No one looks forward to the crashing feelings of fatigue and burnout that accumulate over the course of heavy workdays. That’s why energy drinks are invented – think of them as a fuel of some sort. They provide you with a boost so you won’t feel the looming tiredness while giving you temporary strength to overcome any present dilemma.
In this particular review, let’s put Advocare Spark to the test – does it really live up to its name and give acceptable sparks to its users?
Truth to be told, Advocare Spark is a powdered energy drink supplement that has the right amount of vitamins and minerals, moderate caffeine level, and comes in exciting flavors to boot!
Let me share with you my firsthand experience with this particular energy drink and why it quickly became one of my go-to beverages.
Contents
About Advocare Spark
Formulated by an established American Company by the name of Advocare International L.P. founded in 1993, you could consider Spark as a product that is proven to give satisfactory results. Who wouldn’t find this brand reliable when the creator is well-versed in creating nutritional supplements that dabble in weight management, energy, and sports nutrition?
As a powdered supplement, Advocare Spark is by no means unique in this regard. There are plenty of energy drinks in the market that comes in a ground formula like X-Gamer and Reize, but here’s the catch with this particular one:
Spark contains an effective amount of caffeine to give you a quick boost, B vitamins to enhance your body’s natural ability to produce and sustain its own energy, and neuroactive ingredients that help increase your mental focus and alertness.
Advocare Official Site
Just how true is Advocare’s marketing line? Without further ado, here is my take on this particular energy drink powder.
First Impression
In my extensive journey in finding the best energy drinks in this industry, I’ve discovered one particular thing that should not be neglected: first impressions don’t mean a thing when it comes to caffeinated beverages.
I’ve learned this lesson the hard way and I think this especially applies in my initial touchdown with Advocare Spark energy drink supplement. I’ll tell you why.
Packaging
Terrible – this is the first impression I’ve got when Advocare Spark was first delivered to my doorstep. In fact, I’ve said something more disturbing than that (let me just keep it to myself!).
The packaging is nowhere near the picture shown online; you won’t even think it’s the same product. One of the main reasons why Spark took my interest while browsing off my favorite online market is its resealable stick packs that have a minimal design that increases its appeal even more.
What arrived was a few Spark Energy sachets wrapped in the ugly, generic polystyrene packaging. I hated it instantly but rationalized that I bought it off Amazon and not the official Advocare website so I don’t have any right to argue.
First Use
Even though I loathed the packaging, I still think that the show must go on. As someone who finds pride in reviewing almost all varieties of energy drinks in the market, I cannot give up on the physical factors alone.
With this thought in mind, I immediately read the instructions. Here’s how to use your Advocare Spark sachet:
- Tear your stick pack open straight across the top.
- Pour contents into your favorite cup or bottle and add 8 oz. of water. Add additional water for a less intense flavor.
- Shake your bottle. If using a glass, stir until dissolved. (Tip: Spark dissolves best in room temperature water – you can add ice after if you want.)
- Drink and enjoy!
Aside from caffeine, I’m someone who would literally die for mangoes. As such, it’s a no-brainer that I chose mango strawberry among all the variants of Advocare Spark available. Let me tell you one thing after taking the first few sips: Ugly packaging or not, I’d still choose to drink this particular brand any day!
Yup, you read it right. I actually liked the flavor so much that I was tempted to open a new serving immediately (self-control!) after finishing my glass. It tasted exactly as it was named after, with the signature sweetness of mango and the subtle pleasantness of strawberries – I might even go as far as ranking this one as the top energy drink in terms of flavor alone.
I have one particular concern to shed light on though. I poured the sachet contents on glass with 8 ounces of water at room temperature so I expected the powder to dissolve with no residue. However, I have noticed a significant amount of it sitting at the bottom of the container (even after I stirred the concoction).
Ingredients in Advocare Spark
Here is the list of ingredients each Advocare Spark sachet has that I found on their website:
- Vitamin A (as beta-carotene)
- Vitamin B-6 (as pyridoxine HCl)
- Vitamin B-12 (as cyanocobalamin)
- Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid)
- Vitamin E (as d-alpha tocopheryl acetate)
- Thiamine (as HCl)
- Riboflavin
- Niacin (as niacinamide)
- Pantothenic acid (as calcium pantothenate)
- Zinc (as zinc monomethionine)
- Copper (as copper glycinate)
- Chromium (as chromium citrate)
- Choline (as bitartrate and citrate)
- L-Tyrosine
- Taurine
- Caffeine
- Glycine
- L-Carnitine (as tartrate)
- Inositol
- Maltodextrin
- Citric acid
- Sucralose
- Silicon dioxide
Sugar and Artifical Sweeteners
One of the first things I check when I’m trying out an energy drink brand for the first time is its artificial sweeteners. I just find it comforting when I know my caffeinated beverage of choice does not contain such an overwhelming amount of sugar.
