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Uptime Energy Drink Review (Full Facts)

Energy drinks can become more mainstream with healthier ingredients and fewer calories.

There isn’t any regular sugar present in Uptime Energy Drink, utilizing cane sugar instead. And if that replacement doesn’t satisfy you, the Uptime Sugar-Free version is a great alternative for your health-conscious needs.

I’m sure you’re interested in finding out about Uptime Energy Drinks and if they’re worth considering the next time you see one.

In short, if you want something different and you don’t mind not having sodium, Uptime Energy, especially the sugar-free version, is a good choice with a reasonable amount of caffeine and no sodium in it.

Briefly, I would give Uptime an 8 out of 10 for its overall quality.

Continue reading for an in-depth analysis of Uptime Energy Drink here, in my full review – from its ingredients to the sugar and caffeine content, and the impact it has on your body.

Nutrition Facts of Uptime Energy Drink

Nutritional Values of Uptime Energy Drink
Here is the nutritional information of Uptime Energy Drink

Here’s a quick comparison between Uptime Energy (Original and Sugar-Free) and some of its competitors, Red Bull and Monster.

Value
(Standard Serving)
Uptime
Cane Sugar
(12 fl.oz)
Uptime
Sugar-Free
(12 fl.oz)
Red Bull
(12fl.oz)
Monster
(16fl.oz)
Energy150 Calories5 Calories160 Calories240 Calories
Protein0g0g<1g2.28g
Carbohydrate
(Of which Sugars)
38g
(37g)
1g
(0g)
40g
(39g)
60g
(55g)
Sodium00150mg370mg
Caffeine142mg142mg114mg160mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)0.54mg3.5mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)36mg51.5mg
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)5.6mg
Vitamin B67.9mg10.7mg
Vitamin B127.2μg13µg
Vitamin C9mg9mg
Calcium115mg115mg
Uptime nutrient comparison against some energy drinks.

Here, we can see that in terms of calories and sugar, both Uptime categories have less than Red Bull and Monster. Monster has more caffeine content than both Uptime and Red Bull, but we also have to consider that it has 4fl.oz more than the rest. While the other vitamins may not be present in Uptime, it has vitamin C and calcium to make up for it.

Uptime Energy Drink Ingredients

Uptime Energy Drink Ingredients
These are the ingredients of Uptime at the back of the can.

Sugar-Cane and Sugar-Free versions of Uptime are both somewhat similar; the only major difference is that sugar-cane is replaced with sucralose in the drink

The ingredients of Uptime Energy Drink are listed below. You can find them on the back of the Uptime’s can.

Uptime Original Sugar-Cane

  • Filtered Carbonated Water
  • Cane Sugar
  • Citric Acid
  • Natural Flavors
  • Calcium Citrate
  • Natural Caffeine
  • Potassium Benzoate (Preservative)
  • Potassium Sorbate (Preservative)
  • L-Theanine
  • Panax Ginseng Root Extract
  • Angelica Root Extract
  • Ascorbic Acid
  • Coenzyme Q10

Uptime Sugar-Free

  • Filtered Carbonated Water
  • Citric Acid
  • Natural Flavors
  • Calcium Citrate
  • Natural Caffeine
  • Potassium Benzoate (Preservative)
  • Potassium Sorbate (Preservative)
  • Sucralose
  • L-Theanine
  • Panax Ginseng Root Extract
  • Angelica Root Extract
  • Ascorbic Acid
  • Coenzyme Q10

Important Ingredients

The following are the key ingredients in the two versions, take a look below:

L-Theanine

The amino acid L-Theanine is most commonly found in green and black tea leaves.

Stress and anxiety can be relieved with its assistance. It can also help improve memory and thinking skills.

It may also cause you to feel relaxed, although it’s debatable whether you will feel relaxed after drinking one.

