If you find yourself needing an energy boost, a cup of coffee might be the jolt you need. But if you are like the millions of people who aren’t looking for a latte to fix the midday slump, you may end up grabbing an energy drink. Many of these drinks can contain around 200 milligrams of caffeine, the amount of two cups of coffee. The Food and Drug Administration recommends that healthy adults consume at most 400 milligrams of caffeine per day. 

Frequent consumption of this amount of caffeine is linked to health problems like high blood pressure, irritability, insomnia and even a caffeine addiction. Other energy-promoting ingredients like guarana seed extract and ginseng are commonly added but lack scientific evidence of their effectiveness. 

Global energy drink sales are expected to reach $53.1 billion by the end of 2022 with projected profits to rise to $86.1 billion by 2027, which the National Institutes of Health credits to an increase in a growing focus on exercise and health coupled with the hectic lifestyles of consumers, the majority of which are adolescents, despite warnings on energy drink websites and the sides of cans.

Bang Energy

Price: $1.99 for one 16-fluid ounce can

Flavor: There are 40 flavors such as peach mango and root beer blaze.

Contents: A 16-fluid ounce can contains 0 grams of sugar, 40 milligrams of sodium, 300 milligrams of caffeine and 4-32.5mg of super creatine which some studies say aids in muscle growth and improvement of endurance, but this lacks research. The consumption of too much creatine can lead to high blood pressure, dizziness, and kidney and liver damage. 

Energy type: Bang Energy uses caffeine, taurine and B Vitamins. 

Taste: The “Rainbow Unicorn” flavor is a strong almost fruit punch flavor mixed with bubblegum and cotton candy. The taste is extremely chemical and altogether unpleasurable.

Celsius

Price: $2.49 for one 12-fluid ounce can

Flavor: There are 12 flavors such as kiwi guava and watermelon berry.

Contents: For one 12-fluid ounce can, there are 0 grams of sugar, 0 grams of sodium, 10 calories and 200 milligrams of caffeine. 

Energy type: Celsius has caffeine, taurine, guarana seed extract, ginger extract and green tea leaf extract. 

Taste: The kiwi guava flavor is quite fragrant with a muted kiwi taste at first, with the guava being a syrupy aftertaste resembling a tropical gum. 

Alani Nu Energy

Price: $2.79 for one 12-fluid ounce can

Flavor: There are 13 flavors such as tropsical and cherry slush. 

Contents: One 12-fluid ounce can contains 0 grams of sugar, 170 milligrams of sodium and 200 milligrams of caffeine. The drink also contains biotin, which is shown to strengthen hair and nails. 

Energy type: Alani Nu Energy contains caffeine, B vitamins, taurine and guarana seed extract. 

Taste: The Tropsical flavor is a quite strong resemblance to a refreshing piña colada with hints of mango, pineapple and coconut. 

Red Bull

Price: $2.29 for one 8.4-fluid ounce can 

Flavor: There are currently 10 flavors of Red Bull including sugar free.

Contents: For one 8.4-fluid ounce can, there are 26 grams of sugar, 105 milligrams of sodium,110 calories and 77 milligrams of caffeine. The drink also contains taurine, which some studies suggest that coupled with caffeine can boost mental performance, but experts say further research needs to be done. 

Energy type: The energy source in Red Bull is found in the caffeine, taurine, B vitamins and sugar. 

Taste: The flavor of the original Red Bull strongly resembles licorice, guarana and an almost citrus cough syrup aftertaste and is highly carbonated. 

Monster

Price: $2.39 for one 16-fluid ounce can

Flavor: There are 34 flavors such as watermelon and blue ice. 

Contents: For one 16-fluid ounce, there are 160 milligrams of caffeine, 54 grams of sugar, 370 milligrams of sodium and 230 calories. 

Energy type: Monster Energy has caffeine, taurine, B vitamins and L-carnitine. L-carnitine is shown to help turn body fat into energy. 

Taste: The flavor of the original Monster is very similar to the Red Bull but with more of a green apple taste mixed in but without the sticky sweetness.