Advocare Spark has no sugar content. However, to compensate for the sweetness most energy drink enthusiasts go for, they have included Sucralose into the mix.
Simply put, sucralose is a non-calorie sweetener mostly sold in the market under the name Splenda. This particular sugar substitute is 600 times sweeter than sugar and is used as a general-purpose sweetener in almost all commercial food products.
Take note that even though sucralose is safe as a sugar substitute, it should be consumed in moderation. Studies have proven that it increased insulin levels and blood glucose, which is especially dangerous for those battling diabetes.
Check out some of the best sugar-free energy drinks I’ve tested which are quite good for those who are watching their diet.
Nutritional Facts of Advocare Spark
Advocare Spark boasts of their plethora of vitamins and minerals on top of their caffeinated kick. What does each stick weighing 7g powder formula offers?
Vitamins, Minerals, and Amino Acids in Spark Energy
One of the tempting reasons why I got really hooked with Spark Energy is its collection of nutrients packed in each stick serving. What’s more? I get to have all these vitamins and minerals by just mixing the formula in a glass of water, very convenient indeed!
Here are some of the nutrients you can get per 0.25 oz. of Advocare powdered energy supplement:
| Beta-Carotene | Promotes good vision and eye health, and it contributes to healthier skin. |
| Ascorbic Acid | Antioxidant that wards off free radicals and control infections. |
| D-alpha Tocopheryl Acetate | Prevents UV rays from damaging the skin and cognitive decline. |
| Thiamine | Prevents diseases such as beriberi, nervous system, brain, and heart complications. |
| Riboflavin | Helps in red blood cell production and the body’s growth phases. |
| Niacin | Functions as a coenzyme and converts fat into energy. It also helps the body create and maintain DNA. |
| Pyridoxine HCl | Aids in anemia, heart disease, or PMS prevention. |
| Cyanocobalamin | Keeps the nervous system healthy, maintains the blood, and boosts energy levels. |
| Pantothenic Acid | Breaks down fat and reduces bad cholesterol levels in the body. Also converts protein and fat into energy. |
| Choline | Enhances muscles and is a crucial nutrient in fetal development and cognitive functions. |
| Zinc | Boosts immune system, wound healing, and decreases inflammation. |
| Copper | Maintains healthy bones and blood vessels. It also helps prevent osteoporosis and heart failure. |
| Chromium | Vital in protein, lipid, and carbohydrate digestion. It also improves insulin sensitivity. |
| L-Tyrosine | Helps clarify mentality during stressful situations and has antidepressant functions. |
| Glycine | Improves sleep quality, promotes collagen production, and protects the heart and liver. |
| L-Carnitine | Responsible for mitochondrial function, burns fat, and helps with weight loss. |
| Taurine | Forms bile salt in the body, regulates the immune system, and supports the central nervous system |
| Inositol | Aids anxiety and blood sugar control, improve PCOS, and blood lipid regulation. |
I just have one misgiving with the number of vitamins and minerals in each serving. I know that most of the vitamins in the packet are under the category of water-soluble vitamins, and it doesn’t matter if they exceed the part of the recommended vitamin intake.
However, Spark Energy’s formula shows that even though it is brimming with vitamins, its amino acid nutrients are not even enough to make a difference. These amino acids are L-Tyrosine, L-Carnitine, and Glycine.
Check out this article where I list down the healthiest energy drinks I’ve encountered in my exploration.
Calories
One packet serving of Advocare Spark has 15 kcal which is quite a minimal amount when it comes to energy drink supplements. Although I am aware of other energy drinks in the market that is proud of their zero-calorie traits, I do think Spark Energy deserves to be recognized even though it is worth a few kcal.
The recommended daily intake for a healthy adult woman should be no more than 2000 calories, while men should consume more or less 2500 kcal. While this generally fluctuates according to your age, weight, height, and health factors, what’s important is that Spark Energy is very well within the limits of your diet.
15 kcal is not a big amount that will leave a big dent in your diet, and honestly? I think compared to the nutrients Spark Energy has, it’s quite a delicious deal!
Still, if you’re looking for no-calorie energy drinks, I’ve compiled a list of them so you won’t have to.
Caffeine Content
When it comes to caffeine level, I am proud to say that Advocare Spark has just the right amount containing 120mg. I personally think that this energy drink contains the right amount to stave off sleepiness and fatigue, while still ensuring you won’t have any negative backlash after the high.
