The discussion surrounding the nutritional value of various drinks, including G Fuel, has intensified. It’s an important aspect to consider.1 Discussions comparing Shakeology to Slimfast and inquiries about fat loss, such as whether Herbalife Tea burns belly fat, are widespread because beverages have a substantial impact on weight and body composition.
G Fuel is no different, though it comes with the advantage of aligning with a fool-proof method of replacing sugars with a healthier alternative. Aligning with this so-called nutritional hack could mean that G Fuel is entering the arena with a winning edge.
Is G Fuel a Good Drink for Dieting or Weight Loss? Why?
In short, G Fuel is a good choice for weight loss when included as part of a well-rounded nutritional plan. Its caffeination can help curb hunger pangs, and it is composed of other ingredients that can potentially promote weight loss. It is also a low (or zero) calorie alternative to other arguably health-compromising energy drinks on the market.
While it can be easy to cut a decision short by simply finding a sugar-replacing alternative, an in-depth analysis of any manufactured product is worthwhile to determine if it is the best for reaching one’s desired goals.
Caffeine in G Fuel Curbs Hunger Pangs
One of the biggest questions asked when newcomers try to figure out ways to cut down on eating junk food and sugar is understanding why they feel hungry all the time. Reducing sugar in one’s diet often leads to a number of both physical and mental symptoms which may include intense cravings for carbs or something sweet, as well as fatigue, anxiety, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.2
Many mainstream diets allude to a temporary period of withdrawal, with names such as the Keto Flu and Whole30’s timeline acknowledgment of Day 2-3 as “The Hangover”.3 Artificial sweeteners can deceive the mind into feeling satisfied, momentarily quieting the nagging thoughts about why you are craving for cereal and the ability to survive without sugar.
But while they might curb one craving, artificial sweeteners do not provide the caloric energy boost their sugar counterpart does, which could lead to making people more hungry, not less.4 This is where the caffeine in G Fuel steps in to help.
Caffeine has been shown to transiently affect food intake, meaning it can provide a short-term drop in hunger. In one study, individuals who were given a small amount of caffeine with their breakfast ate 10% less than their non-caffeinated counterparts.5
Photo by Jacob Rubich on Unsplash6
It is important to note that this initial caffeine did not continue to contribute to a lack of hunger throughout the day. While G Fuel might be able to quench the urge to grab a candy bar, it must be paired with a well-rounded diet for one to avoid hunger pangs throughout the day altogether.
Ingredients, Vitamins, & Nutrients in G Fuel That Burn Fat & Promote Weight Loss
While energy drinks can easily become synonymous with their caffeine alone, they all host a range of additional ingredients that can also affect weight loss. In contrast to numerous mainstream brands, there’s no need for concern when questioning whether G Fuel is beneficial for weight loss. Each serving size is packed with vitamins that will favor weight loss over weight gain for the average caffeinated consumer.7
A breakdown of ingredients for a can of G Fuel is below:
| Ingredients |
| Carbonated Water |
| Malic Acid |
| Sodium Gluconate |
| Natural and Artificial Flavors |
| Caffeine |
| Vitamin Blend (Maltodextrin, C, B5, B6, B12) |
| Potassium Beta-Hydroxybutyrate |
| L-Tyrosine |
| Potassium Sorbate (Preservative) |
| Potassium Citrate |
| Sucralose |
| Acesulfame Potassium |
| L-Theanine |
| Extracts (Green Coffee Bean, Green Tea, Turmeric, Tart Cherry, Blueberry, Broccoli, Kale) |
Vitamins
Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate), B3 (Niacin or Niacinimide), B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), and B12 (Methylcobalamin) all play significant roles in health. From powerful antioxidants to creating and repairing DNA, to developing nerve and brain cells, it is impossible to function properly without them.8,9,10,11
Vitamins in and amongst themselves are not typically considered tools for weight loss, but a body that is vitamin-deficient is much more likely to have difficulty metabolizing and processing energy intake properly. G Fuel used as a supplemental drink to a healthy diet could help counteract any minor daily deficiencies to help individuals perform at their peak.
