Best Energy Drinks of 2026

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 19, 2026

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Energy drinks are beverages that are designed to give the consumer a quick energy boost. They typically contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants that are intended to increase alertness and energy levels. Many people turn to energy drinks when they need a quick pick-me-up, such as when they are feeling tired or sluggish. However, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with these drinks, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, dehydration, and insomnia. As with any dietary supplement, it is important to consume energy drinks in moderation and to talk to a healthcare provider before using them regularly.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

LMNT Keto Electrolyte Powder Packets Cover #TOP 1
LMNT Keto Electrolyte Powder Packets
ftb score rating icon 9.9
CELSIUS Variety Pack Energy Drink Cover #TOP 2
CELSIUS Variety Pack Energy Drink
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Bloom Nutrition Sparkling Energy Drink Variety Pack Cover #TOP 3
Bloom Nutrition Sparkling Energy Drink Variety Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Energy Drinks

LMNT Keto Electrolyte Powder Packets

12 Count
LMNT Keto Electrolyte Powder Packets Cover
LMNT Zero Sugar Electrolytes - Variety Pack | Drink Mix | 12-Count

LMNT Keto Electrolyte Powder Packets are perfect for those who follow a keto, low-carb, or intermittent fasting lifestyle, and a gluten-free diet. The electrolyte supplement helps fight against low-carb fatigue and keto fog to keep energy levels high. The powder mix is carefully formulated with the perfect ratio of sodium, potassium, and magnesium. It is free from sugar, gluten, fillers, and artificial ingredients. Additionally, the powder is useful for winter hydration needs and can help you stay salty year-round.

What We Like
Authentic, natural fruit flavors
No sugar or artificial ingredients
Effective hydration and energy boost
Dissolves easily in water
Convenient, portable packaging
What We Don't Like
Higher price point
Salty taste not for everyone
#TOP 2

CELSIUS Variety Pack Energy Drink

FGSS1231
Variety Pack
CELSIUS Variety Pack Energy Drink Cover
CELSIUS Assorted Flavors Official Variety Pack, Functional Essential Energy Drinks, 12 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)

Get ready to live fit with CELSIUS Variety Pack Energy Drink. Packed with 200mg caffeine, this functional essential energy drink is designed to help you stay alert and focused throughout the day. Made with premium, proven ingredients and 7 essential vitamins, this energy drink is gluten-free, kosher, non-GMO, and certified vegan. With no sugar or sodium, and no high fructose corn syrup, aspartame or artificial flavors or colors, CELSIUS Variety Pack Energy Drink is perfect for those who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Whether you need a quick energy boost before a workout or a long day at work, CELSIUS Variety Pack Energy Drink is the perfect choice for you.

What We Like
Clean, sustained energy boost
Refreshing, natural flavors
No sugar or artificial sweeteners
No crash or jitters
Variety of flavors
What We Don't Like
Some flavors may not suit everyone
Mild carbonation preference issues

Bloom Nutrition Sparkling Energy Drink Variety Pack

Bloom Nutrition Sparkling Energy Drink Variety Pack Cover
Bloom Nutrition Sparkling Energy Drink - Variety Pack - Natural Caffeine, Zero Sugar, 180mg Caffeine - Antioxidant-Rich with Green Coffee Bean, Green Tea Extract, Prebiotics - 12oz 12 Pack

Bloom Sparkling Energy Drinks offer a refreshing way to boost your energy without the crash. Each can contains 180mg of natural caffeine derived from green coffee bean extract, providing you with a steady energy lift while keeping calories low. These drinks are crafted with better-for-you ingredients like lychee and green tea extracts, which not only enhance flavor but also support your metabolism and antioxidant needs. Plus, with prebiotics included, you can feel good knowing you’re helping your gut health. Enjoy delicious flavors like Strawberry Watermelon and Peach Mango, all without artificial additives.

What We Like
Natural energy boost
Zero sugar, low calorie
Refreshing, flavorful taste
No jitters or crash
Prebiotics and antioxidants
What We Don't Like
Some sweetener aftertaste
Sucralose not preferred by all

Monster Energy Ultra Sunrise 15 Pack

Monster
U-S1-33333
orange
15 Pack
Monster Energy Ultra Sunrise 15 Pack Cover
Monster Energy Ultra Sunrise, Sugar Free Energy Drink, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 15)

Monster Ultra Sunrise is a delightful energy drink that offers great flavor without the sugar. With only 10 calories, it provides a light and refreshing taste, featuring a sparkling citrus and orange flavor that can lift your spirits any time of day. This drink is perfect for those who want a boost of energy while enjoying a lighter taste. Packed with the full Monster Energy blend, it helps keep you energized throughout your busy day. Plus, the convenient pack of 15 ensures you always have a refreshing drink on hand whenever you need it.

