XS Energy Drink Ingredients

The original XS Energy Drink is offered as a low-calorie option for those who want the caffeine boost that energy drinks offer without the extra calories from sugar and carbohydrates. EX Energy Drink, which contains some essential nutrients, is high in B vitamins. MayoClinic.com doctors caution that beverages such as XL Energy Drink, high in caffeine and other herbal stimulants, may have adverse effects if you drink too much.

Energy drinks contain caffeine and other herbal stimulants. (Image: allanswart/iStock/Getty Images)

XS Energy Drink Ingredients

According to the product manufacturer, the ingredients in the original XS Energy Drink differ slightly depending on the flavor you choose, as the additives that lend flavor and color to your beverage may vary. XS Energy Drinks contain carbonated water, taurine, L-glutamine, citric acid, acesulfame, potassium, caffeine, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, sucralose, niacin, pantothenic acid and pyridoxine HCI. XS Energy Drinks also contain a proprietary "adaptogen" blend made up of eleutherococcus senticosus, panax ginseng, panax quinquefolium, schisandra, astragalus and reishi.

Nutrition Information

An 8.4-oz. can of XS constitutes one serving, which gives you 8 calories, none of which come from fat or carbohydrates. XS Energy Drink also contains no cholesterol and only 24 mg sodium, or 1 percent of your Daily Value, or DV, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. XS gives you none of your DV for protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and iron and only a trace amount of potassium. It is, however, high in B vitamins, giving you 100 percent of your DV for vitamins B3 and B5; 300 percent of your DV for vitamin B5; and 4900 percent of your DV for vitamin B12. The original XS Energy Drink and all other XS products, with the exception of the manufacturer's caffeine-free beverage, contains 83 mg caffeine per serving.

Flavors

The original XS Energy Drink is available in six flavors: cranberry-grape, cherry, tropical, citrus, lemon and tropical.

Other Information

Taurine is a dietary supplement used in many energy drinks that's believed to enhance athletic performance and, when combined with caffeine, mental acuity. However, MayoClinic.com indicates that the effects of heavy taurine use or use over a prolonged period of time have not been studied. Vitamin B12 is often used to boost energy levels; however, MayoClinic.com indicates that there's not enough scientific evidence to support it for this use. Beverages such as XS Energy Drink are generally valued for their stimulant properties, be it through caffeine or caffeine and a combination of herbal stimulants. Caffeine can result in an increased heart rate, irascibility, insomnia, nervousness and nausea. An occasional energy drink probably won't harm you; however, consuming them when you're dehydrated, intoxicated or just prior to physical activity leads to increased risk of heart problems.