Coenzyme Q10

A naturally produced antioxidant, CoQ10, is essential to the growth and maintenance of your cells. There are a number of possible benefits from it, including:

  • Lowering blood pressure
  • Improve symptoms of heart conditions
  • Preventing migraines

Panax Ginseng

Panax Ginseng Extract, included in Uptime Energy, has many benefits, such as improving memory and thinking skills. This goes well with the caffeine content in energy drinks.

Angelica Root Extracts

Angelica Root Extract is likely to be helpful for alleviating indigestion. It can also be applied directly to the skin for the relief of nerve pain, joint pain, and skin disorders. 

Is cane sugar healthier?

Even if it seems better, doesn’t necessarily mean it is healthier.

Cane sugar in Uptime Energy Drinks indeed seems healthier, but the final product has the same ingredient sucrose (regular sugar).

Consuming excessive amounts of raw cane sugar can also lead to weight gain and disease development, similar to regular sugar.

It is important to note that cane sugar has the same nutritional impact as regular sugar, so it’s not necessarily a healthier substitute.

Uptime Energy Drink Sugar Content

Uptime Original 12-ounce bottles contain 37g of cane sugar, while the sugar-free versions contain none.

Similar to regular sugar, raw cane sugar is rich in sucrose, which can contribute to obesity if consumed excessively.

As a quick reminder, the AHA recommends that women should not consume more than 25g of sugar per day, and men should not consume more than 36g. So, this bottle of Uptime Energy will certainly exceed your sugar limit.

However, sugar does have its benefits as well. Sugar can actually boost your mood and give you a burst of energy with only the tiniest amount. 

Of course, It is when you consume a large amount of sugar that becomes dangerous, and can lead to severe health problems like:

  • Weight Gain
  • Type II Diabetes
  • Increased risk of heart disease
  • Acne
  • Increased risk of depression

Since too many sugary drinks can also cause a sugar crash, you should avoid drinking too many Uptime Energy bottles in a short period of time.

You would be better off if you always choose Sugar-Free Uptime Energy Drinks, which would be safer for you.

Artificial Sweeteners in Uptime Energy Drink

Original Uptime contains no artificial sweeteners, but sugar-free contains sucralose, which has no calories.

While the Uptime Sugar-Free version may seem healthier, it contains sucralose, a sweetener that if consumed in excess, can be hazardous.

You should not consume too many foods and drinks with artificial sweeteners, since they have been approved by the FDA for general consumption.

It is always best to choose energy drinks that are naturally sweetened or have lower levels of sugar if health is your foremost concern.

How much caffeine does Uptime have?

Caffeine may be helpful but having too much is detrimental to your health.

Uptime Energy Drink contains 142 mg of natural caffeine per 12-ounce bottle.

It contains 142 mg of caffeine, which is not a lot compared to other energy drinks, so even if you’re caffeine sensitive, you should be fine with it.

Of course, it depends on how your body responds to caffeine and how often you consume it. So, your consumption potential may differ regarding the caffeine in Uptime Energy Drink.

Remember, the FDA recommends that caffeine intake should not be more than 400 mg daily. Ignoring the advice may lead to adverse effects such as:

  • Insomnia
  • Restlessness
  • Headaches
  • Stomachaches
  • Dizziness
  • Dehydration
  • Anxiety

It’s important to be careful to limit the intake of Uptime Energy Drinks per day to one can only. It is also good to avoid drinking Uptime Energy Drink with coffee, tea, or soda as all three of these beverages contain caffeine.

Uptime Energy Drink Calories

This calorie-free version contains only 5 calories. While the original 12-ounce bottle of Uptime Energy contains 150 calories.

The recommended daily calorie intake for men is 2400-3000 calories, and for women is 2000-2400 calories. It is better to stay within the limits.

Although this drink contains quite a few calories, living an active lifestyle can help you burn off those calories without gaining weight.

The sugar-free counterpart seems like a better choice containing only 5 calories.

Is Uptime good or bad?

Uptime Energy Drink tastes deliciously fruity, sparkling, and it’s one of the best energy drinks on the market. You may need to maintain moderation in consuming this drink to avoid unnecessary health risks.

