The love for gaming is real. Graphics, music, and events—it appears that everything has been dedicated to video games at some point. Food and beverages are not an exception.
Even so, the same rules apply. You can’t ignore your health by bingeing or cheating on your diet. Sure, it’s possible to brush it off, but in some cases, it could be disastrous. Especially if you have a medical condition that necessitates a special diet.
So, is Sneak gluten-free?
Sneak’s formula contains no gluten-based ingredients. If you have Celiac disease or a wheat allergy, there is no need to be concerned about trying this new brand.
How did I know none of the ingredients contained gluten? Scroll down to see a breakdown of everything in Sneak. Don’t worry, I’ll go over everything else you need to know.
Contents
What is a Gluten-Free Diet?
In simple terms, a gluten-free diet is a diet that excludes any and all sources of gluten.
Gluten is a family of proteins that can be found in grains. Wheat, barley, and rye are examples of gluten-containing grains. Any product made from any of these is also considered to be gluten-based.
To give you an idea of how much you’ll need to avoid if you go gluten-free, here’s a list of some of the foods that contain gluten:
- Beer
- Most breads
- Pasta
- French fries
- Gravies
- Imitation meat or seafood
- Cakes
- Pies
- Most cereals
- Candies
- Anything with malt in it
Instead, those who are on a gluten-free diet go for fresh foods like fruits, vegetables, eggs, unprocessed meats, and low-fat dairy products. Besides the usual gluten-free label products, of course.
However, it’s still possible to take in products that don’t contain the gluten-free label. Go ahead if you can look at the ingredients list and find no trace of gluten in the formula. Just remember that anything that hasn’t been officially labeled ‘gluten-free’ has a risk of being cross-contaminated.
What is Cross-contamination?
Cross-contamination is when a product or ingredient that doesn’t normally have gluten gets trace amounts of it as a result of sharing storage/handling spaces with other gluten-based products.
When it comes to things you can buy, cross-contamination is always a risk when consuming products that haven’t been officially labeled “gluten-free.” And for someone who has Celiac disease or a wheat allergy, even trace amounts of gluten can be a disaster.
Sneak Energy Ingredients
Here’s what you can find in a tub of Sneak:
- L-Tyrosine
- L-Taurine
- Alpha GPC
- Caffeine anhydrous
- Carnitine
- Maltodextrin
- Malic acid
- Natural Flavors
- Sucralose
- Acesulfame Potassium
- Spirulina Powder (food coloring)
- Silicon Dioxide
Is Caffeine in Sneak Energy Gluten-Free?
In general, caffeine is gluten-free.
Caffeine in all its forms comes from coffee beans. So assuming you’re not mixing it with anything that has gluten, it’s perfectly fine in a gluten-free diet. By this logic, even a cup of black coffee is gluten-free.
Caffeine is a stimulant that promotes awareness and speeds up bodily processes. In practice, this causes you to feel more awake, energized, and focused after drinking it. It’s no surprise that so many adults rely on it to get through the day!
However, caffeine has side effects as anything else has. Drinking too much caffeine can result in any of the following side effects:
- Headaches
- Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
- Frequent urination
- Anxiety
- Foul mood
- Palpitations (fast heartbeat)
- Muscle tremors
And if you think this is nasty, the symptoms and consequences of an overdose are even worse.
According to the FDA, a healthy adult can safely drink up to 400mg of caffeine in a day. To put that into perspective, the average cup of coffee has 95mg of caffeine in it. You can also find small amounts of caffeine in chocolate, soft drinks, and tea.
So although caffeine is gluten-free, I think it’d be best to tread carefully around it anyway. Sneak has 200mg of caffeine, so drinking a single serving will get you to half of your daily caffeine limit.
Is L-Tyrosine in Sneak Energy Gluten-Free?
L-Tyrosine is gluten-free.
Tyrosine is an amino acid that the body can synthesize on its own. It can, however, be found in foods and supplements. Dairy products, poultry, fish, and other high-protein foods are examples of foods containing Tyrosine. It’s best known for the way it helps cognitive and mental health functions.
