The popularity of caffeine stimulants, such as energy drinks, is widely consumed around the globe. Whether you’re worn out from work or school, or are just in need of a pick-me-up, energy drinks are a quick and efficient solution when consumed responsibly. With a wide variety of options, there is a caffeine-filled can suitable for everyone. To put some of these vast options to the test, I tried four of the most popular brands and ranked them based on price, taste, and effectiveness. To keep some constant factors, I was careful to consider things like the rate at which I drank them and the activities I did after the drinks were consumed. I also drank the same flavor of each brand (with the exception of Redbull) to keep the overall rating of flavor even.
To begin, I started off with a Celsius “Peach Vibe.” Upon trying it, the peach flavor was very recognizable. It wasn’t too sweet, and I found the amount of carbonation enjoyable. However, there was a specific taste that I couldn’t quite pinpoint, which seems to appear in every flavor of Celsius I try. The mystery flavor doesn’t necessarily make it unenjoyable, although it definitely brings down the overall flavor. I purchased the Celsius for $2.79. The price is acceptable and wouldn’t turn me away if I were to purchase it again. In addition, the longevity of the energy it gave me was quite surprising. However, a few hours after I drank the can, I was very shaky. Overall, considering the factors above, I would give the drink a 7/10.
The next day, I drank a Redbull (original). I had not previously tried a Redbull, and I don’t plan on having it again unless I purchase a different flavor. The flavor was definitely not my favorite and had a similar taste to cherry-flavored cough syrup. The Redbull cost me $2.99. I was not overly happy with the price being on the high end, considering the disappointing flavor. On the bright side, the amount of energy it gave me was perfect. I felt energized and awake, but not too unsteady and shaky. It is a great option for those looking for something to help stay focused and motivated throughout the day. Overall, the Redbull receives a 4/10.
Following the Redbull, I was hoping for the next drink to make up for the disappointing outcome. Monster “Ultra Peachy Keen” didn’t disappoint. I was very pleased with the flavor and refreshing sensation that came with the drink. Its sweetness was present, but not overpowering. I purchased the Monster for $3.19. Although the price was higher than the previous drinks, its pleasing attributes made up for it. Additionally, I felt extremely energized throughout the day but not very shaky, unlike Celsius. The Monster receives a well-deserved 9/10.
The last brand I tried was Alani “Juicy Peach”. The flavor was sweeter than all of the other drinks, which I found quite appealing. The only downside was that the peach flavor was a bit artificial tasting. I would recommend consuming this drink before a workout or high-energy event because it provides an abundance of adrenaline. The Alani was bought for $2.99. Although this drink wasn’t the cheapest, I believe its other attributes made it remain acceptable. Similar to Celsius, I found myself slightly shaky after consumption, but not nearly as unsteady as I was after Celsius. Overall, Alani is receiving the highest score of 9.5/10.
Taking the above factors into account, here are the winners for each category: flavor: Monster, price: Celsius, effectiveness: Alani. All of these drinks I found to be very enjoyable in their own ways (minus the Redbull). They are each suitable for different occasions and are popular for a reason. I would suggest drinking a Monster or Redbull for a mild energizer. On the other hand, I recommend the Alani or Celsius before a cardio-requiring situation. Keep in mind any health concerns that may be affected by caffeine and drink considerately. To sum it up, this experiment provided some insight into some of the most popular drinks at the moment, showcasing which brands are suitable for certain occasions.
