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Looking to switch your usual go-to for a natural energy drink? We’ve rounded up some of our favourite alternatives with the help from a nutritionist to be part of your daily routine
Our top picks
Matcha green tea caffeine
PerfectTed
PerfectTed Matcha Pear Ginger Energy Drink 250ml
Clearance
16+
€1.50
€2.50
3000mg BCAA's
Nocco
Nocco BCAA Blood Orange Del Sol Energy Drink 330ml
16+
€3.20
Do you find yourself reaching for an energy drink after an intense exercise class, a marathon day in the office or a study session that feels like it’ll never end? If so, you’re not on your own – we could all use a little extra zip in our step now and then. If you're unsure which ones to choose, we’ve done the legwork with help from our nutritionist, Molly Arnold, and have rounded up some of our favourite picks.
Do energy drinks cause a caffeine crash?
Yes. A caffeine crash is that all-too-familiar dip in energy that can hit once your coffee (or matcha, or energy drink) starts to wear off. One minute you’re feeling switched on and productive, the next it’s like someone’s quietly dimmed the lights – your focus slips, motivation drops and tiredness creeps in. It’s a natural response to how caffeine interacts with the body’s sleep and energy rhythms, as well as how quickly it’s absorbed and processed.1
Some people prefer caffeine from sources like tea or coffee, which are consumed alongside other naturally occurring compounds.1 These additional compounds can influence how the effects of caffeine feel. For example, tea contains L-theanine, which may feel like a smoother experience for some people.
What is ‘natural’ energy?
‘Natural’ energy usually refers to a steadier, more gradual feeling of alertness that comes from supporting your body with things like nutrients,2 food and rest, rather than a quick stimulant hit. Caffeine, on the other hand, works more directly by stimulating your nervous system. The boost is often faster and more noticeable, although how long they last can vary depending on the dose, timing and individual sensitivity3 – but it can also wear off more quickly. In comparison, ‘natural’ sources tend to feel gentler and less intense, though also less immediate.
Our favourite ‘natural’ energy drinks
Natural energy doesn’t just come in cans – powders, greens blends and electrolytes mixes can be just as refreshing, tasty and often more versatile. Here are some of our top picks:
Powered by premium matcha green tea, this refreshing energy drink blends real fruit flavours like pear with ginger and apple with raspberry for a crisp, vibrant taste. Crafted with 100% natural, plant-based ingredients, it contains no additives, preservatives or added sugar – just naturally occurring sweetness from real fruit. Each can delivers 80mg of caffeine, equivalent to a cup of coffee, offering a smoother, more balanced lift without the crash. Easy to enjoy, it’s a refreshing way to energise your day while keeping things simple and natural.
Blending rapidly absorbed free-form amino acids, including BCAAs and arginine, with beta alanine and naturally sourced caffeine, it helps promote muscle recovery, improve focus and sustain energy without feeling heavy or artificial. With 29 calories per serving, it’s a light addition to your routine that won’t disrupt your diet, whether you take it before, during or after exercise. Easy to mix on its own or alongside your favourite supplements, it offers flexible energy levels to suit your day, making it a convenient choice for anyone looking to stay energised, focused and ready to perform.
Not just another energy drink – it’s a refreshing tropical escape in a can. Powered by ceremonial-grade Matcha green tea straight from Japan, it packs 80mg of caffeine with a smooth twist. With flavours like apple and raspberry, pear and ginger and juicy peach, you’ll be spoilt for choice. No added sugar – just the natural sweetness from the tea and ingredients. Plus, with zero additives or preservatives and 80mg of L-Theanine, this no-fuss drink needs to be added to your rotation.
This vibrant, orange-flavoured energy drink is designed to refresh and support an active lifestyle, whether you’re training hard or powering through a busy day. Formulated with 3000mg of BCAAs, added vitamins and 180mg of caffeine, it delivers a strong, sustained boost to help you stay energised and focused. Completely sugar-free and Informed Sport certified, it’s a reliable choice for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. Crisp, refreshing and easy to enjoy, it works just as well before a workout as it does after, helping you recharge and keep moving.
