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XS Energy Drink Caffeine & Ingredients (Explored)

If you’ve been reading my blogs for some time now, you’d know that I’m not a big fan of highly-caffeinated drinks. I like to keep my caffeine consumption as minimal as possible to reap the benefits while avoiding negative side effects.

This is why I was thrilled when I initially heard about XS Energy Drink, which is produced by Amway. Ever 8 fl. oz can contains 80 mg of caffeine, 10 calories, and no sugar! It claims to give you the stamina and power to function throughout the day without facing a sugar crash.

In this article, I’ll be taking a look at XS’ ingredients and caffeine content to see if this claim is true. Read on to find out!

XS Energy Drink Nutrition Facts

NutrientAmount
Calories0 g
Total Fat0 g
Sodium15 mg
Total Carbohydrate0 g
Added sugar0 g
Protein0 g
Niacin16 mg
Vitamin B65 mg
Vitamin B12118 mcg
Pantothenic Acid5 mg

What is in XS Energy Drinks?

According to the drink’s manufacturers, XS contains a blend of:

  • B vitamins (B3, B5, B6 and B12)
  • Adaptogenic herbs (Panax Ginseng)
  • Acerola Cherry.
  • Baobab Fruit extract.
  • A carbonated base.
  • 80mg of caffeine

Other ingredients include

  • Taurine
  • L-Glutamine
  • Citric acid
  • Natural flavours
  • Acesulfame K
  • Sodium benzoate
  • Potassium sorbet
  • Salt
  • Sucralose (sweetener)
  • Calcium d-Pantothenate
  • Herbal blend
  • Purple carrot extract
  • Pyridoxine hydrochloride

Panax Ginseng

Panax ginseng is the most prevalent specie of ginseng. Ginseng concentration in energy drinks normally ranges from 8 mg to 400 mg per 16 ounces.

Consuming Ginseng can result in increased energy levels. However, too much ginseng can induce symptoms such as headaches and diarrhoea, although energy drinks contain a negligible amount.

B Vitamins (B3, B5, B6 and B12)

B vitamins are essential to many of our body’s functions. from the release of energy from carbs and fat to the breakdown of amino acids.

  • Niacin, or vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin that is present in some foods and marketed as supplements. Niacin converts nutrients into energy, in the formation of cholesterol and lipids, the formation and repair of DNA, and the production of antioxidants.
  • Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) helps to produce coenzyme A (CoA), a chemical molecule that aids enzymes in the formation and breakdown of fatty acids as well as other metabolic processes, and the acyl carrier protein, which is also involved in fat formation.
  • Pyridoxal 5′ phosphate (PLP) is the active coenzyme form of vitamin B6, which helps more than 100 enzymes perform various functions such as protein, carbohydrate, and fat breakdown; maintaining normal levels of homocysteine (high levels can cause heart problems); and supporting immune function and brain health.
  • Vitamin B12, often known as cobalamin occurs in animal foods. Vitamin B12 is required for the formation of red blood cells and DNA. It also plays an important role in the function and development of brain and nerve cells.

Acerola Cherry

Acerola (Malpighia emarginata) is a shrub. When mature, its fruit resembles a cherry and is red in colour. It also contains a lot of vitamin C.

Many minerals and vitamins are also found in acerola, including beta-carotene, lutein, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, folic acid, and pantothenic acid.

Acerola is a popular supplement for combating vitamin C deficiency. It’s also helpful in treating the common cold, diarrhoea, and other illnesses.

Baobab Fruit extract

Because of the presence of possible nutraceuticals, baobab is classified as a “superfruit.” It is ideal for the production of safe food items and plant additives.

Baobab is high in antioxidants and polyphenols, which are substances that protect your cells from oxidative damage and help to decrease inflammation in the body.

How Much Sugar is in XS Energy Drink?

XS Energy beverages use sucralose, an artificial sweetener. This makes XS is a sugar-free drink!

