What are the top energy drinks?

In a mid-afternoon slump? Didn’t get enough sleep? Many people look to energy drinks for a little oomph when their body is lagging. 

Consumed in relative moderation, energy drinks are a great way to give your body the added edge needed to push harder during workouts and longer physically and to stay focused and on task mentally. Here are 4 energy drinks worth the sips.

• Monster

• Rockstar

• Red Bull

• Bang

4 Most Popular Energy Drink Brands in 2024

Still unsure what to get?

First, let's consider Monster Energy. This brand is one of, if not the most popular on the market, and for good reason. It contains a high level of caffeine, as well as other ingredients that can give you a real energy boost. However, it's also important to note that Monster Energy can be quite sweet, so it's not always the best choice for those who are trying to cut down on sugar. Thankfully Monster Energy Zero Ultra exists as a sugar free alternative.

Next, we have Red Bull. Like Monster Energy, Red Bull contains a significant amount of caffeine. However, it also has some other ingredients that make it a bit more effective than its competitor. For instance, Red Bull contains taurine, which is an amino acid that can help to improve your focus and energy levels. Additionally, Red Bull also has a higher level of vitamin B12, which can further increase your energy levels. Red Bull is an energy drink that is regulated by the FDA, which means what’s on the label is actually in the beverage you’re drinking. One 8.4 fluid ounce can of the original provides 80 milligrams of caffeine, sugar, B-vitamins and taurine for 110 calories, which is pretty reasonable. As with any food or beverage, consume in moderation, especially since Red Bull does contain taurine, which studies suggest can improve mental performance when combined with caffeine, but more research is needed and findings remain controversial.

Finally, we have Rockstar Energy. Rockstar Energy is another popular choice, and it too contains a high level of caffeine. However, Rockstar Energy also contains guarana, which is a plant extract that has been shown to improve cognitive function and memory. Additionally, Rockstar Energy also contains ginseng, which can help to improve your overall energy levels.

What are the best-selling energy drink flavors?

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Recommended flavor: Monster Original Energy Drink

( Click to buy , you can get Walmart up to 3% rebate discount)

Of all the flavors Monster offers, the most popular seems to be its original can.

Recommended flavor: Monster Energy Zero Ultra

( Click to buy , you can get Walmart up to 3% rebate discount)

Recommended flavor: Rockstar Energy Drink Super Sour Green Apple

( Click to buy , you can get Walmart up to 3% rebate discount)

Rockstar energy drinks are specially designed for those who lead a highly active lifestyle.

Recommended flavor: Red Bull Energy Drink Original

( Click to buy , you can get Walmart up to 3% rebate discount)

Surprise! The most consumed energy drink in the world.

Recommended flavor: Bang Mixx Hard Seltzer

( Click to buy , you can get Kroger up to 2% rebate discount)

If you're a big fan of Bang's energy drinks and like to turn to harder drinks now and then, its Hard Seltzer should appeal to you.

Comparing Energy Drinks: Which Is the Best? Which Is the Worst?

There are a lot of options and without research, it can be hard to determine which one is the best for you. We're here to do the research for you and figure out what these drinks are bringing to the table. We're going to be looking into the amount of caffeine, sugar, and other beneficial ingredients are in each drink. 

Short on time? Monster is the best energy drink.

MONSTER ENERGY offers some great flavors if you dont dig the standard 'energy drink' taste (and personally we don't much like the thicker, syrupy and overly sweet taste of the standard natural flavors). You also get more bang for your buck vs Red Bull as it comes in a 16 ounce can vs the 8.4oz of Red Bull. That's pretty much double the caffeine for the same $$$. Opt for the sugar-free one and keep your teeth.

 ➡️ Purchase here.

Energy Drink Ingredients Comparison Table

Energy Drink Nutrition Facts Comparison Table

A comparison of the nutritional values of energy drinks alongside Monster.