Green Tea Extract
Though Green Tea Extract is not noted as one of the main ingredient contributors to G Fuel, its inclusion in the energy drink make-up warrants an overview of its benefits. Hailed by some as a drink earning a spot on a list of beverages to lose belly fat in 4 days, Green Tea has shown itself to promote well-being in many ways.
These include lowering the risk for heart attack, stroke, and cancer, helping to strengthen bones and prevent fractures, as well as show improvements in mood, concentration, and performance. When looking into weight loss goals, Green Tea has been proposed as a sugar-free way to boost metabolism and lose weight as well.12
The other ingredients in G Fuel’s recipe box are not necessarily noted for their weight loss properties but have not been flagged as causing unhealthy effects either. Most are there as calorie-free ways to help create flavor and sweetness as well as add preservatives.
L-Theanine is one exception to that rule because its main noted effect is that of reduced stress and relaxation.13 A more relaxed state of mind could in fact lead to less binge and impulse eating habits that stress exacerbates.
Low/Zero Calorie Alternative to Energy Drinks
Ingredients aside, energy balance is critical to weight loss, and while many hate counting calories, they cannot be completely thrown out the window as a measurement tool to be mindful of.
The fool-proof method of swapping sugars for healthier substitutes aligns with the similar fool-proof method of swapping high caloric drinks with low or zero calorie options. All of G Fuel’s product offerings are under 50 calories per serving, with some coming in at 0. Calorie counts of most mainstream energy drinks are typically more than 200 calories per serving.14
If someone swaps a 200-calorie drink for G Fuel every day for a week, they are saving a total of 1400 calories, which is close to a day’s worth of caloric intake for some sedentary individuals.15
That being said, even with a health swap in place, weight loss will be hard to achieve if overall caloric intake still outweighs total calories burned. It can be easy to justify a food splurge after committing to a healthier option, but all this usually does is counter the effects of the saved calories. This is most commonly seen in the switch from weekday to weekend, where there is an influence of lifestyle patterns on body weight. Individuals typically have higher food intakes on weekends, fueled by alterations in their lifestyle behaviors, which helps to explain slower than expected rates of weight loss.16
Every action impacts health in one way or another, and the healthier choice of G Fuel should not be used as an excuse for consuming excess calories somewhere else.
Which is Better for Slimming Down: G Fuel vs Redbull vs Monster?
From a strictly caloric standpoint, G Fuel is better than Redbull and Monster for slimming down. Both Redbull and Monster have over 200 calories per serving when compared to G Fuel’s products, which as mentioned previously, average less than 50.
Photo by Christian Wiediger on Unsplash17
G Fuel also wins out in the fool-proof method of replacing sugar with alternatives. Redbull and Monster both have a higher carb count (27 and 29 grams respectively), which is made up mostly of sugars.18 Comparatively, G Fuel drinks and supplements have zero sugar and a range of just 0-5 grams of carbs per serving.
Sugar and obesity have been linked across multiple studies, documenting the increased intake of sugar-sweetened beverages as having a positive association with weight gain and obesity in both children and adults.19 Sugar and lower calorie alternatives will almost always be the better choice for weight loss goals.
Is G Fuel a Better Dieting Option Than Diet Soda?
Diet sodas often promote the same zero-sugar and zero-calorie advantages as G Fuel, which can make it challenging to determine the best option when considering whether G Fuel is beneficial for weight loss.
When in doubt about choosing between food or drink options, a deeper dive into ingredients is always crucial for an informed decision. As an example, Diet Coke’s ingredients are aspartame, caramel color, carbonated water, caffeine, citric acid, natural flavors, phosphoric acid, and potassium benzoate.20
Photo by Andrew George on Unsplash21
The lack of vitamin power in Diet Coke is consistent across other diet soda options, making G Fuel’s vitamin-rich alternative the better option. Plus, even though diet sodas have caffeine, the amount is far less than G Fuel. Diet Coke has 46 mg of caffeine in a 12 oz. can compared to G Fuel’s 140-150 mg per 8 fluid ounces. If energy is the sought-after goal, G Fuel is the winner as well.
