A compelling article published by the Flemish outlet HLN recently shook up the energy drink industry. The article, titled “Which energy drinks are secret calorie bombs? Dietitian assesses 10”, was written by Stéphanie Verzelen and published on October 29, 2025.
In this no-holds-barred analysis, dietitian Sanne Mouha examined the labels of ten popular brands, seeking to identify the best energy drink and warn readers about common nutritional pitfalls. We are proud to see that our commitment to a healthier, more natural alternative was endorsed by this expert. Discover the article's conclusions and why Buddy rose to the top of the list of low-sugar energy drinks.
The expert's essential warning
Before naming the winner, Sanne Mouha recalled why most traditional energy drinks should be consumed with extreme caution:
- The sugar trap: a single classic can, such as Red Bull or Monster, is an ultraprocessed product that can contain the equivalent of 4 to 5 sugar cubes, often exceeding the WHO's daily recommendation for added sugars.
- The double effect: the combination of an overdose of synthetic caffeine and a high sugar content can cause adverse effects such as sleep disturbances, nervousness, and palpitations.
- Marketing ingredients: added vitamins, taurine, and other substances are often present in concentrations that are too low to have a proven real beneficial effect, serving mainly promotional purposes.
For more details on caffeine limits and consumption guidelines, see our article on natural caffeine and synthetic caffeine.
Buddy, the best choice in the HLN study
Amid these warnings, one product won the dietitian's unanimous approval: Buddy.
Here are the three main reasons Buddy came out ahead of the others in this evaluation:
1. A widely praised low sugar content
Buddy's strongest selling point is its low sugar and calorie content. This low level is crucial for those looking for an energy drink without excessive sugar.
"It's the best drink on the list: theoretically, you could drink three a day." (Sanne Mouha)
This recommendation applies only to Buddy and demonstrates the positive impact of low sugar content on moderating consumption.
2. More natural caffeine sources
While other brands use synthetic caffeine, the dietitian appreciated the presence of Yerba Maté and Guarana in our formula. These ingredients are often associated with more stable, longer-lasting energy.
"I prefer seeing this rather than artificial caffeine." (Sanne Mouha)
These natural extracts contribute to the stimulating effect while being perceived as less processed ingredients.
3. A less processed formula
The analysis of Buddy also highlighted the clarity of its formula: it contains no artificial colors and uses ingredients considered less processed than those of its competitors. This makes Buddy a favorable choice for those seeking to minimize additives and prioritize natural drinks.
This analysis aligns with what we continuously publish on drinkscore.info, our public comparison tool for market formulas, where our energy drink appears alongside other brands. And to put the category as a whole into perspective, see our overview of functional drinks.
The final word
Sanne Mouha reminds us that unsweetened coffee remains, by far, the healthiest option. Nevertheless, if you need a practical, energizing boost in a can, the HLN study conducted by dietitian Sanne Mouha is clear: Buddy is the most thoughtful alternative on the energy drink market.
Find out more:
- Read the original HLN article, Which energy drinks are secret calorie bombs?, to discover Sanne Mouha's detailed scores for the 10 brands analyzed.