The substances produced via Tyrosine are:
| Chemical | Function |
| Adrenaline | Prepares the body for fight-or-flight responses in times of stress. |
| Noradrenaline | Prepares the body for fight-or-flight responses in times of stress. |
| Thyroid hormones | Regulate metabolism. Produced in the thyroid |
| Dopamine | Involved in memory and motor skills. Regulates pleasure center of the brain |
| Melanin | Pigment. Decides your skin and eye color. |
Is Taurine in Sneak Energy Gluten-Free?
Taurine is gluten-free.
Like Tyrosine, Taurine is an amino acid that can be produced by your body. Despite its name, it’s not taken from bull parts — not anymore, anyway.
Taurine can be found in animal products such as meat, fish, and dairy products when it’s not in an energy drink. Otherwise, you can find it in supplements. Both supplements and energy drinks contain a cheaply synthesized form of taurine. Within the body, taurine is at its most concentrated in your eyes, heart, brain, and eyes.
Taurine is also responsible for several roles that are important to keeping you healthy which include:
- Regulating antioxidants
- Maintaining electrolyte count
- Regulating immune system functions
- Keeping your cells hydrated
- Supporting your nervous system and eyes
- Regulating calcium and other minerals in the cells
Thanks to these, taurine is associated with better exercise performance and better heart health.
Is Alpha GPC in Sneak Energy Gluten-Free?
Alpha GPC is a gluten-free supplement that has been shown to improve cognitive performance. It accomplishes this by increasing the amount of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter). It’s also believed to be tied to memory and learning.
In theory, taking Alpha GPC can help compensate for the loss of brain cells that occurs during the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. However, there are currently very few studies to support the claim that it also works on healthy people.
When it’s not in Sneak, Alpha GPC can be purchased in vitamin stores as a dietary supplement.
If you want to learn more, here’s a video where Alpha GPC is discussed in depth. The video explains what Alpha GPC is. Then it goes on to list some health benefits that you might be interested in.
According to the video, Alpha GPC’s benefits are:
- Improved memory
- Being more energized
- Better moods
- Improved athletic performance
The video also says Alpha GPC is safe to consume.
Is L-Carnitine in Sneak Energy Gluten-Free?
L-Carnitine (also known as levocarnitine) is a gluten-free amino acid that the body can produce naturally and that can be found in supplements.
This is also significant in terms of energy production. It gives you more energy by aiding your body in the breakdown of fat. Because fat is the body’s way of storing energy for later use, it becomes fuel for your activities.
Its benefits also include:
- Better heart health
- Reduced fatigue and weakness in cancer patients
- More energy
- Waste removal
However, you should still be careful when taking it. Even though excess L-carnitine in your system is usually washed out through urine, it’s still possible to experience side effects.
Is Maltodextrin in Sneak Energy Gluten-Free?
Maltodextrin may appear to be a gluten-containing ingredient based on its name, but it is actually safe to consume for people with Celiac disease or any other condition that requires a gluten-free diet. This is due to the fact that the processing removes all gluten content from Maltodextrin.
In the food industry, maltodextrin is used both as a preservative in packaged foods and as a carbohydrate supplement by athletes.
Maltodextrin appears as a white, starchy powder. Apart from serving as a preservative, maltodextrin can also be used to enhance the flavor and thickness of food products. Additionally, it can be used as a synthetic sweetener.
Maltodextrin has no nutritional value. But since it’s easy to digest and can quickly provide energy, food manufacturers often use it in sports drinks among other things. As of the writing, it’s considered safe by the FDA.
Is Malic Acid in Sneak Energy Gluten-Free?
Malic acid is gluten-free. This is a substance you can find in fruits. Examples of foods that naturally have malic acid are apples and pears.
When it’s a food additive, Malic acid is used as a flavoring. Specifically, by giving drinks a sour, ‘tarty’ flavor. It can also be produced by the human body when it takes the energy from your food (also known as the Kreb’s cycle).
Aside from that, malic acid is pretty versatile. It can be used to adjust the acidity of cosmetics. It’s also used to clean metals, finish textiles, treat water, dye fabrics, and as a monomer.
