The Best Energy Drinks
Whether you're low on sleep or generally exhausted from the daily grind, finding the energy to get work done can be a challenge. If conventional solutions such as coffee and tea come up short or lead to burnout, you may benefit from adding energy drinks to your routine. These powerful refreshments combine tried and tested compounds with lesser-known vitamins and minerals to deliver a boost that lasts for hours. In the world of energy drinks, we've found that the best beverages boast diverse flavor options in convenient sizes that don't depend solely on caffeine as an energy source. Our top choice, Rockstar's fruit punch blend, features a mouth-watering taste that adds B vitamins for consistent focus. What's more, the delicious Zero Ultra drink from Monster features the carbonation and sweetness we love without the unnecessary sugars we can all do without. Read on below to explore further options that are guaranteed to power up your day.
Rockstar Energy Drink
Supercharge your day
Delicious flavor and shocking power levels are just a click away with Rockstar’s energy drinks. Available in packs of twelve, this invigorating beverage lets you push through difficult days without emptying your wallet at convenience stores. Plus, unlike competitors that have limited flavors, Rockstar offers nine satisfying options, including strawberry, apple, and fruit punch. When you don’t have time to brew up an invigorating drink of your own, Rockstar will ensure your energy needs are met and then some.
Pros:
- If you’re in search of more health-conscious liquid fuel, Rockstar’s low sugar and carb options won’t leave users with a bland ‘diet soda’ aftertaste.
- The guarana-dominant taste is present in every flavor choice and delivers an unmistakable bite that instantly awakens your senses.
- With a whole serving of three B vitamins, Rockstar also helps the body speed up metabolism and encourage digestion.
Cons:
- One can of the standard flavor offerings has well over the recommended daily sugar intake.
Monster Energy Ultra Energy Drink
All-day alertness
Let’s face it: it’s not always easy to find a reliable source of energy that isn’t jam-packed with excessive levels of sugar and caffeine. That’s where Monster Energy’s Ultra series comes into play. While many manufacturers supplement their products with vitamins and minerals, Monster makes them the primary driving force. Monster Ultra contains zero sugar, only ten calories per bottle, and caffeine levels similar to the amount found in a cup of coffee. The result is a savory flavor that provides a more consistent stream of energy without the dreaded midday crash.
Pros:
- Each of Monster Ultra’s eleven flavors is free of sugar and carbs, making it ideal for rigorous exercise and manual labor.
- If you’re highly sensitive to stimulants, this drink’s relatively lower caffeine levels won’t produce jitters like other competitors.
- Instead of relying on a single source, these drinks blend multiple tropical fruits to produce a unique energy cocktail.
Cons:
- Monster Ultra will slowly lose its signature refreshing taste if left open for more than an hour, regardless of flavor choice.
Red Bull Energy Drink
Tried and true classic
When we think of energy drinks, few brands have as much global appeal and name recognition as the Austrian beverage company Red Bull. When it comes to savory bite and sweet aftertaste, Red Bull is hard to beat. Every can includes heaping servings of vitamins B12, B5, B3, and B6, plus a reasonable amount of sugar and caffeine. In addition, Red Bull’s newest fruity flavors are a welcome change of pace despite the mass appeal of its classic original flavor. Overall, if you need to wake yourself out of a daze and maintain alertness, the brand with the wings soars above the competition.
Pros:
- Unlike most soft drink companies, Red Bull offers a wide range of serving sizes to deliver a minor kick or massive awakening at your discretion.
- Every serving contains less caffeine than a standard cup of coffee, a major plus for individuals that often experience a mid-day energy crash.
- Red Bull’s signature ingredient, Taurine, helps balance your body’s electrolytes and won’t dehydrate you as quickly as comparable beverages.
Cons:
- Red Bull’s flavor is extremely polarizing; it may be too overwhelming if you don’t like tangy drinks.
Celsius Powder Stick Packs
A pourable power packet
While many consumers choose energy drinks over other invigorating alternatives because of their appealing flavor, convenience also plays a huge role. If you don’t have room for massive aluminum cans on your daily travels, consider Celsius powder stick packs instead. Weighing under six grams per stick, this power pack pairs nicely with a reusable water bottle for individuals always on the go. Best of all, if you find the concoction too intense, you can always dilute the powder with more water until you find your energy drink sweet spot.
Pros:
- Free of artificial flavors, sugars, and preservatives, Celsius is a blessing for users with sensitive gums and teeth.
- Thanks to Celsius’s incredibly low salt content, individuals can power up with fewer side effects like headaches or frequent urination.
- We love the fact that this energy pack is subtle and free of pronounced aftertastes that stick on your tongue for hours on end.
Cons:
- If you prefer energy drinks to teas and coffee because of their carbonation and bite, Celsius will come up short.
Monster Energy Java Monster
Flavorful and filling
If you’re a coffee fanatic but in search of something more than a caffeine overload, Java Monster is the name to remember. This energy drink alternative boasts B complexes in addition to less often used additives like potassium, iron, calcium, and phosphorus. This broad array of minerals speeds up your metabolism for faster energy processing without upsetting your stomach. In addition, each fifteen-ounce can has a silky smooth consistency free of carbonation, and the flavors are reminiscent of the most popular coffee creamers.
Pros:
- This energy drink can be combined with meal replacements or protein powder to create a powerful pre-workout supplement.
- Java Monster is a suitable alternative for those who love creamy beverages but can’t consume lactose without upsetting their stomachs.
- While the actual liquid is far from visually appealing, Java Monster is free of harmful dyes in comparable coffee-infused energy drinks.
Cons:
- High calorie, carb, and sodium levels
Frequently Asked Questions
Are energy drinks safe?
In moderation, energy drinks can be a valuable tool for getting a little extra productivity out of your day when you’re feeling down. However, overconsumption may lead to long-term health issues. To start, energy drinks contain up to twice as much caffeine as a standard cup of coffee’s 100 milligrams. Health experts state that more than 400 milligrams per day can lead to heart problems, such as increased blood pressure and palpitations. Additionally, on average, one energy drink contains more sugar than is recommended per day by health experts. Consistent sugar consumption can result in inflammation and chronic illnesses with age.
What’s the difference between energy drinks and alternatives with sugar and caffeine?
While energy drinks do load up on sugar and caffeine, they also contain vitamins and minerals that make them more effective at maintaining focus throughout the day. In general, these beverages use B-vitamins and amino acid derivatives to deliver energy more consistently than coffee, teas, and other sodas. For example, Vitamin B3, a common ingredient, increases blood flow and helps convert organic compounds in your body into usable energy. The amino acid-based L-carnitine performs similar tasks, while Taurine supports nerve growth and lowers blood pressure.
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