Are Alani Nu Energy Drinks Good For You?

Contained in a bright slender can that resembles your favorite summertime spritzer, Alani Nu energy drinks promote the idea of success (via Alani Nu). Whether you drink the beverage for its fitness benefits or simply for a healthy energy boost, those behind this energy drink brand are dedicated to the values of transparency and accessibility. Committed to omitting potentially harmful chemicals and fillers in their products, Alani Nu reps also encourage consumers to reach out to them directly to help them select the product that's right for them.

So what ingredients are in these energy drinks instead? Sporting only 10 calories and 200 milligrams of caffeine in a 12-oz can, Alani Nu energy drinks are also void of sugar and gluten (via Diet Spotlight). They also come in a variety of fantastical-sounding flavors from mimosa, to arctic white, to cosmic stardust. Alani Nu also contains a variety of essential B vitamins.

So far so good, right? With so many healthy ingredients, are there any ingredients in Alani Nu that may not be so good for us?

Like with most energy drinks, overconsumption of caffeine can lead to negative side effects. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that healthy adults can consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day without the risk of significant harmful side effects. According to MedlinePlus, ingesting too much caffeine can result in insomnia, dehydration, headaches, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, and even dependency. While drinking a single 12-oz can of Alani Nu won't put you over the recommended daily limit, consuming multiple cans in a day will.

On the upside, Alani Nu contains several B vitamins including biotin. Biotin works by helping break down the food we consume and converting it into energy for a number of essential functions (via Medical News Today). It has also been shown to help keep hair and nails strong and healthy. Although biotin does aid in digestion, Alani Nu energy drinks are not designed for weight loss purposes (via Diet Spotlight).

According to health lifestyle blog Vitality Vixens, when consumed sparingly, Alani Nu has their stamp of approval. Creator of the blog, Erin Notz, concludes her energy drink review writing, "Overall, I would say these energy drinks are definitely a healthier option than a lot of their competitors."

Alani Nu contains guarana seed extract (per Alani Nu), which can contain caffeine levels four times higher than that of coffee beans (via PLoS One). At 200 milligrams of caffeine, Alani Nu exceeds the standard 50 to 100 milligrams you'll often find in other brands of energy drinks (per Reize Club). Rather, the amount of caffeine in a can of Alani Nu is the equivalent of drinking two cups of brewed coffee, according to Harvard School of Public Health. As previously mentioned, overconsumption of caffeine can wreak havoc on our physical and mental health.

Studies have shown these negative side effects can be exacerbated in teens, with energy drink usage linked to increases in risk-taking behaviors, agitation, and poor mental health among adolescents (via Frontiers in Public Health). Being mindful to consume energy drinks in moderation will help reduce the risk of side effects. Alani Nu is not recommended for children or for those who are pregnant or nursing.

In addition to a host of B vitamins, Alani Nu energy drinks are made with L-Theanine (via Alani Nu). Derived from tea leaves, this amino acid has been studied for its health benefits. According to a 2020 review published in Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, L-Theanine is thought to have mood-boosting effects that decrease feelings of anxiety. Therefore, the use of L-Theanine in energy drinks may help balance out the stimulant effects of caffeine, leaving drinkers feeling alert and focused but without the unwelcome jitters that can often accompany other energizing beverages (via Caffeine Informer).

When it comes to Alani Nu, many experts feel it has a lot to offer in the way of health benefits. In fact, registered dietitians over at the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab rank Alani Nu among the "8 Best Energy Drinks of 2022." Citing its vitamin B content and lack of sugar, Alani Nu placed in the winning category of "Best Sugar-Free Energy Drink." However, they warn against having more than one energy drink per day.