My energy [1] levels during an average day work in one of two ways: either I stay energized, thanks to three cups of coffee [2] strategically spaced throughout my day, or I start my day wide awake without caffeine and hit a 3 p.m. slump that demands afternoon coffee. I also teach yoga classes after workdays and on the weekends, so on some days, I need to be a functioning adult for long periods of time.
I feel OK about my coffee consumption, but I'm also down to try other ways to keep my energy levels up. So, when Chargel [3] offered to let me try its caffeine-free gel energy drink that comes in a resealable pouch, I was excited to give it a try. Chargel is a gel-textured drink meant to help give you an instant boost of energy before exercise, according to the brand's site [4]. That said, its ingredients can offer a pick-me-up any time of day.
Chargel doesn't have caffeine; instead, it contains a mix of sugars and vitamins designed to provide an energy boost [5]. The riboflavin, vitamin B6, thiamin hydrochloride, and vitamin B12 inside "don't directly provide energy themselves but are a common ingredient in many energy drinks, because they're needed for cells to break down carbs and fat for energy," Holly Klamer [6], a registered dietitian nutritionist and writer for My Crohns and Colitis Team [7], says. The dextrin [8] (a type of starch), sugar, and strawberry juice in Chargel "all provide simple carbohydrates that can be broken down easily for immediate energy," she says. "These ingredients cause a spike in blood sugar [9], which can increase energy levels."
My Review of Chargel Gel Energy Drink
On a sluggish Wednesday morning, I tried a chilled Strawberry Chargel [10] ($21 for a six-pack) after storing it in the fridge overnight. I work from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, so I need energy throughout the day. The pouch reminded me of those snackable apple-sauce pouches, and the drink has the texture of Jell-O [11]. The strawberry flavor was reminiscent of those mysterious strawberry candies every older relative seems to keep in their candy dish.
I only took a few sips (not even a third of the pouch), but I still felt perked up — so I closed the pouch with the screw-on cap and popped it back in the fridge. I felt energized for the rest of the morning and didn't experience a massive crash [12]. Once 3 p.m. rolled around, I started to feel my energy dip a bit, so I took a few more sips. Again, Chargel worked its magic: I felt energized for the remainder of the day, including during my two evening yoga classes. I teach two classes in one night, which can be really physically and mentally demanding, since I'm moving and speaking at the same time; just a bit of Chargel, however, helped me feel more alert and energized.
I'll definitely be reaching for Chargel more often in the future. I can space it out over the course of the day and don't feel pressured to down a pouch in one go; I can just have a few sips whenever I need a pick-me-up. (Note: the brand recommends that you keep it refrigerated and consume within 24 hours after cracking open a pouch.) I still have a strong love for a cup (or three) of joe, but this is a subtly sweet boost I'll definitely add to my caffeine-free days or before a workout.
