The Best Energy Drinks for Studying (Without the Jitters)

Whether you're cramming for exams or powering through a mountain of coursework, staying mentally sharp can be a real challenge. For students and professionals alike, energy levels often drop just when you need them most: late-night study sessions, early morning deadlines, or that all-important final push before submission.

That’s where most people opt for an energy drink hit, but not all of them are created equal. In fact, some popular options can do more harm than good, leaving you anxious, jittery, or burnt out before you've even finished your flashcards.

So how do you stay focused, alert, and energised without the side effects? Let’s break down exactly what your brain needs, what to avoid, and why Shine+ is quickly becoming the go-to study companion for students who want to study smarter, not harder.

What Students Actually Need

First things first: what does your brain really need to study effectively?

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not about sheer stimulation. While a burst of energy might keep you awake, it doesn’t guarantee productivity. In fact, too much stimulation can scatter your focus and make deep work nearly impossible.

Instead, the best mental state for studying is a mix of:

• Focus: the ability to concentrate on one task without distraction

• Clarity: mental sharpness and clear thinking

• Sustained energy: a slow, steady boost that lasts for hours, not minutes

In other words, you don’t need a high-octane caffeine bomb. You need a balanced blend of ingredients that nourish your brain and help you stay in the zone.

Why Regular Energy Drinks Fall Short

1. Too Much Caffeine = Jitters and Anxiety

Most mainstream energy drinks are loaded with excessive caffeine, often the equivalent of two or three cups of coffee in one can. To make matters even worse, these are often synthetic sources of caffeine. While that might give you an initial buzz, it often comes with unwanted side effects like:

• Racing heart

• Nervous energy

• Shaky hands

• Increased anxiety

For students already feeling the pressure, these symptoms can actually worsen performance and make studying feel overwhelming.

2. Sugar Crashes Wreck Concentration

Many energy drinks also rely heavily on sugar to provide a quick hit of energy. The problem? That energy is short-lived.

After a brief spike in blood sugar and alertness, your body quickly crashes, leaving you tired, foggy, and possibly even hungrier than before. Not ideal when you’re trying to absorb a semester’s worth of material in one sitting.

What to Look for in a Study Drink

Instead of artificial highs, look for ingredients that fuel your brain with clean, steady energy and support cognitive function.

Here are some key ingredients to look out for:

Natural Caffeine
Found in green tea, Yerba Maté and coffee beans, natural caffeine tends to be less harsh than synthetic caffeine. It provides alertness without the unpleasant side effects when consumed in moderation.

Low or No Sugar
Opt for drinks that are low in sugar or contain zero sugar, but are naturally sweetened, so you can maintain focus without the rollercoaster of energy highs and lows.

Nootropics
Also known as smart supplements, nootropics are compounds that enhance memory, creativity, motivation, and cognitive function. Natural nootropics like B vitamins and  turmeric, can make a real difference in study performance. See some of our key nootropics in Shine:

L-Theanine
This natural amino acid, commonly found in green tea, works synergistically with caffeine to boost concentration while promoting calmness. It’s a game-changer for reducing stress while staying mentally sharp.

Gingko Biloba
Known for boosting blood flow and brain function, ginkgo biloba supports memory, focus, and mental sharpness, perfect for powering through busy workdays or study sessions..

How Shine+ Supports Study Sessions

This is exactly where Shine+, shines!

Created with students, creatives, and professionals in mind, Shine+ is Australia’s first nootropic-infused drink, designed to enhance brain function without the downsides of traditional energy drinks.

Here’s what sets us apart:

Natural Ingredients for Mental Clarity

Shine+ combines natural caffeine from green coffee beans and green tea with L-theanine, ginkgo biloba, and B vitamins - a blend specifically formulated to support focus, memory and mood. It’s not just about staying awake; it’s about staying sharp.

Smooth, Steady Focus. No Crash

Thanks to its zero sugar formila and brain-friendly ingredients, Shine+ delivers long-lasting mental energy without the crash. You won’t get the sudden spike (or slump) that comes with high-sugar, high-caffeine drinks.

That means you can stay focused for longer, whether you're reviewing notes, writing essays, or prepping for a big presentation.

Functional, Not Just Stimulating

Shine+ doesn’t just stimulate your nervous system, it nourishes your brain. With ingredients that have been studied for their effects on cognition and stress, every sip supports you holistically, helping you stay alert and calm even during high-pressure study sessions.

Flavours You’ll Actually Enjoy

Unlike overly sweet or chemically-tasting alternatives, Shine+ comes in a variety of refreshing flavours. It feels like a treat - but functions like fuel. Our favourites at the moment are: Better Energy Raspberry Soda, Charged Yuzu Lemonade and Charged Blood Orange.

Study Smarter, Not Harder

You don’t have to choose between focus and calm, or between energy and health. With the right ingredients, it’s possible to feel energised, clear-headed, and in control, even during the busiest periods of study or work.

Whether you're pulling an all-nighter before exams or getting a head start on your next big project, choose a drink that supports your brain, body, and future. With natural nootropics and steady, jitter-free energy, Shine+ is more than a drink, it’s your A+ study companion.

So skip the sugar crash, ditch the jitters, and power your brain the smart way. Your schoolwork (and your peace of mind) will thank you!