C4 Energy

Flavor:

C4 Smart Energy® Carbonated

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Citric Acid, Potassium Citrate, Cognizin Citicoline, Natural Caffeine (from Green Coffee Bean Extract), Potassium Benzoate (Preservative), Sucralose, Natural Flavors, Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K, acesulfame K), Niacinamide, N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, Sodium Citrate, Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12).

Rating: Not Clean

Ingredient Score:

Rated at 2 out of 5 green leaves, the C4 Smart Energy® Carbonated beverage falls short in our assessment of cleaner food options. This product is not organic and contains genetically modified ingredients, factors which significantly reduce its score on our scale. Furthermore, the presence of added sugars, including citric acid, and artificial sweeteners like acesulfame potassium and sucralose, contribute to its low rating. These sweeteners are often criticized for their potential health impacts.

The inclusion of additives such as natural flavors and sodium citrate also detracts from the product’s overall cleanliness. The term “natural flavors” is broad and does not provide transparency regarding the origins or processes involved in creating these flavors. Sodium citrate, while commonly used, is another additive that does not align with a clean label ethos.

The beverage does include some potentially beneficial ingredients, such as Cognizin Citicoline and natural caffeine sourced from green coffee bean extract, which are associated with cognitive benefits and energy. Niacinamide and Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) are included as vitamins, which are essential nutrients for health.

Despite these positives, the product’s reliance on non-organic, GMO ingredients, added sugars, and artificial sweeteners, combined with the use of vague additives, overrides its beneficial components. The score reflects these concerns and the need for a cleaner, more transparent ingredient list.

For consumers seeking healthier and cleaner energy drink options, the C4 Smart Energy® Carbonated beverage does not meet the criteria set by our green leaf rating system. The product’s composition reveals a gap between the current formulation and the ideal of a clean, health-conscious offering. Adjustments to its ingredient list could greatly improve its standing and provide a better option for those looking to make informed choices in a market saturated with less healthy alternatives.