12 Best Energy Drinks – Full Overview

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Best Energy Drinks

Monster Zero Ultra Energy Drink: Best Overall

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RED BULL ENERGY DRINK

Red Bull Energy Drink: Best Popular Drink

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ROCKSTAR XDURANCE SUPER SOURS GREEN APPLE ENERGY DRINK

Rockstar XDurance Super Sours Green Apple Energy Drink: Best Tasting Drink

In a bid to complete all the tasks assigned to you or meet up with deadlines, you need an energy boost. Regaining strength through healthy drinks is an important highlight of the day, and you cannot afford to miss out on that. For this reason, you need the best energy drinks that will keep you active and strong.

What makes Energy drinks quite different from normal soda or liquor is that it contains some active ingredients that boost physical and mental strength. However, with all sorts of brands offering energy drinks that guarantees heightened activity, you could be confused about what to choose. Besides, the taste is another reason why you should be careful in choosing any of these drinks.

In this review of the 12 best energy drinks, you will discover what drinks are the best for different activities – study, workouts, staying awake, etc. With their ingredients, you will also find out what would taste better and work when you need it.

Furthermore, read through the buying guide section to get a full mastery of what energy drinks are, and how to use them wisely under any given circumstance.

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The 12 Best Energy Drinks Reviewed

1

Monster Zero Ultra Energy Drink: Best Overall

When energy drinks are mentioned, one of the brands that strike the mind is Monster. This brand has produced all kinds of flavors over the years that appeal well to customer satisfaction. Not only do they live on brand reputation, but also the quality of their drink is top-notch for its purpose.

Monster Zero Ultra Energy Drink is one of their favorite signature-drink, best known for its zero sugar and 10-calorie content. It has a pure, lighter-tasting flavor, i.e., sparkling citrus that makes it delightful to take. This drink comes in a pack of 24; thus, it is the perfect refreshment for all occasions.

Furthermore, this refreshing drink contains 140 mg of Caffeine, and Ginseng, which is naturally found in Green Tea; each of these ingredients offers health benefits. Lastly, it is an excellent choice for energy, as it does not have a bad aftertaste.

Key Features:

  • 10 Calories
  • Zero Sugar
  • Pack of 24
  • 140 mgs of Caffeine
  • Ginseng
  • 23.1 lbs. Weight

Specification:

  • Brand name: MONSTER
  • Size: 16 fl. Oz.
  • Flavor: Zero Ultra
Pros
  • One of the best fully-flavored energy drink
  • No sugar with a sparkling citrus taste
  • Delivers an excellent refreshment for all kinds of occasion
  • Less-carbonated for health safety
Cons
  • Has a lot of counterfeits

2

Red Bull Energy Drink: Best Popular Drink

On several occasions, you may have heard about Red Bull with its motto “Gives you wings!” It is one of the most popular energy drinks globally; it has gone through good marketing and rated excellent based on customers’ satisfaction. It is a tasty drink with several benefits.

Red Bull Energy Drink contains all sorts of ingredients that make it fascinating and great to regain strength for an activity. Some of these ingredients include Caffeine, Taurine, B Group Vitamins, as well as Sugars. Also, it contains both natural and artificial flavors and colors to make it more satisfactory.

Additionally, Red Bull Energy Drink contains 110 calories and comes in a pack of 24; hence, it makes a great refreshment for get-togethers and parties. With the Original flavor, you get the energy boost you need for hours. Indeed, it gives wings when you need them.

Key Features:

  • Caffeine
  • Taurine
  • 100% Recyclable Aluminum Can
  • B Group Vitamins
  • Real Sugars – Sucrose, Glucose
  • Natural and Artificial Flavors
  • Colors
  • 110 Calories
  • 27 g of Sugar
  • Pack of 24
  • 8.5 Oz. Weight

Specification:

  • Brand name: Red Bull
  • Size: 12 fl. Oz.
  • Flavor: Original
Pros
  • The best energy drink with wide recognition
  • Contains all sorts of natural and artificial ingredients
  • Vitalizes both the body and mind
Cons
  • Has a weird aftertaste

3

Rockstar XDurance Super Sours Green Apple Energy Drink: Best Tasting Drink

Have you ever wondered how most Athletes and ROCKSTARS get their unusual energy? Sometimes, an energy drink is all it takes them to stay active all night – Rockstar XDurance Super Sours Green Apple Energy Drink is the most highly preferred.

