Everyone likes a little additional energy during the day, whether it’s for performance during a workout, for better focus during an everyday job, or just for the taste of the drink in question.
In this article, we will take a deeper look at the Boost energy drink, and reveal whether it is good for you and if there are any bad sides to it. Keep on reading to learn everything about the possible benefits and side effects of this drink.
Boost energy drink – Ingredients
First, let’s see what makes the Boost energy drinks what they are by analysing some of the ingredients included within them. The main ingredients found in the original Boost energy drink are as follows:
- Carbonated water – for the fizzy taste
- Sugars (including Inositol) – to add sweetness and aid the energy-boosting effects of the drink
- Colour additives – added to differentiate flavours
- Flavourings
- Preservative (Sodium Benzoate) – for a longer shelf life
- Vitamins (B6, B12, Niacin, and Panthothenic acid) – Vitamins in the B family are crucial for energy metabolism and are convenient to use in energy drinks as they are water-soluble
- Artifical sweeteners (Aspartame, Acesulfame K)
- Taurine – is used for its potential to improve muscle function and athletic performance
- Caffeine – to provide that much-needed energy kick.
- Acidity Regulator (Sodium Citrate)
Other flavours like Boost Cherry or Boost Citrus will have slightly different ingredients, but these are generally limited to the additives which are used to achieve different flavourings and colours.
Boost energy drink – Nutrition information
Nutritionally speaking, the Boost energy drink is fairly lightweight. The macronutrient which is most present within the drink is carbs, which sit at around 12 grams per 250ml.
Boost energy contains only 0.05 grams of salt per 250ml, as well as 0 grams of fat and 0 grams of protein.
When it comes to vitamins, a 250ml Boost energy can will provide 16mg of Niacin and 1.4mg of vitamin B6, both of which amount to 100% of the recommended daily intake for these vitamins (a 500ml bottle will bump these values up to 200% of the recommended daily intake, which is close to the maximum dose an adult should take daily).
It also provides 1.25µg of vitamin B12 and 5mg of Pantothenic Acid per can, which are equal to 50% and 83% respectively, of the recommended daily intake.
How many calories are in a Boost energy drink?
Boost energy drink is pretty low in calories, as it provides 58 calories per 250ml can and 116 calories per 500ml bottle. Still, it would be best not to go overboard as drinking multiple cans, or even bottles, could cause digestive issues, and lead to weight gain in the long term.
Most of the calories within the drink come from the sugar content, which is evident in the fact that the sugar-free version of Boost contains only 10 calories per 250ml can compared to the 58 calories in the Original drink.
Sugar content in Boost energy drink
The original flavour of Boost energy contains 12.3 grams of sugar per can and 24.5 grams of sugar per bottle. This is a moderately high amount of sugar, which has become the standard for energy drinks.
Recommendations for daily sugar intake state that adults should have no more than 30 grams of sugar per day, and children aged 7 to 10 should strive to consume less than 24 grams of sugar each day.
The recommendations make it clear that a single can could amount to 50% or more of your child’s daily sugar allowance, while a bottle would be more than 80% of the allowance for an adult and more than 100% for a 10-year-old.
Boost energy drink – Caffeine content
Boost energy drinks contain 30mg of caffeine per 100ml. This amounts to 75mg of caffeine per Boost can and 150mg of caffeine per bottle. This is how much caffeine (or slightly more) you will also find in other similar energy drinks. Just for a comparison, a regular cup of coffee contains the same amount of caffeine or even more.
Due to its caffeine content, Boost can make you feel very energetic and focused for a period of time.
A study found that consuming less than 400mg of caffeine a day does not carry any adverse effects for healthy adults, but consumption below 300mg per day was recommended for women of reproductive age.
Boost energy recognizes that the drinks are high in caffeine and reminds everyone that they should be consumed in moderation.
Boost energy drink – Benefits and side effects
As with any energy drink, Boost energy comes with its share of pros and cons. Let’s take a look at some of the supposed benefits first.
Besides providing energy, Boost contains small amounts of taurine (0.4%), which could be beneficial for mental clarity and athletic performance. Still, the effects of taurine have not been researched thoroughly and not much is known about the claimed benefits.
When it comes to side effects, there are many risks that come with frequent energy drink consumption. Several studies have found that common adverse effects of energy drinks include insomnia, restlessness, stress, and a depressive mood.
Additionally, all Boost drinks contain artificial sweeteners, which have been found to negatively affect the gut microbiome, contributing to metabolic issues which lead to obesity and cardiovascular disease.
Boost energy drink vs Red Bull
An interesting comparison to observe is how the Boost energy drink compares to the worldwide popular Red Bull.
As far as calories go, Boost is significantly less caloric, as it stands at 58 calories per can, while Red Bull provides 116 calories per 250ml can.
The two drinks are fairly similar when it comes to caffeine but Red Bull provides just a bit more – 80mg of caffeine per can compared to 75mg in Boost energy drink.
Lastly, the sugar content in Red Bull is higher than that of Boost, since it packs an entire 27.5 grams per 250ml can compared to the 12.3 grams in Boost energy.
All things considered, Boost energy is the healthier option since it provides only 50% of the calories of Red Bull and contains less than 50% of the sugar, with similar caffeine content.
FAQs
Can you drink Boost energy drink while pregnant?
Pregnancy is a delicate period during which all energy drinks, including Boost, are best to be avoided, as they contain high doses of caffeine which is associated with negative pregnancy outcomes.
Does Boost energy drink make you gain weight?
Any drink with sugars and other caloric ingredients will have the potential to make you gain weight, including Boost energy. Still, if you make sure not to overshoot your daily calorie needs, Boost energy will not make you gain weight.
Is Boost energy drink suitable for vegetarians?
According to the official website, all Boost energy drinks are suitable for vegetarians.
Does Boost energy drink have alcohol?
Boost energy drinks do not contain alcohol in accordance with the UK legal guidelines. However, all of the Boost Energy and Sport drinks contain ethanol, which can contain traces of alcohol.
Is Boost good for weight loss?
The Boost energy drink will not make you lose weight on its own, but it can be combined with a weight loss conducive activity like running or skipping rope.
Is Boost energy drink healthy?
All in all, Boost energy is an energy drink, and energy drinks are not the healthiest beverage option.
The best is to consume Boost only in moderation, a few times a month, but frequent and long-term consumption carries the risks of weight gain, higher blood pressure, and other side effects such as insomnia and depression.
