The C4 range of pre-workout supplements is truly world-renowned, being the #1 global pre-workout brand. While some fitness enthusiasts prefer to make their own pre-workout shakes, others value the convenience and great taste of a ready-to-drink supplement like the C4 Energy Drink.
The C4 Energy Drink packs a serious punch with 200mg of caffeine per serving, outdoing some of the other pre-workout supplements in the C4 range like the C4 Sport. It’s designed for athletes who need a serious injection of caffeine to crush their PRs and push themselves to the limit.
One of the ingredients that sets this energy drink apart is its naturally-derived betaine from beets, BetaPower® Betaine. This ingredient helps maintain cellular hydration within the muscle during periods of intense stress, making it an effective option for high-intensity workouts.
It is also infused with clinically-studied ingredients that support hydration and endurance, making it a comprehensive formula to help you maximise your workout. CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine, for example, is a compound that delivers energy you can feel, helping you push through those last few reps and set a new personal record.
The C4 Energy Drink also comes in a variety of refreshing flavours, making it a tasty alternative to traditional pre-workout supplements. Whether you prefer the tangy-sweet taste of cherry limeade or the refreshing kick of orange slice, C4 has a flavour to satisfy your taste buds.
But how effective is it really? In this C4 Energy Drink review, we’ll take a closer look at the science behind its ingredients, taste, and effectiveness to help you determine if it’s the right choice for your fitness goals. So let’s dive in and see what this supplement has to offer.
Is C4 Energy Drink Good For You?
C4 Energy Drink can be a great supplement for those looking to boost their energy and endurance during workouts. Its key ingredient, caffeine, has been shown to increase alertness, focus, and physical performance. Caffeine is also known to enhance metabolism and fat burning , making it a popular choice for those looking to lose weight.
It also contains CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine, which has been shown to reduce muscle fatigue and improve exercise performance. BetaPower® Betaine, another key ingredient, helps maintain cellular hydration within the muscle during periods of intense stress. These ingredients work together to provide a comprehensive formula to help athletes maximise their workouts.
Another benefit of the C4 Energy Drink is that it contains no sugar, carbs, or calories. This makes it a great option for those looking to stay within their macros while still enjoying a boost of energy before their workout.
It’s important to note that with up to 200 mg per can, the C4 Energy Drink does contain high levels of caffeine, which can cause side effects such as jitters, increased heart rate, and anxiety. It’s recommended to stick to the recommended serving size of one can per day, and to avoid consuming other caffeinated beverages or supplements while using C4.
Individuals who are sensitive to caffeine, pregnant, or have pre-existing medical conditions such as heart problems should consult with their doctor before using C4 Energy Drink or avoid it all together.
What Does C4 Energy Do To Your Body?
C4 Energy Drink is designed to help boost energy, focus, and endurance during workouts. Its key ingredient, caffeine, stimulates the central nervous system, increasing alertness and reducing fatigue. This can help you power through your workout and push yourself to new limits.
It also contains CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine, which helps to reduce muscle fatigue and increase endurance. This ingredient works by increasing the levels of carnosine in the muscles, which helps to buffer the buildup of lactic acid. By reducing the buildup of lactic acid, you can push yourself harder during your workout and delay the onset of fatigue.
Another key ingredient in C4 Energy Drink is BetaPower® Betaine, an amino acid derived from the molasses of sugar beets. It’s a purified form of betaine anhydrous with a patented, premium form that has a purity of 99%. BetaPower® Betaine helps to maintain cellular hydration within the muscle during periods of intense stress. This can help to improve muscle function and reduce muscle damage during workouts.
Why Does C4 Energy Drink Make You Tingle?
C4 Energy Drink contains an ingredient called CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine, which can cause a tingling sensation, also known as paresthesia, in some people. This tingling sensation is a harmless and temporary side effect of Beta-Alanine.
When you consume Beta-Alanine, it gets converted into carnosine, which is stored in your muscles. Carnosine helps to buffer the buildup of lactic acid in your muscles during intense exercise, which can delay the onset of fatigue and improve endurance.
The tingling sensation that some people experience after consuming C4 Energy Drink is a result of the carnosine in their muscles. When carnosine is synthesised, it releases hydrogen ions, which can stimulate the nerve endings in your skin and cause a tingling sensation.
It’s important to note that not everyone will experience the tingling sensation after consuming the drink. The severity and duration of the tingling sensation can also vary from person to person.
How Much Beta Alanine is in The C4 Energy Drink?
The amount of Beta-Alanine in C4 Energy Drink can vary depending on the specific flavour and serving size. However, each can typically contains between 1.6 and 3.2 grams of Beta-Alanine per serving.
This is within the recommended daily dosage of 3.2 to 6.4 grams per day, which is considered safe for most people.
C4 Energy Drink Review
If you’re looking for a convenient, low-calorie option to replace regular energy drinks that contain tons of sugar and lack any performance benefits — C4 Energy Drink is definitely one to consider.
