Water may be the elixir of life, but sometimes it can be a little, well, lifeless. That is the driving force behind MiO Liquid Water Enhancers, a line of highly concentrated flavor boosters that can turn plain water into a fruity, refreshing beverage. MiO comes in four varieties: original, sport, vitamins, and energy.
Of them all, MiO Energy is the only one with caffeine, so you’re getting a little extra jolt along with your fruit flavor. It takes so little, too. Roughly half a teaspoon of Mio Energy Water Enhancer already contains 60 milligrams of caffeine.
Still, how much MiO Energy is safe to drink per day? How does it measure up to other caffeinated beverages? Can it dethrone coffee, that other tasty elixir of life? Let’s break down the numbers and find out.
How Much Caffeine Is in MiO Energy?
A 1.6-fluid-ounce bottle of Mio Energy Water Enhancer contains 18 servings or squeezes.
Again, one squeeze of MiO Energy has 60 milligrams of caffeine. Multiply that by 18 servings, and that’s a total of 1,080 milligrams of caffeine per bottle of MiO Energy.
Caffeine Comparison: MiO Energy vs. Coffee vs. Tea
Without a frame of reference, it’s hard to know how much caffeine is actually a lot. So, let’s compare MiO Energy to some other popular drinks with caffeine.
First, let’s establish a baseline. According to their website, one squeeze of MiO Energy is enough for 8 fluid ounces of water, which equals 1 cup.
Now, let’s see how much caffeine is in a cup of each of the following drinks:
- 1 cup of MiO Energy = 60 milligrams of caffeine
- 1 cup of brewed coffee = 95 milligrams of caffeine
- 1 cup of instant coffee = 60 milligrams of caffeine
- 1 cup of green tea = 45 milligrams of caffeine
- 1 cup decaf coffee = 7.5 milligrams of caffeine
So, one cup of MiO Energy has approximately the same amount of caffeine as one cup of instant coffee or green tea, and less than a cup of brewed coffee.
Do note that those are just averages. Caffeine content can vary greatly depending on the type of coffee bean, the brewing method, the length of time the tea leaves are steeped, and many other factors.
How Much MiO Energy Water Enhancer Is Safe to Drink?
As far as energy drinks go, MiO Energy is healthier than most. For one, it has zero sugar and zero calories, which is more than can be said for other popular drinks like Red Bull, which has 27 grams of sugar in an 8.4-ounce can.
However, do watch out for the caffeine itself. The recommended daily caffeine limit for adults is up to 400 milligrams, according to the Mayo Clinic. More than that, and you risk side effects such as:
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Agitation
- Insomnia
- Upset stomach
- Muscle tremors
- Headache
- Fast heartbeat
Since one serving of MiO Energy has 60mg of caffeine, it’s best to limit yourself to no more than six servings, or 360 milligrams, of caffeine per day, more or less.
Of course, if you’re sensitive to caffeine, you’ll want to limit yourself to even less. Pregnant women and young children, for example, should avoid caffeine altogether.
Finally, it’s also a good idea to talk to your doctor if you’re taking any medication that could interact with caffeine, such as:
- Stimulant medications for ADHD
- Certain asthma medications
- Certain cold medications
Your doctor can also tell you how much caffeine is safe for you to consume based on your individual health and medical history.
MiO Energy Water Enhancer: Do’s & Don’ts
Finally, here are some tips on how to get the most out of your small-but-mighty bottle of MiO Energy:
Do
- Start with one squeeze and add more to taste. MiO Energy is very concentrated, so a little goes a long way.
- Add MiO Energy to plain or sparkling water. It’s especially refreshing with sparkling water – tastes like soda without the guilt!
- MiO Energy’s coffee varieties (Iced Vanilla Java and Iced Mocha Java) go great with milk.
- You can also freeze MiO Energy into ice cubes and add them to your drink.
- Mix flavors and see what you come up with! Try combining MiO Energy’s Wicked Blue Citrus and Strawberry Pineapple Smash, for example. Have fun with your drink!
Don’t
- Never mix MiO Energy with alcohol. The caffeine will mask the effects of the alcohol, and this can lead to all sorts of problems.
- Don’t drink too much MiO Energy. Again, the recommended limit is 400mg of caffeine per day for adults, which is no more than six servings of MiO Energy.
- Don’t add MiO Energy coffee flavors to coffee. Both the Iced Vanilla Java and Iced Mocha Java are actually coffee concentrates, so it’s easy to overdo it.
Wrapping It Up
If you don’t enjoy plain water, want to cut back on sugary and highly caffeinated drinks, or want a delicious pick-me-up during your day, MiO Energy is a fantastic option. Remember to drink it in moderation and feel free to experiment with different flavor combos!
Featured Image Credit: Coffee Affection
