I Tried 30 Popular Energy Drinks. Here's How They Rank

Energy drinks have emerged as a prominent source of stimulation in modern life, characterized by their vibrant packaging and rich blends of B vitamins and taurine. For those seeking a quick burst of energy, these beverages are indispensable.

Purchasing these drinks in public can often elicit a sense of self-consciousness. Observing individuals perusing the selection of products like Monster or Ghost prompts assumptions about their preferences, similar to the judgments others may form while I select a crisp can of Celsius to counteract fatigue.

Fortunately, newer purchasing options have made acquiring these beverages more accessible and less stigmatizing. Major online platforms such as Amazon offer a convenient method for purchasing your preferred energy drinks without the need to venture out. With the additional perks of discounts for bulk purchases and auto-delivery options, the experience is indeed evolving into one of convenience and reliability.

As an avid coffee enthusiast, I have traditionally been skeptical of the proliferation of eye-catching energy drink cans that overshadow beloved sodas at gas stations. The energy drink sector is a significant market player, generating nearly $20 billion in U.S. sales in 2023, despite the fact that many individuals I know do not consume them regularly.

Unlike coffee, which may be elusive outside of standard hours, energy drinks are available around the clock, with clear labeling of their caffeine content. For those who prefer to shop online, particularly Amazon Prime members, accessing these products with swift delivery is incredibly user-friendly. Motivated by a desire for convenience and value, I opted to explore this market.

How I Tested

Over the course of a year, I embarked on the exploration of various energy drinks sourced from gas station staples, trending Amazon recommendations, and health-focused selections from local retailers. I evaluated a mix of classic and lesser-known brands that exhibited prominent caffeine content.

Each drink was graded primarily on taste, a subjective measure, as well as on the tangible effects following consumption. My testing schedule involved drinking one can each morning, shortly after a workout, and incorporating additional consumption during shifts at my part-time bartending job. Notably, I did take a break from this regimen due to stomach discomfort and night sweats.

Top Picks

1. Celsius Functional Essential Energy Drink

Celsius stands out with its relatively lower carbonation, delivering a flavor profile that avoids a cloying aftertaste while effectively masking the somewhat medicinal flavors typical of potent energy drinks. Its caffeine-to-volume ratio is impressive, and every flavor I sampled was enjoyable.

Celsius has garnered substantial popularity and is frequently found stocked in convenience store refrigerators. It is a widely accepted favorite, much like timeless bands and iconic food chains.

Caffeine: 200 mg | Sugar: 0g | Calories: 10

2. C4 Performance Energy Drink

Positioned as ideal for fitness enthusiasts, C4's marketing emphasizes its efficacy as a sports fuel. The Midnight Cherry flavor provides a pleasantly intense cherry taste with only a hint of artificial sweetness in the aftertaste.

Caffeine: 200 mg | Sugar: 0g | Calories: 0

3. Red Bull Original Flavor

Red Bull offers a classic citrus flavor paired with ample carbonation. This nostalgic drink has been a staple for many during long nights and demanding sessions. It achieves a balance of energy boost and minimal negative social implications.

Caffeine: 114 mg | Sugar: 38g | Calories: 60

4. Naked Lemonade Sparkling Energy Drink

With only six ingredients, including fermented sugar and monkfruit, Naked's low-calorie offering stands out. Its smooth flavor avoids the astringency often associated with similar beverages, making it a tasteful choice for more discreet consumption.

Caffeine: 200 mg | Sugar: 0g | Calories: 15

5. Bloom Sparkling Energy

Bloom embodies the wellness trend without resorting to off-putting flavors. The Juicy Orange variant closely resembles the sweet zest of Mountain Dew Kickstart—an option enjoyed for recovery from the night prior—yet possesses significantly lower calorie content.

Caffeine: 180 mg | Sugar: 0g | Calories: 10

6. Jocko Go Orange

This monkfruit-sweetened drink, inspired by an ex-Navy SEAL, promotes "balanced energy" and "enhanced focus." Its distinctive flavor combines elements reminiscent of Sunny D and stevia, appealing to a niche audience.

Caffeine: 95 mg | Sugar: 0g | Calories: 10

7. Guayakí Yerba Mate Organic Enlighten Mint

Despite its unique branding, Guayakí Yerba Mate stands apart from traditional energy drinks due to its zero carbonation and wholesome ingredients. Its lack of corn syrup and bubbles contributes to a smooth drinking experience that may not typically be associated with energy beverages.

Caffeine: 150 mg | Sugar: 29g | Calories: 120

8. Gorilla Mind Orange Rush

While Gorilla Mind may not excel in flavor or value, its design features a multitude of icons and statistics. Its flavor profile—a strong orange taste complemented by a creamy finish—resembles that of an Orange Julius.

Caffeine: 200 mg | Sugar: 0g | Calories: 10

9. Mountain Dew Kickstart Orange Citrus

Described as the approachable "mama bear" of energy drinks, this beverage harmonizes elements of juice, Mountain Dew, and gaming culture. Although it contains lower caffeine compared to competitors, its combination of flavors lends to a pleasant drinking experience.

Caffeine: 92 mg | Sugar: 20g | Calories: 80

10. Lucky Energy Orange Drizzle

Promising "Zero Sugar—Zero Aftertaste," Lucky's latest offering caught my attention. After extensive testing, I found it defied expectations regarding aftertaste, providing a gradual, pleasant boost of energy thanks to its substantial caffeine content.

Caffeine: 200 mg | Sugar: 0g | Calories: 0

Additional Drinks Reviewed

This extensive ranking includes evaluations of other notable drinks such as PHX, Aspire Healthy Energy, Gorgie, Melting Forest, Prime, Liquid Death, Wooooo!, Accelerator, Bang, Phorm, Clean Cause, Monster, NOS, Alani Nu, Full Throttle, G Fuel, Rockstar, Black Rifle Energy, and Ghost, each accompanied by nutritional facts and sensory notes.

Additionally, several beverages were tested but not recommended, including Ardor Tropical Mango and Key Keytone Energy Drink Pineapple Passionfruit, as they did not meet expectations in terms of taste, effectiveness, or value.