Real Reviews of the Big Four Energy Drink Brands

#1.                                                                                   Monster

• Caffeine - 160mg 
  

• Caffeine Source - Synthetic 

• Sugar - 55 grams  

• Sugar Source - Glucose

• Other ingredients - Taurine, L-carnitine L-tartrate, B Vitamins (B3, B6, B2, and B12), and inositol. 

Monster Energy Price

Monster Energy costs less per ounce or milliliter than Red Bull. Monster Energy (available on Amazon.com) is substantially cheaper than Red Bull (available on Amazon.com). 

The latter is the juggernaut of the global brand, which may have something to do with the higher price, since Monster has a bit more ingredients than Red Bull.

A regular 12-pack of 16 fl. oz Monster Energy Drink cans will cost you on average $19, which roughly translates to $2 per can.

In terms of pricing, Monster Energy is pretty average for an energy drink of its size, and is actually cheaper than a 12 fl. oz can of Red Bull ($2.50).

So if you're on a budget, this is a very good energy drink.

How about the packaging?

With its distinct green-claw logo running down the side of a black can, it’s definitely a very recognizable energy drink.

How Many Calories Are In Monster Energy?

A regular 16 fluid ounce can of Monster Energy nets you an average of 210 calories, which is definitely a lot.

If you're looking for a low-calorie energy drink to supplement your diet, Monster Energy might not be the best choice. One can of Monster Energy provides more than 1/10th of your daily required caloric intake.

A healthy body weight requires 2,500 kcal (10,500 kJ) per day for the average male. That amounts to about 2,000 kcal (8,400 kJ) per day for a typical female.

Monster does have a sugar-free Monster Ultra line, available in a variety of flavors.

Monster Energy Caffeine Content

Although it’s not as excessive as a Reign or Bang (300mg per 16fl.oz), at 160mg per 16fl.oz, a can of Monster does have a fair amount of caffeine, nearly equal to 2 cups of coffee.

It is a fairly common amount of caffeine for an energy drink its size. Caffeine is essentially the most important part of an energy drink, responsible for benefits such as keeping you awake, improving reaction times as well as improving cognitive function while it’s in your system.

Monster Energy Sugar Content

A standard 16 fl.oz can of Monster Energy has 55g of sugar, which makes it one of the most sugary energy drinks on the market.

The AHA advises a stricter limit of no more than 24 grams of added sugar for the majority of adult women, and no more than 36 grams for the majority of adult men.

The amount of sugar present in a single can of Monster Energy definitely far exceeds that limit. 

As if Monster Energy isn’t already sweet enough with all that sugar, it also contains Sucralose, a sweetener that causes an increase in the sweetness of the drink. Sucralose is a zero-calorie sweetener that’s approved by the FDA for use in food and drinks.

Taurine

Taurine is an amino acid that has a variety of potential benefits, being a common ingredient in energy drinks such as Rockstar and Red Bull.

Moving on, while taurine has claimed to improve cognitive performance, research suggests that caffeine plays a bigger role in comparison to taurine for this particular aspect of energy drinks.

As such, it’s pretty hard to determine just how much of a benefit you’re getting from taurine, but since there’s no harm in having it in your drink, you don’t have to worry too much about it either.

Monster Energy Flavors

Monster has one of the most prolific selections of energy drink flavors, its flavors ranging from multiple sugar-free flavors to coffee-based ones. 

Monster Energy Has Almost 2 Dozen More Flavors Than Red Bull. Monster and Red Bull come in various interesting flavors. However, Red Bull offers only 13 flavors, whereas Monster has come out with a whopping 36. If you’re someone who is quickly bored with a flavor or taste, Monster offers a significantly wider range of choices to satiate you. 

Brands and their popularity

Besides Red Bull and Eastroc, Monster Energy is the only energy drink brand in the world to top $1 billion in annual revenue, and it does so by a comfortable margin, clearing $4.5 billion in yearly revenue. Its primary market is in the United States, but Monster energy drinks are sold just about everywhere.

