8 Best Energy Drinks for Dancers
Taking you through the top best natural energy drinks for dancers when it comes to occasionally needing that extra boost of energy for dance team game days & dance practices!
So what do dancers do if they are tired?
As dancers and performers constantly on the move, we often need a little pick-me-up to get us through the day.
It is important as professional dancers, that we stay away from the highly caffeinated and sugary energy drinks that are full of ingredients that we do not want to be fueling our bodies with. A Red Bull energy drink or the Ghost energy drink can be tempting as they are of easy convenience, but avoid these energy drink brands at all costs. Plan ahead, order your natural energy drinks in bulk off of Amazon, and invest in the top energy drinks recommended below.
Remember that energy drinks are not to be substituted over natural energy through hydration, a nutrient-rich diet, and a healthy sleep pattern. The boost from natural energy drinks should simply be an addition to an already healthy lifestyle.
First, I want to share what is important in choosing a healthy energy drink, especially going into intense cardio with dancing at dance practices or a game:
Sugars: Avoid energy drinks with high sugar content. A golden rule is to avoid energy drinks with more than 5g of sugar.
Caffeine: Keep your daily caffeine limit to no more than 400 milligrams.
“For healthy adults, the FDA has cited 400 milligrams a day— about four or five cups of coffee—as an amount not generally associated with dangerous, negative effects.”
"The FDA does not require manufacturers to list how much caffeine they add. Some energy drinks do list caffeine, but this is not necessarily the total amount of caffeine in the beverage." Karen Graham, RD, CDE
Vitamins&antioxidants: Be aware of healthy energy drinks that are fortified with vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals.
"B vitamins are put in a lot of energy drinks because they are needed for our body to break down and use the energy found in the foods we eat. But more B vitamins doesn't make your body do this better, and it isn't something that you can feel," Dr. Mike Roussell, Ph.D., nutrition expert.
Celsius Energy Drink
Caffeine - 200mg per can
Sugars - 0g
Celcius energy drinks contain zero sugar, no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors. Not a trace of high fructose corn syrup or aspartame. Celsius energy drinks are Certified Vegan, Gluten Free, Kosher, and are Non-GMO.
This is the strongest energy drink you will find, aside from the brands that manufacture the Rockstar energy drink or the Monster energy drink. As a professional dancer, I would consider this one of the best energy drinks, especially for long nights full of dance performances. If you are sensitive to caffeine, I would highly recommend only drinking half as this is the energy drink with the most caffeine of all listed in this article.
If you have not tried the coke energy drink flavor that Celcius offers, it is a must-try.
2. Vuka Energy Drink (Zo-Cal - Berry Lemonade)
Sugars - 0mg (stevia)
Caffeine - 180mg (natural caffeine)
Vuka Sparkling Natural energy drinks uses no artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, and no high fructose corn syrup. The Vuka Zo-Cal contains zero sugar, is Vegan and gluten free.
Vuka energy drinks are great for professional dancers as they are low in sugar and provide a great energy boost. This is a great substitute for a Red Bull energy drink and is considered a clean energy drink. This natural energy drink also has a great flavor.
3. Hi-Ball Energy Drink
Caffeine - 160mg (Guayusa)
Sugars - 0mg
Hi ball is naturally flavored, no preservatives, and no artificial anything. Certified organic caffeine, ginseng, and guarana.
Light and refreshing, with zero calories, zero sugar, and zero carbs.
Since hi-ball energy is labeled as a sparkling water energy drink, their flavor content is subtle. They do not have a strong or overwhelming taste and are comparable to flavored water.
4. RUNA Energy Drink
Sugars - 0g
Caffeine - 150mg
RUNA energy drinks do not use any fake sweeteners. Certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO, and Kosher. They are also gluten-free, vegan, made with organic ingredients, powerful natural caffeine, and low calories.
Find the unsweetened energy drinks as most of their other flavors have a decently high sugar content.
5. Zevia Energy Drink
Sugars - 0g
Caffeine - 120mg
Zevia energy drinks are zero calorie, sugar free, clear in color, gluten free, Non GMO Project Verified, kosher and vegan, zero calories, and has clean ingredients.
This brand has a coca cola energy drink flavor that is highly sought after. the Zevia zero calorie energy drink is a dancer favorite and perfect to pick up before a dance performance.
6. Eboost Super Fuel Energy Drink
Sugars - 2g
Caffeine - 110mg (natural caffeine)
No Artificial Flavors And Colors Or Sweeteners, Low In Sugar. Non-GMO, Soy Free, Vegetarian, Gluten Free. 10 Vitamins + Minerals.
Eboost is a great alternative to the Monster energy drink or a Red Bull. With only 2 grams of sugar and boasted as a “natural energy drink” it is a great choice for any type of dance performance. Have an Eboost before dance practice and you will have a nice bolt of energy to perform at your best.
7. Spark Energy Powder
Sugars - 0g
Caffeine - 120mg
“The Spark energy drink is a unique blend of 20 vitamins, minerals and nutrients that work synergistically to provide a healthy and balanced source of energy. It contains an effective amount of caffeine to give you a quick boost, B vitamins to enhance your body's natural ability to produce and sustain its own energy, and neuroactive ingredients that enhance mental focus and alertness.”
Spark by Advocare is a staple energy supplement for athletes. Mix a packet or scoop from your Spark canister into your water and you are good to go. This is a great on-the-go energy supplement, affordable energy drink, and every flavor is amazing.
8. 365 Liquid Energy Shot - Whole Foods
Caffiene - 100mg
Sugars - 6g
Natural caffeine from green tea extract, Yerba Mate extract, Guarana.
Sometimes you would prefer not to drink a full can of a bubbly energy drink. In those times - head to Whole Foods or Sprouts and pick up a liquid energy shot near the register. If you prefer a little more of an energy boost than 100mg, then grab two and you are good to go for a 4 hour game-day!
“We all took them like a little shot right before we went into the tunnel! It was so hilarious. For 6 straight years, never failed!”
Notable additional energy picks :
(from professional dancers and cheerleaders all around the league)
Honey Energy Chews
Alani Nu
Nuun Energy
Good Day Chocolates
Coffee
Tea
Matcha powders
Regular Alternatives:
Although energy drinks can be great for a pick me up, for ample mental and physical performance make sure you are:
Getting enough sleep: Make sure you are getting enough sleep - especially when you know you have a long day with a lot of dancing coming up. It is recommended that adults get at least 7 hours of sleep according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
A healthy diet: Make sure you are eating nutrient rich foods - whole grains, legumes, and vegetables as they will provide natural sources of energy.
Staying hydrated: As dancers concentration is vital whether it comes to learning choreography in practices, staying focused for games, or executing routines. Even mild dehydration can affect cognitive performance so make sure you are drinking water regularly throughout the day for optimal concentration.
Limit alcohol intake & avoid smoking
Of course nutrition, hydration, and organic energy comes first - sometimes you just need that little extra boost! Natural energy drinks leave you feeling energized yet not regretful on what you are putting in your body (although you do want to limit your intake only when necessary. Don’t get in a habit of having an energy drink every single day.) If you do go for an energy drink - go for these ones that contain less sugar and more naturally occurring sources of caffeine.
Although energy drinks can be great for long days and hours of intense dancing, also make sure you are staying hydrated, eating a nutrient rich diet, and drinking tea/coffee on a more consistent basis than these!