Alani, short for Alani Nu, is a health and wellness brand best known for its brightly colored energy drinks, which have become a fixture in gas stations, gyms, and grocery stores across the United States. Founded in 2018 by fitness influencer Katy Hearn and her husband Haydn Schneider, the brand markets itself as a “better-for-you” nutrition company. Beyond energy drinks, Alani Nu sells pre-workout powders, hormonal health supplements, protein bars, and other snacks.
How Alani Nu Started
Katy Hearn built a large following on social media through fitness challenges and workout content. Her husband, Haydn Schneider, previously worked at Vitamin Shoppe. Together they opened a 10,000-square-foot gym for personal training before launching the Alani Nu supplement line in 2018. The brand grew quickly by leaning into social media marketing and eye-catching packaging aimed primarily at women, though the products are used widely regardless of gender.
The Energy Drinks
Alani Nu’s energy drinks are the product most people encounter first. Each 12-ounce can contains 200 mg of caffeine, which is half the FDA’s recommended daily limit of 400 mg for healthy adults. For context, that’s the same caffeine as a Celsius or Prime Energy in a similarly sized can, more than a Monster Zero Ultra (150 mg in 16 oz), and less than a Bang or Reign (300 mg in 16 oz).
The ingredient list goes beyond caffeine. The drinks include taurine (an amino acid), L-theanine (which can promote calm focus), L-carnitine, ginseng root extract, and guarana seed extract, which itself contains additional caffeine. They also deliver a full day’s worth of several B vitamins: B3, B5, B6, and B12 all come in at 100 to 110 percent of the daily value, and biotin sits at 100 percent.
The drinks contain zero sugar. Sweetness comes from sucralose and acesulfame potassium, two zero-calorie artificial sweeteners commonly found in diet sodas and other sugar-free beverages. Flavors range from fruity options like Juicy Peach and Breezeberry to candy-inspired varieties.
Supplements and Pre-Workout
Alani Nu’s product line extends well beyond canned energy drinks. The brand organizes its offerings into four categories: drinks, fitness supplements, snacks, and what it calls “essentials.”
The pre-workout powder is a staple in the fitness category. It contains 6 grams of L-citrulline malate, an ingredient that supports blood flow to muscles during exercise, and 1.6 grams of beta-alanine, which helps buffer the burning sensation you feel during high-intensity sets. Beta-alanine often causes a harmless tingling in the skin, typically in the hands and face, which catches some first-time users off guard.
One of the brand’s more distinctive products is a supplement called Balance, designed for hormonal health in women. It contains myo-inositol, which is linked to improved insulin sensitivity and fertility support, along with DIM (a compound derived from cruciferous vegetables) that plays a role in estrogen metabolism. The formula also includes chromium for blood sugar regulation, an antioxidant called glutathione marketed for skin health, alpha-lipoic acid for insulin sensitivity, and folate for cardiovascular and neural health. Balance is particularly popular among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), though it is sold as a general wellness supplement.
Safety Considerations
Alani Nu’s energy drinks carry warning labels for people who are sensitive to caffeine. The 200 mg per can is a significant dose, especially if you’re also drinking coffee or tea during the day. Two cans would put you right at the FDA’s 400 mg daily ceiling. Health experts flag particular concern for teenagers, children, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and anyone with an underlying heart condition. These groups face higher risks from concentrated caffeine intake.
There’s also an open question about ingredient interactions. Researchers have raised concerns that caffeine’s effects on the body may be amplified when combined with other stimulating ingredients like taurine and guarana, both of which appear in the Alani Nu formula. The wellness-oriented branding and pastel packaging can make it easy to forget that the caffeine content is substantial, roughly equivalent to two cups of coffee in a single small can.
The supplements, including Balance and the pre-workout, are not evaluated by the FDA for safety or effectiveness before they’re sold. This is standard for all dietary supplements in the U.S., not specific to Alani Nu, but it means the ingredient claims on the label haven’t been independently verified by a regulatory body.
Where to Find It
Alani Nu products are sold through the brand’s own website and widely available at major retailers including Target, Walmart, GNC, and convenience stores. The energy drinks are typically priced competitively with Celsius and other premium energy drink brands, generally running between $2 and $3 per can. Supplements like Balance and the pre-workout are sold directly and through supplement retailers both online and in stores.