Are Ghost Energy Drinks Healthy (Nutrition Pros and Cons)?
In this blog post, I’ll review whether Ghost Energy Drinks are healthy? I’ll also discuss this product’s nutrition pros and cons and suggest some better options. For most people, Ghost Energy cannot be considered health-promoting, and may even have health risks.
Ghost Energy Drink Facts
Ghost Energy Drinks are a flagship product of Ghost Beverage Co., a company dedicated to creating innovative beverages for people who want increased energy levels or hydration, such as fitness fans, gamers, and people looking for “guilt-free beverages.”
I also did a related review of Ghost Protein powder you might want to read.
Ghost Energy Drinks contain performance-enhancing ingredients, zero sugar, low calories, and various nutrients. Each serving contains around ten calories and 200mg of caffeine.
The nutrition label shows a combination of nutrients, B vitamins, and caffeine for heightened alertness. The product is available in various flavors.
The company also offers drinks flavors created through collaborations with other brands, including:
- Faze Up™ (Ghost Energy® & Faze Clan™)
- Faze Pop™ (Ghost Energy® & Faze Clan™)
- Blue Raspberry® (Ghost Energy® & Sour Patch Kids®
- Redberry® (Ghost Energy® & Sour Patch Kids®)
- Swedish Fish® (Ghost Energy® & Swedish Fish®)
- Sour Green Apple (Ghost Energy® & Warheads®)
- Sour Watermelon (Ghost Energy® & Warheads®)
The exact ingredients in Ghost Energy Drinks vary depending on the specific flavor and formulation.
However, typically, these beverages contain a combination of ingredients such as carbonated water, natural flavors, citric acid, sodium citrate, caffeine, preservatives, sweeteners, and various vitamins and minerals. Some variations include other ingredients like taurine, L-carnitine, or other amino acids.
While there are some natural ingredients, there are some other active ingredients which may have potential risks and potential detrimental effects.
Ghost Energy Drink Ingredients
Ghost Energy Drinks contain various highly processed ingredients and chemicals. Here are some of the ingredients and what consuming them means for your health.
As an example, the list of ingredients for the “Sour Patch” flavor of Ghost Energy includes:
- Carbonated Water
- Natural and Artificial Flavor
- Citric Acid
- Erythritol
- Malic Acid
- Sodium Citrate
- Taurine
- L-Carnitine L-Tartrate
- Alpha-GPC (Alpha-Glycerophosphocholine)
- Natural Caffeine (from Coffee Bean)
- Potassium Citrate
- Sucralose
- Acesulfame Potassium
- Panax Notoginseng Root Extract
- Astaxanthin
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride)
- Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)
- Calcium D-Pantothenate (Vitamin B5)
Let’s examine some of these ingredients so you can make your own decision about how they may impact your health.
Preservatives – Potassium Sorbate and Sodium Benzoate
Ghost Energy Drinks contain two types of preservatives, which have associated potential health risks.
Sodium Benzoate
Food product manufacturers add this chemical ingredient to stop bacteria, yeast, and mold from growing in their products. FDA regulations stipulate that foods may contain as much as 0.1% sodium benzoate because it passes through the system instead of accumulating in it.
However, at least one study has revealed that Sodium Benzoate can harm memory and motor function and may even increase ADHD symptoms.
Potassium Sorbate
The FDA also labels Potassium Sorbate as “generally safe” for the same reason: it does not accumulate in the body. However, the European Food Safety Authority has set a limit on the acceptable daily consumption of this chemical in Europe.
For health-conscious people, it is worth noting that there are two significant potential health risks associated with potassium sorbate.
One potential risk is cross-contamination with highly toxic substances like lead, mercury, and even arsenic, which may occur during manufacturing. The other possible risk is allergic reactions, especially to the skin.
Non-nutritive Sweeteners – Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium
Ghost Energy Drinks don’t contain added sugar.
Instead, they are sweetened with non-nutritive sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium, which are potentially unhealthy, highly processed, and have no nutritional value.
Research has shown that these ingredients can cause chronic inflammation, which drastically increases the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Furthermore, non-nutritive sweeteners can harm gut health by negatively altering the gut microbiome.
Panax Notoginseng Root
Panax notoginseng root extract is also known as Sanqi or Tianqi.
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have used this root for centuries to support cardiovascular health and improve circulation.
