Which Energy Drink Has the Lowest Calories? Top 5 Low-Calorie Options in 2026
If you're trying to cut calories but still need a boost, you're not alone. Millions of people reach for energy drinks to get through the day-without wanting to wreck their diet. The big question? Which energy drink has the lowest calories? The answer isn’t as simple as picking the one that says "zero sugar." Some drinks hide calories in weird places, and others use fillers that don’t help you feel energized at all.
What Makes an Energy Drink Low-Calorie?
A low-calorie energy drink isn’t just about skipping sugar. It’s about what’s left behind. Most traditional energy drinks pack 150 to 250 calories per can, mostly from sugar. That’s like eating a small banana or a handful of pretzels-just in liquid form. Low-calorie versions replace that sugar with artificial sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, or sucralose. These add almost no calories but still give you the sweet taste you expect. But here’s the catch: not all low-calorie drinks are created equal. Some use sugar alcohols that can cause bloating or digestive upset. Others load up on sodium or stimulants like caffeine and taurine to make up for the lack of sugar. That’s why you need to look beyond the calorie count and check the ingredient list.The Top 5 Lowest-Calorie Energy Drinks in 2026
Based on 2025-2026 market data from the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration and U.S. FDA labels, here are the five energy drinks with the absolute lowest calories-each under 10 calories per can.- Matcha Bar Energy - 5 calories per 12 oz can. Made with organic matcha, L-theanine, and monk fruit. No artificial sweeteners. Caffeine: 120 mg.
- ZipFizz - 0 calories per 16 oz powder stick. Uses erythritol and sucralose. Contains 100 mg caffeine, B vitamins, and electrolytes. Mixes in water.
- REIZE - 10 calories per 4 oz can. Sweetened with stevia and sucralose. Caffeine: 50 mg. One of the most balanced formulas for daily use.
- Monster Energy Zero Ultra - 0 calories per 16 oz can. Sweetened with sucralose and acesulfame potassium. Caffeine: 140 mg. Tastes like citrus soda.
- Power Balance Zero - 5 calories per 12 oz can. Uses stevia and natural flavors. Caffeine: 120 mg. Also contains 200 mg of L-theanine for calm focus.
These drinks all fall under 10 calories, but they’re not all the same. ZipFizz and REIZE are the only ones with no artificial colors. Matcha Bar and Power Balance Zero include L-theanine, which helps smooth out the caffeine crash. Monster Zero Ultra is the most widely available, but its artificial sweetener blend can leave a metallic aftertaste for some people.
Why Calories Aren’t the Whole Story
You might think picking the drink with zero calories is the win. But calories don’t tell you how your body will react. A 2024 study from the University of Queensland found that people who drank zero-calorie energy drinks with sucralose reported more sugar cravings later in the day than those who drank drinks sweetened with stevia or monk fruit. Also, some drinks hide calories in their serving size. A 24 oz can might say "0 calories," but it’s actually two servings. Always check the label for "servings per container." If it says 2.5 servings, and you drink the whole thing, you’re probably consuming 50-100 calories-even if the label says "zero."
What to Look for on the Label
Here’s what to scan for when you’re comparing low-calorie energy drinks:- Caffeine content: 80-150 mg is ideal for most adults. More than 200 mg in one drink can cause jitters or heart palpitations.
- Sweeteners: Stevia, monk fruit, and erythritol are gentler on digestion than sucralose or aspartame.
- Added sodium: Over 200 mg per serving can lead to water retention and bloating.
- Artificial colors: Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 are linked to hyperactivity in sensitive individuals.
- Other stimulants: Guarana, yerba mate, and ginseng add more caffeine you can’t see on the label.
Power Balance Zero and Matcha Bar Energy score highest here-they avoid artificial colors, use natural sweeteners, and include calming compounds to balance the caffeine.
Who Should Avoid Low-Calorie Energy Drinks?
Not everyone should be drinking these. If you’re pregnant, have high blood pressure, or are sensitive to caffeine, even zero-calorie drinks can be risky. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day for healthy adults-and that includes coffee, tea, and chocolate. Kids and teens should avoid energy drinks altogether. Even sugar-free versions can disrupt sleep patterns and cause anxiety. The Australian Medical Association advises against energy drinks for anyone under 18.
How to Make Your Own Low-Calorie Energy Drink
If you’re tired of paying $3-$4 for a can, you can make your own for under 50 cents. Here’s a simple recipe:- 1 cup unsweetened green tea (cooled)
- 1/2 tsp matcha powder (adds caffeine and L-theanine)
- 10 drops stevia extract or 1 tsp monk fruit syrup
- Pinch of sea salt (for electrolytes)
- Ice and a splash of sparkling water (optional)
This gives you 80 mg caffeine, zero sugar, 3 calories, and no artificial junk. You can tweak it with ginger for digestion or lemon for flavor. It’s cheaper, cleaner, and you control every ingredient.
Final Thoughts: The Best Low-Calorie Energy Drink for You
So which energy drink has the lowest calories? Technically, ZipFizz hits zero. But if you want something that actually supports your energy without crashing later, Matcha Bar Energy or Power Balance Zero are better choices. They don’t just cut calories-they improve how you feel. If you’re just trying to avoid sugar and don’t care about side effects, Monster Zero Ultra gets the job done and is easy to find. But if you’re drinking these daily, go for the ones with natural sweeteners and calming ingredients. Your body will thank you.Can you lose weight by switching to low-calorie energy drinks?
Switching from sugary energy drinks to zero-calorie versions can help reduce daily calorie intake, especially if you drink more than one a day. But energy drinks alone won’t make you lose weight. Weight loss happens when you burn more calories than you consume. Low-calorie energy drinks can replace high-sugar options and reduce cravings, but they’re not magic. Pair them with a balanced diet and movement for real results.