This energy drink contains zero calories and zero sugars; however, it contains 300 mg of Caffeine to boost performance. It is also enhanced with electrolytes, BCCA’s, and CoQ10 to keep you at your best. Another reason why this drink is safe is that it is Gluten-free for use.

Rockstar XDurance Super Sours Green Apple Energy Drink is an ideal choice for sour-candy lovers; thus, it is the best tasting energy drink. The flavor is well-balanced that it creates the perfect blend for sweet and sour taste. Most importantly, it comes in a pack of 24 for maximum enjoyment.

Key Features:

  • Pack of 24
  • 300 mg of Caffeine
  • No Artificial Colors
  • Zero Calories
  • Zero Sugars
  • Gluten-Free
  • Electrolytes-Enhanced
  • BCAA- and CoQ10-Enhanced

Specification:

  • Brand name: Rockstar
  • Size: 16 fl. Oz.
  • Flavor: Super Sours Green Apple
Pros
  • A perfect choice for sour-candy lovers and athletes
  • Comes in 25 different flavors
  • No sugars or calories
  • Creates a satisfying blend of sweet and sour
Cons
  • None thus far

4

Pureboost Clean Energy Drink Mix: Best Energy Powder

Not everything has to be designed to fit into a can bottle; there are powder mixes. Pureboost Clean Energy Drink Mix is one of the best handy choices, as it comes in a packet of 30 for use. It delivers clean energy for as long as 6 hours, which is good enough to provide for strength for the day.

This powder mix contains various natural and artificial ingredients, such as Vitamin B12, Multivitamins, Turmeric, Ginger, Vitamin C, Zinc, etc. Also, it is enhanced with electrolytes for rapid hydration. Besides, it comes in a Natural Acai Blend flavor for a refreshing taste.

All you have to do with Pureboost Clean Energy is mix with 16 to 20 0z. of water, and get yourself charged up in no time.

Key Features:

  • 4-6 hours of Clean Energy
  • Vitamin B12
  • Green Tea
  • MultiVitamins
  • Electrolytes
  • 30 Packets in 1
  • Sugar-Free
  • 12.69 Oz. Weight

Specification:

  • Brand name: Pureboost
  • Size: –
  • Flavor: Natural Acai Blend
Pros
  • The best energy drink powder
  • Contains no sugar and delivers 4 to 6 hours of energy
  • Keeps the body and mind energized all-day
  • Suitable for kids
  • Boosts the immune system
  • Enhanced with electrolytes for rapid hydration
Cons
  • None thus far

5

ZipFizz Healthy Energy Drink: Best for Traveling

Another incredible energy drink that comes with an intelligent packaging is the ZipFizz Healthy Energy Drink. It has been used to focus on different occasions; however, it is best suited when traveling or on-the-go. This Gluten-free drink contains 100 mg of Caffeine from natural sources to provide health benefits.

ZipFizz Healthy Energy Drink comes in 10 Tubes of 3 different flavors. Each of these tubes is enhanced with vitamins, antioxidants, and electrolytes that help to boost immunity and improve rapid hydration. It contains zero sugar and zero calories to work effectively for 4 to 6 hours non-stop.

Key Features:

  • 3 x 10 Tubes
  • Vitamins
  • Antioxidants
  • Electrolytes
  • Zero Sugar
  • 4-6 Hours of Energy
  • Gluten-Free
  • 100 mg of Caffeine
  • 11.64 Oz. Weight

Specification:

  • Brand name: ZipFizz
  • Size: –
  • Flavor: Variety Pack
Pros
  • The best energy drink for you when traveling
  • A perfect choice for athletes, busy families, etc.
  • Revitalizes and helps the immune system
  • Keeps you focused for 4 to 6 hours non-stop
  • Comes with low carb and zero Sugar
  • Delivers micronutrients into the body at supercharges
  • Portable and travel-friendly
  • Available in 3 variety pack flavors
Cons
  • Ridiculous pricing

6

Mountain Dew Game Fuel: Best for Mental Alertness

Most people know Mountain Dew as a great soda company for its tasty soft drink; however, the company has energy drinks that taste even better.

