Nootropic drinks are brain-boosting beverages infused with natural compounds, renowned for their potential cognitive effects. These drinks with adaptogens and nootropics also typically contain vitamins and herbal extracts that can enhance focus, memory, and mental clarity.
As the demand for a tastier and more versatile nootropic solution grows, replacing traditional capsules with a refreshing nootropic drink becomes a no-brainer for anyone seeking a delightful cognitive boost. This, in turn, offers a more convenient and pleasurable way to consume nootropics and harness their cognitive benefits, especially during moments of low energy.
On that note, we invite you to explore the finest selection of nootropic drinks currently available on the market.
Best nootropic drink: shortlist
- Onnit — best nootropic drink without caffeine
- BRĒZ — best ready-to-drink nootropic beverage
- More Labs — best nootropic drink for focus
- Moon Juice — best nootropic drink with adaptogens
- Testo Prime — best nootropic drink for men
Comparison of the top 5 nootropic drink brands
| Brand | Price per package | Serving size | Servings per package | Price per serving | Flavor | Form |
| Onnit | $59.95 | 1 packet | 30 | $1.99 | Pineapple punch, peach, meyer lemon, blackberry lemonade, and ruby grapefruit* | Powdered |
| BRĒZ | $35.00 | 1 can | 6 | $5.83 | Notes of Italian lemon and elderflower | Ready-to-drink |
| More Labs | $30.00 | 1 bottle | 6 | $5.00 | Berry | Ready-to-drink |
| Moon Juice | $38.00 | 1 teaspoon | 14 | $2.71 | Malty and bitter | Powdered |
| Testo Prime | $44.99 | 1 sachet | 30 | $1.49 | Orange mango | Powdered |
* — Pricing may vary based on the flavor
Best nootropic drink in 2024: overview
As the cognitive-enhancing benefits of nootropic energy drinks continue to echo and their trend gains momentum, the market for these nootropic beverages expands, attracting a growing audience eager to unlock their full cognitive potential.
Stay with us as we reveal the top 5 nootropic drinks on the market and find the perfect one that resonates with your individual preferences.
1. Onnit — best nootropic drink without caffeine
Alpha BRAIN Instant is a caffeine-free nootropic blend that’s designed to support cognitive function in a convenient, flavored powdered drink mix. According to the people behind it, Alpha BRAIN Instant can help enhance your memory, speed up your mental processes, and sharpen your focus.
This nootropic drink is intended for anyone with a busy, demanding lifestyle, whether you’re a student, professional, gamer, artist, entrepreneur, or just someone who’s always on the move.
The product’s formula features three patented Onnit blends — Flow, Focus, and Fuel. It includes key ingredients like L-theanine, L-tyrosine, L-leucine, Alpha GPC, and vitamin B6. However, since the majority of ingredients are part of proprietary blends, the exact amounts are unknown — something to keep in mind when deciding if this is the right pick for you.
Onnit manufactures all its products in NSF-certified GMP facilities in the United States, testing every batch to ensure they meet product specifications, label claims, and requirements for heavy metals and microbial contamination.
Each box of Alpha BRAIN Instant contains 30 packets and is available for $59.95 as a one-time purchase on the brand’s official website.
2. BRĒZ — best ready-to-drink nootropic beverage
BRĒZ’s Lion’s Mane is a ready-to-drink nootropic beverage designed to give you a pleasant and refreshing boost whenever you need it. The makers say you can expect to feel sensations of clarity, focus, and relief.
The drink sparkles with notes of Italian lemon and elderflower.
All BRĒZ products have been third-party tested, and the brand has a dedicated page on its website where you can view the lab certificates for each batch.
One thing to keep in mind is that this drink isn’t sugar-free — it contains 8 grams of sugar per serving from agave, which means it’s naturally sweetened rather than artificially. Still, for those conscious about sugar intake, this is something to consider.
Pricing-wise, BRĒZ offers flexibility to suit different needs. A one-time purchase of six cans costs $35, with options to purchase up to 48 cans. Opting for a larger quantity can save you money per can, which is perfect if you plan to make this a regular part of your routine.
