What are pre-workout energy drinks?

Pre-workout energy drinks are formulated to boost your drive and fat-burning power before a workout to help keep you going stronger for longer. Their formulas may contain a variety of ingredients to help keep you hydrated and hyped up for an intense workout session.

What ingredients are found in energy drinks?

Many of the products in the energy drink selection found at The Vitamin Shoppe contain helpful ingredients and nutrients, such as:

Creatine

Creatine monohydrate can support high-intensity exercise performance, muscle strength, muscle mass, and endurance by helping to enhance cellular levels of phosphocreatine (CrP), a critical component of cellular energy production, or ATP.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that's often relied on to encourage alertness, productivity, and wakefulness. A caffeinated beverage can provide an energy shot to a healthy adult, similar to the effects of a cup of coffee.

BCAAs

Branched-chain amino acids are used to support energy metabolism and help feed and nourish your muscles. BCAAs are a common pre- and post-workout staple because they assist with muscle protein synthesis, growth, and recovery.

Vitamins, Nutrients, and Minerals

Many types of energy drinks are packed with important vitamins, nutrients, and minerals that can enhance your body's ability to sustain and create its own energy. B vitamins, taurine, and ginseng are common ingredients in many of the energy and sports drink options at The Vitamin Shoppe.

CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10 is found in every cell in your body. Consumption of energy drinks with CoQ10 is particularly popular with athletes, as they can take advantage of the energy-producing and antioxidant properties found in these drinks.

Potassium

Potassium is an essential mineral found in lots of fruits and vegetables. Potassium helps to encourage healthy muscle function and recovery after rigorous exercise.

Be sure to look at the nutrition label and list of energy drink ingredients to know exactly what you’re putting in your body.

How do I pick the right energy drink?

Energy drink consumption will differ based on individual preferences and requirements. The effects of energy drinks can vary, so consider the calories, sodium, sugar content, and ingredients based on your needs and restrictions. For example, people react differently to caffeine/sugar, so low/no caffeine and sugar drinks may be better options for some.

To help you narrow down your options further, we offer options such as vegetarian, gluten-free, non-GMO, and more drinks to suit your specialty diet.

Why are carbohydrates added to pre-workout drinks?

The body uses carbs to produce the essential energy molecule glucose. Pre-workout energy drinks with higher amounts of carbohydrates can provide an extra boost of energy to burn off during exercise, but unused glucose will be stored for future use.

What are some healthy energy drink options?

We offer a selection of low-sugar, low-caffeine health energy drinks that provide a clean nutritional boost from natural ingredients without excessive stimulants. These can enhance energy and workout performance while avoiding harsh crashes later.

Do you carry any natural energy drinks?

Yes, our product assortment includes plant-based natural energy drinks made from ingredients like green tea, yerba maté, fruit juices, and botanical extracts.

What are popular energy drink brands and flavors?

There are many great name-brand options, including Ryse, Prime, Celsius, Alani Nu, and more. Give your body the fuel it craves and ward off the risks of energy depletion with irresistible sweet, sour, and fan-favorite flavors like cola, cotton candy, and champagne. We also offer a range of fruity varieties in our selection of carbonated and non-carbonated energy drinks!