However, this root has potential health risks. It is an anticoagulant, so it may increase bleeding tendencies. It can also interact with certain medications and may cause allergic reactions in some people. In rare cases, it can cause liver toxicity.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women and those with liver conditions should exercise caution with this ingredient.
Taurine
Taurine is an amino acid naturally occurring in meat, fish, and eggs. It is valuable in maintaining muscle and can help support heart health. You should receive a healthy dose of this amino acid if you eat a varied diet that includes these foods.
When artificially added to foods, taurine can cause health problems, including interfering with medications and altering neural functioning.
Caffeine
The high caffeine content contained in Ghost Energy Drinks is derived from coffee beans.
In moderation, caffeine has potential health benefits. It can help treat neural disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s and protect the body from DNA damage.
Caffeine also promotes liver enzyme production, which supports liver health and helps the body process glucose more efficiently.
On the flip side, too much caffeine can cause negative side effects like a rapid heart rate, insomnia, anxiety, and increased blood pressure. It is not recommended for children because it is a stimulant. For adults, it is recommended to limit their daily intake to 400 mg of caffeine.
Nutrition Pros
This product is free from added sugars, gluten-free, vegan, and does not contain artificial colors.
It could be a convenient way to get an energy boost before a workout, making it attractive to people who need to stay awake and alert for long periods, for example, gamers or those who lack motivation to exercise or regularly do strenuous exercise.
But, I would like to emphasize that there are much healthier, less expensive, and less risky options to consider for energy.
Nutrition Cons
Ghost Energy Drinks contain several highly processed and chemical ingredients that may be unsafe to consume, especially if you regularly have this product.
It is unsuitable for health-conscious people or those who follow a clean diet. This product’s non-nutritive sweeteners and preservatives may cause health problems over time and uncomfortable side effects in people with sensitive stomachs.
The caffeine content of each serving of Ghost Energy Drinks is around 200mg. If you drink coffee or true tea (such as black or green tea) with Ghost Energy Drinks, there’s a risk of consuming too much caffeine since the recommended daily allowance for caffeine is a maximum of 400mg.
Because of the caffeine content, this product is unsuitable for children and may not be a healthy choice for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
As an alternative, consider replenishing your natural energy by getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and hydrating with water.
Ghost Energy FAQs
The caffeine content in Ghost Energy Drinks varies depending on the specific flavor variation, but it generally ranges from around 200mg to 250mg per serving. This means that Ghost Energy Drinks are within the range of other popular energy drinks, which typically contain between 100 and 300mg of caffeine per serving. It’s worth noting that some energy drinks on the market may have higher caffeine content per serving, while others may have lower amounts.
Ghost Energy Drinks typically contain a similar amount of caffeine per serving to about two cups of coffee. A regular 8-oz cup of brewed coffee contains approximately 95mg of caffeine. Since a single serving of this energy drink is 16-oz, it’s similar to having two cups of coffee.
For some people, yes. The caffeine in Ghost Energy Drinks can boost energy and focus, which may be enough to fuel their workout. However, these drinks are not explicitly formulated as pre-workout supplements and may not provide the desired energy, endurance, and focus during exercise.
Although this product may be suitable for people who use caffeine as an energy boost before a workout, it does not necessarily provide targeted pre-workout support like other supplements.
If you’re looking for healthier alternatives to Ghost Energy drinks, consider beverages that provide hydration, nutrients, and natural energy without the high caffeine and artificial ingredients. Suggestions include water, herbal tea, green tea, coconut water, and smoothies. These beverages offer hydration, natural energy, and essential nutrients without unwanted risks.
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Conclusions
Ghost Energy Drinks are highly processed beverages designed to provide energy and focus to active people or others who need a supplement to maintain focus and energy, like gamers. Although the caffeine content in this product will provide an energy boost, its other ingredients, like preservatives and artificial sweeteners, can cause health problems over time.
Instead of consuming this product, it’s best to adopt a healthy lifestyle with adequate nutrition and sleep to maximize your natural energy. Consider a cup of regular coffee or green tea if you still need a boost.
If you choose to consume this product, do so in moderation. It’s best to avoid it altogether for children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition and is studying to be a holistic nutritionist. She is a top wellness and food blogger with over 5 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send her a message through her contact form.
Note: this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for recommendations related to your individual situation.