Mountain Dew Game Fuel is an extraordinary drink made with the latest Beverage technology for great taste, performance, and enhanced grip.

Mountain Dew specially created this energy drink for gamers and other people who would improve accuracy and mental alertness. It contains 2 active ingredients – Theanine and Caffeine. Also, the lid is resealable for great storage and protection of its content.

Mountain Dew Game Fuel is made of real fruit juice, and it comes in a pack of 12 with 4 flavors. There are other available flavors from the brand if you like. It is indeed an outstanding choice to level up your game.

Key Features:

  • Theanine
  • Caffeine
  • Real Fruit Juice
  • Resealable Tech
  • Enhanced Grip
  • Pack of 12 – 4 Flavors
  • 1 lb. Weight

Specification:

  • Brand name: Mountain Dew
  • Size: 16 fl. Oz.
  • Flavor: 4 Flavor VP
Pros
  • One of the best energy drinks to keep your head straight
  • Comes in different flavors to choose the most suitable taste
  • Great texture for superior grip
  • Perfect choice for gamers
Cons
  • All 4 Flavors may not appeal to taste

7

VPX Bang Energy Drink: Best for Studying

VPX Bang Energy Drink is one of the perfect choices for students who want to increase mental alertness and focus. This drink contains all sorts of ingredients to help achieve its purpose. It is available in a pack of 12, and good enough to go around when needed.

This energy drink is sugar-free, carb-free, and crash-free. It also has a great tasting, so there isn’t an aftertaste. Furthermore, most people love this drink because of its vegan-friendly and gluten-free attributes. In the same vein, it averts blood sugar spikes, unlike other energy drinks.

VPX Bang Energy Drink contains essential amino acids, Super Creatine and CoQ10 to boost the immune system and provide strength. It can stay for a long period without losing the essence of its content while fitting into several kinds of lifestyle and diet.

Key Features:

  • Pack of 12
  • Sugar-Free
  • Carb-Free
  • Crash-Free
  • Essential Amino Acids
  • Super Creatine
  • Gluten-Free
  • Vegan-Friendly
  • CoQ10

Specification:

  • Brand name: VPX
  • Size: 16 fl. Oz.
  • Flavor: –
Pros
  • The best energy drink for studying
  • Capable of boosting strength and increasing mental alertness and focus
  • Contains great ingredients for sustainability
  • Fits into any lifestyle or diet
  • Great taste and reduces blood sugar level
Cons
  • None thus far

8

5-Hour Energy Drink: Best for Focus

5-Hour Energy Drink is ideal for people who would like to stay focused without getting distracted. It is a drink filled with various sorts of ingredients that will boost strength and mental alertness. With its extra strength berry flavor, it is without a doubt that it has a refreshing, long-lasting taste.

This energy drink is available in a pack of 12, and each bottle contains 4 calories. Also, it is sugar-free with constituents like Caffeine, Sucralose, Vitamins, Purified water, Natural and Artificial Flavors, etc. Lastly, this portable Pulsar Purple colored drink can help you stay active for hours.

Key Features:

  • Pack of 12
  • Purified Water
  • Natural and Artificial Flavors
  • Vitamins
  • Sucralose
  • Nutrients
  • 4 Calories
  • Caffeine
  • EDTA
  • Sugar-Free
  • Pulsar Purple Color

Specification:

  • Brand name: 5-Hour Energy
  • Size: 1.93 fl. Oz.
  • Flavor: Extra Strength Berry
Pros
  • The best energy drink for focus
  • Serves as many benefits as a coffee
  • Can last for hours
  • Provides regular strength with a refreshing taste
  • Portable with no need for refrigeration
Cons
  • Limited quantity

9

RED Power Elixir: Best for Muscle Recovery

For muscle recovery and neuro-benefits, RED Power Elixir is an ideal choice to pick out of many available options of energy drinks. This drink comes with a powerful blend of colors, flavors, and all sorts of ingredients for activity.