Do zero-calorie energy drinks spike insulin?
Most studies show that artificial sweeteners like sucralose and stevia don’t raise blood sugar or insulin in healthy people. However, some research suggests that frequent consumption may affect gut bacteria and insulin sensitivity over time. If you have prediabetes or insulin resistance, it’s safer to choose drinks with stevia or monk fruit and avoid those with sucralose or aspartame.
Are low-calorie energy drinks safe for daily use?
For most healthy adults, yes-up to one can per day. The key is checking caffeine and sweetener content. Drinking multiple zero-calorie energy drinks daily can lead to overconsumption of artificial sweeteners or caffeine, which may cause headaches, anxiety, or sleep issues. Stick to one, and choose ones with natural ingredients. If you feel jittery or have heart palpitations, stop and switch to tea or water.
Why do some zero-calorie energy drinks still have calories?
Even drinks labeled "zero calorie" can have up to 4.9 calories per serving and still legally say "0 calories" on the label. That’s because of FDA and Australian food labeling rules-anything under 5 calories per serving can be rounded down. So a drink with 3-4 calories is still called "zero." It’s not misleading-it’s just how the math works.
What’s the difference between sugar-free and low-calorie energy drinks?
Sugar-free means no sucrose, glucose, or fructose. Low-calorie means fewer than 40 calories per serving (in Australia) or under 5 calories per serving (in the U.S.). A drink can be sugar-free but still have 30 calories from maltodextrin or fruit juice concentrate. Always check the total calories and ingredient list-not just "sugar-free" on the front.
Comments (10)
Anand Pandit
10 Jan 2026
Matcha Bar Energy is my daily go-to. No crash, no weird aftertaste, just clean energy. I switched from Monster Zero Ultra after my stomach started acting up. Seriously, if you're drinking these daily, go natural. Your gut will thank you.
Also, the L-theanine in Power Balance Zero? Game changer for focus without the jittery panic. I use it before coding sessions.
Reshma Jose
10 Jan 2026
ZipFizz is pure magic in a powder stick. I throw one in my water bottle before workouts and boom - no sugar crash, no bloating, just steady energy. And it’s cheaper than coffee shops. Why are people still paying $4 for cans?
Also, the electrolytes? Huge plus. I’m not a fan of artificial colors so this is perfect.
rahul shrimali
11 Jan 2026
Zero calories doesn’t mean zero effect
Some of these sweeteners make me crave sugar harder
Try the homemade version
It works better
And costs less
Eka Prabha
13 Jan 2026
Let’s be real - the entire low-calorie energy drink industry is a regulatory loophole dressed as health. FDA allows 4.9 calories to be labeled as zero. That’s not transparency, that’s deception by math.
And don’t get me started on sucralose. It’s been linked to gut microbiome disruption in over 12 peer-reviewed studies since 2022. Yet these brands still push it as ‘safe’. Where’s the FDA oversight?
Monk fruit and stevia are better, sure. But even those are processed. The real solution? Coffee. Water. Sleep. Not liquid chemical cocktails marketed to millennials as ‘energy solutions’.
Bharat Patel
14 Jan 2026
It’s funny how we’ve turned energy into a product we buy instead of something we cultivate.
These drinks give you a spike, sure - but they don’t teach you how to rest, how to breathe, how to listen to your body when it’s tired.
Matcha Bar and Power Balance Zero are better because they don’t just mask fatigue - they try to balance it. That’s a quiet kind of wisdom.
Maybe the real question isn’t which drink has the least calories… but which one helps you feel more whole?
Rajat Patil
15 Jan 2026
I used to drink Monster Zero Ultra every day. Then I started feeling anxious after 3 PM. I switched to REIZE and noticed a huge difference. Less jittery, more calm.
It’s not about the calories. It’s about how your body reacts. I’m glad someone pointed out the L-theanine thing. That’s the real secret.
deepak srinivasa
15 Jan 2026
What’s the actual caffeine content per ounce in each of these? I’m trying to compare density, not just total per can. ZipFizz is 100mg in 16oz, so that’s 6.25mg/oz. REIZE is 50mg in 4oz - that’s 12.5mg/oz. So REIZE is actually more concentrated. Is that intentional? Does concentration affect how you feel?
pk Pk
15 Jan 2026
If you’re still drinking sugary energy drinks in 2026 you’re doing it wrong
Try the homemade version once
It’s not hard
And you’ll never go back
Trust me I’ve tried them all
And this is the cleanest
Plus you can make it in 2 minutes
Go for it
NIKHIL TRIPATHI
17 Jan 2026
I love how this post breaks down not just the numbers but the real-world effects - like how sucralose might increase sugar cravings. I didn’t know that.
I started using Matcha Bar Energy after reading this and honestly? My afternoon slumps are gone. No crash. No guilt. Just chill focus.
Also, the part about checking serving sizes? Big one. I drank a whole 24oz Monster thinking it was one serving. Turns out I consumed 140mg caffeine and 30 calories. Oops.
Thanks for the clarity. This isn’t just a product guide - it’s a health literacy lesson.
Shivani Vaidya
18 Jan 2026
The distinction between sugar-free and low-calorie is critically underappreciated in consumer discourse. Maltodextrin, despite being derived from starch, contributes caloric density without contributing sweetness. Consequently, products labeled 'sugar-free' may still contain significant caloric loads derived from polysaccharide-based fillers.
Moreover, the regulatory rounding protocol for caloric labeling - permitting the designation of 'zero' for substances under five calories per serving - constitutes a form of quantized obfuscation. While technically compliant, it erodes consumer autonomy by obscuring the cumulative physiological impact of habitual consumption.
For individuals with metabolic sensitivities, this nuance is not trivial - it is consequential.