wellness

This Caffeine-Packed Workout Bev Might Finally Get Us to the Gym (& It Tastes Like Cotton Candy)

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If chalky protein shakes (and waking up early enough to go to the gym…) aren’t your thing, you’re so not alone. But this drink just might give you the boost of energy you need to keep up with your fitness goals. Presenting C4 Performance Energy, a brand of zero-calorie pre-workout beverages that aim to keep you on track.

There’s a lot to explore in C4’s online shop, but it doesn’t take much browsing to notice that there are both C4 Energy and C4 Smart Energy options available. The difference? Smart Energy is made with clinically studied ingredients that could possibly sharpen your attention and boost your memory, alertness, focus and performance as you work out, while standard C4 is all about endurance, hydration and physical performance. Both are packed with caffeine, which will give you the energy you need to make it through your workout and the rest of your day.

C4 Energy drinks are infused with 200 milligrams of caffeine anhydrous, which could increase your metabolism, promote fat burn and even reduce muscle pain. Smart Energy drinks get their boost from InnovaTea caffeine instead, which is derived from green tea. Additional ingredients to note are the BetaPower Betaine in standard C4 energy drinks, which is meant to improve hydration and performance, and Cognizin, a proprietary form of the nutrient Citicoline, which encourages brain health and strength. Most importantly, both drink lines contain zero calories, carbs or sugar, unlike most sports drinks.

But in our book, it all comes down to their unique flavors. C4 Energy comes in every flavor under the sun, from Sour Batch Bros to Cherry Limeade to Strawberry Watermelon Ice. C4 Smart Energy is available in Icy Blue Razz, Electric Sour, Peach Mango Nectar and more. But TBH, our hearts are set on the Cotton Candy variety in both lines, because if that taste doesn't get us to the gym, we don't know what will. If you can’t choose which line to try first, don’t sweat it: There’s a variety pack that includes flavors from both.


Taryn Pire

Food Editor

Taryn Pire is PureWow’s food editor and has been writing about all things delicious since 2016. She’s developed recipes, reviewed restaurants and investigated food trends at...
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