For instance, it contains 120 calories and 160 mg of Caffeine from Green Coffee Bean Extract for natural energy.

RED Power Elixir comes in a pack of 12, and each Can contains electrolytes and antioxidants. These constituents are perfect immune boosters and great for body balance.

Furthermore, the B-Vitamin Complex, L-Carnitine, and Aminos L-Arginine are influencers to make the body and mind stay sharp and focused. This drink is available in 2 other flavors – Dragon Fruit and Berry Citrus.

Key Features:

  • Power Blend
  • Colors
  • 120 Calories
  • Pack of 12
  • B-Vitamin Complex
  • Electrolytes
  • Antioxidants
  • 160 mg of Caffeine

Specification:

  • Brand name: RED ELIXIR
  • Size: 12 fl. Oz.
  • Flavor: Blood Orange
Pros
  • The best energy drink for muscle recovery and neuro-function
  • Contains all sort of natural ingredients with health benefits
  • Boosts the immune system and improves hydration
  • Available in other flavors
  • Enhances body balance
Cons
  • None thus far

10

Starbucks Double Shot Energy Drink Coffee: Best to Stay Awake

If you love Coffee, you shouldn’t have a problem with Starbucks Double Shot Energy Drink Coffee. It is one of the sweetest and active drinks to take when needed to stay awake. This Mocha flavored drink is quite the extraordinaire, even though 3 others depend on preference – Vanilla, White Chocolate, and Coffee.

This coffee drink comes in a pack of 12 with each Can having 26g of Sugar; thus, it is well sweetened for consumption. It contains some natural and artificial ingredients, such as Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Taurine, Vitamin D3, and Reduced Fat Milk for performance.

With a Can of Starbucks Double Shot Energy Drink Coffee offering 220 Calories, it is only expected to be full of rich nutrients for the body.

Key Features:

  • Pack of 12
  • 26 g of Sugar per Can
  • Starbucks Coffee
  • Panax Ginseng Root Extract
  • Taurine
  • 220 Calories
  • Guarani
  • Natural Flavor
  • Vitamin D3
  • Milk Ingredient

Specification:

  • Brand name: Starbucks
  • Size: 15 fl. Oz.
  • Flavor: Mocha
Pros
  • The best energy drink to stay awake
  • Contains vitamins and vital nutrients for revitalizing
  • Helps you stay on the alert
  • Delivers a great refreshing taste
Cons
  • Not suitable for non-coffee lovers

11

Rockstar Zero Carb Energy Drink: Best for Active Lifestyles

Not only has Rockstar proven to be one of the best brands to produce energy drinks, but also to be useful for people who lead active lifestyles. Rockstar Zero Carb Energy Drink is another incredible product from the brand that is perfect for athletes and ROCKSTARS; it provides enough energy to get through the day.

This energy drink comes in a pack of 8 with zero carb and vital ingredients, such as Taurine, Malic Acid, Natural flavors, triple-filtered carbonated water, etc. ROCKSTAR Zero Carb Energy Drink contains a potent herbal blend of Guarana, Ginko, Ginseng, and Milk Thistle. Lastly, it comes in different flavors to be enjoyed bigger and better.

