C4 Energy Ingredients [What’s In It?]
In today’s fast-paced world, energy drinks have become a staple for many, especially amongst people looking for an extra boost during workouts or demanding activities.
One brand that has garnered attention is C4 Energy. With its bold promise to enhance performance and energy levels, it’s essential to understand what’s inside that colorful can.
Below, we’ll take a deep dive into the ingredients of C4 Energy and break down the ingredients and what they all are to help you decide if C4 Energy is the right energy drink for you.
C4 Energy’s Performance-Centric Ingredients
With its roots in the sports nutrition industry, C4 Energy, first and foremost, aims to appeal to fitness enthusiasts. They often emphasize their commitment to helping users “unleash their inner superhuman,” which speaks to those looking to try and always improve themselves.
Unlike quite a few mainstream energy drinks which mostly rely on caffeine and sugar to provide the “boost”, C4 Energy uses other performance-enhancing ingredients such as Beta-Alanine, which delays muscle fatigue, to Citrulline Malate, which improves blood flow. The drink’s ingredients are formulated to support physical performance and appeal to gym goers/ sportspeople.
C4 Energy is NSF Certified for Sport®!
The NSF Certified for Sport® designation ensures that products, in this case, C4 Energy, have been rigorously tested and reviewed to confirm that they do not contain substances banned by major athletic organizations.
The certification also verifies that the contents of the product match what is printed on the label, ensuring accurate ingredient listings and potency. This provides athletes and consumers peace of mind, knowing they are consuming products free of harmful substances and contaminants.
In short, when a product is NSF Certified for Sport®, it shows higher trust and compliance within the world of supplements and sports nutrition.
C4 Energy Ingredients List
See the table below for a breakdown of each ingredient in C4 Energy (this is based on the Original version). We’ll go over what each ingredient is and why it’s in there!
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Carbonated Water | Water where carbon dioxide gas has been dissolved under pressure. It’s used to give that bubbly, fizzy sensation when you drink. |
| CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine | An amino acid that can delay muscle fatigue that will help enhance endurance and performance. |
| Malic Acid | A naturally occurring substance found in many fruits. It’s used for its tart flavor and to support energy production in the body. |
| BetaPower Betaine Anhydrous | A molecule that’s known for supporting cellular hydration and resilience. It’s believed to enhance physical performance. |
| Citric Acid | Naturally found in citrus fruits, it provides a sour flavor and acts as a preservative, extending the drink’s shelf life. |
| Potassium Sorbate (Preservative) | As the name suggests, it’s a preservative that keeps the drink fresh for longer periods. |
| Caffeine Anhydrous | A dehydrated form of caffeine, which stimulates the body’s CNS. It’s the main ingredient providing the energy boost in the drink. |
| Natural & Artificial Flavors | These are added to create the desired flavor. |
| Sucralose | A zero-calorie artificial sweetener. It sweetens the drink without adding any calories. |
| Acesulfame Potassium | Another calorie-free sweetener that complements the flavor profile and works alongside sucralose. |
| Niacinamide | Also known as Vitamin B3, it plays a vital role in converting food into energy. It’s added to support metabolic processes. |
| N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine | An amino acid that supports brain function. It helps with focus and alertness. |
| Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) | A crucial vitamin for energy production. It helps support energy metabolism and reduce fatigue. |
C4 Energy Nutrition Content By Flavor
Here is a table showing a breakdown of each amount of the key ingredients in GURU Energy, split out by flavor!
