Who doesn’t feel tired sometimes? It’s like your day comes to a crawl and you are in some sort of fog. You try to concentrate and power through the work, but that requires a lot of will power. While stubbornness can sometimes be a plus, there are better ways to get around this problem. Coffee is one of the most popular, but energy drinks also work really great in that regard. Some of the more powerful ones contain a whopping 300 mg of caffeine, which has the possibility of raising the dead (not confirmed, we are still researching that). Jokes aside, there is much to be said about the power of energy drinks.
For this list, we gave ourselves the goal of encompassing a wide variety of energy beverages. Therefore, we have also included some isotonic drinks, powdered mixes, and tablets, as well as healthier, organic products. Remember, it’s important not to overdo it, right? Of course, we didn’t provide variety for variety’s sake. All of these products hold up and are on the pinnacle in the market of energy drinks. Let’s jump into the list of 20 best energy drinks that are currently roaming the market.
Red Bull Energy Drink
We will start this list with one of the most famous energy drink ever – Red Bull. The formula contains the following high-quality ingredients: taurine, caffeine, alpine water, B-group vitamins, and sugars.
Taurine is a naturally occurring amino acid that is needed for a variety of biological processes. B-group vitamins have a role in energy metabolism, such as the breakdown of protein and carbohydrates.
While other energy drinks may have up to 60 grams of sugar in them, Red Bull has only 27 grams, and there is a sugar-free option as well. It also features low-calorie content (110 per can of 250 ml). You can expect a high burst of energy and great taste as well. This company is notorious for being earth-conscious, and every can is made out of 100% recycled aluminum.
For a price of $60, you will get 24 x 8.4 fluid ounces. As you can see, Red Bull is on top of the energy drinks market for a reason.
Extra Strength 5-hour ENERGY Shots
‘Drink it in seconds, feel it in minutes, lasts for hours’ is the motto of 5-hour energy drinks. Inside, you will find Niacin, vitamins B6 and B12 and trademarked energy blend. Aside from vitamins and nutrients, it has the same amount of caffeine as 12 ounces of good coffee (230 mg).
5-hour energy is completely sugar-free and packs only 4 calories. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t pack a punch, and it is speculated it might bring you back from the dead. There are also the following options available: original, extra strength, decaf, and new extra strength Mango. All of these drinks are non-carbonated. 5-hour energy is another bestseller, and we recommend it without hesitation.
Zipfizz Healthy Energy Drink Mix
Zipfizz is a popular healthy energy drink powder. It is absolutely packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and much-needed electrolytes. Vitamin C is also offered in a 500 mg dose, which is a great boost for your immunity. Its antioxidant activity is actually equal to 1 full cup of blueberries! Hydration is enhanced with a combination of Potassium (950 mg) and Magnesium (100 mg).
Two tubes of Zipfizz deliver 100% RDA of vitamins. The drink is both zero-sugar and low-carb and will keep you wide awake for 4 to 6 hours. It is also gluten-free and contains 100 mg of caffeine that comes from natural sources. This is an amazing and healthy alternative to many energy drinks.
Monster Energy Zero Ultra, Sugar Free
If you are watching UFC or have even a little knowledge about energy drinks, you have definitely heard of Monster Energy. This is a Zero Ultra, which is a sugar and calorie free version, easily recognizable by the can, which is of a white color.
Zero Ultra is lightly carbonated and comprised of B-vitamins. You will get a recommended daily dosage of these vitamins: niacin, vitamin B6 and B12, and Pantothenic acid. A hint of citrus is added to compensate for the lack of sugar, and it does it nicely.
For energy, it contains ginseng, a natural ingredient found in green tea. You will get 24 cans for the price of $60. Monster is one of the most successful energy drink brands around, and that surely is not a coincidence.
VPX Bang Peach Mango
Here is a more product from Vital Pharmaceuticals, some of the top guys in sports nutrition. They surely don’t disappoint with the Bang Peach Mango carbonated energy drink. It contains 300 mg of caffeine (2 cups of coffee) per serving, which is enough to catapult you from your bed to the outer hemisphere. The serving size is given as 16 fluid ounces (around 475 ml).
On the nutrition side, this drink has no carbohydrates, sugars, and cholesterols. Sugar may be good for energy at first, but you will be crashing hard in a few hours. The vitamin content is fairly good: vitamin C (50%), niacin (25%), vitamin B6 & B12 (25%) and magnesium (2% RDA). It also contains 40 mg of Sodium and 85 mg of Potassium.
For a price of $35, you will get 12 cans, which is a pretty good deal. Prepare yourself to be impressed.
Nuun Hydration
Nuun Hydration makes the list with an effective electrolyte + caffeine drink tablet. The tablets taste amazing and are a great aid for people with an active lifestyle. As the name suggests, your workouts will be enhanced thanks to the improved hydration. When you sweat, the body loses important vitamins and electrolytes, which can rapidly affect your performance. Just 1 tablet (there are 10 in a pack) is enough to give you newfound energy and focus.
