How ZONiE is Ushering in a New Era of Energy Drinks (That Are Good For You)

Photo courtesy ZONiE

For surfers and outdoor enthusiasts today, energy is at a premium. And that extra energy we need, whether it's pre or post surf or getting through the day, usually comes from energy drinks.

But here’s the problem. With so many energy drinks out there today, which one is actually good for you? 

The truth is that many of today's energy drinks are choc full of high sugar content, high caffeine, artificial colors, artificial flavoring and other ingredients that, straight up, are not good for you.

All of this can lead to an annoying sugar crash, gut irritation, or even in severe cases, heart palpitations. 

Personally, I’d rather be tired than go through any of these symptoms, which is why I usually stay away from the energy drink section of the store all together.

But then I heard about ZONiE, marketed as an energy drink that’s actually good for you. Ever since I've been introduced to it, I haven't stopped drinking it.

Though the company, led by co-founders Troy and Carolyn Clegg, is just a few years old. The "ZONiE" name itself dates back decades to the 1970s and 1980s when people in Arizona would flock to the California coast, specifically San Diego, to escape the summer desert heat and hit the beach. "That's what they called us," Troy said, referring to the San Diego locals who used "ZONiEs" as a term for visiting Arizonans.

We spoke with Troy and Carolyn Clegg to hear more about the brand's origin story and its ingredients. Here's what I love about ZONiE Beverages — and why it should be your next energy drink purchase.

ZONiE founders Troy and Carolyn Clegg. Photo courtesy ZONiE

1. ZONiE Beverages are non-carbonated.

One of the biggest differences between ZONiE and its competitors: "Non-carbonated, number one," Carolyn told me.

Ever notice those little bubbles when you pop open an energy drink? For some, that may not matter, but for people like me, it messes with my stomach. The majority of energy drinks rely on these bubbles to create both a flavor and a feel in the mouth, but not ZONiE. 

Carolyn explained this was strategic to ensure the drink is "subtle enough, but yet sweet enough for people to enjoy" without the bloating or digestive discomfort often caused by other carbonated beverages. 

Because of this, I could drink ZONiE pre or post surf, or even as something to quench my thirst during the work day. 

In my experience, by removing the carbonation, ZONiE avoids the "heavy" feeling associated with sodas and other energy drinks and instead, feels light as it goes down.

2. ZONiE's Ingredients include Monk Fruit.

ZONiE’s taste good. And sweet. To achieve sweetness without the health drawbacks of sugar or the chemical aftertaste of artificial sweeteners, ZONiE uses something I haven’t heard of before: monk fruit. 

"It's a sweetener that's much sweeter than sugar, but it's healthy for you," Troy said. 

Sounds pretty great, right?

While Troy, who had a background of working with Coca-Cola, knew of monk fruit, it hadn't reached Carolyn's radar. But after researching its popularity among health-conscious communities, she realized it was the perfect fit for the "clean" label they were seeking.

Carolyn explained this not only helps the drinks achieve great taste with less sugar; it can also allow people who otherwise can't drink energy drinks to do just that.

She received a testimonial from a diabetic customer who reported that drinking ZONiE didn't cause a spike in his blood sugar levels, whereas drinking any energy drink on the market would do so.

Best of all: there's no GMOs in this monk fruit or in the drink. After having its ingredients tested, ZONiE achieved the non-GMO project verified label, proving that its ingredients are not only real, but they are exactly as described: good for you.

By avoiding sucralose and high-fructose corn syrup, ZONiE maintains a low calorie count while remaining safe for individuals who are monitoring their glycemic index.

The bottom line: ZONiE Beverages are an option when other energy drinks aren't.

3. ZONiE uses organic green coffee beans.

The stimulant used in ZONiE’s caffeinated products is derived from organic green coffee beans, which Carolyn explained is different than the synthetic caffeine found in most energy drinks.

"People that are sensitive to caffeine can drink ours because it has organic green coffee beans, and they likely won't have any issues," Carolyn said. She cited several testimonials from customers who reported no sugar crash and no jitters.

The result of organic green coffee beans is a drink that supports energy and focus without the side effects of high-stimulant drinks.

Photo courtesy ZONiE

4. ZONiE Beverages offer caffeinated and caffeine-free options.

Whereas most energy drink companies focus on one product — a highly caffeinated drink that has ingredients that your body won't like — ZONiE offers both caffeinated and caffeine-free versions of its flavors.

"You shouldn't have to compromise," Carolyn said, and I couldn't agree more.

Their Passion Fruit flavor is the most popular in their growing lineup. It's paired with organic green coffee bean caffeine to provide a "smooth focus". Carolyn said the flavor is designed to be refreshing and light, serving as a morning coffee alternative for many users — of course, without the crash and jitters.

Their Black Cherry flavor is made with real juice, which is critical for its recovery benefits. Here's what I loved about it: because it lacks caffeine, it's ideal for drinking at night, particularly for athletes who want the anti-inflammatory benefits of cherry juice without disrupting their sleep cycle.

Oh, and there's more I have to say about this...

5. ZONiE Beverages focus on inflammation and recovery.

Another reason I love these drinks: ZONiE places a heavy emphasis on functional recovery, particularly with its Black Cherry flavor.

Carolyn explained that real cherry juice makes it a valuable tool for all athletes, noting specifically that "baseball players consume cherry juice; it's good for them for immunity, it's good for inflammation, it's a good recovery drink."

By offering a caffeine-free version of this flavor, ZONiE allows professional athletes to consume the drink 60 to 90 minutes before bed to aid muscle recovery and reduce inflammation overnight. The best part? It won't keep you up at night.

Carolyn said this specific application has made the drink a favorite among MLB players who need to maintain peak physical condition during a demanding season.

And hey, if it's good enough for pro baseball players, it's good enough for us as surfers.

What makes this even more impressive — and that much more worth your money — is that ZONiE Beverages are NSF Certified For Sport. NSF, which has been around since the 1940s, is the gold standard of athletic safety, providing an independent guarantee that a given product is free from over 290 banned substances, all the while meeting the highest global requirements for both purity and label accuracy.

As both Carolyn and Troy explained, it's a certification that doesn't come easily, but it means that it's a product proven to help athletes and people on the go alike.

This focus on biological benefits, such as immunity and anti-inflammatory support, and its top of the line certifications sets ZONiE apart as a "functional" beverage rather than just a standard energy drink, and is the key reason it's now in my fridge.

6. ZONiE has a faith-based mission.

There's no doubt about it: Troy and Carolyn have a passion for energy drinks that are good for you, but beyond that, they also have a purpose, which is why ZONiE is a mission-driven, faith-based company.

"We're a faith-based company, we've got a Bible verse on the can," Carolyn said.

Beyond quenching your thirst with ingredients that are actually good for you, the company provides resources for those interested learning more about Christianity, including a Bible app and a "Soul" tab on their website.

The most impressive thing of all? Carolyn said that through the process of building ZONiE, they "learned to surrender" and allow their faith to lead the company's direction. This, combined with their hard work, has created an energy drink that we believe is truly the next big thing.

Get yourself a ZONiE by clicking right here.