We Tried Aldi’s New Organic Energy Drink

As a frequent consumer of almost any drink with health promises, I’ve dabbled in VitaLife. In general, I’d say their flavors tend to be a bit more creative, if subtle―think cutely kitschy but not candy sweet, like VitaLife’s Strawberry Vanilla Prebiotic Soda. So when I heard VitaLife was coming out with a new line of tibicos-based (water kefir) energy drinks, I was curious to see how far they’d push flavor in a market dominated by slightly more angry-sounding brands like Red Bull, Rockstar, and Bang. 

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VitaLife Sparkling Energy Pomegranate Peach

Pros: They’ve been drinking tibicos in Mexico since ancient times. And while store bought energy drinks might be a far cry from ancient fermentation methods, the delicacy and restrained sweetness of the Pomegranate Peach flavor does feel a bit vintage. It’s also the best intro-to-tibicos flavor of the two. The water kefir and (substantial) carbonation are sturdy enough for the tart, autumnal pomegranate flavor. Overall, it’s floral and mildly tannic.

Cons: Really not many. The flavor is delicate―but if you like VitaLife, you’re already good with that. There’s low calorie count, good energy, and (no offense peach rings) a much fresher, orchard-y peach flavor that’s not dominated or stained by too much pomegranate.

VitaLife Sparkling Energy Raspberry Lemon

Pros: If the Pomegranate Peach flavor leaned into the earthiness and sturdiness of fine-fizzed fermented flavor, the Raspberry Lemon did the opposite (in a good way)―lifting the carbonation up. It sounds like a reach, but the fizziness here reminds me of Champagnes and sparkling wines.

Cons: Again, not many here. The energy is real―and the L-Theanine (found naturally in black and green tea) keeps it all balanced. And where raspberry flavors often come off flabby and saccharine, you don’t get that here. The lemon slices through it and the tibicos fermentation washes it all down. 

Final Verdict

These aren’t all-nighter energy drinks and they definitely don’t have the medicine-meets-candy sweetness of the Red Bull/Rockstar world. And that’s why they get nine sporks. This is a natural energy drink that clocks in at 70 calories, uses organic ingredients, and gives a consistent, calmer kick via 100 milligrams of natural caffeine and 100 milligrams of L-Theanine. Add 500 milligrams of Lion’s Mane Mushroom extract (a key player in the adaptogenic mushroom world) and you’ve got a perky little buzz with a lasting fizz and real-to-life fruit flavors boosted by subtle (monk fruit) sweetness. These will be hitting Aldi shelves July 22nd.