To reduce fatigue, it contains 40 mg of caffeine. Nuun is also packed with sodium, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Sodium helps you retain fluids and improves nerve function and muscle contraction. Magnesium relaxes them, while potassium prevents muscle cramping. Calcium is there to keep your heart in rhythm and support bone health.
Nuun is easily portable as it is so small, which is always a plus. It uses no sweeteners or artificial flavors and contains 10 calories per tablet. You will get 40 servings for a price of $20, so this is an excellent budget option as well.
VPX REDLINE
Next, we have another bestseller – VPX REDLINE. VPX is a pharmaceutical company, so you can bet they know how to make a good energy product. Here is a list of some supplements you will find inside your can: caffeine (158 mg), 5-HTP, Yerba Mate, and Green tea extract, and electrolytes. Each one contains 0 calories.
This is more of a supplement than an energy drink. The only minus for us is that it doesn’t contain vitamins. A recent study was conducted that shows this drink gives you a whopping 75% improvement in reaction time and a 13% energy increase. Judging by this information, VPX REDLINE will surely give you an edge.
Starbucks Doubleshot Energy Coffee
I mean, who doesn’t know of Starbucks today? Still, the list wouldn’t feel complete without this double-shot energy coffee. The drink contains 210 calories per serving. It is absolutely filled with vitamins: vitamin C (50%), calcium (40%), Riboflavin (200%), Niacin (200%), B6 (200%), and vitamin D (20%). There is a nice dose of protein (12 g) inside too.
You can choose between the following 5 flavors: Coffee, Mexican Mocha, Mocha, Vanilla, and White Chocolate. The beverage contains 15 ounces per can, and for a price of less than $35, you get a pack of 12. If you are a Starbucks fanatic, this is a must.
Rockstar Zero Carb
Another excellent choice comes in the form of Rockstar. This is a zero sugar/calorie energy drink that is both lightly carbonated and refreshing. This makes it an ideal drink of choice for diabetics. Rockstar energy drink is also overflowing with vitamins: niacin (100%), vitamin B6 & B12 (100%), and Pantothenic acid (100%).
For a quick energy boost, you have ginseng and guarana concentrate. This will not give you the jitters like coffee; rather, it will make you calm but very focused at the same time. It is a little disappointing that the effects of this drink wear off a little bit quicker than most of the competition, though.
A can contains 16 ounces of beverage. You will get 24 cans in a pack for the price of $45. All in all, Rockstar’s Zero Carb is a solid alternative approach to getting energy in a market that is packed with caffeine-rich energy drinks.
AMP Energy, Organic Energy Drink
Here we have an organic energy drink made by AMP Energy. What makes this drink unique is the fact that it is made out of 5 ingredients: organic cane sugar, caffeine, natural flavors, citric acid, and carbonated water. Depending on how you look at it, it may also be a minus since it tastes kind of bland. Aside from citrus, the following tastes are also available: Pineapple Coconut, Grape, and Tropical Burst.
This is one of the healthiest brands of energy drink and one you can drink whenever you want without feeling like you are overdoing it.
RUNA ZERO Organic Clean Energy Drink
Next, we have a solid organic energy drink made by RUNA. BLOOD ORANGE provides a natural boost with the help of a single ingredient called guayusa leaf. It naturally contains a combination of caffeine (105 mg) and polyphenols, which, combined, bring you a great mix of focus and energy.
As this is a natural drink, you can expect no crash or jitters. The drink also contains zero sugar and calories. It is lightly carbonated and has a citric flavor. If you don’t like the citrus taste, you can also choose watermelon, mango, pineapple, berry, or lime flavors.
For a price of $50, you get 24 x 8.4 fluid ounces. If you are looking for organic drinks, this is a solid option.
CLICK All-In-One Protein & Coffee Meal Replacement Drink
And now for something a little bit different. This is an all-in-one coffee and protein drink mix made by CLICK. Aside from giving you energy, this can be used as a meal replacement as well. It is low on the calorie side (120) and promotes fat burning. It can also be enjoyed in a variety of ways: hot, iced or blended.
CLICK contains lots of protein (16 g) and 150 mg of caffeine, which is usually more than enough to get you going. It is made out of premium-grade espresso and none of that cheap synthetic stuff. CLICK also features 23 essential vitamins and minerals, and 1 serving contains 1/3 of RDA, which is impressive. This drink contains 6 grams of sugar.
You can choose between the following flavors: Caramel, Mocha, and Vanilla Latte. For a price of $20 bucks, you get 15.3 ounces (about 434 grams). All in all, CLICK positively surprised us and is something that appeals to many people.
Go Girl Sugar-Free Energy Drink
This one is for the prettier sex. Go Girl is a sugar-free lightly carbonated drink. For a decent energy boost, it gives you 100 mg of caffeine. It is both low on calories (5 g) and carbs (1 g). Go Girl contains the following vitamins: riboflavin (80%), niacin (100%), B6 (250%), B12 (80%), pantothenic acid (50%), and magnesium (10%). It is also a good source of taurine (800 mg) and inositol (100 mg).
