Caffeine-free energy drinks: what's in them instead
BijgewerktDelen
Caffeine-free energy drinks leave out caffeine and usually contain B vitamins, sometimes with electrolytes, amino acids such as taurine, or plant extracts instead. Watch out for guarana, yerba mate, green tea or green coffee extract on the label: these are natural sources of caffeine. A drink can say "no added caffeine" and still contain some from these ingredients.
Key points
• Truly caffeine-free drinks list no caffeine and no caffeine-containing plant extracts.
• Guarana, yerba mate, green tea, green coffee and cocoa extracts naturally contain caffeine.
• "Energy" claims on caffeine-free drinks usually come from B vitamins.
• Drinks with more than 150 mg of caffeine per litre must say "High caffeine content".
Table of contents
- What's in a caffeine-free energy drink?
- Hidden caffeine: ingredients to check
- What the "energy" claims mean
- Sugar
- FAQ
What's in a caffeine-free energy drink?
Without caffeine, these drinks usually rely on:
- B vitamins such as B6, B12 and niacin
- Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and magnesium
- Amino acids such as taurine
- Sugar or sweeteners, and flavourings
Hidden caffeine: ingredients to check
Some plants contain caffeine naturally. If any of these is on the ingredients list, the drink is not caffeine-free:
| Ingredient | Contains caffeine? |
|---|---|
| Guarana (seed extract) | Yes |
| Yerba mate | Yes |
| Green tea or matcha extract | Yes |
| Green coffee bean extract | Yes |
| Cocoa / cacao | Yes, a small amount |
| Taurine | No |
| B vitamins | No |
Work out your own total: caffeine calculator.
A drink with more than 150 mg of caffeine per litre, from any source, must carry the "High caffeine content" warning and state the amount per 100 ml. Below that level, you may need to check the brand's website. More: How to read UK energy drink labels · Caffeine in matcha
What the "energy" claims mean
In the UK, health claims on food and drink must be authorised. For caffeine-free drinks, the claim usually comes from B vitamins. For example, vitamins B6 and B12 contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. The drink must contain enough of the vitamin to use the claim.
Optimal Native Evening Relax is caffeine-free (0 mg). It contains L-theanine 100 mg, GABA 75 mg, chamomile extract, lemon balm extract and magnesium, with no sugar. Morning Energy (200 mg caffeine) and Daily Flow (75 mg caffeine) contain vitamins B6 and B12, which contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal psychological function and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. More: Caffeine pouches in the UK
Sugar
Caffeine-free does not mean sugar-free. Check the nutrition table for sugar per 100 ml. A sugary energy drink can contain up to 20 teaspoons of sugar per can (Action on Sugar, 2015). More: Sugar-free energy drinks: what's in them
FAQ
Are there energy drinks without caffeine?
Yes. They usually contain B vitamins and sometimes electrolytes or taurine instead. Check that there is no guarana, mate, green tea or green coffee extract.
Does guarana contain caffeine?
Yes. Guarana is a natural source of caffeine.
Does taurine contain caffeine?
No. Taurine is an amino acid, not a source of caffeine.
Are caffeine-free energy drinks OK for under-16s?
The planned ban in England covers high-caffeine energy drinks. Caffeine-free drinks are not covered, but check the label for sugar and other ingredients. More: Energy drinks and under-16s
Read next: Sugar-free energy drinks · Caffeine pouches vs energy drinks · Energy drinks with the least caffeine
Optimal Native is coming to the UK. One stack for the whole day: Morning Energy, Daily Flow and Evening Relax. Pre-orders ship from 15 December 2026.