By: Summer Mu

I get it, life is exhausting. Especially at HB, I’ve seen at least half the students (and some of the teachers too!) chug down some sort of caffeinated beverage to stay awake and get through the day. Coffee is definitely a number one choice. Even though coffee is a classic and top choice for energy, I know not everyone is a coffee fan. So, here is a list that contains the most popular energy drinks ranked from least to most caffeinated. Try to actually choose one that you’ll like instead of picking anything that contains caffeine and drinking it… Enjoy!

Rockstar

The star logo on Rockstar Energy makes it extremely recognizable, certainly being a well-known brand in the energy drink industry. The original flavor is known for being less sweet than other energy drinks and it is one that doesn’t have a trashy aftertaste, making it one of the top choices. It contains 160 mg of caffeine per 16 oz can, putting it at the same level as Monster and Red Bull.

Red Bull

Red Bull doesn’t even need an introduction because it has the largest market share of any energy drink in the world. The original flavor of Red Bull is quite different from many others and the first few sips may not taste the best, but it certainly grows on you and only improves the more you drink. Red Bull is smaller than most other energy drinks but its 8 oz can contains 80 mg of caffeine, putting it on par with Monster or Rockstar. In my opinion, this is a must-try for a quick boost of energy. 

NOS

NOS is not as popular as some of the others, but you might know it from the “Fast and Furious” franchise. It is marketed heavily towards the motorsports industry, but being produced by Monster, it had to make the list. NOS has some of the best flavor selections and contains 160 mg in a 16 oz can, making it a delicious choice!

Monster

The jagged ‘M’ logo carved onto the side of the can is instantly recognizable as Monster. This energy drink is arguably the most popular and successful in the industry. They have a variety of flavors and variations including original, lo carb, zero sugar, etc. The original 16 oz can contains 160 mg while the low carb and zero sugar contain 140 mg. Monster’s creative marketing campaign also shoots it to the top, making it one of the best choices to go with.

Alani Nu 

In recent years, Alani Nu has been known for their success with supplements and protein bars, and it seems as if they are making a name for themselves in the energy drink industry as well. You may have never heard of this brand but personally, I think it’s a fantastic pick. It has no sugar and a 12 oz can contains 200 mg of caffeine, certain to keep you up and active through the day.

Celsius

Celsius is by far one of the most consumed energy drinks at HB and there is definitely a good reason for that! This energy drink has thermogenic properties that improve your metabolic rate. Additionally, a single 12 oz can contains 60 mg of vitamin C and 200 mg of caffeine. Celsius is also known for its healthier ingredients and milder flavors. I have a slight bias towards this drink because it is personally my favorite, but if you like more vibrant flavors, explore other options!

Bang 

Bang is known for being the energy drink with the most caffeine at 300 mg per 16 oz can. It has lots of flavor choices ranging from fruity flavors to simply odd flavors (like Birthday Cake Bash and Champagne). Bang also contains Super Creatine which is an amino acid that aids in physical performance and muscle growth, making it perfect as a pre-workout drink. The company advises not to drink this with any other caffeinated products so be careful if you decide on this one!

5-Hour Energy Shots

Although 5-Hour Energy are energy shots and not an energy drink, they deserve an honorable mention because of how widely they are known. To be honest though, I don’t recommend this one because it doesn’t taste great, but it does have 200 mg of caffeine! It is certainly effective and quick if that’s what you’re looking for.

So there it is, my list of some of the most popular energy drinks! If you’re looking for where to buy them, I’m sure your local grocery store or gas station has plenty of options for you to choose from. Believe it or not though, there is so much more data on the best energy drinks so if you’re indecisive or interested in learning more, try looking here!