For better visualization, here’s a table of a few leading energy drinks in the market and their corresponding caffeine content:
| Beverages | Caffeine Content per 16 fl. oz. |
| Red Bull | 160mg |
| NOS | 160mg |
| Rockstar Punched | 240mg |
| Bang | 300mg |
| Hype | 80mg |
| Reign | 300mg |
| Bing | 120mg |
See how Advocare Spark’s caffeine level hits just the decent tier? It’s not relatively low or impossibly high. Personally, 50 to 100 mg is plenty enough not to drop off and fall into a snooze – Advocare Spark just reinforced my belief that you don’t need sky-high caffeine content to feel the effects of energy drinks.
If you over-consume energy drinks with whopping amounts of caffeine, you risk suffering from caffeine toxicity. Here are the more extreme side effects of caffeine overdose:
- Osteoporosis
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Highblood pressure
- Bleeding Disorders
- Diarrhea
- Digestive issues
Can You drink Advocare Spark Every Day?
While it’s true that Spark Energy belongs on the list of the healthier energy drinks in the market, I still won’t recommend drinking it every day. Granted that it only has 15 kcal, 120 mg caffeine, and is even essentially sugar-free, what’s the risk?
Well, first of all, drinking energy drinks every day can yield different health implications. Although Advocare Spark won’t cause you any caffeine overdose or sugar crash, it essentially has chemicals that are not proven for safe consumption in the long run.
Some of the effects you may encounter when you drink energy drinks (or caffeinated beverages!) regularly are:
- Poor mental health
- Heart palpitations
- Dehydration
- Blood vessel problems
- Restlessness
- Disrupt sleep patterns
- Elevates the chances of taking risky decisions
Check out this video to be more informed about what happens to the body when you drink too much energy drink:
Advocare Spark Flavors
Advocare Spark Energy products come in two forms: stick packs and spark canisters. I’d recommend you buy stick packs worth only $24.99 for 14 servings if you want to explore all the different flavors. You could also buy the 30-serving canister if you’re like me who found their ideal Spark flavor with a price of about $32.95.
Here are the flavors of Advocare Spark Energy you can choose from:
- Strawberry
- Fruit Punch
- Mango Strawberry
- Mandarin Orange
- Grape
- Cherry
- Blue Raspberry
- Watermelon
- Pink Lemonade
- Limeade
- Green Apple
Where to Buy Spark Energy
If you’re interested in taking a sip or two of any of the flavors (which I’m sure have their own charms!), I’d recommend you buy straight from the official site to avoid the same experience as mine. However, if you’re an avid Amazon junkie, you can still choose a seller on the platform verified for their online dealings!
You can also find Advocare Spark on certain retail stores and other online shops that offer worldwide shipping.
Does AdvoCare Spark cause kidney stones?
Researches show that there are instances when people who drank large amounts of Advocare’s Spark energy drink every day for at least a year developed a rare kind of kidney stone. However, there is no enough evidence to support this claim.
As long as you limit yourself to one sachet per day and maintain an otherwise healthy diet and lifestyle, Advocare Spark poses no health risks. Despite its purported efficacy as a weight reduction aid, this substance has been linked to serious adverse reactions and even hospitalization in some users.
Will spark make you lose weight?
Advocare Spark has everything that is needed for weight loss. It speeds up your metabolism, making it easy to shed unwanted pounds. Your workouts will be more productive since the product improves your stamina and you’ll be able to go the distance.
In addition, Spark has a high concentration of caffeine to provide an immediate burst of energy, B vitamins to promote the body’s capacity to manufacture and maintain its own energy, and neuroactive substances to increase concentration and mental alertness.
Is AdvoCare spark a pre-workout?
Spark was developed to be a safe and effective substitute for the artificial ingredients found in most pre-workout supplements. It contains a potent mixture of amino acids and natural stimulants.
It has been proven in studies that consuming caffeine before to exercise improves endurance performance by lowering the perceived difficulty of the activity. Caffeine and sugar together. Advocare-Spark Energy contains two stimulants, and taurine, which may make it a useful ergogenic aid.”
Alternatives to Advocare Spark
Other Notable Mentions
Final Verdict
We may have started off on the wrong foot, but the relationship between me and Advocare Spark steadily improved as time went by. My all-time favorite remains the mango strawberry flavor, but the blue raspberry and the limeade are very close competitors!
I would personally rate Spark Energy a whopping 8.5/10. I have no qualms over its taste and packaging. Its caffeine content is just the right amount of perfect and the calorie it contains makes literally no difference whether you’re on an eating spree or diet season.
However, Spark’s vitamins and minerals can be a cause of concern. Personally, I do think there are a few energy drink brands in the market that efficiently utilized their formula to the maximum, but I’m quite happy with how Spark turned out!
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