3. More Labs — best nootropic drink for focus
Liquid Focus from More Labs is another ready-to-drink nootropic beverage worth checking out if you want to sharpen your focus on the spot — no mixing or blending required.
This berry-flavored drink contains no artificial colors or additives, and according to its creators, it is packed with science-backed ingredients like L-carnitine, L-theanine, Panax ginseng, B vitamins, and caffeine. However, some of these ingredients are part of a proprietary blend, so the exact doses aren’t disclosed — something to keep in mind.
Each bottle of Liquid Focus contains 150mg of caffeine.
As for pricing, a one-time purchase of a 6-pack costs $30. More Labs offers Liquid Focus in packs of 6, 12, and 24, with bigger packs offering better savings per bottle. The latter is a smart choice if you’re planning to stock up.
4. Moon Juice — best nootropic drink with adaptogens
Moon Juice Brain Dust is an adaptogen-powered energy drink that is intended to sharpen your focus and mental stamina right there and then. It invites you to ditch the typical, so-called energy-boosting drinks and experience the positive effects Brain Dust may have on your cognitive performance and mental clarity.
In the Brain Dust blend you will find 6 adaptogens, herbs, and nootropics that are commonly used to support focus, alertness, and concentration.
This nootropic drink by Moon Juice should pair well with tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and milk, and may be added to any smoothie. With its subtle malty and bitter flavor, you can bid farewell to the days of forcing down tasteless supplements.
Each jar of Brain Dust contains approximately 14 servings. It is also available in a boxed set of 12 single-serving sachets, all in powdered form, making it convenient to carry and use on the go.
Head over to the official website of Moon Juice to order your jar of Brain Dust, where this nootropic energy drink is priced at $38 for a one-time purchase.
5. Testo Prime — best nootropic drink for men
Testo Prime Instant Energy nootropic drink is an advanced energy solution designed for men with demanding lifestyles, offering the extra boost they need to power through challenging days. Comprising a brilliant fusion of essential nutrients, this formulation of Testo Prime aims to enhance your energy levels, mental clarity, and mood.
Featuring 200 mg of caffeine, this nootropic beverage offers a balanced experience by incorporating soothing amino acids and stress-controlling adaptogens.
Inside each Testo Prime canister, you will find 30 individual packets, each designed for single servings, allowing for convenient storage.
Although the Testo Prime nootropic drink is nutritious, it tastes nothing like what you might expect. On the contrary, the orange mango flavor may very well become your new preferred choice.
Testo Prime Instant Energy is available for a one-time purchase at $44.99 from the official provider’s website.
How we compiled our list of the best nootropic drinks in 2024
We spared no effort in our quest to compile this list of the best nootropic drinks, considering several criteria. These criteria include brand reputation, ingredients, convenience, and value for money. Below, we present them in more detail:
- Brand reputation. In this list of the best nootropic drinks, you will find only the best options, selected from highly trusted brands that prioritize safety and adhere to industry regulations. These brands place a high emphasis on excluding questionable or harmful ingredients from their products.
- Ingredients. Considering the importance of natural, high-quality, and scientifically supported ingredients in nootropic drinks, we focused on well-researched nootropics and adaptogens, including lion’s mane, cordyceps, L-taurine, L-theanine, guarana, and additional vitamins.
- Convenience. Convenient solutions are essential in our fast-paced world, where leading a busy lifestyle and traveling are the norms. Hence, nootropic drinks, available in ready-to-drink options in this list, come to the rescue when needing a quick cognitive boost, while powdered versions offer a more practical and space-saving solution.
- Value for money. It's essential to strike a balance between quality and affordability. Oftentimes, higher-priced products may offer more premium ingredients or additional benefits. Hence, it's essential not to be swayed solely by low prices, as the cheapest option may not always deliver the benefits you want.
How to choose the best nootropic drink in 2024?
When it comes to choosing the best nootropic energy drink, there are several factors you should consider to make sure you find a product that aligns perfectly with your specific needs and preferences.
