Zero sugar has become one of the biggest trends in the beverage industry. From energy drinks and sodas to flavored waters and protein products, consumers are increasingly looking for ways to cut back on added sugar without sacrificing flavor.
But as more products replace traditional sugar with low- and no-calorie alternatives, an important question is emerging: Does the type of sweetener matter?
New research suggests it might.
New Research Looks at Artificial Sweeteners and Brain Health
A recent eight-year study highlighted by Inc. examined the relationship between several commonly used low- and no-calorie sweeteners and cognitive health.
Researchers followed more than 12,700 adults with an average age of 52 and evaluated their consumption of seven sweeteners: aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame K, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol and tagatose.
The findings were noteworthy.
Participants with the highest consumption averaged approximately 191 milligrams of these sweeteners per day—an amount researchers compared to what someone might consume in a single can of diet soda. This group experienced cognitive decline at a rate 62% faster than participants consuming the lowest amounts, equivalent to approximately 1.6 additional years of brain aging.
Six of the seven sweeteners studied were associated with faster declines in overall cognition, particularly memory and verbal fluency. The association was especially pronounced among adults younger than 60 and individuals with diabetes.
Importantly, researchers emphasized that the study identified an association, not causation. It does not prove that artificial sweeteners directly cause cognitive decline, and additional research is needed to better understand their long-term effects.
Still, the findings add another layer to an increasingly important conversation about what goes into the foods and beverages we consume every day.
Zero Sugar Doesn't Have to Mean Artificial
For years, consumers have been trained to look primarily at one number on a beverage label: sugar.
But a product containing zero grams of sugar doesn't necessarily tell the whole story.
Turn the can around and look at the ingredient list. How is that sweetness being created?
At BeGOAT, we believe what replaces sugar matters just as much as removing it in the first place.
That's why BeGOAT Zero Sugar is made without artificial sweeteners. Instead, we use two plant-derived alternatives: Non-GMO Organic Stevia Leaf Extract (Reb M) and Non-GMO Monk Fruit Extract.
Reb M is a naturally occurring sweet component found in the stevia leaf, while monk fruit extract comes from the luo han guo fruit. Together, they provide the sweetness consumers expect from an energy drink without added sugar or the artificial sweeteners examined in the recent cognitive-health study.
It's part of BeGOAT's broader philosophy: keep the ingredient list short, recognizable, and intentional.
Six Simple Ingredients. Nothing Extra.
Every can of BeGOAT Zero Sugar contains just six ingredients:
- Carbonated water
- Non-GMO natural flavors
- Non-GMO citric acid
- Non-GMO coffee fruit extract
- Non-GMO organic stevia leaf extract (Reb M)
- Non-GMO monk fruit extract
That's it.
At the center of the formula is coffee fruit extract, also known as cascara. Rather than focusing solely on the coffee bean, BeGOAT utilizes the coffee fruit to deliver naturally sourced caffeine along with antioxidants, polyphenols, and micronutrients.
Each Zero Sugar can delivers 200 mg of naturally sourced caffeine with zero sugar and zero calories, creating an energy drink designed for people who want performance without an unnecessarily complicated ingredient list.
Read Beyond the Nutrition Facts
The latest research surrounding artificial sweeteners is a good reminder that nutrition isn't always as simple as choosing "sugar" or "zero sugar."
Ingredient quality matters.
Whether you're choosing an energy drink, protein bar, flavored water, or an afternoon snack, take a few extra seconds to flip over the package. Look beyond the marketing on the front and read what's actually inside.
What is providing the sweetness? How long is the ingredient list? Are there ingredients you weren't expecting?
As nutrition science continues to evolve, we will continue learning more about how everyday ingredients may affect our bodies over the long term. You don't need to wait for every question to be answered, however, to start becoming a more informed consumer.
At BeGOAT, that philosophy has always been simple: clean energy doesn't need to be complicated.
Six ingredients. Plant-based energy. Natural sweetness. Zero sugar. Nothing extra.
Because when you're reaching for something to fuel your next workout, workday or adventure, you should know exactly what you're drinking.
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Why Fewer Ingredients Matter: The Clean Energy Difference