Key Features:

  • Zero Carb
  • Pack of 8
  • Triple-filtered Carbonated Water
  • Natural Flavors
  • Taurine
  • Guarana
  • Ginko
  • Ginseng
  • Milk Thistle
  • Malic Acid

Specification:

  • Brand name: Rockstar
  • Size: 16 fl. Oz.
  • Flavor: –
Pros
  • One of the world’s most powerful energy drinks
  • Perfect for athletes and performers
  • Available in a variety of flavors
  • Contains both natural and artificial ingredients for effectiveness
  • Vitalizes the body and the mind, and delivers the perfect energy boost
Cons
  • Weird aftertaste

12

Celsius Energy Drink: Best for Workouts

You may not find all energy drinks ideal for pre-workout consumption; however, the Celsius Energy Drink is perfect. This energy drink is best known for its zero sugars and conservatives, which provide you with everything you need to stay fit. Besides, it contains 200 mg of Caffeine to keep you active and focused.

Celsius Energy Drink comes in a Slim can design, which makes it handy and fancy. Also, it consists of 12 cans in a pack, each about 12 fl. Ounce in volume. Each of these cans contains active ingredients such as Ginger Root, Guarana Seed Extract, and so on., for great taste.

Furthermore, it contains Vitamin B and C for energy production and immune system boosting, respectively. Lastly, it is a great drink that aids digestion.

Key Features:

  • 200 mg of Caffeine
  • Zero Sugars
  • Zero Preservatives
  • No Artificial Flavors or Colors
  • Slim Can design
  • Guarana Seed Extract
  • Vitamin B & C
  • Ginger Root

Specification:

  • Brand name: Celsius
  • Size: 12 fl. Oz.
  • Flavor: Variety Pack
Pros
  • The best energy drink for workout; thus, the ultimate fitness partner
  • Provides the ideal amount of energy to live fit
  • Contains naturals for health benefits
  • Available in different tasty flavors
  • Helps to boost the immune system
  • Aids digestion
  • Suitable for people who lead active lifestyles
Cons
  • Has a lot of counterfeits

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At one point in time, you may have tried out some of these drinks to keep you energized and focused – some of them you love, while you are indifferent about others. However, for people looking forward to trying out the best energy drinks, the above are fantastic options.

Here, this section of the article is crucial to understanding energy drinks, consumption, and how they work. Also, it would help you realize things to consider for a refreshing taste, out of the 12 best energy drinks above. In the end, one thing is sure – energy production is inevitable.

Which energy drink is the most effective? What is the best and healthiest energy drink?

An energy drink is not effective only because the manufacturer says it is; it contains some ingredients that produce a great deal amount of energy for the body. The truth is: that there are hundreds of energy drink brands, but only a few of them are incredible. Moreover, energy drinks do 3 significant things – increase energy production, enhance alertness, and aids concentration.

Now, the reason why most of these drinks are effective is due to the quantity of Caffeine in them, which is responsible for all the 3 significant things it does to the body. The amount differs from one drink to another. Popular drinks like Red Bull, Monster, Rockstar, and 5-Hour Energy are the most effective types on the market.

On the other hand, if you are looking for the best and healthiest energy drink, then your options are limited to natural ones available. This type of energy drink contains little amount of Caffeine and artificial colors and sweeteners. However, they offer the same benefits as those with artificial ingredients.

That being said, the healthiest energy drinks include Sound Sparkling Organic Yerba Mate, Vital Proteins Collagen Energy Shots, Toro Matcha Sparkling Ginger, etc.

What’s the worst energy drink for you? What is the most dangerous energy drink in the world?

While there are healthy energy drinks, there are also bad ones. As aforementioned, not all drinks manufactured are good for health; some endanger you in many ways. What makes these energy drinks worst is due to the presence of artificial ingredients like colors, a high amount of Caffeine, and Sugar. At first, they look great and appeal nicely to your taste buds; however, on consistent use, you will find out that they could harm you.

Full Throttle is the worst energy drink you could ever take. The reason is that a Can contains 220 Calories and 58 g of Sugar, which is high enough to harm your health.

It is one thing for an energy drink to be worse to drink; it is another thing for it to be dangerous. What makes an energy drink dangerous is significant to the amount of Caffeine in it. The quantity could cause serious havoc to the body. Therefore, rather than stabilizing energy production for a few hours, they cause prolonged hyperactivity. A perfect example is the VPX Redline Energy Drink.

Is one energy drink a day bad? What happens if you drink energy drinks every day?