While it’s not nearly as expensive as Red Bull, Monster isn’t a cheap energy drink. It’s more expensive than most other energy drink options, but many people still purchase them.

What Does Monster Energy Taste Like?

Monster Energy has 1 gram (0.03 oz) of extra sugar per 12 oz (355 ml) serving. This quantity isn’t significant enough to make the drink sweeter than Red Bull. However, Monster uses sucralose, which is exponentially sweeter than Red Bull’s sucrose.

Additionally, Monster Energy uses salt in its drinks, which Red Bull doesn’t. The combination of sucralose and salt makes Monster a bit tastier than Red Bull. However, this distinction is also entirely subjective. Plus, this difference isn’t applicable to the Zero variants of Monster and Red Bull. 

If you’re looking for a clean, crisp soda-like energy drink, Monster probably isn’t the energy drink for you, being more akin to the slight syrupy texture that most classic energy drinks have. Monster Energy tastes pretty similar to classic energy drinks such as Red Bull or Rockstar.

If you’re not too fond of the taste of Original Monster, the apparent best-tasting flavor from Monster is Monster Zero Ultra, which has a lot less sugar and calories in it as well.

Monster Energy Review (8.5 out of 10)

No matter where you are in the country, you can find Monster Energy products.

The Monster is a step up from the Red Bull. From superficial reasons like having cool looking cans, but also serious reasons including a jaw-dropping array of delicious flavors. 

The main reason is that Monster contains other ingredients that Red Bull does not. Monster includes has more B Vitamins than Red Bull and also includes L-carnitine L-tartrate and inositol. 

Inositol, a simple carbohydrate, has an impact on your brain's neurotransmitters. Your anxiety issues may be lessened as studies have shown that inositol can reduce panic attacks for those with panic disorders. 

L-carnitine L-tartrate is an amino acid that is often found in sport-performance products due to its aid in muscle soreness and recovery in exercise. 

Monster Energy delivers more nutrients per can due to its larger size than Red Bull. Additionally, Monster costs less per oz or ml than Red Bull. 

When it comes to sugar, Monster packs it in with 55 grams of sugar per 16 oz can. 

To conclude, I would rate the original Monster Energy a pretty solid 8.5 out of 10 for its ability to give you a great boost, but at the expense of adding a fair bit of calories and sugar to your diet.

#1.                                                                                   Rockstar

• Caffeine - 160mg
  

• Caffeine Source - Synthetic

• Sugar - 61 grams 

• Sugar Source - Sucrose and Glucose

• Other ingredients - Taurine, L- carnitine, inositol, Gingko Biloba Leaf Extract, Guarana Seed Extract, and Ginseng Root Extract 

Brands and their popularity

Rockstar Energy used to stand toe-to-toe with Monster Energy, but the current annual revenues show that’s not the case anymore. Today, Rockstar Energy is more of a budget brand, with each drink costing about half the price of a Monster.

Even so, Rockstar doesn’t move a ton of products. Many people simply can’t get past the taste, and there are not quite as many flavor options to choose from.

How Much is a Rockstar Energy Drink?

One 16 fl oz can of Rockstar usually runs you about $2 without shipping fees. If you’re ordering overseas, it might cost you a bit more.

Rockstar is actually decent value for money all things considered and is pretty worth its price.

How Much Energy Is in A Rockstar?

A 16 oz Rockstar contains 122 calories per serving.

Of course, it’s not just the calorie count that counts in an energy drink, but also caffeine and sugar—especially since caffeine and sugar are the key ingredients that help you stay awake and energized.

Though it doesn’t fit in as many calories as Monster or Red Bull, Rockstar is perfect for when you need a quick burst to finish your work.

As a reminder, the daily recommended caloric intake for healthy adults ranges between 2000 to 2400 calories for women and 2400 to 3000 calories for men.

Be sure to keep that in mind especially if you’re conscious of your diet, and try to keep the Rockstar drinking to only when necessary.

