Energy Drink Ingredients — Explained (No BS)
Energy drink labels are full of buzzwords. This page breaks down what ingredients actually do, how we classify them, and why they’re included — without marketing fluff.
How We Classify Ingredients
Every ingredient in the Powerhouse Journal Energy Drink Index is placed into one of the categories below. This keeps reviews consistent, honest, and easy to understand.
Stimulants
Ingredients that directly increase alertness and nervous system activity. If it doesn’t raise energy on its own, it’s not a stimulant.
Nootropics
Ingredients that support focus, cognition, reaction time, or brain signaling — without relying on stimulation.
The Extras
Ingredients that support hydration, metabolism, endurance, or general health. These are not responsible for the “energy” or “focus” effect.
Sweeteners & Flavor System
Ingredients that affect sweetness, taste accuracy, and mouthfeel.
Support Ingredients
Ingredients used for shelf life, stability, preservation, or formulation integrity.
INGREDIENT ENTRIES (THE SYSTEM)
Carnipure® L-Carnitine
Category: The Extras
Patented Ingredient: Yes — Carnipure® is a branded, pharmaceutical-grade form of L-Carnitine produced under strict purity and quality standards.
Supports fatty acid transport into mitochondria and cellular energy efficiency. No direct effect on alertness or focus.
Powerhouse take:
Higher quality than generic L-Carnitine, but it still plays a support role — not an energy driver.
NeuroFactor® (Coffee Fruit Extract)
Category: Nootropic
Supports BDNF production, which plays a role in learning, memory, and cognitive performance. Does not stimulate the nervous system.
Powerhouse take:
A legitimate focus ingredient. If it’s included at a meaningful dose, it earns its spot.
Taurine
Category: The Extras
An amino acid involved in cellular hydration and endurance support. Common in energy drinks.
Powerhouse take:
Fine to include. Rarely the reason a drink feels good, but widely used in energy drinks.
Cognizin® Citicoline
Patented Ingredient: Yes
Cognizin® is a patented form of citicoline designed for higher bioavailability and stability, supporting acetylcholine production and brain energy metabolism.
Powerhouse take:
Legitimate nootropic and backed by real research. THE Powerhouse favorite.
AstraGin®
Patented Ingredient: Yes
AstraGin® is a branded blend of Astragalus and Panax notoginseng extracts designed to enhance nutrient absorption in the gut.
Powerhouse take:
Supportive ingredient. Doesn’t make a drink hit harder — just helps the body use what’s already there and that matters.
Infinergy® (Di-Caffeine Malate)
Patented Ingredient: Yes
Infinergy® is a bonded form of caffeine and malic acid designed for smoother absorption and a more gradual caffeine release.
Powerhouse take:
Useful for reducing harsh spikes, but total caffeine still matters more than the form.
PurCaf® (Natural Caffeine)
Patented Ingredient: Yes
PurCaf® is a branded natural caffeine source derived from plants like green coffee beans, standardized for consistent caffeine content.
Powerhouse take:
“Natural” doesn’t mean weaker — it just means sourced differently.
TeaCrine® Theacrine
Patented Ingredient: Yes
TeaCrine® is a branded form of theacrine designed to support energy and focus without habituation or tolerance buildup.
Powerhouse take:
Solid alternative stimulant, but effects vary heavily by person.
L-Theanine
Category: Nootropic
An amino acid commonly paired with caffeine to support calm focus and reduce jitters by influencing alpha brain wave activity.
Powerhouse take:
Not a stimulant. When paired with caffeine, it smooths the ride — it doesn’t make the drink hit harder.
Panax Ginseng
Category: The Extras
A traditional botanical often included for fatigue resistance, stress support, and general wellness rather than acute performance.
Powerhouse take:
Respectable ingredient, but effects are subtle. If you feel it, it’s downstream — not instant energy or focus.
Glucuronolactone
Category: The Extras
A naturally occurring compound involved in carbohydrate metabolism and detoxification pathways in the body.
Powerhouse take:
Common in classic energy drinks. Rarely the reason a drink feels good — more support than performance.