As college students, the university population is very familiar with getting energy drinks for comfort during stressful exam seasons or to simply fulfill a yearning for a refreshing, carbonated beverage. Whatever the case may be, Celsius Fitness Drinks have become very popular among college students and have seemingly replaced drinks like Monster Energy and Red Bull. This newfound popularity has stirred controversy over whether or not Celsius is healthier than other energy drinks in the market.
Let’s Talk a Bit About Celsius
Celsius, whose headquarters are located in Florida, is a fitness drink designed to boost metabolism and burn calories. According to their website, “Celsius contains MetaPlus, a proprietary blend that enacts thermogenesis to accelerate metabolism and increase caloric burn.” Likewise, studies have shown that drinking a Celsius 15 to 20 minutes before a workout can enhance the benefits that stem from exercising.
Unlike some energy drinks, Celsius contains no sugar, no artificial colors or flavors, no preservatives and very low sodium. They are also vegan-friendly, gluten-free and soy free. However, the drink is not recommended for those sensitive to caffeine, children under 18 or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
The brand offers a variety of flavors, including strawberry lemonade, and a range of products alongside the original Celsius drink such as Celsius Heat, a caffeinated drink designed to optimize performance.
The Healthiest Option or Just Another Energy Drink?
Since the new fitness drink found its way into the market and onto many college campuses, the debate over whether it’s healthy or not has emerged.
According to Illuminate Labs, a research-based health resource, Celsius is healthier than drinks like Red Bull where ingredients are considered. However, they don’t recommend drinking it regularly as it contains citric acid, natural flavor and sucralose. These are three inactive ingredients that can be potentially toxic and harmful, causing problems such as inflammatory reactions and negative changes to insulin levels.
Health Digest, on the other hand, believes that in certain aspects Celsius is the healthier option. For instance, if customers are searching for a zero-sugar energy drink, then Celsius would be a better option than Redbull or Monster. The publication also acknowledges that Celsius contains notable ingredients such as essential vitamins and antioxidants that can help with weight loss and an overall immunity boost.
While it is true that Celsius includes healthier ingredients that other energy drinks lack, it remains that Celsius is not the healthiest energy drink.
What do AU Students Have to Say?
Regardless of the circulating opinions over Celsius, the drink has become very popular here at American University (AU), as the Eagle’s Nest and the East Campus store have started to sell them. Sophomore Lia Faenza, who loves the orange flavor, thinks that Celsius tastes better than most energy drinks.
“Redbull is a lot more carbonated, and Rockstars are gross. I think Celsius is way better,” says Faenza. “I think it is healthier since it has zero calories and has a lot less sugar. Since they are pre-workout drinks, they can lead you to be healthier.”
Second-year Hadara Greenidge, whose favorite flavor is strawberry lemonade, has an opposing belief. She thinks Celsius is probably not the healthiest option as other energy drinks offer the same zero-calorie, zero-sugar option that Celsius prides itself on.
“I think Celsius is for people who don’t want to think they’re drinking an energy drink. It is more socially acceptable to drink a Celsius than a Red Bull,” says Greenidge.
Every energy drink has its own benefits and drawbacks, and they are not for everyone. But those who find themselves reaching for one now have more options. It is up to each individual to depict which is the healthier version and which one is the best-tasting product.