Are The Artificial Sweeteners in G Fuel Bad for Slimming Down?
The impact of artificial sweeteners on body weight control is a topic of continuous debate within the health community. There is not a complete winning argument for one side or the other as to whether they are beneficial or detrimental to overall health, though it is important to note that health concerns of artificial sweeteners are not typically associated with weight gain.
Even for noted health concerns such as cardiovascular issues, strokes, and yes, even obesity, researchers stress the importance of acknowledging reverse causation.22 For artificial sweeteners, this implies that unhealthy individuals increase their intake of artificial sweeteners as an effort to compensate for pre-existing unhealthy diets or lifestyle choices.
As previously mentioned, a single food or drink choice is not a cure-all for weight loss and healthier life. If artificial sweeteners are ingested, but unhealthy lifestyle habits remain, it can stand to argue that the health concerns are not primarily tied to one’s sweetener consumption.
While research continues on possible connections with various health conditions, there are multiple studies to suggest that switching from sugar to artificial sweeteners will facilitate weight loss for overweight individuals.23,24,25
This adheres with the simple logic that zero-calorie alternatives decrease overall energy intake for those on a fat loss journey.
Is it Safe to Drink G Fuel Every Day While Dieting?
Whether one is incorporating G Fuel into a 21-day junk food-free challenge, attempting smaller but more long-term dietary changes, or simply adding G Fuel into their regime to compensate for their current lackluster nutrition, asking whether it is safe for daily ingestion is a worthwhile question.
The biggest factor to consider for everyday consumption is caffeine. According to the FDA, 400 milligrams per day is the maximum recommended dose for healthy individuals.26 This aligns with G Fuel’s maximum recommendation of 3 servings per day. They also advise that individuals build up the servings of their products over time, as everyone reacts to caffeine differently.27
While the cumulative research on caffeine points to an overall health benefit, negative side effects from over-consumption can include anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and increased heart rate.28
It’s also necessary to stress the FDA’s maximum recommended dose is for healthy individuals. For those who eat well, exercise, and have no pre-existing conditions, G Fuel should be considered safe for daily consumption just like caffeine is.
Effects will always vary for every individual, though, so if negative side effects are noticed, especially if pre-existing conditions are present, it is recommended to consult with a health professional regarding best dietary practices.
Is G Fuel a PreWorkout or Good for Working Out?
G Fuel is marketed as an energy drink and not a pre-workout supplement. However, caffeine is an ingredient in both and is mentioned frequently in studies of pre-workout supplementation. Caffeine has been shown to enhance performance by preserving muscle glycogen content, increasing time to exhaustion, delaying perceptions of tiredness and fatigue, and decreasing perceptions of pain and effort.29
Strictly looking at caffeine, it can be argued that G Fuel can aid in workout performance.
The biggest thing that differentiates G Fuel from pre-workout supplements is that pre-workouts typically include protein and/or nutritional supplementation. Common ingredients that are seen in pre-workouts but not G Fuel are branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), creatine, whey protein, and glucosamine sulfate. BCAAs help to increase muscle mass while decreasing fat, while glucosamine sulfate is a natural joint lubricant and anti-inflammatory agent. Creatine and whey protein aid in increased performance and building lean muscle mass.30
Choosing the best pre-workout supplement will vary for every athlete depending on their specific goals. Most serious weightlifters and powerlifting fanatics will argue for a branded pre-workout over an energy drink, but the caffeine in G Fuel will still retain its perks for those looking for a hit of increased workout endurance.
Tasty Beverage Alternatives to G Fuel
There are lots of beverage options out there that can be beneficial to weight loss, and the best choice depends on an individual’s goals.