| Flavor | Calories | Sugar (g) | Caffeine (mg) | Taurine (mg) | Sodium (mg) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C4 Performance Energy Carbonated – Original | 5 | 0 | 200 | No | 0 | 0 |
| C4 Performance Energy Carbonated – Starburst | 0 | 0 | 200 | No | 0 | 0 |
| C4 Performance Energy Carbonated – Skittles | 0 | 0 | 200 | No | 0 | 0 |
| C4 Smart Energy (Various Flavors) | 0 | 0 | 200 | No | 0 | 0 |
| C4 Ultimate Energy Carbonated (Various Flavors) | 5 | 0 | 300 | Yes | 25 | 0 |
| C4 Energy Non-Carbonated (Various Flavors) | 0 | 0 | 200 | No | 25 | 0 |
| C4 Ultimate Non Carbonated | 0 | 0 | 300 | Yes | 25 | 0 |
| C4 Ultimate Energy X WWE Energy Drink | 5 | 0 | 300 | Yes | 0 | 0 |
| C4 Ultimate Energy™ X Wounded Warrior Project | 10 | 0 | 300 | Yes | 0 | 0 |
C4 Energy Servings
There is one serving in a 16fl oz / 473ml C4 Energy can. There is also one serving in the 12fl oz / 355ml C4 Energy non-carbonated bottles.
Calories In C4 Energy
As you can see in the table above, depending on the flavor and product type, C4 Energy has between 0 and 10 calories, which is low compared to other energy drinks, making it a pretty good choice for those looking to minimize calorie intake.
Drinking a C4 Energy drink will account for either 0% up to .05% of your daily recommended calories (for the highest calorie option).
Nutrients In C4 Energy
Total Fat
Fat is a macronutrient that provides energy, and C4 Energy contains 0g of fat. This represents a significant 90% reduction compared to similar energy drinks, making it a minimal contributor to your recommended daily fat intake.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol, a type of fat affecting heart health, is completely absent in C4 Energy, with 0mg. This marks a substantial 90% decrease compared to other energy drinks and has an insignificant impact on your daily cholesterol intake.
Sodium
Sodium, an essential electrolyte regulating fluid balance, is mostly absent in C4 Energy products/flavors, containing 0mg. In the “Ultimate” and non-carbonated versions, it slightly increases to 25mg, which is still 90% lower than in comparable energy drinks. This constitutes just over 1% of your recommended daily sodium intake.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates serve as a primary energy source, and C4 Energy contains none. This 90% reduction compared to typical energy drinks results in a negligible fraction of your daily carbohydrate allowance.
Sugar
Sugar, a simple carbohydrate providing quick energy, is entirely absent in C4 Energy, offering a sugar-free option.
Notable ingredients In C4 Energy
CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine
Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid that can help to improve muscle endurance and reduce fatigue. It does this by increasing the levels of carnosine in the muscles, which is a compound that helps to buffer lactic acid. Think of it as giving your muscles extra ‘staying power’ during workouts or physical activities, delaying that tired feeling.
BetaPower® Betaine
Betaine is a naturally occurring compound that can help to improve muscle hydration and power output. It also has osmoregulatory properties, which means that it helps to maintain fluid balance in the cells. Imagine this as helping your muscles retain water, much like how a sponge soaks up liquid, allowing them to work harder for longer.
Citrulline
Citrulline is a non-essential amino acid that can help to improve nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide is a vasodilator, which means that it helps to widen blood vessels. This can improve blood flow to the muscles and other tissues, which can lead to improved performance and reduced fatigue. Picture this as opening up highways in your blood vessels, making it easier and faster for nutrients to get to where they need to go.
N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
N-acetyl-L-tyrosine is a form of the amino acid tyrosine that is more bioavailable than regular tyrosine. Tyrosine is a precursor to dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood, motivation, and alertness. N-acetyl-L-tyrosine can help to improve cognitive function and reduce fatigue.
COGNIZIN® CITICOLINE
Citicoline is a naturally occurring compound that can help to improve cognitive function and protect the brain from damage. It does this by increasing the levels of phosphatidylcholine, which is a phospholipid that is essential for brain health.
BRAINBERRY®
BRAINBERRY® is a trademarked blend of plant extracts that has been shown to improve cognitive function and memory. It contains extracts from blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries.
ALPHASIZE®
ALPHASIZE® is a trademarked form of the amino acid L-theanine that has been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce stress. It is more bioavailable than regular L-theanine and has a faster onset of action. This acts like a quick ‘calm-me-down,’ helping you feel more relaxed and centered when things get hectic.
Is C4 Energy Drink Carbonated?