This blend will give you a good energy rush without the jittery effects of caffeine. It’s important to note that this drink supports breast cancer awareness as a major portion of proceeds are donated to research.
One can contains 12 fluid ounces, and for a price of mere $40, you get a pack of 24. If you are health conscious and want to help the cause, it is hard to say no to Go Girl.
BEEBAD
BEEBAD is Italian made Juventus official energy drink. It contains no refined sugars and taurine. BEEBAD is also gluten-free. This energy drink is made out of following natural ingredients: caffeine, maca, ginseng, honey, royal jelly, vitamins B6 and B12, and propolis.
Let’s explain what some of those ingredients do. Royal jelly is proven to have anti-aging properties and also gives a great boost to our immune system. Propolis is a well-known bee product that is a natural anti-oxidant and immune booster. Ginseng is there to provide additional energy and make you feel revitalized. There is also a Peruvian root called maca, which helps our bodies to deal with stress more efficiently. B6 and B12 are essential for good neurological function, metabolism, and formation of red cells.
BEEBAD tastes very good and contains only 110 calories. For a price of $40, you will get 24 packs of 8.4-ounce cans. This drink is very popular in Italy, and maybe it is time to see why.
Go Fast!
Go Fast! has a very catchy motto: ‘Stronger for longer.’ It contains 100 calories per serving size, which is 8 ounces (237 ml) and has no preservatives or high fructose corn syrup. This is a premium energy drink that contains a recommended daily allowance of the following vitamins: riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B5, B6, and B12. It contains taurine, caffeine, ginseng, guarana, and ginkgo extract, and inositol.
This blend will give you long-lasting energy without a jittery crash. The caffeine content is only 81 mg, which will better suit people that are sensitive to it. This is a solid option if you can’t afford to slow down in the middle of your day.
BioSteel High Performance Sports Drink
If you want to consume only the healthiest drinks, you might want to give BioSteel a try. This is a high-performance sports drink that contains no sugar and is instead naturally sweetened with stevia. 500 ml of this beverage contains only 7 calories!
It is packed with electrolytes, vitamin B complex, amino acids, and organic minerals. This combination will provide you with optimal hydration, which we all know is important, particularly in competitive environments. BioSteel is also suitable for vegans and is gluten-free.
You can choose between the following flavors: lemon/lime, mixed berry, and orange. Overall, this is an excellent sports drink that is guaranteed to give you an edge over your opponents but will also suit you in everyday life.
Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy
This would not be an all-encompassing list if we didn’t include a good pre-workout drink. Amino Energy is a beverage made by Optimum Nutrition and has a taste of blueberry lemonade. It contains a mix of amino acids (5g) that work together to support muscle recovery. The energy blend contains 160 mg of caffeine and is a combination of green tea and green coffee extract. There are only 5 calories in this drink, so rest assured that you will not gain any unwanted pounds.
This product also contains soy, which may not be suitable for some. Bottom line: Amino Energy will give you a heightened level of mental clarity and energy at an affordable price.
Black Bear Energy
Black Bear Energy is an energy drink with no added caffeine. The serving size of 12 fluid ounces contains 120 calories and 31 grams of carbohydrates, which is a bit on the high side. It contains the recommended daily value of following vitamins: riboflavin (180 %), B6 (240 %), B12 (170 %) and molybdenum (390 %).
This drink has a unique blend of hydroxy & adenosyl B12, which is a very important vitamin. It also tastes great with a mix of strawberry and lemon! You can order 12 pack for a price of $36.
GO Stik, Natural Energy plus Electrolytes
GO Stik is a powdered drink designed to help you recover after a workout. It offers smooth energy without the unwanted jittery effects. You can thank that to a good mixture of guarana, yerba mate, and green coffee bean extract. This amounts to 110 mg of caffeine. It is naturally flavored (read “no sugar”) and contains only 5 calories.
Go Stik also contains the following ingredients that are important in everyday functioning: niacin, B6, B12, pantothenic acid, sodium, magnesium, and potassium. You should mix one Stik with 16 ounces of water. GO Stik tastes like raspberry. After drinking it, you will be getting smoothly delivered energy all throughout the day. It is a great fuel source and one that won’t let you down.
Gac Sport+
Lastly, we have Gac Sport. This is a post-workout beverage that will replenish your electrolytes and give you power in no time. It is a source of antioxidants, vitamin E, and vitamin A, although all of this is to be found in only traces.
Gac is actually an Asian superfruit that contains over 90 different healing compounds. Aside from being healthy, it has a good taste as well. It features 10 calories and 0 added sugars. This product is also gluten-free and adequate for vegans.
$24 dollars is the price of a 6-pack case of 12-ounce cans. Although this is the last item on our list, it is still worth a try.