If someone is simply looking for a healthier swap for sugary soda, the fool-proof method of substituting sugar for a zero or low-calorie alternative is the simplest step to take. While there are many proven weight loss rules to follow, cutting out empty calories is key.
Diet soda is a great caffeinated option to regular soda, and zero-calorie sparkling water is the choice of many who are trying to cut back on both sugar and caffeine.
If an energy drink is a sought-after swap, Rogue Energy is one of G Fuel’s top competitors in the gaming market. Any Google search for a zero-calorie energy drink, though, will bring up lots of options for beverage pursuers to explore. The best way to determine if a drink is a good alternative to G Fuel is to compare the ingredient contents. If it has similar vitamin and caffeine amounts, with no sugar added, it’s probably a safe bet.
For those looking for more than a caffeinated endurance boost in their workouts, pre-workout drinks are other potential G Fuel swaps. Since these are more prone to include protein and carbohydrates, zero-calorie options are not likely, but many low-calorie products exist. Ascent Protein is a major player in the sport of CrossFit, and a single serving of its Orange Mango Pre-Workout is just 35 calories.31
No beverage can single-handedly create the results a fat seeker desires. But zero calorie options will always be a great tool for those tired of being fat. G Fuel’s vitamin-rich, calorie-free, and sugar-free composition makes it a clear yes when considering whether it’s beneficial for weight loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can G Fuel Be Used to Replace Meals?
To start, G Fuel’s lack of calories means it cannot be utilized as a meal replacement. Even though weight loss requires a lower calorie intake than energy out-take, not having enough calories can stall progress as well.
There is evidence that when dieters significantly reduce their calorie intake, a metabolic adaptation occurs that slows their metabolic rate. The slower metabolic rate in turn results in a behavioral adaptation of less physical activity.
Those looking for liquid alternatives to meals should research caloric products designed as meal replacers or options such as protein shakes diet plans.
Can I Drink G Fuel on a Keto Diet?
The most popular question, next to the amount of weight you can lose on Keto, is the type of foods you can eat on Keto.
In simplest terms, the Ketogenic Diet is high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates and sugar. Since many energy drinks are loaded with sugar (and subsequently carbs) they are typically off limits for proper Keto adherence.
When considering weight loss, particularly in the context of a ketogenic diet, G Fuel’s impact comes into question. Given the variable carbohydrate content in G Fuel drinks, opting for a zero-carb option ensures consistent adherence to the ketogenic diet and facilitates progress toward fat loss goals.
Can I Drink G Fuel While Fasting? Will G Fuel Break a Fast?
Whenever a newcomer starts researching fasting for beginners, they learn there are multiple ways to fast. Determining what will break the fasting rules depends on the strictness of the fast that is being implemented.
Some will argue that negligible calories are okay, which means G Fuel would be allowable. Others get to the nitty gritty and analyze every ingredient as a possible insulin-response catalyst.
These strict adherers will argue that the Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sucralose, Maltodextrin, and Acesulfame Potassium can all potentially trigger an insulin spike, which would take even the zero-calorie G Fuel off the fasting table.
Whatever fast an individual chooses to follow, they should determine when is G Fuel harmful for you, whether it is strictly calorie-based or if it has more in-depth guidelines. G Fuel’s allowability will depend on the fast’s specific regulations.
Does G Fuel Have a Negative Impact On Liver Function?
There are existing studies noting a connection between energy drink consumption and drug-induced liver injury. However, it is important to note that caffeine for these affected individuals was often ingested far above the recommended intake, ranging from 4-5 cans to 10 cans of energy drink a day. Also noteworthy is that the specific brand of energy drink is not often mentioned, so it is unclear as to whether these consumptions were of high or low calorie and sugar amounts.
There is a study where there was acute liver failure following one year of daily consumption of a sugar-free energy drink. A man consumed 3 sugar-free energy drinks per day, which at first glance does not seem to be going overboard.
