By Madeleine Delelis, Year 12
Energy drinks have become a non-negotiable for many students, athletes, and busy people, whether it’s for late-night studying, training, staying focused, or simply getting through the day. With countless brands on the market, it can be difficult to determine which ones are actually worth drinking. This article focuses on four major energy drinks: Monster, Red Bull, Celsius, and Alani Nu, all of which I have tried and ranked based on taste, appearance, and overall experience.
4th Place: Monster
Monster has to be one of the worst energy drinks currently available. Its design is impossible to ignore, and not in a positive way. The cans are excessively large, and the claw-mark logo is so bold and attention-seeking. Holding one in public is, frankly, embarrassing.
Taste-wise, Monster feels like putting radioactive waste in my mouth and immediately wishing I had lost my sense of taste beforehand. If Monster were a person, it would be someone who wears all black, tries far too hard to be edgy, blasts heavy metal at full volume without headphones, and yet somehow still manages to be painfully mediocre. That being said, if there were absolutely no other energy drinks available, I would drink a Monster, but only as a last resort, and a painful one.
3rd Place: Red Bull
Red Bull is a worldwide classic. It is a safe option that rarely disappoints. The flavors are generally good (with the notable exception of Coconut Berry), and the design is simple yet iconic. The can size is ideal: not too small, not too large. However, the range of flavors is fairly limited compared to other brands, and the taste can become repetitive over time. Overall, Red Bull is a solid and dependable choice, but it earns third place due to a lack of innovation.
2nd Place: Celsius
Celsius is less common in Switzerland, as it is an American brand and harder to find. It is marketed as a more “functional” energy drink and is primarily targeted toward athletes. Celsius offers an impressive variety of flavors, many of which are enjoyable, my personal favorite being Green Apple Cherry. However, some flavors can be overly sharp or intense, making it a clear case of function over pleasure.
The can size is ideal, similar to Red Bull, and the design is simple, colorful, and not overly flashy. Celsius also offers convenient on-the-go powdered packets that can be mixed with water, which is useful when carrying a can isn’t practical. One major downside is that Celsius sold in Europe does not taste the same as in the United States, meaning the “true” experience is difficult to access. Despite this, Celsius earns second place.
1st Place: Alani Nu
The drink that takes the crown is Alani Nu. Alani represents the evolution of the energy drink. Unfortunately, it is not available in Switzerland, a true tragedy, as everyone should try an Alani at least once in their lifetime. Everything about it is exceptional: the design, the can size, the smooth energy it provides, and most importantly, the taste.
Drinking an Alani is like seeing that one friend who instantly improves your mood, or feeling a cool breeze on a hot summer day. The Cherry Twist flavor stands out as the best: crisp, refreshing, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tart. Alani is also highly innovative, offering on-the-go packets, protein powders, bars, and snacks. The only criticism is its limited availability.
While all energy drinks aim to serve the same purpose, Alani Nu excels in every category. It demonstrates that an energy drink can be more than just a source of caffeine; it can be an experience, a statement, and, arguably, a lifestyle.