As much as you want to gain as much energy as possible to perform the task for the day or night, having one energy drink is enough. Regardless of the type of drink, the volume is not the issue, but rather its content – Caffeine. Ideally, adults need at most 400 milligrams of Caffeine per day; hence, it is possible to regulate, so you don’t exceed your limit.

Taking energy drinks is not so bad; however, you need to be careful about how you take them. Not everything that is up for consumption is safe entirely – there are risks involved. For energy drinks, Caffeine is a vital ingredient, and consistent consumption could lead to an overdose. One of the things you wouldn’t love to experience is Caffeine Overdose because it comes with several symptoms or side effects.

For instance, palpitations, nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, hyperactivity, and even death are some of the things you could experience if you have energy drinks every day.

Instead, replace these energy drinks with other safe beverages with no caffeine, so that your health would be at its best.

How bad are sugar-free energy drinks? Are energy drinks worse than Coffee?

In most energy drinks, sugar is an important component to make it sweet and better. Also, sugars are additional sources of carbohydrates; thus, they aid energy production as well. However, some energy drinks are sugar-free. The possibility of this happening is not strange, and that doesn’t make the drinks less refreshing in taste either.

This type of energy drink uses an alternative to make it sweet and better, using artificial sweeteners like Sucralose, and Aspartame. According to the FDA, Sugar-free drinks are not bad, even though they are still undergoing tests to discover their long-term effects on the body.

Another mind-boggling question is if energy drinks are better or worse than Coffee. The truth is: that both drinks contain Caffeine; however, the reactions could differ. Studies have suggested that Energy Drinks are great, but they do not boost attention more than Coffee.

Also, energy drinks make you susceptible to health risks such as High Blood Pressure, Heart Damage, compared to Coffee. Thus, you must limit the quantity you take per day.

Do energy drinks actually work? What can I drink instead of energy drinks?

If you have taken energy drinks before, you may have noticed a change in your strength and activity. Sometimes, energy drinks almost make you feel like you’ve got superpowers because you gain a certain amount of energy due to the large amounts of Caffeine present. Not only that, other substances like Sugar could increase energy production further. Regardless of how superb they are, some problems are inevitable, especially if consumed in large quantities. Therefore, it is safe to say they work either for good or bad.

Additionally, if you have tried out energy drinks and are not great for you – either because you react or some weird aftertaste, you could go for other options. These alternatives are natural energy drinks with a low amount of Caffeine and Sugar content.

Below is a list of the best alternatives for energy drinks that would keep you alert and active.

  1. Green Tea
  2. Yerba Mate
  3. Ginger Root Tea
  4. Fresh Juice
  5. Coffee

Is Reign better than Monster energy drinks? Is Red Bull the best energy drink?

Monster is one of the biggest and most popular names in the beverage industry. They have manufactured all sorts of energy drinks for use, and they continue to do so much so that consumers find a flavor that suits their taste and works best for them. Recently, Monster Corp. announced Reign Total Body Fuel as one of their newest drinks to provide people with the energy needed for a workout.

Reign is a fantastic drink, and it contains some ingredients that are not present in Monster Energy Drink. These ingredients include CoQ10, Electrolytes, Vitamins, and Amino Acids. However, they contain no Fat, Sugar, or Calories, which makes them even better to drink.

Red Bull is another exceptional energy drink to consume; it is the world’s most popular drink. Ever since the introduction of Red Bull to the market, several millions of packs have been sold worldwide.

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Conclusion

People depend on several things to keep them awake, focused, or energized for activities; one of those things is an energy drink. These drinks are quite special, as they have been formulated with active ingredients, such as Caffeine, Taurine, and so on, to deliver excellent performance to whoever drinks them.

Undoubtedly, there are many options available on the market, but those reviewed above, i.e., the 12 best energy drinks, are fantastic. Not only is the taste extraordinary, but it also leaves you satisfied, nourished, and active. Take any of the energy drinks from the list, and see yourself break barriers you never thought you could.

If you have any queries feel free to reach out in the comments section below.

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