What sets it apart from other energy drinks on the market is its 0 carbs, 0 sugar, and 0 calorie content. This alone makes it a much better option than most regular energy drinks that are loaded with sugar and calories. What’s even better is that the list of ingredients in C4 Energy Drink is relatively short, unlike other energy drinks that contain a long list of ingredients that are difficult to pronounce. The drink is primarily made up of carbonated water, citric acid, and natural and artificial flavors. It also contains potassium sorbate, a preservative commonly used in foods and drinks, as well as two zero-calorie sweeteners: sucralose and acesulfame potassium.
One of the main selling points of the C4 Energy Drink is its Energy Blend, which provides a massive boost of explosive energy. Its Energy Blend contains performance-enhancing ingredients like Citrulline Malate, CarnoSyn(R) Beta-Alanine, BetaPower(R) Betaine Anhydrous, N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, and Caffeine Anhydrous (200mg), all of which are clinically researched and shown to have performance-enhancing benefits.
You might notice that the form of caffeine used in this drink is also different. Caffeine Anhydrous is a more concentrated form of caffeine that is derived from natural sources, but is more potent than regular caffeine found in most other energy drinks.
What’s impressive is that the dose of ingredients in the Energy Blend is up to 3x higher than many of its competitors, which means you’re getting more bang for your buck.
Another great thing about the C4 Energy Drink is that it comes in 9 different flavours to suit anyone’s taste buds — which is more than many of its competitors. Here are all nine flavours ranked from best to worst based on taste and overall experience:
1. Cotton Candy
Cotton Candy is one of the most unique flavours in the C4 Energy Drink lineup. It’s a flavour that really stands out and delivers a delicious and nostalgic taste that is sure to appeal to many people.
The sweetness of the flavour is quite strong, but it’s not overpowering, which is a great balance to have. Some other energy drink brands may have overly sweet flavours that can be hard to drink, but that’s not the case with this one. The flavour is also very clear and doesn’t mix in the taste of other flavours like some other brands do. It’s a winner!
2, Cherry Limeade
The Cherry Limeade flavour is a delightful blend of two classic flavours. The cherry flavour is not too sour, but just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tangy lime flavour.
It’s an enjoyable and refreshing drink, perfect for a pre-workout boost or just to quench your thirst. The sweetness is not too overpowering, but if you are not a fan of sweet flavours, this may not be the drink for you. However, if you have a sweet tooth, the flavour will surely hit the spot.
It is definitely worth a try if you enjoy fruity and sweet drinks.
3. Frozen Bombsicle
The Frozen Bombsicle flavour is a refreshing and delicious option that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
The blueberry flavour is well-balanced with just the right amount of sweetness, making it a great choice for those who want a burst of flavour without feeling overwhelmed by an overly sweet taste.
It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys the taste of blueberries, as it captures the fruit’s unique flavour perfectly. This flavour is an excellent option especially for those who want to try something new, but aren’t looking for anything too bold or overwhelming.
4. Midnight Cherry
The Midnight Cherry flavour is a must-try for cherry lovers.
It has a rich cherry flavour that isn’t too sour, making it a perfect balance of sweet and tart. What’s more, it has no added sugar, making it a great option for those who want to avoid high sugar drinks.
This drink is perfect for those who want to indulge in the taste of cherry without the guilt. Whether you’re heading to the gym or simply need an energy boost, this one is an excellent choice that will not disappoint.
5. Purple Frost
The Purple Frost flavour is a real winner. If you’re a fan of grape, you’ll love this one.
The grape flavour is very natural and doesn’t have the artificial taste that some other grape-flavoured drinks can have. One of the best things about this flavour is that you can’t taste the artificial sweeteners, which is great news for anyone looking to avoid them.
The sweetness is perfectly balanced, not too strong or too weak, making it a great option for those who don’t want their energy drinks to be too sweet. This is a delicious and refreshing choice for anyone looking for an energy boost without any added sugar.
6. Twisted Limeade
This one has a bold lime flavour that packs a punch, making it perfect for those who love the taste of lime.
If you’re not a fan of lime, this may not be the best choice for you, but for lime lovers, this is a real treat. It has a zesty and refreshing taste, like a glass of ice-cold limeade on a hot summer day.
The lime flavour is prominent, but not too overpowering, and the sweetness level is just right. It’s a great option for those who want a break from the more traditional fruit flavours and want to try something new and exciting. The Twisted Limeade is certainly a tasty and refreshing choice that’s perfect for lime lovers.
7. Tropical Blast
The Tropical Blast flavour is a great option for those who want a taste of the tropics without an overwhelming sweetness.
This flavour is a bit more subtle compared to some of the other flavours, but it’s nicely mixed together to create a balanced tropical taste. You can taste a combination of different tropical fruits, which gives it a unique taste.