However, he was an unhealthy individual consuming what was most likely at or above the maximum recommended dosage of caffeine for healthy individuals. His energy drink consumption was paired with binge alcohol use, raising the question as to what was the true cause of his liver damage.
As long as G Fuel, more specifically caffeine, is consumed within moderation and at acceptable levels for one’s current health status, there should not be any noteworthy risk of a negative impact on liver function. There are in fact studies that have shown caffeinated beverages promote liver function, some even calling coffee the magical bean for liver diseases.
Does G Fuel Have an Age Limit or Recommendation?
If one takes the time to read the warning label on G Fuel, the company notes their products are not recommended for children under the age of eighteen. Caffeine is most likely the primary reason behind this age limit.
The consensus among doctors is that children under 12 should not consume caffeine at all. While some pediatricians are okay with caffeine in drinks like soda and coffee (up to a recommended 100mg/day), many advise against energy drinks for kids and teens all together.
Caffeine consumption in children, while possibly supporting the activation of the central nervous system, can also potentially hamper growth and development. Excessive caffeine intake can cause similar detrimental effects to those experienced by adults.
These include nausea, sleep impairment, osteoporosis, and gastric ulcers. Energy drink abuse among children has even been linked to deaths in the U.S. and Canada.
Because caffeine is a drug, it cannot be looked at casually. One serving of G Fuel will put a child over the daily recommended limit, making it an unsuitable option for children and teens even if it’s true that is G Fuel effective for weight loss.
References
1Rubich, Jacob. “cherry pomegranate juice drink mix photo – Free Gfuel Image on Unsplash.” Unsplash, 4 August 2020. Accessed 6 April 2023. <https://unsplash.com/photos/wznNxYu8dhE>
2O’Keefe Osborne, Corinne, and Rachel Goldman. “How Long Do Sugar Withdrawal Symptoms Last?” Very Well Mind, Very Well Mind, 7 June 2022, Accessed 15 July 2022. <https://www.verywellmind.com/sugar-withdrawal-symptoms-timeline-and-treatment-4176257>
3Urban, Melissa. “The Whole30 Timeline Version 2.0.” Whole 30, Whole 30, 28 June 2022, Accessed 15 July 2022. <https://whole30.com/revised-timeline/>
4Yang, Qing. “Gain weight by “going diet?” Artificial sweeteners and the neurobiology of sugar cravings.” National Library of Medicine, Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, 1 June 2022. Accessed 15 July 2022. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2892765/>
5Panek Shirley, Leah, et al. “Caffeine Transiently Affects Food Intake at Breakfast.” Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 19 July 2018, Accessed 15 July 2022. <https://www.jandonline.org/article/S2212-2672(18)30768-8/fulltext>
6Rubich, Jacob. “a can of fuel energy formula surrounded by coffee beans photo – Free Energy Image on Unsplash.” Unsplash, 26 July 2020. Accessed 6 April 2023. <https://unsplash.com/photos/aWPsyb7-KBQ>
7Fuel. “Formulas for Success: Nutrition Facts.” G Fuel, G Fuel, 1 January 2022, Accessed 15 July 2022. <https://gfuel.com/pages/formula-for-success>
8Harvard University. “Vitamin C.” Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, The Nutrition Source, 1 March 2020, Accessed 15 July 2022. <https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-c/>
9Harvard University. “Niacin- Vitamin B3.” Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, The Nutrition Source, 1 January 2022, Accessed 15 July 2022. <https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/niacin-vitamin-b3/>
10Harvard University. “Vitamin B6.” Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, The Nutrition Source, 1 January 2022, Accessed 15 July 2022. <https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-b6/>
11Harvard University. “Vitamin B12.” Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, The Nutrition Source, 1 January 2022, Accessed 15 July 2022. <https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-b12/>
12Watson, Stephanie. “Tea: Drink to Your Health?” Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, 18 December 2013, Accessed 15 July 2022. <https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/tea-drink-to-your-health-201312186947>
