Best Energy Drinks for Fitness of 2026

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 19, 2026

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Energy drinks have become a popular supplement for fitness enthusiasts who need a quick boost of energy before or during their workout. These drinks typically contain caffeine, taurine, and other ingredients that are meant to improve performance and increase endurance. Many athletes and gym-goers swear by the benefits of energy drinks, claiming that they help them push through tough workouts and achieve their fitness goals. However, it's important to note that energy drinks should be consumed in moderation and should not be relied upon as a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle. As with any supplement, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating energy drinks into your fitness routine.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Reign Total Body Fuel, Orange Dreamsicle Cover #TOP 1
Reign Total Body Fuel, Orange Dreamsicle
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Cellucor C4 Energy Drink - SKITTLES Cover #TOP 2
Cellucor C4 Energy Drink - SKITTLES
ftb score rating icon 9.7
REIGN Total Body Fuel, Sour Gummy Worm, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 12) Cover #TOP 3
REIGN Total Body Fuel, Sour Gummy Worm, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 5 Energy Drinks for Fitness

Reign Total Body Fuel, Orange Dreamsicle

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Orange
Reign Total Body Fuel, Orange Dreamsicle Cover
Reign Total Body Fuel, Orange Dreamsicle, Fitness & Performance Drink, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)

Reign Total Body Fuel is the ultimate fitness-focused beverage, offering zero sugar, zero artificial flavors & colors & only 10 calories. This Orange Dreamsicle flavor has a refreshing, orange citrus flavor & vanilla finish. It contains 6x the BCAAs, 5x the CoQ10 and 2x the electrolytes as the leading competitor, as well as 300 mg of Natural Caffeine for a pre-workout boost and sustained energy throughout your workout. Customers love the taste and the energy boost it provides.

What We Like
Zero sugar, zero artificial flavors & colors & only 10 calories
6x the BCAAs, 5x the CoQ10 and 2x the electrolytes as the leading competitor
300 mg of Natural Caffeine for a pre-workout boost and sustained energy throughout your workout

Cellucor C4 Energy Drink - SKITTLES

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Cellucor C4 Energy Drink - SKITTLES Cover
Cellucor C4 Performance Energy Drink | Cosmic Rainbow | Zero Sugar Carbonated Preworkout Energy | 200mg Caffeine with Beta Alanine | 16 Fl Oz (12 Pack), Packaging May Vary

Cellucor C4 Energy is designed to give you a burst of energy when you need it most. With 200mg of caffeine, it helps enhance your physical performance, whether you're hitting the gym or playing sports. The inclusion of CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine supports your endurance, allowing you to push through fatigue during intense workouts. Additionally, BetaPower Natural Betaine promotes hydration at the muscle cell level, ensuring you can perform at your best. Plus, with its delicious SKITTLES flavor, you can enjoy an energizing drink without any sugar or artificial additives.

What We Like
Great taste variety
Clean, strong energy boost
Zero sugar formula
No crash or jitters
Convenient 12-pack option

REIGN Total Body Fuel, Sour Gummy Worm, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)

REIGN Total Body Fuel, Sour Gummy Worm, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 12) Cover
Reign Total Body Fuel, Sour Gummy Worm, Fitness & Performance Drink, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)

REIGN Sour Gummy Worm is a tangy fusion of strawberry and grape flavors that brings back memories of the red & blue gummy worms. With 300mg of Natural Caffeine, BCAAs, CoQ10, and electrolytes, this drink is tailored for your active lifestyle. Enjoy a refreshing sensory experience that will awaken your taste buds and boost your energy levels. Plus, it contains ZERO sugar and artificial flavors & colors, making it a guilt-free choice for those who want to stay energized throughout the day.

What We Like
Natural Caffeine & BCAAs
Zero Sugar
Convenient 12-Pack
#TOP 4

Reign Total Body Fuel White Haze Energy Drink

Reign Total Body Fuel White Haze Energy Drink Cover
Reign Total Body Fuel, White Haze, Fitness & Performance Drink, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)

The Reign White Haze Energy is designed to keep you sharp and energized, whether you're working out or tackling daily tasks. Its crisp and clean taste ensures you enjoy every sip without any unpleasant aftertaste. The vibrant citrus flavor not only refreshes your palate but also helps you feel revitalized when you need it most. This drink is formulated to support your endurance and focus, giving you the boost to power through your gym sessions and beyond. With Reign White Haze Energy, you get a tasty and effective way to fuel your day.