How Much Caffeine is in Rockstar?

A can of Original Rockstar contains 160mg of caffeine per 16 fl oz can.

At 160mg, Rockstar might not be the strongest caffeinated energy drink on the market, but it’s no slouch either. That’s still equivalent to roughly 2 cups of coffee, which is quite a bit for some people.

How Much Sugar is in Rockstar?

Each 16 fl oz can of Rockstar contains 24g of sugar.

Compared to some well-known energy drink brands, Rockstar isn’t as sugar-filled. Granted it’s not zero sugar, but if you’re looking for something not quite as sweet, Rockstar has that niche covered.

Be aware though, that the AHA advises that the maximum daily sugar intake for men and women is 36g and 25g respectively. While a single can won’t put you over that limit, two definitely will.

In the short-term, intake of sugar leads to a sugar high, which gives you the burst of energy you need to finish your task.

Unfortunately, what goes up must come down and so is the case of sugar high. When your sugar levels fall from the increase, tiredness and lethargy would manifest as a side effects.

What Vitamins Are In Rockstar Energy Drink?

Rockstar contains a group of B-Vitamins, notably Niacin (B3), B6 and B12. 

Does Rockstar Actually Work?

Rockstar definitely works, just like most energy drinks, through the effects of sugar, caffeine, and other ingredients. The sugar gives your cells the energy it needs, whilst the caffeine stops your brain from feeling tired.

What Does Rockstar Taste Like?

It actually tastes very similar to Red Bull, even if the texture is slightly different.

Rockstar doesn't have an overpowering sweetness, so if you like something light-tasting, Rockstar might be for you.

With a good balance of flavors, Rockstar doesn't taste too bad.

If you didn't like Rockstar's original, maybe you'll like one of the other flavors.

Rockstar Energy Drink Review  (8.5 out of 10)

After Red Bull and Monster, Rockstar is probably the third-most recognizable name on this list. 

In fact, it's already the best brand when it comes to zero-sugar energy drinks. Without that sugar, Rockstar Energy somehow still manages to retain all the flavor. It's truly magical and is the perfect fit for those following a keto diet.

Rockstar Energy's mastery doesn't end with its zero-sugar variety of beverages either. Its other products, such as its full calorie and organic energy drinks, are also fantastic, while Rockstar Juiced adds juice to the energy drink formula with a result that's even better than you'd expect. The bottom line is you won't find a bad product by Rockstar Energy. 

We covered taurine, L-carnitine, inositol, and ginseng, so we won't reiterate those details, but we will go over Gingko Biloba Leaf and Guarana Seed Extract. 

Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract is often taken as a supplement for memory and thought problems, anxiety, vision problems, and other cognitive issues. Unfortunately, there's no scientific evidence to back this up. 

Guarana Seed Extract is generally taken by mouth for athletic performance, mental performance, obesity, and to increase energy. Similar to Ginkgo, there's no evidence to back these claims. 

Rockstar’s a pretty good energy drink that you can greatly enjoy on occasion. The 160 mg of caffeine is enough to get you going through the day and it’s also beneficial that it’s sugar-free. However, its calorie content also means that it’s more suited for those who live an active lifestyle.

We really like the texture and it doesn't taste too sweet!

All things considered, I give Rockstar a solid 8.5 out of 10 overall.

#3.                                                                                   Red Bull 

• Caffeine - 151mg 
  

• Caffeine Source - Synthetic

• Sugar - 52 grams  

• Sugar Source - Table Sugar (Sucrose) and Glucose 

• Other ingredients - Taurine and B Vitamins

Brands and their popularity

If you’re looking for the top energy drink brand in the world, the clear answer is Red Bull, and it’s not that close. It has annual revenues of close to $9 billion, which is almost more than $2 billion higher than its next closest competitor.

