Most Processed Energy Drinks Brands
Energy drinks are engineered beverages combining caffeine, taurine, B-vitamins, and sweeteners with artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Even "natural" energy drinks typically contain multiple processed ingredients. The primary differentiator is whether caffeine comes from coffee/tea extracts vs synthetic caffeine.
Energy Drinks at a Glance
15 Most Processed Energy Drinks Brands
Brands ranked by highest average processing score across all their products in this category.
| Rank | Brand | Products | Scores | Ultra | Minimal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nuaquos | 3 | 16.9 6.0 | 3 | 0 |
| 2 | Finish first. | 4 | 16.4 3.4 | 4 | 0 |
| 3 | Light & fit | 8 | 16.1 6.3 | 8 | 0 |
| 4 | Enterex | 4 | 15.9 6.0 | 4 | 0 |
| 5 | Good sense | 3 | 15.8 5.5 | 3 | 0 |
| 6 | Cvs health | 17 | 15.8 5.5 | 17 | 0 |
| 7 | Bsn | 29 | 15.7 4.7 | 29 | 0 |
| 8 | Hy-vee | 8 | 15.7 6.5 | 8 | 0 |
| 9 | Finish first | 15 | 15.7 3.4 | 15 | 0 |
| 10 | Right size | 3 | 15.6 5.7 | 3 | 0 |
| 11 | B s n | 4 | 15.6 2.1 | 4 | 0 |
| 12 | Equaline | 5 | 15.4 1.0 | 5 | 0 |
| 13 | Glucerna | 56 | 15.2 5.6 | 56 | 0 |
| 14 | H-E-B | 9 | 15.2 7.0 | 9 | 0 |
| 15 | Up&up | 12 | 15.1 4.3 | 12 | 0 |
Closest Look: Top 5 Most Processed
Least Processed Energy Drinks Products
Individual products with the lowest processing scores.
Most Processed Energy Drinks Products
Individual products with the highest processing scores.
What to Look for on the Label
- 1Check caffeine source — "caffeine" means synthetic; "green tea extract" is natural
- 2Avoid drinks with artificial sweeteners (sucralose, acesulfame-K) alongside sugar
- 3Taurine and B-vitamins are synthetic supplements, not food ingredients
- 4"Zero sugar" versions often score higher due to additional artificial sweeteners and flavors
Least Processed Energy Drinks Brands
For comparison — brands with the lowest average processing scores.
| Rank | Brand | Products | Scores | Ultra | Minimal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Omg! organic meets good | 25 | 1.0 8.8 | 0 | 25 |
| 2 | Simply super | 23 | 1.0 8.0 | 0 | 23 |
| 3 | Ancestral roots | 15 | 1.0 8.8 | 0 | 15 |
| 4 | Zint | 3 | 1.0 5.0 | 0 | 3 |
| 5 | Humming hemp | 5 | 1.0 8.0 | 0 | 5 |
| 6 | Feelgood | 4 | 1.0 6.5 | 0 | 4 |
| 7 | Love beets | 3 | 1.0 10.0 | 0 | 3 |
| 8 | Zego | 3 | 1.0 10.0 | 0 | 3 |
| 9 | Wegmans | 3 | 1.0 10.0 | 0 | 3 |
| 10 | Foods alive | 6 | 1.0 7.3 | 0 | 6 |
| 11 | Navitas | 4 | 1.0 10.0 | 0 | 4 |
| 12 | Navitas naturals | 4 | 1.0 8.5 | 0 | 4 |
| 13 | Navitas organics | 10 | 1.6 7.6 | 0 | 10 |
| 14 | Lekithos | 22 | 1.6 8.7 | 0 | 18 |
| 15 | Mikuna | 7 | 1.9 8.1 | 0 | 4 |
How We Score Products
Every product is evaluated using two independent scores. The Processing Score (lower is better) measures the degree of industrial processing based on ingredient analysis, including the presence of artificial additives, preservatives, and highly modified ingredients. The Nutrition Score (higher is better) rates overall nutritional quality, rewarding protein and fiber while penalizing excess sodium, added sugars, and saturated fat.
Products are assigned to one of four processing levels: Minimal (score ≤ 2.5), Processed (2.6 – 5.0), Highly Processed (5.1 – 8.0), and Ultra-Processed (above 8.0). Brand averages are calculated across all products in the category to produce the rankings shown here.
Based on analysis of 1.98 million products in the USDA FoodData Central database. For a deeper look at the methodology, see our Processing Score guide and Two-Score System explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are energy drinks so processed?
They are pharmaceutical-like formulations mixing synthetic caffeine, lab-produced taurine, industrial B-vitamins, artificial sweeteners, acidulants, and artificial flavors. Nothing in the formulation resembles food.
Are sugar-free energy drinks better?
From a processing standpoint, sugar-free versions often score higher because artificial sweeteners (sucralose, acesulfame-K) and additional flavoring agents are needed to replace sugar.
What is taurine and why is it in energy drinks?
Taurine is a synthetic amino acid added for its purported energy-enhancing effects. The taurine in energy drinks is industrially synthesized, not extracted from natural sources.
Related Food Guides
Learn more about how individual foods are classified.
Disclaimer: All tools and data visualizations are provided for educational and informational purposes only. They are not intended as health, medical, or dietary advice. Product formulations change frequently — always check the actual label for current ingredients and nutrition facts before making purchasing decisions. Consult healthcare professionals for personalized dietary guidance.