Key findings
- 1Celsius uses the same formulation pattern as traditional energy drinks: caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and proprietary blends
- 2The 200mg caffeine per can comes from added caffeine plus guarana extract, so the blend has more than one caffeine source
- 3Plain coffee or green tea provides caffeine from a single ingredient, without artificial sweeteners, proprietary blends, or industrial additives
What goes into Celsius products?
Celsius is sold as a "fitness drink" rather than an energy drink, but the formulation follows the same pattern as other energy beverages. The MetaPlus proprietary blend combines caffeine (200mg per can) with guarana extract (another caffeine source), taurine (an industrially synthesized amino acid), green tea extract (EGCG), ginger root extract, and chromium. Sucralose (an artificial sweetener 600 times sweeter than sugar) provides sweetness without calories. Citric acid, natural flavors, and fruit juice concentrates round out the formulation. Natural flavors are refined extracts, and the functional ingredient blend is a manufactured formulation not found in any whole food.
How 30 celsius products break down
Share of products at each processing level, in our analysis.
Celsius brand comparison
From least to most processed in our database.
How to read a celsius label
- 1
Celsius contains 200mg of caffeine per can; equivalent to about 2.5 cups of coffee
- 2
Sucralose is a synthetic sweetener produced by chlorinating sugar molecules
- 3
"MetaPlus blend" is a proprietary label that obscures individual ingredient amounts
- 4
"Natural flavors" in Celsius are highly refined chemical extracts, not whole food ingredients
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Frequently asked questions
Is Celsius better than other energy drinks?
Of the 28 Celsius products we score, 11 are Level 4 (ultra-processed) and 17 are Level 3. It is aimed at a fitness audience, but it uses the same formulation pattern as other energy drinks: added caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and proprietary ingredient blends. Search another energy drink to see its products' own scores.
Is Celsius healthier because it has no sugar?
Celsius replaces sugar with sucralose, an artificial sweetener. While this reduces calories, it does not make the drink less processed. The drink still contains added caffeine, flavoring agents, and a proprietary blend of functional ingredients.
What is a less processed alternative to Celsius?
Black coffee (about 95mg caffeine per cup) or green tea (about 30-50mg caffeine per cup) provide caffeine from a single ingredient, without artificial sweeteners or proprietary blends. Unsweetened cold brew is another simple option.