Are Prime Drinks Bad For You? Here's What Experts Think

With colorful cans and fun flavors like Strawberry Watermelon and Ice Pop, Prime Energy seems harmless enough. In fact, the caffeinated energy drink has quickly become a favorite among athletic teenagers and tweens. However, some people on TikTok are voicing concern about the ingredients in Prime Energy and Prime Hydration.

Beyond the commentary on social media, a proposed class action lawsuit from 2023 has also raised eyebrows. The suit alleges that Prime contains toxic "forever chemicals," otherwise known as PFAS. According to the National Cancer Institute, PFAS can increase your risk of cancer. And that's not to mention the energy drink's high caffeine content, which carries its own set of risks.

Given the ongoing discourse, we asked experts whether or not Prime is actually bad for you. Before cracking open your next can, read on to see what experts think about Prime's ingredients, the proposed effects, and the potential risks.

Experts Featured in This Article:

Naheed Ali, MD, PhD, is a physician and medical writer.

Lauren Manaker, RDN, is a registered dietitian nutritionist based in Charleston, SC.

Marissa Meshulam, MS, RD, CDN, is a New York City-based dietitian and founder of MPM Nutrition.

What Is Prime?

Prime is a beverage company founded by viral content creators Logan Paul and Olajide "KSI" Olatunji. According to the official website, the company's main objective is to deliver "bold, thirst-quenching flavors to help you refresh, replenish, and refuel." The brand launched with Prime Hydration in 2022, then expanded to include energy drinks, sports drinks, and hydration sticks promoted by all-star athletes like NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes and soccer player Alisha Lehmann.

Prime Energy Ingredients

Prime Energy and Prime Hydration contain a base of vitamins and coconut water, but the standout ingredient in Prime Energy drinks is caffeine, with 200 milligrams of caffeine per 12-ounce can. L-theanine, taurine, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 are also on the list of Prime Energy ingredients. Prime Energy is marketed as zero-sugar and vegan, but it does contain the artificial sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame potassium.

The caffeine content is arguably the most concerning ingredient, according to multiple experts, including physician Naheed Ali, MD, PhD. "In particular, the high caffeine content can lead to accelerated heart rate, insomnia, anxiety, digestive upset, and interfering drug interactions, especially in excess amounts," Dr. Ali says. He adds that taurine, an amino acid, is meant to support a healthy metabolism, but further research on its long-term effects is needed (especially in Prime Energy's high dosage).

Lauren Manaker, RDN, agrees that the level of caffeine in Prime Energy is something to be mindful of. "While 200 milligrams is an acceptable amount of caffeine for a person to drink, if you combine this [Prime Energy] with other caffeinated drinks, like coffee, you can easily exceed the 400 milligrams limit set by the FDA," she says.

Prime Hydration Ingredients

While Prime Energy presents some red flags, the ingredients in Prime Hydration may actually be beneficial, Manaker says. These include water (the primary component for hydration), coconut water (a natural source of electrolytes), as well as B vitamins, antioxidants, electrolytes, and natural flavors.

That said, the drink also contains the artificial sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame potassium. The sweeteners used are technically approved for food use by the US Food and Drug Administration, but some health professionals worry that acesulfame potassium may affect metabolic processes and increase the risk of cancer, Manaker says. "While regulatory bodies like the FDA maintain that acesulfame K is safe for consumption within set guidelines, ongoing research and public skepticism continue to highlight the need for a deeper understanding of its long-term implications on human health," she says.

Prime Drink Lawsuit

The 2023 Prime lawsuit was filed by a California resident named Elizabeth Castillo, who alleges that Prime Hydration drinks are falsely marketed as healthy. Details of the suit reveal that Castillo independently tested the Prime Hydration Grape sports drink and found PFAS and synthetic artificial chemicals.

That same year, Sen. Chuck Schumer called on the FDA to investigate Prime Energy drinks (and the Prime company as a whole). "One of the summer's hottest status symbols for kids is not an outfit, or a toy — it's a beverage — but buyer and parents beware because it's a serious health concern for the kids it so feverishly targets," Schumer said.

Is Prime Energy Bad For You?

The defining factor is how frequently the drinks are consumed. "Prime Energy isn't necessarily bad for you, as long as you are eating a balanced diet and you are not consuming many servings of this drink every day," Manaker tells PS. Still, she warns consumers about the amount of caffeine. Overconsumption of caffeine (i.e. more than the 400-milligram limit set by the FDA) can lead to heart palpitations, sleep disturbances, and increased blood pressure, Manaker says. Over time, excessive caffeine can also contribute to more serious health issues such as heart arrhythmias.

Marissa Meshulam, RD, says that the artificial ingredients found in Prime Energy drinks can also be problematic. "Artificial sweeteners cause and worsen gut issues, can cause increased appetite later on in the day, and can mess with our taste buds and get us used to hyper-sweet food," Meshulam tells PS. "If you are looking for energy, I suggest seeking out real, balanced meals and drinking a cup of coffee, green tea, or matcha instead."

It's also important to note that Prime energy should not be consumed by anyone under the age of 18 (as stated by the company). Those with a caffeine sensitivity and those who are pregnant or nursing are also advised to refrain from drinking the beverage.

Is Prime Hydration Bad For You?

In general, as long as people are drinking them in moderation, Prime Hydration should be safe to consume, Manaker says. But the ingredients don't exactly get a green flag from experts. "While it's impossible to completely avoid PFAS exposure in everyday life, I suggest people limit their exposure whenever they have the ability to do so," Manaker says. She also suggests that consumers steer clear of the Prime Hydration Grape flavor (the flavor explicitly named in the Prime lawsuit).

Other ingredients that give Manaker pause include natural flavoring and added vitamins. "While natural flavors aren't bad, it is hard to determine exactly which natural flavors are included in this drink, which may not agree with certain people," she tells PS. Also, for people who eat a balanced diet, the additional vitamins and minerals may not be necessary. "Depending on a person's dietary intake (including their intake of certain supplements), consuming this drink may result in them overconsuming certain nutrients, thanks to the added vitamins and minerals," Manaker cautions.

There could also be a chance that Prime Hydration doesn't work the best for everyone. "For some, this can be a healthy option for hydration support. But for those who need to replenish glycogen stores by including ample glucose in their diet, this hydration drink may not be the best choice," Manaker says, explaining that the drink is relatively low in sugar and sodium. "Again, for some, that is A-OK. But for people who are sweating and losing a lot of fluids and electrolytes, they may need a choice higher in this mineral."

Ultimately, she encourages people to err on the side of caution and enjoy drinks like this in reasonable quantities. If you're really looking for some extra hydration, water is always a safe and restorative option.

Is Prime OK For Kids to Drink?

One of the main concerns with Prime Energy and Prime Hydration is their popularity among younger people, with TikTok users accusing the brand of marketing towards teens and tweens. Given the high caffeine content in Prime Energy, experts advise children not to consume the drink. Even Prime's official website explicitly states that Prime Energy is for ages 18 and over. "Prime Energy is not safe for those under 18," Meshulam emphasizes. Manaker recommends children avoid the Prime Hydration drinks too: "These drinks are formulated based on the needs of adults, not children."

— Additional reporting by Chandler Plante

Ayana Herndon is a New York City-based freelance writer. She has a passion for amplifying voices of color through her writing, which spans fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Her work has appeared in PS and Women's Wear Daily.

Chandler Plante (she/her) is an assistant health and fitness editor for PS. She has over four years of professional journalism experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributing to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group.