What We Like
Zero sugar, low calories
Effective energy boost
Refreshing, balanced flavors
Bulk pack cost savings
No lingering aftertaste
What We Don't Like
Occasional packaging damage
Subtle flavor for some

CELSIUS Sparkling Peach Vibe Energy Drink

FGSS1228
Peach Vibe
CELSIUS Sparkling Peach Vibe Energy Drink Cover
CELSIUS Sparkling Peach Vibe, Functional Essential Energy Drink 12 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)

CELSIUS Sparkling Peach Vibe is a functional, essential energy drink that helps you live fit with 200mg caffeine and 7 essential vitamins. It is made with premium, proven ingredients and has no sugar, sodium, high fructose corn syrup, aspartame, or artificial flavors or colors. CELSIUS is gluten-free, kosher, non-GMO, and certified vegan. Inspired by Miami's sunny beaches, the sparkling peach vibe flavor is vibrant and juicy. It's perfect for pre-workout or as a better-for-you alternative to traditional energy drinks.

What We Like
Refreshing and natural flavors
Clean, sustained energy boost
No sugar, no crash
Variety of flavors
Affordable bulk pricing
What We Don't Like
Wish for higher caffeine option

Cellucor C4 Energy Drink - SKITTLES

111146
Cellucor C4 Energy Drink - SKITTLES Cover
Cellucor C4 Performance Energy Drink | Cosmic Rainbow | Zero Sugar Carbonated Preworkout Energy | 200mg Caffeine with Beta Alanine | 16 Fl Oz (12 Pack), Packaging May Vary

Cellucor C4 Energy is designed to give you a burst of energy when you need it most. With 200mg of caffeine, it helps enhance your physical performance, whether you're hitting the gym or playing sports. The inclusion of CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine supports your endurance, allowing you to push through fatigue during intense workouts. Additionally, BetaPower Natural Betaine promotes hydration at the muscle cell level, ensuring you can perform at your best. Plus, with its delicious SKITTLES flavor, you can enjoy an energizing drink without any sugar or artificial additives.

What We Like
Great taste variety
Clean, strong energy boost
Zero sugar formula
No crash or jitters
Convenient 12-pack option
What We Don't Like
Some flavors taste artificial

V8 Energy Zero Sugar Cherry Lime 24 Pack

V8
200000029497
V8 Energy Zero Sugar Cherry Lime 24 Pack Cover
V8 Energy Zero Sugar Cherry Lime Energy Drink 8 fl. oz. Can (24 Pack)

The V8 Cherry Lime Energy drink offers a flavorful zero-sugar option for those who want a tasty energy boost without extra calories. Its Cherry Lime flavor provides a refreshing twist that can keep you feeling energized and satisfied. With 80 milligrams of caffeine, similar to a cup of coffee, it gives you a steady lift to help you stay alert throughout the day. Plus, each can contains just 5 calories and 1 gram of carbs, making it a light choice that won't weigh you down. This drink is also a good source of B Vitamins, which support your overall energy metabolism and well-being.

What We Like
Variety of flavors
Zero sugar content
Moderate caffeine boost
Convenient 8-ounce size
Clean, simple ingredients
What We Don't Like
Slightly sweet for some
Mild flavor for a few

Monster Rehab Tea + Lemonade + Energy

Monster
yellow, green
15 Pack
Monster Rehab Tea + Lemonade + Energy Cover
Monster Energy Rehab Tea + Lemonade + Energy, Energy Iced Tea, Energy Drink 15.5 Ounce (Pack of 15)

Rehab Tea + Lemonade + Energy by Monster Energy is the perfect drink to refresh, recover, and revive yourself. This killer mix of tea, lemonade, electrolytes, and Monster Rehab's energy blend provides you with 160mg of caffeine, giving you the energy boost you need. With only 25 calories per can, it's a guilt-free choice for those who want to stay energized without the extra calories. The lemon-infused electrolytes, vitamins, and botanicals in this drink work their magic, rehydrating you and restoring your energy levels. Plus, with a convenient 15 pack, you can easily stock up on this non-carbonated energy drink. Get back from the dead and enjoy the benefits of Monster Rehab Tea + Lemonade + Energy.

