Kirkland Energy Drink

Kirklamd
60 Fair
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Summary

This energy drink contains beneficial ingredients like green tea extract and vitamins, but it is heavily processed with additives such as sucralose and natural flavors, which are concerning due to their potential health impacts. The presence of artificial sweeteners and the high level of processing limit its overall healthiness, despite the inclusion of some beneficial components.

At a glance

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

Key ingredients 21

Carbonated Filtered Water
Neutral

Carbonated filtered water is the primary ingredient providing the base for the beverage. It is processed to remove impurities and add carbonation for texture. No significant health impacts are associated with this ingredient.

Citric Acid
Neutral

Citric acid is used as a preservative and to add a tart flavor to the drink. It is commonly found in citrus fruits and is generally recognized as safe. However, excessive consumption can lead to dental erosion.

Risks

Excessive consumption may lead to dental erosion due to its acidic nature.

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Taurine
Good

Taurine is an amino acid that supports neurological development and regulates 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 athletic performance and support neurological development.

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Sodium Citrate
Neutral

Sodium citrate is used to control acidity and enhance flavor. It is a salt derived from citric acid and is generally recognized as safe. It is commonly used in food and beverages without significant health concerns.

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Natural Flavors
Bad

Natural flavors are used to enhance the taste of the beverage but can be a catch-all term for various flavoring agents. The lack of transparency in their composition can be concerning for consumers. They are often highly processed and may contain allergens.

Risks

May contain allergens and lack transparency in composition.

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Potassium Citrate
Neutral

Potassium citrate is used to regulate acidity and provide a source of potassium. It is generally recognized as safe and can help maintain electrolyte balance. It is commonly used in food and beverages.

Benefits

Helps maintain electrolyte balance.

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Green Tea Extract
Very Good

Green tea extract is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, which can support metabolic health and provide anti-inflammatory benefits. It is derived from green tea leaves and is considered a beneficial ingredient in energy drinks. It may also aid in weight management.

Benefits

Rich in antioxidants and may support metabolic health and weight management.

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Caffeine
Good

Caffeine is a stimulant that can enhance alertness and improve concentration. It is a common ingredient in energy drinks for its ability to temporarily ward off drowsiness. However, excessive intake can lead to jitteriness and insomnia.

Risks

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

Benefits

Enhances alertness and improves concentration.

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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 provides a source of calcium, which is essential for bone health.

Benefits

Provides a source of calcium, essential for bone health.

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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 negatively. Some studies suggest it may alter glucose and insulin levels.

Risks

May affect gut health and alter glucose and insulin levels.

Benefits

Provides sweetness without adding calories.

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Ascorbic Acid
Good

Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is an essential nutrient that supports immune function and acts as an antioxidant. It is commonly added to beverages for its health benefits. It can help protect cells from damage by free radicals.

Benefits

Supports immune function and acts as an antioxidant.

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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, but its efficacy in energy drinks is not well-established. It is metabolized into glucuronic acid in the body.

Benefits

May improve energy and reduce fatigue.

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Guarana Seed Extract
Good

Guarana seed extract is a natural source of caffeine and antioxidants, often used to enhance energy and mental alertness. It is derived from the seeds of the guarana plant and is considered beneficial in energy drinks. It may also support weight loss and improve athletic performance.

Risks

Excessive consumption may lead to caffeine-related side effects.

Benefits

Enhances energy and mental alertness, and may support weight loss.

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Calcium Pantothenate
Good

Calcium pantothenate is a form of vitamin B5, essential for synthesizing coenzyme A and supporting energy metabolism. It is commonly added to energy drinks for its role in energy production. It helps convert food into energy.

Benefits

Supports energy metabolism and helps convert food into energy.

Niacinamide
Good

Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, supports energy production and DNA repair. It is included in energy drinks for its role in converting nutrients into energy. It also helps maintain healthy skin and nerves.

Risks

High doses may cause flushing and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Benefits

Supports energy production and helps maintain healthy skin and nerves.

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Chromium Nicotinate Glycinate Chelate
Neutral

Chromium nicotinate glycinate chelate is a form of chromium used to support glucose metabolism. It is included in energy drinks for its potential to enhance insulin sensitivity. However, its effectiveness in energy drinks is not well-established.

Benefits

Supports glucose metabolism and may enhance insulin sensitivity.

Ginger Root Extract
Good

Ginger root extract is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is included in energy drinks for its potential to aid digestion and reduce nausea. It may also support immune function.

Benefits

Provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, and may aid digestion.

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Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
Good

Pyridoxine hydrochloride is a form of vitamin B6, essential for protein metabolism and cognitive development. It is included in energy drinks for its role in neurotransmitter synthesis. It helps convert food into energy and supports brain health.

Benefits

Supports protein metabolism and cognitive development.

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Riboflavin
Good

Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, is essential for energy production and cellular function. It is included in energy drinks for its role in converting carbohydrates into ATP. It also supports healthy skin and eyes.

Benefits

Supports energy production and cellular function.

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Biotin
Good

Biotin is a B-vitamin that supports metabolism and promotes healthy hair, skin, and nails. It is included in energy drinks for its role in converting food into energy. It also supports the health of the nervous system.

Benefits

Promotes healthy hair, skin, and nails, and supports metabolism.

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Cyanocobalamin
Good

Cyanocobalamin is a form of vitamin B12, essential for red blood cell formation and neurological function. It is included in energy drinks for its role in energy production. It helps prevent anemia and supports brain health.

Benefits

Supports red blood cell formation and neurological function.

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Processing

Group 4 · Ultra-processed

Ultra-Processed Foods

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