It comes down to the fact that Red Bull is popular everywhere, not just in one country. The brand itself has been around for a while and has come out with even more flavors in recent years. But while Red Bull is the most popular energy drink, it’s also the most expensive.

A 16-ounce can of Red Bull will cost you twice as much as the next closest competitor. While it’s expensive, it has a devoted following.

Red Bull Price

A standard 12-pack 8.4 fl.oz Red Bull costs about $19, depending on where you get them, and if there are any shipping costs involved.

As far as pricing goes, Red Bull has a pretty average price for an energy drink, with a single 8.4 fl.oz can costing about $1.50, but you can sometimes get one for even cheaper if you happen to snag one during a sale.

A 12-pack of Red Bull certainly won’t break the bank, but be sure to only buy them when necessary, as the price certainly adds up over time.

Red Bull Caffeine Content

A can of Red Bull has 80mg of caffeine per 8.4 fl.oz can, which, taking into account its size, is a pretty average amount of caffeine per fluid ounce.

For comparison, an average cup of coffee contains about 95mg of caffeine per serving, which makes Red Bull a decent replacement for your morning coffee (if you don’t mind the extra sugar, of course).

While it may seem as if Red Bull has a lower caffeine value than most other energy drinks, it’s actually quite average, considering that many other energy drinks come in 12 or 16 fl.oz cans.

So, a can of Red Bull is perfectly suited for my taste, but depending on your caffeine metabolism, you might need something stronger for your standard energy drink’s effects to kick in.

You can certainly up the caffeine content with more cans of Red Bull, but keep in mind that the FDA advises a maximum caffeine intake limit of no more than 400mg per day.

Red Bull Sugar Content

An 8.4 fl.oz can of Red Bull contains 27g of sugar, which is a fairly moderate amount, equivalent to about 1.8 tablespoons of sugar.

Sugar is a quick and easy source of energy that is found in many energy drinks and soft drinks. It gives you a dopamine and mood lift that you often get after having something sugary in your system.

While Red Bull’s sugar content might seem a bit high, especially since most energy drinks tend to trend towards having less calories, you really can’t deny that it works.

Be warned though, the AHA sets a recommended daily sugar limit of no more than 25g and 36g of sugar for women and men, respectively.

As such, Red Bull’s sugar content is already slightly over the daily limit for women and is around 3/4 of the recommended sugar limit for men.

As with all sugary energy drinks, Red Bull might not be the best option if you plan to stay on the healthy side of things. But, if you have them in moderation, they’re sure to give you the boost you need to keep going for a few extra hours.

Taurine

Each 8.4 fl.oz can of Red Bull has 1000mg of Taurine included, all synthetically sourced.

Taurine is an ingredient that’s found in many energy drinks. It can provide various benefits, most notably helping nerve growth and also lowering blood pressure.

While Taurine has been noted to improve cognitive performances, research suggests that caffeine plays a much more prominent role when it comes to taurine and energy drinks.

B-Vitamins

B-Vitamins are a key component in any energy drink, so it’s not surprising that it’s present in Red Bull as well.

Take a look at the table below for a more detailed look at the B-Vitamin content present in Red Bull.

Red Bull Calories

A regular 8.4 fl.oz can of Red Bull has 110 calories, mostly due to all the sugar present in the drink.

While most energy drinks have started trending towards low-sugar or zero-calorie formulas, original Red Bull doesn’t shy away from its sugary roots, with its moderate calorie count being proof of that.

For reference, a healthy young adult usually needs a daily calorie intake of somewhere between 2000 to 2400 calories for women and 2400 to 3000 calories for men.

While 110 calories per can of Red Bull doesn’t seem like much, it can add up if you have too many cans in a day, so be sure to keep your Red Bull indulgence in check.

Does Red Bull Actually Work?

As an energy drink, Red Bull definitely works as advertised, giving you a nice boost in energy and focus that lasts for a few hours.

Red Bull mainly works through both caffeine and sugar, with the rest of the ingredients present complementing the effects of these two key ingredients.

