Energy drinks may have herbs and other ingredients like taurine, ginseng and ashwagandha which have not been thoroughly studied for their safety and can be harmful when consumed in high amounts, registered dietitian Lizzie Streit said. Read below to find natural alternatives provided by Streit and clinical dietitian Ilisa Nussbaum. 

• Dark chocolate is less processed than milk chocolate and white chocolate, so it contains more caffeine from cocoa beans. B vitamins present in dark chocolate help convert food into energy the body can use.
• Green and black tea contain amino acids such as L-theanine, which can improve focus. Tea is a natural caffeine source and generally has lower caffeine levels than coffee.
• Leafy greens such as spinach, arugula and lettuce contain nitrates the body converts to nitric oxide, a molecule that improves circulation by delivering oxygen to muscles and organs. Nitric oxide increases energy and stamina and improves heart health, immune system response and brain function.