This mid-range energy drink still offers you a noticeable boost in energy and focus. Compared to other energy drinks, it’s not as remarkable but it’s pretty tasty and if you can afford its price, you’ll surely enjoy it.

Who owns uptime energy?

Married couple Benjamin and Carrie Kim started as loyal fans of UPTIME energy drink. Eventually, they acquired the ownership of the brand to save it from forever closing its doors to the market. Now acting as co-owners, Benjamin Kim as the Chief Executive Officer and Carrie Kim as the Chief Creative Officer, both are devoted to making UPTIME energy drink even more successful.

While Carrie used her design background to revamp UPTIME with a fresh, modern, and minimal look that represented what she loved about the product, her husband Ben re-established the company internally. It resulted in a successful relaunch of the product on store shelves and online shopping platforms.

When was UPTIME energy founded?

Uptime, the current energy drink on the market, has been present since the 1980s. It was the first to market energy supplements in 1985 and inspired many caffeinated products, including Jolt Cola. The original product was an energy tablet that gained a small following among UC Santa Barbara students after players from the university’s basketball team were seen using them. 


However, it was re-debuted in July 2014.  It was about to close its doors due to a reported decline in sales and drastic management changes when married couple and now co-owners Benjamin, and Carrie Kim bought the company.

Is Uptime Vegan?

Milk, honey, and beeswax are among the ingredients in UPTIME energy’s products. Thus, it is not vegan.  Uptime is a company that sells caffeinated beverages, energy tablets, gummies, and shots. Every brand product is formulated with vitamins and herbs to boost energy.

In detail, the ingredients of their energy drinks and tablets include caffeine, taurine, B vitamins, guarana extract, ginseng root extract, milk thistle extract, and natural flavors.

Not to mention, relying too much on the products as an energizer could lead to adverse effects such as increased heart rate, insomnia, jitteriness, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and dehydration. These products should be used with caution, especially not by pregnant or nursing women or people under 18. It is crucial to consult a doctor before consuming these products as they can trigger the symptoms of those with existing medical conditions.

Can I drink Uptime every day?

I believe that even healthy people should not consume more than one 12-ounce container per day. It contains just enough caffeine to keep you awake and energized. Doing this can help you avoid sudden migraines and headaches from too much caffeine.

The table below indicates that you should only drink one can of Uptime Energy Drink every day.

Uptime OriginalUptime (sugar-free)Daily Limit (Female)Daily Limit (Male)
Calories150 calories5 calories2400 calories3000 calories
Sugar37g0g25g36g
Caffeine142mg142mg400mg400mg
Uptime nutrient comparison against daily limits.

You may not realize it, but calories stock up when you maintain a healthy diet. The same amount of calories in one Uptime Original is the same amount in pesto with baby carrots and cottage cheese!

Does Uptime need to be refrigerated?

Yes! Once opened, the Energy Drink should be refrigerated and tightly closed. A continuously refrigerated energy drink will maintain its best quality for about two to four days after opening.

Take note that energy drinks should be discarded if they develop an off odor, flavor, or appearance. Also, you should discard cans or bottles of energy drinks that are leaking, rusting, bulging, or severely dented.

Does Uptime Energy really work?

142 mg of caffeine is present in both the original and sugar-free versions of Uptime. Overall, having 142mg of caffeine in one can, the energy drink should help you stay awake during night shifts, maintain alertness, focus, and energy.

Uptime Original contains 150 calories and 37 grams of sugar per serving. It may be high in sugar, but you’ll feel more energized after having it.

A Sugar-Free one has 5 calories, but it contains no sugar, as the name suggests. It appears like a better choice. With the caffeine content in it, it would keep you energized and focused, plus wouldn’t cause any damaging side effects linked with high sugar intake.

Uptime Energy Drink Flavors

Uptime Energy Drink Flavors
You have so many choices to choose from!

The Sugar-Free version of Uptime includes five delicious flavors, while the Sugar-Cane version has three.

