In this blog post, I’ll review whether Zipfizz is healthy or not? Find out what this product’s nutrition pros and cons are, plus some better options to consider.

a box of 24 Zipfizz tubes in three flavors.

Zipfizz Facts

Launched in 2003 by Eric Leaver, Zipfizz energy drink mix is a manufactured energy drink powder that comes in small tubes or canisters to be mixed with water and consumed as a beverage.

It’s available in a range of flavors:

  • Black Cherry
  • Blueberry Raspberry
  • Citrus
  • Fruit Punch
  • Grape
  • Lemon Iced Tea
  • Límon
  • Orange Cream
  • Orange Soda
  • Peach Mango
  • Pina Colada
  • Pink Grapefruit
  • Pink Lemonade

The company also sells 2-ounce and 4-ounce bottles of energy shots in the same variety of flavors.

Zipfizz is made for active adults who feel they need an energy boost.

Zipfizz markets its powders as an alternative to other energy drinks which are often high in sugar, artificial flavors and colors, and calories.

This product was designed to boost energy quickly while delivering essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Some of the main ingredients of Zipfizz include vitamin C, B vitamins such as vitamin B12, chromium, caffeine, green tea extract, grape seed extract, guarana seed extract, and a blend of electrolytes, including potassium bicarbonate, magnesium, calcium ascorbate, manganese gluconate, and sodium bicarbonate. It also contains taurine, sucralose, xylitol, and citric acid.

a woman drinking a drink while working out.

Zipfizz Ingredients 

Zipfizz energy powders contain at least 30 ingredients and 24 vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and herbs. Many of these ingredients are chemicals or non-nutritive sweeteners.

Here are some of the main ingredients in Zipfizz and what you may expect from them.

Caffeine

A single serving of Zipfizz powder contains 100 milligrams of caffeine content derived from green tea and guarana.

Caffeine is a natural stimulant with potential health benefits for some people when consumed in moderation. It can help relieve pain, protect against DNA damage, promote liver enzyme production, and help prevent Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. 

On the other hand, too much caffeine can cause nasty side effects like increased heart rate and blood pressure, insomnia, jitters, and anxiety in those sensitive to it. For most people, the moderate amount of 100 mg of caffeine in one serving of Zipfizz should be okay.

Even people not particularly sensitive to caffeine can be affected when ingesting high doses. It is a stimulant, even if it’s natural. 

Children should not consume any caffeine unless advised by a healthcare professional.

Green Tea Leaf Extract

Green tea is a healthy food that’s rich in antioxidants and polyphenols – all with potential health benefits.

Polyphenols are anti-inflammatory and can support cardiovascular health, help combat neurodegenerative diseases, help prevent obesity, and may even have anticarcinogenic effects. 

Despite incredible health benefits, some people experience negative effects when they consume green tea extract, especially those who are sensitive to caffeine. It’s also important to note that excessive consumption may negatively affect liver health. 

green tea leaves that produce green tea leaf extract.
Green tea leaves.

Taurine

Taurine naturally occurs in meat, fish, and eggs, so you already ingest this at healthy levels if you eat these foods.

When manufacturers add taurine into energy-boosting products, like Zipfizz, it may cause health problems. For example, lowered adrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin levels and altered behavior and neural functioning.

According to research, too much added taurine is a genuine risk, especially for adolescents

Sucralose

Sucralose is a chlorinated, highly processed chemical sweetener that the human body can’t metabolize.

Research has revealed that long-term consumption of sucralose, artificial sweeteners, and other non-nutritive sweeteners can cause inflammation and increase the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. 

Sucralose has also been implicated in harming gut function because it lowers good bacteria in the intestinal microbiome. Even though the FDA has approved this ingredient, it remains controversial, and many health-conscious people who prefer a clean diet won’t consider it healthy. 

Xylitol

Xylitol occurs naturally in some fruits and vegetables and is commercially produced from corn cob and birch bark. It’s a low-digestible carbohydrate considered a type of sugar alcohol. 

As with other sugar alcohols like mannitol, erythritol, lactitol, sorbitol, isomalt, and maltitol, xylitol can cause digestive distress and other adverse side effects in some people. It can also raise blood sugar levels and is deadly to dogs. 

Citric acid

Citric acid is a weak acid naturally found in citrus fruit. Beverage manufacturers often use it to give their products a more citrusy flavor.

However, it may adversely affect dental health because it is corrosive. Long-term or excessive use can cause dental problems

a bowl of citric acid beside several lemons.
Citric acid.

Nutrition Pros

Zipfizz powders are gluten-free, sugar-free, and preservative-free. They don’t contain artificial colors or flavors and are low in calories.

Each serving only contains 20 calories and three net carbs. These powders also have electrolytes, minerals, vitamins, and ingredients rich in antioxidants. 

The caffeine may provide a short-term boost of energy.

Nutrition Cons 

Although there are some potential nutritional benefits to Zipfizz powders, it is a highly processed product with many chemical ingredients.

It may be sugar-free, but it’s sweetened with xylitol and sucralose instead of sugar, and both can cause health issues in some people.

Additionally, it’s unsuitable for people sensitive to caffeine or sugar alcohols. It is not suitable for children and may not be safe for pregnant women, people with high blood pressure, or other health conditions.

Lastly, any type of processed energy drink consumed regularly is not part of a healthy diet and is not a great source of sustained energy. The ingredients may also negatively affect the immune system and have other possible side effects.

stack of zipfizz at costco store.

Zipfizz Nutrition FAQs

Is Zipfizz healthy? 

Zipfizz is a highly processed product. You’d be better off making an electrolyte or sports drink at home if you need more energy. Or, you could work at cultivating a healthier lifestyle where you get enough rest and proper nutrition from real food that will boost your natural energy.

Is Zipfizz good for dieting? 

Although Zipfizz is a low-calorie drink with zero sugar, it contains other ingredients that may lead to obesity, like sucralose. There is no conclusive evidence that zero sugar drinks help with weight loss.

Is Zipfizz safe for everyone to drink? 

No, it is not. Zipfizz contains caffeine that is unsafe for children or people sensitive to caffeine. Adults should carefully consider the other ingredients in Zipfizz, and if they choose to have Zipfizz, they should do so in moderation. 

Will I get a sugar crash with Zipfizz?

Zipfizz is sugar-free, so you won’t experience a sugar crash if you drink it. However, it’s important to note that this product contains sucralose and xylitol. Both are non-nutritive sweeteners that may affect your health adversely. 

Is Zipfizz healthier than soda?

Zipfizz contains some healthy ingredients; it’s sugar-free and low-calorie, so it may be healthier than some regular sodas. However, it is a highly processed product that contains other ingredients that may cause health problems. It’s better to drink water for hydration, consume real food, and get enough rest for increased energy levels. 

Zipfizz Health Conclusions 

While Zipfizz may provide a quick energy boost and may be slightly healthier than other energy drinks and regular sodas, it is not necessarily a healthy option because it contains unhealthy ingredients like non-nutritive sweeteners. It’s always better to consume real food. If you feel you need more energy, you can make a sports drink at home with real food ingredients or get more rest and better nutrition for enhanced energy levels. 

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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.