What We Like
Non-carbonated, smooth texture
Low calorie, no overpowering sweetness
Consistent energy boost
Cost-effective online pricing
Unique, refreshing flavors
What We Don't Like
Occasional shipping delays
Minor packaging issues in bad weather
#TOP 9

Red Bull Energy Drink, Sugar Free, Pack of 24

RB2860
Sugar Free
16 Fl Oz, 12pk
Red Bull Energy Drink, Sugar Free, Pack of 24 Cover
Red Bull Sugar Free Energy Drink, 8.4 Fl Oz, 24 Cans (6 Packs of 4)

Red Bull Energy Drink, Sugar Free, is a pack of 24 cans of 8.4 fluid ounces each that revitalizes the body and mind. The formula contains caffeine, taurine, B group vitamins, sugars, and alpine water. The cans are made of 100% recyclable aluminum. Red Bull Energy Drink is appreciated worldwide by top athletes, busy professionals, college students, and travelers on long journeys. It contains caffeine that is traditionally consumed from natural sources like tea, coffee, cacao beans, and cola nuts, and appreciated for its stimulating effects on the human body. Taurine is an amino acid that is naturally occurring in the human body and present in the daily diet. Aspartame and Acesulfame K are among the most-tested and most-used sugar substitutes worldwide.

What We Like
Sugar-free formula
Consistent energy boost
No jitters or crash
Good value for money
Clean, refreshing taste
What We Don't Like
Flavor preference varies
Not the healthiest option

365 Pomegranate Energy Shot

0099482512118
2 FZ
365 Pomegranate Energy Shot Cover
365 by Whole Foods Market, Energy Shot, Pomegranate, 2 Fl Oz, 6 Count

Experience a burst of energy with the 365 Energy Shot from Whole Foods Market. This product is designed to enhance your grocery shopping experience with its premium ingredients, ensuring you feel good about what you consume. It's perfect for those busy days when you need a quick pick-me-up, giving you the motivation to tackle your to-do list. Enjoy the convenience of a compact, 2-ounce shot that fits easily into your bag. With a variety of choices available, you can find the energy boost that suits your taste and lifestyle, making it a fun addition to your daily routine.

What We Like
mild, steady energy boost
pleasant, not overly sweet flavor
no jitters or crash
portable, convenient packaging
comparable to coffee caffeine
What We Don't Like
slightly sour taste
not everyone likes the flavor
Best Energy Drinks Feature Image

Best Energy Drinks You Are Looking For

Energy drinks are a great way to give your body the added edge needed to push harder during workouts and longer physically and to stay focused on task mentally. Below are some common questions people may have about energy drinks and a few tips on buying them.

How Do Energy Drinks Work?

Energy drinks work with different active ingredients, the most common one of which is caffeine. Caffeine works by stimulating the central nervous system, heart, muscles, and the centers that control blood pressure. In this way, your body wakes up and you can keep focused.

Green tea extractor is another common active ingredient that many energy drinks add. If you are sensitive to caffeine, you can choose green tea energy drinks which work just as well. Since they are all-natural, green tea energy drinks are generally considered safer than others.

B Vitamins are also the main ingredients of energy drinks, including vitamin B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12.

Taurine, an amino acid, is added to some energy drinks because it boosts athletic performance and metabolism. It is generally considered safe to have up to 3,000 mg of taurine a day.

Other active ingredients are sodium, vitamin C, vitamin D, beta-alanine, CoQ10, L-theanine, creatine, BCAA, protein, antioxidant, and so on. You should check the ingredients before buying to avoid any possible risks.

Also, we round up the most powerful energy drinks for you to choose from.

Which Type of Energy Drink Should I Choose?

If you are gluten intolerant, you should choose gluten-free energy drinks. If you are on a diet, low-carb energy drinks or zero-carb energy drinks are what you need to help you lose weight. There are also vegan energy drinks, halal energy drinks, and kosher energy drinks for people who need them. For women, you can choose energy drinks that contain hydrolyzed collagen for your skin, joints & bones. For breastfeeding moms, there are energy drinks made with only natural ingredients with B vitamins to boost energy and improve your mood.

When Should I Drink Energy Drinks?

It is not a good idea to drink energy drinks during or after exercise. The sugar content of energy drinks is high, far exceeding the recommended 5%-8% of sports drinks, which is not conducive to gastric emptying and water replenishment. The caffeine in energy drinks will make your tired nerves excited again, which will cause your body to be in a false excitement instead of real fatigue. The state is not conducive to the recovery of various functions. However, caffeine can indeed improve the exercise performance of some people. Therefore, it is acceptable to drink functional drinks 30-60 minutes before exercise. There are energy drinks specially formulated for pre-workout and we have picked the best ones for you.

What Are the Side Effects of Energy Drinks?

Overdrinking energy drinks can never be a good idea. Some energy drinks contain caffeine. Excessive intake of caffeine can cause symptoms such as heart palpitations, nausea, convulsions, and mental disorders, and in some cases can even be fatal. It is recommended to drink at most one can of energy drink (250ml, containing about 70mg-80mg caffeine) per day, which is safe for healthy adults. Adults with medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart abnormalities, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, or other health problems, or who are overly sensitive to caffeine, should drink with caution or avoid energy drinks under medical advice. Compared with artificial synthetic caffeine, natural caffeine is more reliable, thus you should always choose organic energy drinks or natural energy drinks. Still, do not overdrink.

