Vegan Energy Boosters That Go Beyond Coffee
It happens once a week and usually on Mondays: You find yourself halfway through the workday, but you can barely keep your eyes open. You’ve already had a coffee—or two or three—but the caffeine just isn’t cutting it. Here are some invigorating vegan energy drinks and other options to kick things up a notch.
Power up with these vegan energy drinks.*
Swing by your nearest gas station or health-food store and pick up a Rockstar Zero Carb, Lo-Carb Monster, Sambazon Amazon Energy, Power Dream Soy Energy Drink, VigorAid, Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar Drink, or Kombucha Wonder Drink.
*We can’t include Red Bull on this list because, although it’s a vegan product, the Red Bull GmbH company continues to support tests on animals, which are unnecessary, cruel, and not required by law.
Make an energizing smoothie.
Have time at home to blend up a powerful concoction? Try a smoothie with one banana, a handful of spinach, 1 cup of soy or almond milk, a vegan sweetener (such as agave or maple syrup), and four ice cubes. Bananas have potassium, which prevents fatigue, and are also high in B vitamins, phosphorus, and magnesium—all nap-time ninjas. Try blending this Kale-icious Protein Smoothie at home, too.
Brew some tea.
Celestial Seasonings’ line of teas feature vegan varieties and come in many caffeinated blends, such as Organic Earl Grey Estate Tea and Peach Blossom Green Tea. Plus, it’s got a new line of kombucha energy shots, such as Pomegranate Xtreme. To our surprise, some tea brands have nonvegan flavors with butter fatty acids, while other brands conduct tests on animals. Yerba mate, though, is a popular alternative to coffee, as its caffeine content is roughly equivalent, and brands such as Guayaki offer vegan varieties.
Search out these latte-like picks.
Silk carries cartons of refrigerated drinks, such as Soy Chai, Soylatte, and Soy Mocha. These products save time and money, minimizing your stops at a coffee shop, as do Chameleon Cold-Brew’s glass pick-me-ups. RISE Brewing Co. offers naturally sweet and creamy lattes made with oat milk. Plus, Oregon Chai carries vegan Original Chai Tea Latte Concentrate.
Snack away.
Sometimes when your energy dips, it just means you need to refuel with food. Try a snack with a good protein-to-carbohydrate ratio, such as hummus on whole grain crackers, celery dipped in peanut butter, or a scrumptious protein snack bar. Plus, these snacks are very simple to pack along with your lunch every day.
For more snack options, check out PETA Business Friend Deja Vegan. The site offers nutritious, healthy snacks for active individuals who care about animals and living a full life.
Get out of that chair already.
A 10-minute walk outdoors can do wonders for your energy levels. A 2006 study by a California State University professor found that “there was a clear and strong relationship between the number of steps [study participants] took and their overall mood and energy level.” Better yet, take a walk to the nearest café and nab a tea or coffee for double the boost.
