If you’re a coffee lover, youโre probably all set when it comes to caffeine (unless you load up on sugar). Black coffee is one of the best sources of caffeine around. And if you’re into low carb or keto, you’ve likely heard of or tried “Bulletproof” coffee with butter. But if you’re like me and just canโt stand coffeeโno matter how itโs madeโbut still want the caffeine boost, give ZOA Energy Drink a try. Itโs my go-to for getting that extra energy without the coffee taste!
My Caffeine History
I started drinking soda as a teenagerโregular at first, then switching to diet as I got older to cut back on calories and sugar. Not long after I met my husband, he convinced me to quit soda altogether. I tried replacing it with every possible coffee variation, with all kinds of cream and sugar, but nothing worked for me. Then I stumbled upon Starbucks’ canned Refreshersโonly 90 caloriesโand drank them for years, until they were discontinued. After that, I switched to the in-store Refreshers, starting with Very Berry Hibiscus (until that was discontinued too!) and finally settling on Strawberry Acai. Unfortunately, I became totally hookedโjustifying the expense and addiction every way I could. Refreshers became my Kryptonite! I knew I needed to find a replacement for the sake of my wallet, my waistline and my sanity.
Thatโs when I spotted ZOA Energy Drink in White Peach at my local grocery store and decided to give it a try. To my surprise, I loved it! Itโs sweet, but not overly so, and doesnโt trigger any sugar cravings. I even tested my blood glucose and ketones using the Keto-Mojo meter after drinking a can and found that ZOA didnโt raise my glucose or impact my ketone levels! While ZOA does contain electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, they arenโt at levels significant enough for low carb followers, so I still supplement with Ultima Electrolytesโyou can read more about those here.
ZOA Energy Drink first launched in 2021, and it’s gone through a few formula and design tweaks since then. I found it after their 2023 reformulation, so I can’t speak to what changed, but I’m a big fan of how it is now!
ZOA+
According to the website, ZOA+ was designed as the perfect pre-workout boost, with every ingredient carefully selected to enhance performance. Each 12 oz serving contains 3,000 mg of L-Citrulline, which helps support nitric oxide levels, making it a solid choice for getting the most out of your workouts.
I started drinking ZOA+ before my morning exercise sessions, and Iโve noticed a real difference! It gives me a noticeable energy boost (thanks to its 200 mg of caffeine!), and I feel like I push harder and get more out of my workouts when I drink it. It’s now a regular part of my pre-workout routine!
Benefits
The benefits of ZOA Energy Drink include:
- B & C Vitamins
- Electrolytes (potassium and magnesium)
- 190mg Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs stimulate the building of protein in muscle and possibly reduce muscle breakdown)
- Zero Sugar (sweetened by Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium)
- Keto Friendly
- Gluten Free
- Camu Camu extract (an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties)
- 160 mg caffeine per 12 oz serving from natural sources (green coffee and green tea)
Nutrition Information
10 Calories, 0 fat, 110mg sodium, 2g carbohydrates, 0 total sugars, 0 protein
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Vitamins (and percent of daily value):
90 mg Vitamin C (100%)
4 mg Vitamin B5 (80%) – pantothenic acid
1.3 mg Vitamin B6 (80%)
1.8 mg Vitamin B12 (80%)
12 mg Niacin (80%)
75 mcg folate (20%)
20 mg choline (2%)
60 mg potassium (2%)
10 mg magnesium (2%)
Taste
ZOA Energy Drink offers an impressive variety of flavors (check them out below!). My personal favorites are Frosted Grape, Super Berry, and White Peach. What I love about ZOA is that they use natural flavors with no fruit juice, artificial flavors, synthetic colors, or preservatives. Even though it contains sucralose, I didn’t notice the usual aftertaste that often comes with it. Plus, the drink somehow stays carbonated for hours, which is a nice bonus!
Available Flavors:
ZOA
Cherry Limeade
Frosted Grape
Green Apple
Mango Splash (only in select 7-11 and Speedway stores)
Pineapple Coconut
Strawberry Watermelon
Super Berry
Tropical Punch
White Peach
Wild Orange
ZOA+
Blackberry Acai
Coconut Lemonade
Orange Grapefruit
Pineapple Passion Fruit
Price
As of October 2024, ZOA offers 12-packs on their website for $24.99 (12 oz cans), $29.99 (16 oz cans) or $34.99 (Zoa+ 12 oz cans). If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can save 10% with Amazon Prime using the Subscribe and Save option. Be sure to sign up for email notifications on the ZOA Energy Drink website to stay in the loop for special sales and promotions (you’ll get a $5 coupon just for signing up!). I personally saved 30% during a special subscriber-only holiday promotion and 40% on Prime Dayโso yes, I definitely stocked up!
I’ve found ZOA Energy Drinks on sale at local grocery stores for as low as $1.50 per can. You can use ZOA’s store locator to find where it is available near you. To put it in perspective, my go-to Starbucks Refresher used to cost me $6.10 per drink!!
Founded by Dwayne Johnson
I can’t wrap up this review without giving a shoutout to one of the founders and “Chief Energy Officer” of ZOA Energy Drinkโnone other than Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The creation of ZOA was a team effort between Dwayne and a group of experts, all focused on crafting a drink that not only delivers an energy boost but also supports a healthier lifestyle. Their goal was to create something that fit into a balanced routine, and with ingredients aimed at promoting wellness, ZOA reflects that vision.
Bottom Line
With its wide range of flavors, zero sugar, natural caffeine, and added vitamins, ZOA Energy Drink stands out as a healthier, tastier option compared to other energy drinks. Whether you need a morning boost or an afternoon pick-me-up, ZOA is a refreshing way to power through your day!