The limited flavor selection of Uptime may not impress everyone, especially if you don’t like fruity flavors or if you have a very specific taste preference.

Uptime has an amazing taste in my opinion. Give it a try and see if it tastes good for yourself. Here are all the flavors.

Original Sugar-Cane

  • Blood Orange
  • White Peach Lemonade
  • Original Citrus

Sugar-Free

  • Original Citrus
  • Blood Orange
  • Mango Pineapple
  • Blueberry Pomegranate
  • White Peach Lemonade

The Original Citrus Sugar-Cane tastes exactly like Sprite. It has that tangy, citrus flavor that gives a familiar refreshing feeling. The sugar-free version is almost as similar, except for the lack of sweetness from regular sugar.

I personally like the White Peach Lemonade from either original or sugar-free variants. You can compare the taste of peach ring gummy candies.

Taste of Uptime Energy Drink

The taste of Uptime Energy is soft and pleasant similar to 7 Up or Sprite, but with a medium to the light level of carbonation and a refreshing, fruity taste after the first sip.

The sugar does not feel heavy, neither does it taste sickly sweet, like some energy drinks.

It tastes better when it’s chilled since the carbonated flavor pairs well with it. I prefer to drink it in a chilled state.

I enjoy the taste of its fruity taste as well, so it’s an excellent drink.

Price of Uptime Energy

With 12 fl. oz in each bottle, a 12-pack of Uptime Energy Drink typically costs $30 excluding shipping.

Uptime Energy Drinks are among the most expensive energy drinks I’ve seen lately, costing nearly $2.50 per 12-ounce bottle.

For instance, Red Bull’s 12-pack of 8.4 ounces costs around $19, whereas Celsius’s 12-pack of 12 ounces costs about $21.

Possibly, much of the added price is because Uptime Energy Drinks come in resealable aluminum bottles, which, while convenient, don’t affect your wallet over the long run.

Uptime Energy Drinks cost a lot, so ultimately you have to think which energy drink best fits your budget. If you’re running a modest budget, it’s unfortunate that it’s not so readily accessible to you, but there are other choices out there! You can check out Bing, Bang, and many more.

Where to buy Uptime?

Almost anywhere in America, you can find Uptime Energy Drinks. There’s no surprise that it’s a popular brand among the crowd.

Buying your favorite can of Uptime Energy Drink online is arguably easiest via Amazon and eBay and even from their own official website. And in case you prefer shopping in a physical store, I recommend you check out Amazon Go and Walmart.

You can purchase Uptime Energy Drinks from both physical and online stores.

It’s best to order this energy drink online. Though you may find Uptime Energy Drink in local stores, there is no guarantee that it will be available everywhere.

Ordering it online is the best option. You could save time as well as money with the coupons and discounts offered.

What do I feel about Uptime? (8 out of 10)

Uptime is definitely a sparkling energy drink.
Uptime is definitely a sparkling energy drink.

Overall, I would say that Uptime Energy Drinks, considering the factors (Taste, flavors, ingredients, caffeine & sugar content, and effects on health), both the Sugar-Cane and Sugar-Free versions, score an 8 out of 10.

A great-tasting and surprisingly refreshing energy drink, it’s one of the better ones I’ve tried in a while.

It does have a few shortcomings.

Unlike most energy drinks, Uptime Energy Drinks don’t contain any B-Vitamins, and the cane sugar levels are still quite high.

Secondly, the $2.50 price per 12-ounce bottle is far too high for all the benefits it offers, so while it is an exceptionally refreshing energy drink, it is certainly a turnoff.

Both of these factors are easily dismissed with their great taste and presence in vitamin C and calcium.

As a whole, Uptime Energy Drinks are a good energy drink if you’re willing to spend the money for them. If you ever happen to find them on sale, you should definitely give them a try.

Interested in another opinion? Here is a review video you should check out. A taste test for most flavors is included, as well as some interesting history on Uptime Energy Drinks.

Here’s a video about Uptime Energy Drink’s history and taste test.

You may want to check out:

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