What We Like
Refreshing citrus flavor
Clean, crisp taste
Boosts gym performance
Supports endurance and focus

CELSIUS ESSENTIALS Sparkling Dragonberry Energy Drink

CELSIUS ESSENTIALS Sparkling Dragonberry Energy Drink Cover
CELSIUS ESSENTIALS™ Sparkling Dragonberry, Sugar Free Performance Energy Drink, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)

The CELSIUS Dragonberry Energy drink is designed to boost your workouts and daily activities with 270mg of caffeine, giving you a strong energy lift to stay active and alert. It’s made for fitness lovers who want to push their limits and improve their performance. This drink includes three essential amino acids, which support your muscles and help you recover faster. Plus, it combines ingredients that benefit both your body and mind, helping you stay focused and energized. Best of all, it contains no sugar, so you get a clean energy boost without extra calories or crashes.

What We Like
Clean, sustained energy boost
Delicious, refreshing flavors
Sugar-free, zero calories
Packed with vitamins and natural caffeine
Light, pleasant carbonation
Buying Guide Image

Tips for Finding the Best Energy Drinks for Fitness

Fitness energy drinks are a popular choice among athletes and fitness enthusiasts looking for a quick boost of energy and electrolytes. With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to choose the right one. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision when selecting a fitness energy drink:

  1. Consider your goals: What are you trying to achieve with the energy drink? Are you looking for a pre-workout boost, post-workout recovery, or a quick source of hydration during a long workout? Different energy drinks have different ingredients and serving sizes, so it's important to choose one that aligns with your fitness goals.
  2. Check the ingredients: Energy drinks often contain a variety of ingredients, including caffeine, electrolytes, amino acids, and sugar. Some may also have added vitamins and minerals. While these ingredients can provide benefits, they can also have negative effects if consumed in excess. Be sure to carefully read the label and check the amount of each ingredient, especially caffeine and sugar, to avoid overconsumption.
  3. Look for natural ingredients: Many energy drinks contain artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors, which can have negative effects on your health. Opt for energy drinks with natural ingredients, such as fruit juice and natural sweeteners like stevia or honey. These natural ingredients can provide the same benefits without the added chemicals.
  4. Read reviews: Before purchasing an energy drink, be sure to read reviews from other fitness enthusiasts who have tried it. This can provide valuable insights on the taste, effectiveness, and potential side effects of the drink.
  5. Consult with a healthcare professional: If you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before adding a new energy drink to your fitness routine. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your individual health needs.

By considering your fitness goals, checking the ingredients, looking for natural ingredients, reading reviews, and consulting with a healthcare professional, you can choose a fitness energy drink that will provide the energy and electrolytes you need to support your fitness routine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are energy drinks good for fitness?

Energy drinks can be beneficial for fitness, particularly during high-intensity cardiovascular training or long-distance activities. Taking an energy drink about an hour before exercise can provide a much-needed boost. It may also be consumed during long-duration exercises to maintain energy levels.

2. Do bodybuilders drink energy drinks?

Yes, energy drinks are commonly consumed by bodybuilders, athletes, and individuals engaging in strenuous physical activity. These drinks are often marketed as a way to improve physical performance and enhance mental alertness and concentration.

3. Is pre-workout or energy drinks better?

Pre-workout formulas are specifically designed to enhance physical performance, while energy drinks or coffee primarily improve alertness, productivity, and mental focus. If you are looking for a performance boost during your workout, pre-workout formulas may be more suitable. However, for general alertness and focus, energy drinks or coffee can be effective.

4. Do energy drinks help build muscle?

No, energy drinks are not recommended for building muscle. While they may provide a short-term energy boost, they are not a sustainable or healthy way to increase energy levels. Relying on energy drinks for muscle building can be detrimental to your workout routine and overall health.

5. Is C4 bad for you?

C4, a popular pre-workout supplement, contains artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium. Consumption of sucralose has been associated with potential negative effects on gut bacteria, increased appetite leading to weight gain, and potential disruptions to blood sugar regulation. It is advisable to be cautious when consuming C4 or any supplement containing artificial sweeteners.

6. What is the unhealthiest energy drink in the world?

Red Bull is considered one of the unhealthiest energy drinks. It contains high levels of caffeine (151 mg) and added sugar (51 grams in a 16 oz can), which exceed recommended intake levels. Additionally, it lacks a sufficient amount of suggested vitamins and minerals.

Editor's Notes

During our energy drink for fitness research, we found 24 energy drink for fitness products and shortlisted 5 quality products. We collected and analyzed 541,701 customer reviews through our big data system to write the energy drinks for fitness list. We found that most customers choose energy drinks for fitness with an average price of $23.60.

The energy drinks for fitness are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of energy drinks for fitness, including Reign, Cellucor, CELSIUS. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!