Kirkland Sparkling energy drink

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Common questions

Is Kirkland Sparkling energy drink healthy?

Kirkland Sparkling energy drink scores 61/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This energy drink contains beneficial ingredients like green tea extract and guarana seed extract, which provide natural caffeine and antioxidants.

How processed is Kirkland Sparkling energy drink?

Kirkland Sparkling energy drink is NOVA Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Kirkland Sparkling energy drink's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Taurine, Green Tea Extract, Ascorbic Acid count in its favor; Natural Flavors, Sucralose are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Kirkland Sparkling energy drink

Kirkland
61 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 12
Harmful ingredients 2
Owned by Costco
Category Energy Drinks
Summary

This energy drink contains beneficial ingredients like green tea extract and guarana seed extract, which provide natural caffeine and antioxidants. However, it is penalized for the presence of sucralose, an artificial sweetener, and 'natural flavors,' which are often highly processed and lack transparency. Despite being ultra-processed, the drink maintains a relatively low sugar content, which helps mitigate some of the negative impacts.

Key ingredients 21

Taurine
Good

Taurine is an amino acid that supports neurological development and helps regulate water and mineral levels in the blood. It is often included in energy drinks for its potential to improve athletic performance. It is naturally found in meat and fish.

Benefits

May improve exercise performance and support cardiovascular health.

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Green Tea Extract
Good

Green tea extract is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, which have numerous health benefits. It is included for its potential to boost metabolism and provide a mild caffeine source. It is derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant.

Risks

High doses may lead to liver issues in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Rich in antioxidants that may support heart health and weight management.

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Ascorbic Acid
Good

Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is an antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health. It is added to preserve the freshness of the drink. It is naturally found in fruits and vegetables.

Risks

High doses may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

Benefits

Supports immune health and acts as an antioxidant.

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Guarana Seed Extract
Good

Guarana seed extract is a natural source of caffeine and antioxidants. It is included for its potential to enhance energy and mental alertness. It is derived from the seeds of the Paullinia cupana plant.

Risks

Excessive consumption can lead to caffeine-related side effects.

Benefits

Provides natural caffeine and antioxidants that may boost energy and focus.

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Calcium Pantothenate
Good

Calcium pantothenate is a form of vitamin B5, which is essential for energy metabolism and the synthesis of coenzyme A. It is included to support energy production in the body. It is water-soluble and generally recognized as safe.

Benefits

Supports energy metabolism and the synthesis of important biomolecules.

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Niacinamide
Good

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that supports energy metabolism and skin health. It is included to help convert food into energy. It is water-soluble and generally recognized as safe.

Risks

High doses may cause flushing and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Benefits

Supports energy production and may improve skin health.

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Chromium Nicotinate Glycinate Chelate
Good

Chromium nicotinate glycinate chelate is a form of chromium that may help regulate blood sugar levels. It is included for its potential to improve insulin sensitivity. It is a chelated mineral, which may enhance absorption.

Benefits

May help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

Ginger Root Extract
Good

Ginger root extract is known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. It is included for its potential to soothe the stomach and enhance flavor. It is derived from the root of the Zingiber officinale plant.

Benefits

May aid digestion and reduce inflammation.

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Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
Good

Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a form of vitamin B6, which is important for protein metabolism and cognitive development. It is included to support brain health and energy metabolism. It is water-soluble and generally recognized as safe.

Benefits

Supports brain health and energy metabolism.

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Riboflavin
Good

Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, is essential for energy production and cellular function. It is included to help convert food into energy. It is water-soluble and generally recognized as safe.

Benefits

Supports energy production and cellular function.

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Biotin
Good

Biotin is a B-vitamin that supports metabolism and the health of hair, skin, and nails. It is included to aid in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is water-soluble and generally recognized as safe.

Benefits

Supports metabolism and the health of hair, skin, and nails.

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Cyanocobalamin
Good

Cyanocobalamin is a form of vitamin B12, which is crucial for nerve function and the production of DNA and red blood cells. It is included to support energy production and neurological health. It is water-soluble and generally recognized as safe.

Benefits

Supports energy production and neurological health.

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Carbonated Filtered Water
Neutral

Carbonated filtered water is the base of the beverage, providing hydration without any calories or sugars. It is processed to remove impurities, ensuring a clean and safe ingredient. It serves as a neutral medium for other ingredients.

Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric acid is used as a preservative and to add a tart flavor to the drink. It is naturally found in citrus fruits and is generally recognized as safe. It helps in enhancing the flavor profile of the beverage.

Risks

Excessive consumption may lead to dental erosion.

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Sodium Citrate
Neutral

Sodium citrate is used as a buffering agent to control acidity in the drink. It is a salt of citric acid and is generally recognized as safe. It helps maintain the stability and taste of the beverage.

Risks

Excessive intake may lead to an imbalance in electrolytes.

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Potassium Citrate
Neutral

Potassium citrate is used to regulate acidity and as a source of potassium. It is generally recognized as safe and helps maintain the drink's pH balance. It can also contribute to electrolyte balance.

Risks

High doses may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

Benefits

Provides potassium, which is essential for heart and muscle function.

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Caffeine
Neutral

Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.

Risks

Excessive consumption can lead to insomnia, jitteriness, and increased heart rate.

Benefits

Improves mental alertness and can enhance physical performance.

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Calcium Carbonate
Neutral

Calcium carbonate is used as a calcium supplement and to regulate acidity. It is a common food additive and is generally recognized as safe. It can contribute to the calcium content of the beverage.

Risks

Excessive intake may lead to hypercalcemia.

Benefits

Provides calcium, which is essential for bone health.

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Glucuronolactone
Neutral

Glucuronolactone is a naturally occurring compound often included in energy drinks for its potential to improve energy and reduce fatigue. It is generally recognized as safe. It is metabolized into glucuronic acid in the body.

Benefits

May help reduce fatigue and improve mental performance.

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Natural Flavors
Bad

Natural flavors are a catch-all term for flavoring agents derived from natural sources but can be highly processed. The lack of transparency in their composition can be concerning. They are used to enhance the taste of the product.

Risks

Potential allergens and unknown processing methods may pose risks.

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Sucralose
Bad

Sucralose is an artificial sweetener used to provide sweetness without calories. It is highly processed and may affect gut health. It is included to reduce the sugar content of the drink.

Risks

May alter gut microbiota and cause digestive issues in some individuals.

Benefits

Provides sweetness without adding calories or sugar.

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Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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