'No caffeine' energy drinks can reduce feelings of tiredness by stimulating the nervous system through sugar, flavour intensity, carbonation and certain vitamins rather than caffeine itself. These elements can temporarily increase alertness or perceived energy, even though they don’t create new energy in the body.

Many caffeine-free energy drinks rely on rapid glucose delivery and sensory stimulation to signal wakefulness. Ingredients like B vitamins don’t provide immediate energy but are involved in energy metabolism, while sweetness and carbonation can briefly lift mental sharpness by activating reward and alerting pathways.

The effect is usually short-lived. These drinks may mask fatigue rather than resolve it, which is why tiredness often returns once the stimulation fades, especially if underlying recovery needs haven’t been met.

Things to try

• For one afternoon, you could try a caffeine-free energy drink and note how long the alert feeling lasts, checking whether tiredness returns within 30–60 minutes, which can indicate stimulation rather than true energy gain.

• On another day at the same time, replace the drink with water or a light snack and compare whether your energy drop is similar, helping you see how much of the effect comes from sugar or expectation.

• After consuming one, check whether your body feels more restless or just mentally sharper, noticing which sensation dominates, as restlessness often signals stimulation without recovery.