Caffeine binds to the adenosine receptors in your brain, thus making you feel less tired, along with other stimulating effects such as improving cognitive ability.

As for the sugar, it serves as an easy source of energy for your cells, which you’ll definitely need if you’re going to be work late into the night or have low blood sugar levels.

In short, Red Bull most definitely works, although be aware that due to its sugary nature, you might find yourself on the wrong end of a sugar crash if you happen to have too many cans of Red Bull.

Red Bull Flavors

Now, more than two decades later, Red Bull is still an elite brand of energy drinks. And for many, the original flavor still reigns supreme with a taste that's synonymous with caffeinated vivacity. To be honest, however, Red Bull has fallen behind a bit when it comes to available flavors. While they have some good ones, they've been surpassed by two other brands in this important category.

While Original Red Bull might be the benchmark, it’s worth giving these other flavors a shot if you’re looking for something new.

What Does Red Bull Taste Like?

Regular Red Bull tastes pretty close to a soda mixed with medicine when you first try it, but at the same time has its own sugary tang to it. It seems to be a bit of an acquired taste. Many people don’t like the taste of energy drinks when they first try them but grow to love them over time.

The best way to describe a Red Bull is as a carbonated, syrup-like concoction, although the flavor itself is definitely hard to describe.

As for its various flavors, they more closely resemble your usual energy drink and soda flavors. So, if you prefer something that’s more familiar to you, you should go for those instead.

Red Bull Review (7 out of 10)

Everyone knows Red Bull as the OG (original) energy drink, with its infamous tagline ‘Red Bull gives you wings’. Red Bull energy drinks contain ingredients known for boosting energy, including caffeine (synthetic), taurine, B vitamins and sugar from sugar beets. 

The brand offers the Red Bull original flavour, also available in a sugar-free version, as well as limited-edition flavours like watermelon and tropical. Prices start from about $4.10 for a single can or $8 for a pack of four.

Of course, Red Bull isn’t perfect.

The sugar content in one Red Bull is already overwhelming as it is, so having too many cans over time may have a detrimental effect on your health. 

Overall, I give Red Bull a solid 7 out of 10. 

#4.                                                                                   Bang

• Caffeine - 300mg 

• Caffeine Source - Synthetic

• Sugar - 0* grams 

• Sugar Source - Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K)

• Other ingredients - BCAAs, Super Creatine, B Vitamins (B3, B6, and B12), CoQ10, Electrolytes, and Vitamin C

Brands and their popularity

Many people think that Bang Energy is a new energy drink brand, but it’s been around since 1993. It’s just been growing quite a bit in popularity in recent years.

Bang is a good pre-workout drink because it contains a formidable 300 mg of caffeine and micronutrients like EAAs, CoQ10, and Bang’s proprietary Super Creatine. The drink’s ingredients are designed to enhance your mental and physical performance for your activities. However, the caffeine content may be too overwhelming for some.

In the past few years, Bang energy drink have managed to build quite a reputation for themselves. Bang energy is manufactured by Vital Pharmaceuticals which is the same American company behind VPX Sports supplements.

The energy drink comes in a 16 fl.oz can, and boasts that it contains 0g of carbs, sugars, calories, and artificial colors.

Bang is marketed as the go-to drink for those who are trying to lose weight and also for gym-goers who are looking for ways to increase their workout intensity.

Bang energy drink is also the official drink of the Florida Panthers.

Price

A 12 pack of Bang costs around $30 on Amazon, but there are often better deals depending on when you check the prices.

For a single 16 fl.oz can, $2.50 seems pretty reasonable to me, as most energy drinks cost between $2 and $3.

On the one hand, forking out $2.50 for an energy drink that has as much caffeine as Bang is good value for money, especially if you’re looking for a huge boost in energy.

On the other hand, 300mg of caffeine is a massive amount and isn’t suitable for everyone. Also, there are plenty of cheaper options out there in the big wide world of energy drinks.

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