice, lemon, chilli and black pepper, this shot promises a powerful wake-up call! RRP £1.69

Taste: 4/5
Packaging: 4/5
Feeling energised? Yes.


Concentrated Beetroot Shot - Beet IT Organic

Concentrated Beetroot Shot - Beet IT Organic

A concentrated shot of 98% beetroot juice and 2% lemon juice, this shot has been developed in conjunction with Exeter University to give you a
nutritious energy boost. RRP £1.45

Taste: 1/5
Packaging: 3/5
Feeling energised? No.

“I was quite looking forward to this drink as I normally like beetroot juice, but unfortunately the taste wasn’t what I was expecting and it nearly made me gag!” – Paul


Conclusion

Here at Happiful HQ, 78% of us drink up to five cups of a caffeinated drink a day, yet only 11% had looked into caffeine-free alternatives. We loved the black glass look of the Purdey’s Edge drink, and the ginger shot was the wake up call our caffeine-deprived brains needed to kick-start the day. While we found that Little Miracle’s powershot didn’t have the intensity of the other drinks, it was the beetroot shot that really turned our stomachs.

Overall, 77% of us would consider having the drink again, and 65% said “yes” or “maybe” to choosing one of these drinks over a caffeinated one. So are the celebrity endorsed energy shots worth the hype? Well, let’s just say we wouldn’t turn our noses up at a nice shot of turmeric on a Monday morning.

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