Clean energy FAQs
Yes, green tea can provide a mild source of caffeine and is often perceived as less intense than typical energy drinks. Green tea contains caffeine, which can help increase alertness. It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that has been studied for its potential effects on attention and relaxation.7 “The combination of caffeine and L-theanine is thought to support focus and alertness, and may influence how stimulating caffeine feels,” says Molly.8 These together may help you feel more mentally sharp without the jittery feeling strong energy drinks sometimes cause. 7
Guarana contains caffeine and may have slightly different effects compared to isolated caffeine, although evidence is still limited. One study found guarana may have effects beyond its caffeine content, possibly due to other plant compounds, although more research is needed to confirm this.9 “Plant-based sources of caffeine are often consumed alongside other compounds, which may influence how the effects are experienced compared to isolated caffeine,” says Molly.1
Bananas can provide energy during exercise because they supply carbohydrates (sugars and complex carbs), potassium and other nutrients that your body can use for fuel without any added caffeine.10 Eating bananas can provide a relatively quick source of energy, and when paired with other foods may help support more stable blood sugar levels. 10 Not a fan of bananas? Not a problem, there are lots of other foods that give you energy too.
The final say
With so many energy drink options out there, it can be hard to know which ones to choose – but there’s something for everybody. Making the switch can be a simple way to add something new to your daily routine. Whether you go for a cafe style matcha, a hydration blend to support you through workouts or a ready-to-drink option for convenience, the key is finding what fits your routine. If you’re exploring a more natural approach to energy, check out our guides to matcha and beetroot to dive even deeper.
Are you someone who works up a serious sweat at the gym? Be sure to discover our round-up of workout wonders that’ll keep your energy up and your performance on point. After all, why shouldn’t you feel refreshed and at your best?
Disclaimer – This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
1. Rauf MQ, Sharma L, Essiet E, Elhassan O, Fahim R, Irem-Oko F, et al. Caffeine Consumption Patterns, Health Impacts, and Media Influence: A Narrative Review. Cureus [Internet]. 2025;17(6):e86215. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40677435/
2. Tardy AL, Pouteau E, Marquez D, Yilmaz C, Scholey A. Vitamins and minerals for energy, fatigue and cognition: A narrative review of the biochemical and clinical evidence. Nutrients [Internet]. 2020 Jan 16;12(1):228. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7019700/
3. Evans J, Battisti AS, Richards JR. Caffeine [Internet]. National Library of Medicine. StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519490/
4. National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements - Dietary Supplements for Immune Function and Infectious Diseases [Internet]. ods.od.nih.gov. 2023. Available from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/ImmuneFunction-HealthProfessional/
5. Docherty S, Doughty FL, Smith EF. The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion’s Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study. Nutrients. 2023 Nov 20;15(22):4842–2.
6. Pouille CL, Ouaza S, Roels E, Behra J, Tourret M, Molinié R, et al. Chicory: Understanding the Effects and Effectors of This Functional Food. Nutrients [Internet]. 2022 Jan 1;14(5):957. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/5/957/html
7. Chie Kurosaka, Tagata C, Nakagawa S, Kobayashi M, Miyake S. Effects of green tea and roasted green tea on human responses. Scientific reports. 2024 Apr 13;14(1).
8. Giesbrecht T, Rycroft JA, Rowson MJ, De Bruin EA. The combination of L-theanine and caffeine improves cognitive performance and increases subjective alertness. Nutritional Neuroscience. 2010 Dec;13(6):283–90.
9. Moustakas D, Mezzio M, Rodriguez BR, Constable MA, Mulligan ME, Voura EB. Guarana Provides Additional Stimulation over Caffeine Alone in the Planarian Model. Holscher C, editor. PLOS ONE. 2015 Apr 16;10(4):e0123310.
10. Nieman DC, Gillitt ND, Henson DA, Sha W, Shanely RA, Knab AM, et al. Bananas as an Energy Source during Exercise: A Metabolomics Approach. Lucia A, editor. PLoS ONE. 2012 May 17;7(5):e37479.
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