Most C4 Energy drink products are carbonated (outside the powders they offer). The only drinks they have that are not carbonated are C4 Energy Non-Carbonated (which comes in various flavors) and “C4 Ultimate Non-Carbonated”.
Does C4 Energy Have Aspartame?
No, none of the C4 Energy drink flavors or products contain Aspartame, but they do contain other sweeteners such as sucralose and acesulfame potassium.
Is C4 Energy Drink Halal?
C4 Energy Drink itself does not specifically advertise being Halal-certified. Some ingredients in C4 Energy Drink, such as beta-alanine and caffeine, are generally considered halal. However, other ingredients, such as natural flavors and citric acid, may be derived from haram sources.
That being said, if you look across the internet, the consensus seems that C4 Energy Drink is generally accepted as Halal.
Does C4 Energy Drink Make You Itchy?
Yes, it’s possible for C4 Energy drinks, or other supplements containing similar ingredients, to cause a sensation of itchiness or tingling in some people due to the ingredient Beta-Alanine.
Here’s a brief explanation:
Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid often included in pre-workout and energy formulations for its potential benefits in reducing muscle fatigue. When ingested, It can cause a harmless side effect called paresthesia.
Paresthesia is a tingling or itching sensation, usually felt on the face, neck, and hands. It usually goes away within a few hours and is not harmful, but it can be surprising or uncomfortable for those who aren’t expecting it.
So, if you’re experiencing itching or tingling after drinking a C4 Energy drink or similar product, it’s likely due to the beta-alanine. However, if you have other symptoms or the sensation lasts longer than a few hours, it’s a good idea to consult with a doctor to rule out potential allergies or other reactions.
Is C4 Energy good for you?
C4 Energy Drink is a popular choice among fitness enthusiasts and people looking for a boost in their daily routine.
It contains a blend of ingredients tailored to enhance performance, focus, and energy. Like any other product, its benefits and potential concerns depend on the individual’s needs and how they react to specific ingredients.
Advantages of C4 Energy Drink
Boosts energy and alertness
C4 Energy Drink is infused with caffeine anhydrous, a purified form of caffeine, which can enhance alertness and overall energy. Whether it’s for an early morning workout, a mid-day slump, or a late-night study session, a can of C4 might just do the trick.
Supports enhanced physical performance
One of the hallmark ingredients of C4 is CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine, which is known to support muscular endurance. So, if you’re hitting the gym or engaging in any strenuous activity, C4 can potentially enhance your performance.
Promotes cognitive function
Ingredients such as N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine and COGNIZIN® CITICOLINE are added to boost cognitive functions. These compounds can aid in improving focus, concentration, and even mood, making tasks seem more manageable and less daunting.
Contains vitamins
C4 Energy also provides essential B-vitamins like Niacinamide and Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12), which play a vital role in energy production within the body and, as the description alludes to, are essential to your body’s functioning, especially when exercising hard.
Uses unique ingredients
C4’s inclusion of ingredients like BetaPower® Betaine Anhydrous and Citrulline signifies its commitment to going beyond just a caffeine rush. These compounds can further boost physical performance by improving muscle hydration and blood flow respectively.
Considerations or Concerns about C4 Energy Drink
Caffeine sensitivity
As with any caffeinated beverage, individuals with caffeine sensitivity might experience symptoms like jitteriness, anxiety, or trouble sleeping after consuming C4.
Tingling sensation
Some individuals might feel a tingling or prickling sensation, usually in the hands or face, after drinking C4. This is due to the Beta-Alanine content, and while it’s generally harmless, it can be surprising if unexpected.
Sweeteners
While C4 Energy does not contain Aspartame, it does contain other sweeteners, such as sucralose and acesulfame potassium.
So, is C4 Energy Drink good for you?
C4 Energy Drink is designed with a mix of unique ingredients tailored to boost both physical and mental performance. For those who lead an active lifestyle or need a little mental boost, C4 is a decent choice. However, like any energy drink, it’s essential to consume in moderation and be aware of how your body reacts to its specific ingredients.
Always consult with a healthcare professional if unsure, especially for those with pre-existing conditions or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.