Gear Review: Celsius
Celsius, Inc. is a Boca Raton, Florida-based maker of the energy drink, Celsius. My wife got a case of them from somewhere and I was interested in trying it out. It is labeled as a no sugar, gluten-free, kosher, non-GMO energy drink that claims also no high fructose corn syrup, no aspartame, no preservatives, and no artificial colors or flavors. The marketing seems to be to a body-building and fitness market, which is probably why I never heard of it before. The company was founded by a GNC executive so it follows the path of GNC nutritional products.
Celsius comes in a few different flavors and varieties. Celsius Originals flavors are Orange, Grape Rush, Watermelon, Wild Berry, Cola, Peach Mango Green Tea (non-carbonated), and Rasberry Acai (non-carbonated). So far, I sampled Peach Mango Green Tea, Cola, and Grape. Celsius also has a Naturals line, that is naturally sweetened and caffeinated. The company just introduced a higher caffeine version called Celsius Heat, as well as powdered form that can be mixed with water (like Crystal Light packets). For this post, I'll talk mostly about the Originals.
The beverage is definitely limited-ingredient. Sweetness is achieved usually through sucralose, a sugar substitute that is less tied to health issues as the much-maligned aspartame (although the evidence of any harm from aspartame is not conclusive). Celsius is definitely an "energy drink". The caffeine content is 200mg per serving, which is one can. That's almost four Mountain Dews or two cups of coffee in one 12 fl oz can. The can does have a warning for caffeine sensitivity. It provides a pick-me-up but can also be a caffeine buzz if you are not used to that much in one can.
I can say that I have been drinking it on my way to work since I usually skip breakfast. It tastes good and the nutrition label basically tells me it is a multivitamin. The can label claims that the MetaPlus formula "turns on thermogenesis" that is supposed to up the metabolic rate. It also claims to be "proven in 6 published University Studies." This is probably accurate, although, I have not personally evaluated the studies for rigor, scientific validity, or bias. Many companies make all sorts of claims that are based on "science." Most turn out to be cherry-picked coincidence studies, published in obscure journals that barely qualify as peer-review. The studies for Celsius are listed and linked on the website for those that are interested.
Celsius has also won numerous awards, displayed proudly on their website. Again, I'm not a beverage industry expert so I cannot comment on it but for a company less than 10 years old, it does have a lot of awards.
Overall, I would say that Celsius functions much like the realm of healthy drinks that are popping up at Whole Foods and Sprouts. Like Zevia, it contains no sugar but fills the soda-like drink category The flavors are good and I have had no issues drinking it. On paper, it seems like a great supplement for vitamins and minerals. It certainly is a jolt of energy in the morning before a workout or a long boring commute.
Celsius comes in a few different flavors and varieties. Celsius Originals flavors are Orange, Grape Rush, Watermelon, Wild Berry, Cola, Peach Mango Green Tea (non-carbonated), and Rasberry Acai (non-carbonated). So far, I sampled Peach Mango Green Tea, Cola, and Grape. Celsius also has a Naturals line, that is naturally sweetened and caffeinated. The company just introduced a higher caffeine version called Celsius Heat, as well as powdered form that can be mixed with water (like Crystal Light packets). For this post, I'll talk mostly about the Originals.
The beverage is definitely limited-ingredient. Sweetness is achieved usually through sucralose, a sugar substitute that is less tied to health issues as the much-maligned aspartame (although the evidence of any harm from aspartame is not conclusive). Celsius is definitely an "energy drink". The caffeine content is 200mg per serving, which is one can. That's almost four Mountain Dews or two cups of coffee in one 12 fl oz can. The can does have a warning for caffeine sensitivity. It provides a pick-me-up but can also be a caffeine buzz if you are not used to that much in one can.
I can say that I have been drinking it on my way to work since I usually skip breakfast. It tastes good and the nutrition label basically tells me it is a multivitamin. The can label claims that the MetaPlus formula "turns on thermogenesis" that is supposed to up the metabolic rate. It also claims to be "proven in 6 published University Studies." This is probably accurate, although, I have not personally evaluated the studies for rigor, scientific validity, or bias. Many companies make all sorts of claims that are based on "science." Most turn out to be cherry-picked coincidence studies, published in obscure journals that barely qualify as peer-review. The studies for Celsius are listed and linked on the website for those that are interested.
Celsius has also won numerous awards, displayed proudly on their website. Again, I'm not a beverage industry expert so I cannot comment on it but for a company less than 10 years old, it does have a lot of awards.
Overall, I would say that Celsius functions much like the realm of healthy drinks that are popping up at Whole Foods and Sprouts. Like Zevia, it contains no sugar but fills the soda-like drink category The flavors are good and I have had no issues drinking it. On paper, it seems like a great supplement for vitamins and minerals. It certainly is a jolt of energy in the morning before a workout or a long boring commute.
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