Energy drinks are not eligible for reimbursement with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA).
Why Are Energy Drinks Not FSA/HSA Eligible?
Energy drinks are classified as general food or beverage items intended to boost alertness or performance, not to diagnose, treat, or prevent a medical condition. Because they are considered nutritional or lifestyle products, they do not qualify as medical care under IRS Code Section 213(d).
According to the SIGIS Eligible Product List Criteria, food and beverages are only reimbursable when used to treat a specific medical condition and prescribed by a healthcare provider. Standard energy drinks—whether sold in cans, bottles, or powder form—are marketed for general use and are therefore excluded from eligibility.
What’s Not Covered?
Ready-to-drink energy beverages (e.g., Red Bull, Monster, Celsius, 5-Hour Energy)
Caffeinated or stimulant-based powders marketed for energy or focus
Natural or “clean energy” drinks made with vitamins or herbs
Energy shots, drink mixes, or pre-workout formulas
Any energy drink purchased for general wellness, athletic performance, or alertness
LMN and Exceptions
Energy drinks are not eligible under any circumstances. A Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) cannot make these expenses reimbursable.
In rare cases, a physician may recommend a specialized nutritional product for a medical condition such as chronic fatigue syndrome or hypotension—but general energy drinks are not classified as medical nutrition products and do not qualify.