To guide you through this process and assist you in selecting the right nootropic drink, we have relied on the criteria below:
| Ingredients | Convenience | Taste | Safety profile |
| Nootropics-oriented formula | Ready-to-drink or powder form | Palatable with natural flavors | Third-party tested for quality and safety |
- Ingredients. It's essential to opt for nootropic drinks with adaptogens and nootropics. Ideally, you should seek a formula that incorporates ingredients like lion's mane, cordyceps, L-theanine, and L-taurine, along with other essential vitamins.
- Convenience. Nootropic drinks come in two forms: ready-to-drink (RTD) and powdered. While RTD drinks are pre-mixed and ready to consume anytime and anywhere, powdered ones offer greater flexibility in serving size and portability.
- Taste. With taste being subjective and personal preference playing a significant role, opt for a nootropic drink that is both palatable and incorporates natural flavors.
- Safety profile. To be sure that the content in the nootropic drink matches the ingredient label, seek out products that have been tested by independent third-party laboratories or hold relevant certifications.
Are nootropic drinks good for you?
Whether a nootropic drink benefits you depends on your needs, goals, individual health profile, and the chosen product. Nevertheless, typically, the nootropics present in these beverages should indeed be good for you, as they may improve blood flow to the brain, enhance brain metabolism, promote nerve regeneration, and, therefore, contribute to brain health.
Additionally, they may serve as precursors to certain neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine, which is a key messenger in the brain, playing a crucial role in learning and memory.
Nootropic beverages are typically pre-blended with carefully selected ingredients, offering a hassle-free and convenient option for on-the-go consumption compared to purchasing separate supplements. These drinks with adaptogens and nootropics are often enriched with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbal extracts. These components are believed to enhance cognitive function and promote overall brain health synergistically.
Nootropic drinks compared to other drinks
Many nootropic drinks are low in calories, making them a potentially healthier choice than sugary energy drinks, high-calorie beverages, or highly-caffeinated coffees. Nevertheless, considering the variety of beverage options available today that can impact cognitive function and alertness, they differ in their primary purposes and mechanisms of action, which calls for a comparison.
Below, we compare nootropic drinks to other beverages.
Nootropic drink vs. coffee
While nootropic drinks are designed to support brain health and optimize cognitive performance without the intense stimulation or side effects often associated with excessive coffee consumption, coffee, on the other hand, is known for its stimulating effects due to its caffeine content. Although it can improve cognitive function in the short term, its primary focus is on providing an energy boost rather than promoting long-term cognitive health.
In the end, the choice between a nootropic drink and coffee depends on individual preferences, health considerations, and desired effects. Some individuals may lean towards the cognitive-enhancing benefits of nootropic drinks, while others may prefer the immediate energy boost that coffee provides. However, should you desire to experience the benefits of both coffee and nootropics, there exists a perfect solution for you — the best nootropic coffees.
Nootropic drinks vs. energy drinks
Although they may sound alike, nootropic drinks and energy drinks serve distinct purposes and have differences in their formulations.
Nootropic drinks often contain a combination of natural compounds known for their potential cognitive benefits. Common ingredients include moderate amounts of caffeine and L-theanine, along with vitamins, minerals, and adaptogens to reduce stress and promote mental clarity.
On the other hand, energy drinks are loaded with stimulants, particularly caffeine and sugar. Some energy drinks may even contain high levels of caffeine, far beyond what is found in a typical cup of coffee or nootropic drink.
Once again, your choice depends solely on your personal preferences. However, it is essential to remember that moderation and awareness of individual sensitivities are crucial when consuming these drinks.
What is included in nootropic beverages?
Nootropic drinks typically consist of natural compounds, including L-theanine, lion’s mane, and guarana, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. In the following section, we will explore these key ingredients commonly found in nootropic drinks.
- L-theanine. L-Theanine, when consumed with caffeine, may lead to improved alertness and accuracy in attention-switching tasks. Furthermore, L-theanine is renowned for its anxiety and stress-reducing properties.
