Are you sleep-deprived? Struggling to not fall asleep while studying? If you’re anything like me, it’s been a while since you last pulled an all-dayer. The healthiest solution to this problem? Why, it’s energy drinks of course! This week I put my horrendous sleep schedule to the test to deliver to you a ranking of the top five most popular energy drink brands! From taste and effectiveness to overall impact, I’ve got you covered. Keep reading to find out which drink was the ultimate lifesaver during a busy week of studying and exams.
5. Monster Energy
Even if you’re not an energy drink drinker, you’ve definitely heard of this brand before. Recognized from its neon green logo and intense appearance, I fully expected this drink to taste and perform like battery acid. However, while my intuition was right about the taste, Monster Energy’s caffeinating effects left me underwhelmed. Despite its intense soda-like flavor, the drink failed to prevent me from dozing off during my long night of studying, and I was knocked out within an hour of its consumption. While I could’ve just been more tired that day, I don’t think even a guaranteed 24-hour energy boost would make me reach for this drink again.
4. Red Bull
As the most popular energy drink in the world, I had high hopes for the acclaimed Red Bull. Although I was disappointed to discover that its taste was similar to the radioactive flavor of Monster (I chose the original flavor for both), I was pleasantly surprised by how it kept me energized for hours on end. So, while I doubt I’d choose to drink it again, I have to give credit to Red Bull for helping me power through a late night spent working on my dreaded AP seminar presentation.
3. Bang Energy
Having not heard much about Bang Energy in the past, I didn’t really know what to expect from this brand. However, it came through for me the morning after an all-nighter, keeping me awake even during the most boring class periods of the day. Although I still ended up taking my routine nap after school, Bang definitely kept me functioning throughout the day, with a decent flavor as an added bonus (blue razz). So, while it’s not my number-one choice, this brand is the way to go if you need an energy boost to get you through long and tiring school hours.
2. C4 Energy
C4 Energy was the first drink that I had tried during the week, and let me tell you, it was an eye-opening experience. Despite my usual 5-hour nap after getting home from school, just a cup of C4 instantly energized me and enabled me to be productive instead. On top of the effectiveness, the drink had a nice and refreshing flavor too (pink starburst), although it was similar to the sugary soda taste found in other brands. So, if you’re looking for an energy drink that not only works well but also tastes great, then C4 is the perfect choice for you!
And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for!! The determined best energy drink after my week of careful experimentation is…
1. Celsius
This brand simply performed better than the rest when it came to its overall impact as an energy drink. Not only did it (surprisingly) keep me awake for almost the whole day, but it also had a refreshing flavor (peach) that differed from the other overly sugary energy drinks that I had throughout the week. In addition, I later found out that Celsius contains cleaner ingredients overall, only containing caffeine and guarana (which means less negative side effects, yay!!). So, if you’re ever in doubt of which energy drink to reach for when you’re in need of a boost, then let Celsius be the clear winner for you!
After a week of trying out various energy drinks, it’s obvious that each brand has its perks, with some being better than others. However, whether you’re looking to power through a late-night study session during exam season or simply need a pick-me-up during a long day, there’s undoubtedly an energy drink out there for you!! Just remember to consume them responsibly and avoid pulling too many all-nighters!