What can you get from Malic acid? Consuming Malic acid can give you better skin, a cure for dry mouth, and a smaller chance of developing kidney stones.
Are Artificial Sweeteners in Sneak Energy Gluten-Free?
Artificial sweeteners used in Sneak Energy are gluten-free namely, Acesulfame Potassium and Sucralose.
Artificial sweeteners, in addition to flavoring, are used to reduce caloric content. Why? The majority of calorie-free artificial sweeteners on the market. That is, they contribute less than 5 calories to the overall product on which they are used.
Sucralose, or “Splenda” is an artificial sweetener that’s 600 times sweeter than sugar. It’s manufactured through a process wherein three hydrogen-oxygen groups are replaced with chlorine atoms.
Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K) is also a common artificial sweetener. It’s 200 times sweeter than sugar and is known for having a bitter aftertaste. Companies usually get around this by mixing Ace-K with other artificial sweeteners like Sucralose when they use it. It’s manufactured in a lab by combining Acetoacetic acid with Potassium.
Is Spirulina Powder in Sneak Energy Gluten-Free?
Yes, Spirulina powder is gluten-free.
Spirulina is a type of algae that’s also used as a dietary supplement by some. It can also be considered a superfood because of its nutritional content.
There are also a lot of health benefits you can get from eating it in general. For example, Spirulina can boost your immune system. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties.
Can celiacs drink energy drinks?
Energy drinks are typically gluten-free, but it’s important to check the label and ingredient list of each specific energy drink to ensure that it does not contain any gluten.
Many energy drinks also contain other ingredients, such as artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or colors, which may cause digestive issues or other symptoms in some individuals with celiac disease. If you have celiac disease, it’s important to be vigilant about checking ingredient labels and to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for guidance on safe and healthy food and beverage choices.
Are any energy drinks gluten-free?
There are some energy drink brands that are gluten-free, but it’s important to check the labels carefully to ensure that the specific product you are considering does not contain any gluten.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and it can be present in a variety of processed foods and beverages, including some energy drinks. Some energy drinks may contain malt flavoring, which is derived from barley and contains gluten.
It’s important for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to be vigilant about avoiding gluten in their diets, as consuming even small amounts of gluten can cause symptoms and damage to the small intestine. If you have concerns about your gluten intake, it’s always a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Is Sneak better than Red Bull?
Although Sneak Energy is not specifically intended for weight loss, it does provide an energy boost that could help increase physical activity. Healthy adults who drink it would feel energized to continue their daily routines. Consequently, this can help with weight loss.
Nevertheless, it is essential to remember that no one-step magic or solution provides safe, immediate weight loss. Ultimately, the best way to lose weight is to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly. It is not wise to depend on drinks like Sneak to lose weight because everyone’s body mass index varies.
Health conditions need to be considered too. With that in mind, it is best to consult a doctor and get to know one’s overall health condition first or seek the advice of certified fitness and wellness coaches for weight loss practices catered exclusively or more suitable for the individual.
How many sneaks can you drink a day?
It is generally recommended that individuals limit their consumption of energy drinks to no more than one 8-ounce can per day. This is because energy drinks typically contain high levels of caffeine and sugar, which can have negative health effects if consumed in excess and Sneak is no exception.
Consuming too much caffeine can cause symptoms such as increased heart rate, high blood pressure, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. Furthermore, excess sugar consumption can contribute to weight gain, dental problems, and other health issues.
Alternatives to Sneak Energy
If Sneak doesn’t tickle your fancy, here are some other gluten-free versions that you might enjoy:
Conclusion
Sneak Energy contains no gluten-containing ingredients. However, neither the official website nor the labels on the products themselves have officially declared it gluten-free.
That’s all there is to it. If you want to try this funky new brand, you don’t have to follow a gluten-free diet. If you have Celiac disease or a similar condition, be cautious of anything that hasn’t been officially confirmed to be gluten-free.
Sneak is also not recommended for people who are caffeine sensitive, as 200mg may be enough to cause side effects. For similar reasons, pregnant women and minors are not exempt.
If you have any more concerns about Sneak and its possible effects on your body, feel free to ask your doctor or conduct your own research about the product.