Some energy drinks use a high dose of sugar for tasting, which may cause obesity or even diabetes. To avoid these risks, you should choose low-sugar energy drinks or sugar-free energy drinks.

Based on these two aspects, we select healthy energy drinks for you, which you can drink without worrying about their impact on your health.

Other Factors That You Need to Consider

Formulation

Liquid energy drinks are the most common ones as you can drink them whenever you would like to. However, carrying cans of liquid energy drinks is not easy, and therefore, there come powder energy drinks that you can grab and go for energy anytime and anywhere. Also, you can turn to bar energy drinks or gel energy drinks for different tastes.

Price

Energy drinks have become necessities for some people, thus the prices of energy drinks are important. Based on their prices, we have categorized the energy drinks on the market into energy drinks under $10, $15, $20, and $30. You can pick for yourself according to your budget.

Flavor

Most people like fruit energy drinks or coffee energy drinks. More specifically, energy drinks come in various flavors including berries, orange, peach, mango, cherry, lemonade, grape, watermelon, pomegranate, apple, pineapple, kiwi, vanilla, chocolate, ginger, pear, banana, caramel, almond, and so on. For detailed information, please check the guiding bar on the right of the page. The majority of energy drinks are sweet, however, there are also sour ones. If you do not like flavored energy drinks, you can go to unflavored ones.

In general, we also choose a bundle of best-tasting energy drinks which appeal to most people.

Brand

Looking for energy drinks of your favorite brand? We have these categorized lists to help you. Red Bull, CELSIUS, Boost, Rockstar, Bang, V8, G Fuel, Reign, Xyience, Aspire, NOS, Venom, ZOA, Yerba Mate, Rip It, Starbucks, BAWLS, Rowdy, GHOST, Arizona, we have everything for you. Just check the guiding bar on the right of the page.

Conclusion

Whether you are heading to the gym or need that little bit extra to get through the rest of the workday, a can of energy drink can make you feel better. After reading this article, we are sure that you have got to know more about energy drinks. Now just go to pick your favorite energy drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do energy drinks dehydrate you?

Yes, energy drinks can dehydrate the body, especially when consumed during exercise. The high levels of sugar and caffeine in energy drinks can lead to symptoms like irritability, anxiety, sleeplessness, and even severe nausea that may require hospitalization.

2. Can 12 year olds drink energy drinks?

Energy drinks are not recommended for children and teens, including 12-year-olds, due to their high caffeine, sugar, and other ingredient content. These drinks contain caffeine, which is a drug naturally found in plants and can have adverse effects on young individuals.

3. Is it OK to drink one energy drink a day?

For young and healthy individuals who consume energy drinks in moderation, meaning no more than one drink a day, there are usually no long-term health issues. However, individuals with hypertension or heart irregularities may experience increased palpitations when consuming stimulants like energy drinks.

4. Can 17 year old drink Red Bull?

While there is no specific age limit for the consumption of energy drinks like Red Bull, apex health organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend that children and teens should not consume energy drinks. It is best for 17-year-olds and younger individuals to avoid energy drinks altogether.

5. What age is OK to drink energy drinks?

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children under the age of 12 should not consume caffeinated drinks. For adolescents between 12 and 18 years old, it is recommended to limit their caffeine intake to less than 100 milligrams per day. However, some energy drinks contain twice that amount, so it is best for young individuals to consume these drinks sparingly or avoid them altogether.

Editor's Notes

During our energy drink research, we found 25 energy drink products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,479,045 customer reviews through our big data system to write the energy drinks list. We found that most customers choose energy drinks with an average price of $21.46.

The energy drinks are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of energy drinks, including Drink LMNT, CELSIUS, Bloom Nutrition, Monster, Cellucor. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 2,713 consumers with an average rating of 4.5.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!

Energy Drinks Comparison Table

#TOP1
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#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Drink LMNT CELSIUS Bloom Nutrition Monster CELSIUS Cellucor V8 Monster Red Bull 365 by Whole Foods Market
Flavor Variety Pack Assorted Flavor Variety Variety Pack Ultra Sunrise Peach Vibe Cosmic Rainbow Cherry Lime Tea + Lemonade Sugar-Free Pomegranate
Item Form Powder Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid Liquid
Units - 144 Fluid Ounces - 240 Fluid Ounces 144 Fluid Ounces 192 Fluid Ounces 192 Fluid Ounces 232.5 Fluid Ounces 201.6 Fluid Ounces 12.0 Fluid Ounces
Package Information - Can - Can Can Can Can Can Can Can
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
Where to Buy