A typical can of XS Energy Drink includes fewer than 2 grammes of carbs, 0 grammes of sugar, and insignificant quantities of fat and protein.

Here is a video about the nutrients in XS energy drink.

What is sucralose?

Sucralose is a man-made sweetener that is 600 times sweeter than sucrose. Sucralose is particularly heating stable and is available in powdered form for use in baking. It is used in a variety of foods, including confectionery, soft drinks, and sweet syrups. Sucralose comes in both granulated and powdered forms. It is marketed under the brand name ‘Splenda.’

Sucralose’s safety has been thoroughly examined, and it is deemed safe by the FDA. Sucralose’s ADI is 5 mg per kg of body weight, which amounts to roughly 390 mg for a 175-pound individual. If exceeded, sucralose can cause the following adverse effects such as:

  • Changes in the levels of glucose and insulin
  • Stomach issues
  • Changes gut health
  • Decreases probiotics

How Much caffeine is in XS Energy drink?

XS contains 80 mg of caffeine per can which is less than a standard cup of coffee and roughly 1/3rd of caffeine present in a 12-ounce Starbucks coffee.

An 8-ounce cup of coffee has between 80 and 100 milligrams, while caffeine levels in energy drinks can range between 40 and 250 mg per 8 fluid ounces. In comparison, XS is a very low-caffeinated drink, ensuring that you have a decent energy boost without experiencing jitters or headaches.

Caffeine is used in almost all energy drinks to enhance brain activity and increase alertness and focus. It works by inhibiting the effects of adenosine, a chemical in the brain that causes fatigue. Simultaneously, it causes the release of adrenaline, the “fight-or-flight” hormone linked to elevated energy.

XS can


The FDA has specified a 400 mg per day limit for healthy adults. That is roughly equivalent to 4-5 cups of coffee. XS is way below that limit, but then again people can have varying caffeine tolerance, so 80 mg may not be that strong for some and be overwhelming for others.

Excessive consumption of caffeine can lead to serious health consequences, which is why it’s recommended that you keep your consumption to one serving per day only.

  • Insomnia
  • Anxiousness
  • Jitters
  • Fast heart rate
  • Diarrhoea
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Dysphoria

Is XS Energy Drink Gluten-free?

Yes, XS is not formulated with gluten-containing substances, but it is not accredited as a gluten-free brand yet.

Gluten-free diets are commonly observed by those with celiac disease, which means that they can’t ingest any gluten because it irritates their digestive system.

Gluten is commonly found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. Many energy drink brands have put out gluten-free products and XS has followed suit.

Is XS Keto-friendly?

Yes, XS energy drink contains only 10 calories with zero sugar so you can opt for it if you’re on a keto diet.

This particular diet requires that you take less than 50 calories per day only in order to achieve ketosis and be able to burn off fats.

Since XS contains only 10 calories, you can take it while on keto. However, take note that if you drink one can, that leaves you with only 40 calories for the rest of the day.

Energy drinks aren’t dietary supplements so make sure you consume more substantial food while on this diet.

Alternatively, you can also go for calorie-free brands to make sure that you won’t exceed your caloric intake limit.

Does XS Energy Drink Contain Natural Ingredients?

No, not all ingredients of XS energy drinks come from a natural source. XS may have natural flavours, but do not contain natural components; there are lots of artificial additives in the container as well.

For example, taurine comes from a synthetic source. Other ingredients such as sodium benzoate and B vitamins have unclear provenance so they may not be from natural sources.

XS can with glass filled with liquid

Energy Drink Alternatives to XS

Other notable mentions

Conclusion

Overall XS’ ingredients are generally similar to what a common energy drink has but one thing that stands out is the sugar content and vitamin-rich formula.

I do like that it has a low caffeine content that’s enough for an hours-long energy boost without the side effects. Plus, it has low-calorie content too that can be easily burned when you do your early morning walks.

So, if you’re wondering if XS’ claims of boosting energy are true, then rest assured that you can rely on it to increase your energy levels without causing adverse effects to your health!

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