13Williams, Jackson, et al. “The Effect of L-Theanine Incorporated in a Functional Food Product (Mango Sorbet) on Physiological Responses in Healthy Males: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial.” PubMed Central, Foods Journal, 23 March 2020, Accessed 17 July 2022. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7142516/>
14Bridges, Meagan. “Calorie count – sodas and energy drinks.” Medline Plus, Medline Encyclopedia, 1 25 2021, Accessed 15 July 2022. <https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000888.htm>
15FDA. “Do You Know How Many Calories You Need?” Food and Drug Administration, Food and Drug Administration, 1 January 2021, Accessed 17 July 2022. <https://www.fda.gov/media/112972/download>
16Racette, Susan B., et al. “Influence of Weekend Lifestyle Patterns on Body Weight.” National Library of Medicine: National Center for Biotechnology Information, Obesity (Silver Spring), 16 August 2008, Accessed 17 July 2022. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3740215/>
17Wiediger, Christian. “five Monster Energy cans photo – Free Drink Image on Unsplash.” Unsplash, 6 March 2019. Accessed 6 April 2023. <https://unsplash.com/photos/Wh41wPvHnw8>
18Shoemaker, SaVanna. “What’s the Difference Between Red Bull and Monster?” Healthline, Healthline Nutrition, 11 July 2019, Accessed 15 July 2022. <https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/red-bull-vs-monster#nutrition>
19Faruque, Samir, et al. “The Dose Makes the Poison: Sugar and Obesity in the United States – a Review.” National Library of Medicine: National Center for Biotechnology Information, Polish Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences, 14 January 2020, Accessed 15 July 2022. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6959843/>
20Coca Cola. “Diet Coke.” Diet Coke, 1 January 2022, Accessed 17 July 2022. <https://www.dietcoke.com/products/diet-coke>
21George, Andrew. “diet coke can on brown wooden table photo – Free Soda Image on Unsplash.” Unsplash, 12 December 2020. Accessed 6 April 2023. <https://unsplash.com/photos/eX2u1YM7b3E>
22Pang, Michelle D., et al. “The Impact of Artificial Sweeteners on Body Weight Control and Glucose Homeostasis.” National Library of Medicine: National Center for Biotechnology Information, Frontiers in Nutrition, 7 January 2021, Accessed 17 July 2022. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7817779/>
23Vermunt, S H F, et al. “Effects of sugar intake on body weight: a review.” PubMed, Obesity Review, 4 May 2003, Accessed 17 July 2022. <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12760444/>
24Raben, Anne, et al. “Sucrose compared with artificial sweeteners: different effects on ad libitum food intake and body weight after 10 wk of supplementation in overweight subjects.” PubMed, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1 October 2002, Accessed 17 July 2022. <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12324283/>
25Higgins, Kelly A., and Richard D. Mattes. “A randomized controlled trial contrasting the effects of 4 low-calorie sweeteners and sucrose on body weight in adults with overweight or obesity.” PubMed, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1 May 2019, Accessed 17 July 2022. <https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30997499/>
26U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine is Too Much?” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 12 12 2018, Accessed 17 July 2022. <https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much>
27G Fuel. “FAQ.” Fuel Your Life, G Fuel, 1 January 2022, Accessed 15 July 2022. <https://gfuel.com/pages/fuel-your-life>
28Harvard University. “Coffee.” Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, The Nutrition Source, 1 January 2022, Accessed 17 July 2022. <https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/coffee/>
29Martinez, Nic, et al. “The effect of acute pre-workout supplementation on power and strength performance.” PubMed Central, Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 16 July 2016, Accessed 17 July 2022. <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4947244/>
30Carter, Adrian. “G Fuel Vs Pre Workout (Detailed Comparison).” Beastly Energy, Beastly Energy, 24 June 2022, Accessed 17 July 2022. <https://beastlyenergy.com/g-fuel-vs-pre-workout/>
31Ascent Protein. “Pre-Workout.” Ascent, Ascent Protein, 1 January 2022, Accessed 17 July 2022. <https://www.ascentprotein.com/products/pre-workout>