What is Guarana in Energy Drinks? (And Should You Be Worried?)

Energy drinks have a bit of a reputation. They exist for a good time, not a long time. They keep you going when your body would otherwise tell you to rest. They're basically your party friend that's been by your side since you were young. 

For others, they can be a source of concern. Whether it’s the caffeine content, the sugar, or the ingredients that sound like they belong in a lab, it’s understandable that a more cautious label-reader would feel a bit wary about using energy drinks as the body's version of rocket fuel.

Depending on the brand, certainly there are some questionable ingredients - how much baking soda do you really want to drink?

But often spliced into that fact panel of ingredients is something called guarana.

When reviewed on the side of a can, any ingredient can immediately be questionable by association, but what exactly is guarana, and should its presence in energy drinks be a red flag?

What is Guarana?

Guarana is a plant native to the Amazon basin, particularly Brazil, where it’s been used for centuries by indigenous tribes. These small red berries pack a punch when it comes to natural energy, thanks to their high caffeine content—actually, guarana seeds contain more caffeine than coffee beans.

But guarana isn’t just about caffeine. It also contains other compounds like theobromine (the same feel-good compound found in chocolate) and tannins, a chemical compound found in plants like tea and grapes.

Specifically, the caffeine in guarana is bound to the aforementioned tannins, which release more slowly into your bloodstream, resulting in a longer-lasting stimulation from guarana's caffeine.

Why is Guarana in Energy Drinks?

There's already caffeine in energy drinks - why do they double down and add in guarna? 

 Here’s where guarana shines:

• Natural Source of Caffeine: Guarana offers a natural, plant-based source of caffeine. If you’re concerned about synthetic or overly processed ingredients, guarana provides a more organic option.
• Sustained Energy: Unlike synthetic caffeine, which can hit you all at once and then leave you crashing, the caffeine in guarana is released more gradually. This means you’re more likely to experience a smooth, sustained energy boost rather than the jitters or a hard crash.
• Cognitive Benefits: Guarana doesn’t just keep you awake; it can also help with focus and mental clarity, making it popular in energy drinks aimed at both physical and mental performance.
• Balanced Effects: Theobromine in guarana works alongside caffeine to enhance its effects while also helping to reduce the typical downsides like anxiety or jitteriness.

Is the Guarana in Energy Drinks Safe?

Given its strong presence in energy drinks, it’s natural to have concerns about guarana—especially if you’re already cautious about these beverages.

However, it’s important to remember that guarana is a natural ingredient with a long history of safe use. The key is moderation. Guarana has been consumed for centuries and is actually a key ingredient in the second most popular soda in Brazil (where guarana is native). The most popular soda in Brazil? Coke! That brand is a monument to market dominance.

But when consumed in reasonable amounts, guarana can be a safe and effective way to boost energy and focus. That said, because it’s a potent source of caffeine, it’s wise to be mindful of how much you’re consuming, especially if you’re sensitive to caffeine or already drinking other caffeinated beverages.

Most medical professionals recommend consuming less than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day for adults. As a frame of reference, a strong cup of coffee has about 100 milligrams and energy drinks often come in around 200 milligrams.

So three or four energy drinks in a day is probably too many!

How Does Guarana Work in Your Body?

One of the reasons guarana is favored in energy drinks is because of how it interacts with your body.

The caffeine from guarana is absorbed more slowly than synthetic caffeine, leading to a more gradual and sustained release of energy. This can be a major plus for those who want to avoid the sharp spikes and drops that can come with other energy drinks.

Additionally, the combination of caffeine with other compounds like theobromine helps balance the stimulating effects, potentially making it a more comfortable experience for those who are sensitive to caffeine’s harsher side effects.

Should You Try Energy Drinks with Guarana?

If you’ve been on the fence about energy drinks because of concerns about their ingredients, it’s worth considering that not all energy drinks are created equal. Guarana, as a natural and time-tested ingredient, might actually offer the kind of sustained, balanced energy you’re looking for—without the harsh crash you might associate with other caffeine sources.

But if energy drinks aren’t your style, or you’re looking for something a bit more nourishing, there’s another way to enjoy the benefits of guarana—through wellness lattes.

Blossom’s latte mixes for example, incorporate both guarana's caffeine and l-theanine into their morning flavors like the cacao latte mix, turmeric powder latte mix, and matcha latte mix. This combination gives you the alertness people crave in the morning and an additional boost of focus without the jitters, crash, or anxiety. 

Guarana might sound intimidating because of its association with energy drinks, but it’s important to remember that it’s a natural ingredient with benefits beyond just a quick energy fix. When used mindfully, guarana can provide a smooth, sustained energy boost that helps you stay focused and alert without the negatives often linked with synthetic caffeine.

So, if you’re considering an energy drink but have been hesitant due to the guarana content, it’s worth giving it a try—just make sure to do so with awareness of how your body responds.