- Lion’s mane. Lion’s mane is associated with several therapeutic benefits related to nerve and brain health. More specifically, several compounds in lion’s mane have been shown in cell studies to support the synthesis of nerve growth factor, which is important for the survival and proliferation of neurons in the brain.
- Guarana. Guarana, a plant derivative, is renowned for its caffeine levels and various bioactive components, which are believed to potentially enhance cognitive abilities. Several studies have explored the impact of powdered guarana seed, revealing a wide range of effects, including stimulation, anti-inflammatory properties, and antioxidant benefits.
- Vitamins and minerals. Vitamins and minerals are crucial for humans as they play essential roles in various basic metabolic pathways, supporting fundamental cellular functions. Specifically, they are critical for brain and muscular function, which, in turn, affects cognitive and physiological processes, including mental and physical fatigue.
Are nootropic drinks better than capsules?
Both nootropic drinks and capsules can effectively deliver the desired cognitive benefits. The active ingredients present in nootropic drinks are also found in capsules, making it a matter of personal preference.
Nootropic drinks often come in ready-to-drink or powdered forms, providing a convenient and portable option. They usually have a pleasant taste, making them more enjoyable to consume than swallowing capsules.
As it pertains to capsules, they are generally compact and convenient for portability; however, some capsule-form supplements might possess an unpleasant taste or smell.
Either way, whether nootropic drinks are better than capsules comes down to individual preferences and desired effects. Some people might prefer the convenience and taste of nootropic drinks, while others may favor the flexibility and customization options that capsules offer.
How to keep energy levels high and stay motivated
Maintaining high energy levels and staying motivated hold significant importance, as they are essential for achieving productivity and leading a fulfilling life. To help you accomplish this objective, here are some general tips:
- Get enough sleep. Avoid sleepless nights and get adequate rest each night by aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep. Doing so directly impacts your energy levels and overall mood.
- Stay hydrated. Make sure you drink enough water throughout the day, as dehydration can lead to fatigue, decreased energy, and, oftentimes, headaches.
- Balance your diet. Adopt a nutritionally balanced diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and wholesome fats. Additionally, to further enhance your diet, you may also consider incorporating the best nootropics for energy and motivation into your daily routine.
- Exercise regularly. Engaging in regular physical activities, such as cardio exercises, strength training, or even simple stretching, can boost physical energy levels, in turn making you feel more alert and awake throughout the day.
Learn more about cognitive health
The best nootropics are worth considering for optimizing brain health.
To improve focus and concentration, the best brain supplements deserve some thought.
If managing ADHD without prescriptions is your goal, explore the best adderall alternatives.
To find relief from anxiety and stress, consider trying the best nootropics for anxiety.
FAQ
What is the best nootropic to start?
It depends. If you're considering trying a nootropic, keep in mind that individual responses to nootropics can vary, and their effectiveness and safety are still subjects of ongoing research. Therefore, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss your specific needs and health status when starting a new supplementation regimen.
Are nootropics drinks safe?
They are considered safe. Even though the safety of nootropic drinks, like other supplements, remains a subject of debate and caution, drinks containing adaptogens and nootropics — enriched with natural compounds — are generally deemed safe for consumption.
What nootropic increases dopamine?
L-theanine. L-theanine, often found in green tea, has been shown to increase dopamine release, as well as other neurotransmitters. This effect potentially explains the positive impact it has on mood and cognitive functions.
9 resources
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- Nutrients. Effect of Guarana (Paullinia cupana) on Cognitive Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
- Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. Effects of the consumption of guarana on human health: A narrative review.
- Nutrients. Vitamins and Minerals for Energy, Fatigue and Cognition: A Narrative Review of the Biochemical and Clinical Evidence.
- Journal of Restorative Medicine. Neurological Activity of Lion’s Mane (Hericium erinaceus).
- Journal of medicinal food. Effects of l-Theanine on Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Subjects: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study.
- Food Science and Human Wellness. How does the tea L-theanine buffer stress and anxiety.
- Nutrition reviews. Acute effects of tea constituents L-theanine, caffeine, and epigallocatechin gallate on cognitive function and mood: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
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