It’s not too sweet, so it’s a great choice for those who don’t want a sugary taste in their energy drinks. The subtleness of the taste also makes it easy to drink, and you can easily finish a can without feeling like you’ve had too much.
8. Strawberry Watermelon Ice
While it has a more subtle taste compared to some of the other flavours, it’s still very refreshing.
You’ll definitely be able to taste the strawberry and the watermelon, and the combination of the two creates a very pleasant flavour.
However, some people may find that it has a slight artificial taste to it, which could be a downside. But it’s a good choice for those who want something refreshing but not too overpowering and a great option to sip on during a hot summer day or after a workout to quench your thirst.
9. Orange Slice
The Orange Slice flavour has a citrusy tang with a fairly strong orange flavour.
However, there is a noticeable artificial taste which can be attributed to the artificial sweeteners used in the drink. While some may not mind the taste, it may not be for everyone.
Those who are sensitive to the taste of artificial sweeteners may want to consider other flavours in the C4 Energy Drink range. But, while it may not be the best flavour in the range, it still provides the same energy boost and performance-enhancing benefits as the other flavours.
Is C4 Energy Drink Only For Working Out?
While C4 Energy Drink is primarily designed as a pre-workout supplement, it can also be used as a replacement for regular energy drinks that are high in sugar and lack the performance-enhancing benefits of C4 Energy Drink.
It is a great alternative to traditional energy drinks because it provides a boost of energy without the added sugar, carbs, or calories. With 150-200 mg of caffeine per serving, it delivers a quick and effective energy boost without the crash or jitters associated with many sugary energy drinks.
So, it can certainly be a great option for anyone looking for a healthier alternative to traditional energy drinks. By providing a boost of energy without the added sugar, C4 Energy Drink can help you power through your day without many of the negative health effects of sugary energy drinks.
Do C4 Energy Drinks Have Creatine?
No, C4 Energy Drinks do not contain creatine. While creatine is a popular ingredient in many pre-workout supplements, it is not included in the C4 Energy Drink formula.
Other pre-workout supplements in the C4 range, such as the C4 Sport, do contain creatine. So, if you’re specifically looking for a pre-workout supplement that contains creatine, then C4 Sport may be a better option for you.
Does C4 Energy Drink Burn Fat?
No, the C4 Energy Drink does not burn fat directly. But it can indirectly help you burn fat by providing you with a boost of explosive energy to exercise harder and for a longer period of time.
Caffeine, one of the main ingredients in C4 Energy Drink, has also been shown to have fat burning properties. It works by stimulating the central nervous system, increasing metabolic rate, and promoting the breakdown of fat cells. By increasing metabolic rate, caffeine can help your body burn more calories even at rest.
It’s also important to remember that you need to exercise regularly and follow a healthy diet in order to burn fat. While C4 Energy Drink can provide a boost of energy to help you work out harder, it’s ultimately up to you to create a calorie deficit and follow a healthy lifestyle to achieve your fat loss goals.
Is C4 Energy Drink Really Zero Calories?
Yes, C4 Energy Drink is really zero calories. It uses non-nutritive sweeteners, such as sucralose and steviol glycosides, to achieve the sweet taste without adding any calories. Non-nutritive sweeteners are synthetic compounds that are much sweeter than regular sugar, but contribute no calories to the diet.
The drink also uses natural flavouring and carbon dioxide to enhance the taste and provide carbonation, while also incorporating a variety of amino acids, vitamins, and caffeine to improve athletic performance and provide a boost of energy. While these ingredients work together to improve athletic performance and provide a boost of energy, they do not contribute any calories to the drink.
It’s important to note that while C4 Energy Drink is zero calories, it still contains caffeine and other ingredients that can have potential side effects if consumed in excess. It’s important to follow the recommended serving size and not to exceed the daily dosage to avoid any potential side effects.
How Long Does It Take For a C4 Energy Drink To Kick In?
Typically, it takes around 20-30 minutes for C4 Energy Drink to kick in. This is because the caffeine in the drink needs time to be absorbed by the body and reach its maximum level in the bloodstream — 99% of which is absorbed within 45 minutes.
However, the exact amount of time it takes for C4 Energy Drink to kick in can vary from individual to individual. Factors such as body weight, metabolism, and tolerance to caffeine can all affect how quickly the body processes and responds to the ingredients in the drink.
How Much Caffeine is in a C4 Energy Drink?
Each can of C4 Energy Drink contains between 150-200 mg of caffeine, depending on the flavour. This amount of caffeine is higher than some of the other pre-workout supplements in the C4 range, such as the C4 Sport, which contains just 135 mg of caffeine per serving.
Remember that while caffeine can provide a quick and effective boost of energy, it’s important to consume it in moderation and according to the recommended serving size. Excessive consumption of caffeine can lead to potential side effects such as jitters, anxiety, and increased heart rate.
