CDLLife Compares Popular Energy Drinks
Wether or not it’s something that we would like to admit, a majority of our office is fueled by energy drinks. – RedBull being our beverage of choice. However, there are a multitude of options out there in the realm of caffeinated go-juice – and we’ve decided to take a closer look. Find out what you’d like to try, or try to avoid here:
Kickstart
This fruit-flavored Mountain Dew beverage was introduced last Monday by PepsiCo as, “a new way to do mornings.” It’s supposed to be a combination of both Mountain Dew and fruit juice that will be available in Orange Citrus and Fruit Punch starting on February 25th. – Pinch yourself, because this sounds like a Mountain Dew lover’s dream! Here’s what you need to know:
It’s going to be sold in 16 oz. cans – these cans are said to contain 92 milligrams of caffeine (much less than a regular energy drink), and 80 calories.
Monster
Monster Energy drinks is one of the more widespread and well known brands – and arguably provides the most options for consumers. Their product line ranges from their original Monster flavor to Lo-Carb and Zero Ultra (which offer low/no carb and low/no cal perks with the same energy buzz and great tastes), and Java Monster (including a wide range of coffee flavorings) to Rehab (which includes electrolytes and tea/lemonade flavors) – my personal favorite being the Rehab Tea + Lemonade (if you love an Arnold Palmer, you won’t be disappointed!) Here’s what you need to know:
Monster Energy is sold in 16 oz. cans which contain 160 milligrams of caffeine (which is relatively high). Monster Energy contains 100 calories per 8 oz. serving (that’s 200 calories per can). Monster has over 25 products to choose from – several of which are calorie free, and other which contain as few as 20 calories.
Red Bull
Red Bull has an indescribably pleasantly sweet and slightly tart flavor that knows just how to keep us happy and functional! The Red Bull product line includes Red Bull, Red Bull Sugarfree, Red Bull Total-Zero, Red Bull Cola, Red Bull Energy Shot, and Red Bull: Red, Blue, and Silver Editions. Here’s what you need to know:
Red Bull is sold in a range of sizes starting with 8 oz., up to 12 oz., and 16 oz. The 8 oz. can contains 80 milligrams of caffeine, and 110 calories.
Amp
Amp Energy has been around for a little while, and they now feature 3 different types of energy drink. Amp Energy Boost is caffeinated with B-vitamins, Amp Energy Active contains caffeine and electrolytes, Amp Energy Focus contains caffeine, choline, & theanine. These three beverages are all formulated for different, self-evident purposes. Here’s what you need to know:
Amp Energy Boost is sold in a 16 oz. can, contains 142 milligrams of caffeine and 220 calories per can.
Full Throttle
Full Throttle features three flavors including citrus, berry, and agave. This line of beverages contains caffeine, d-ribose, and niacin. Here’s what you need to know:
Full Throttle is sold in a 16 oz. can, contains 100 milligrams of caffeine per 8 oz. serving (that’s 200 milligrams of caffeine per can) and 220 calories per can.
The Coca-Cola Company Product Nutrition
Rockstar
Rockstar Energy Drink is a lot like Monster when it comes to variety. They too feature Sugarfree and Zero Carb options, Rockstar also has a hydrating Recovery line as well as a Roasted line for coffee lovers. A few things that Rockstar has that the others don’t is a Super Sours line featuring Green Apple and Bubbleberry, as well as a product called Rockstar Juiced which is 10% juice and comes in Mango. Here’s what you need to know:
Rockstar Energy is served in a 16 oz. can and contains 88 milligrams of caffeine per 8 oz. serving (that’s 176 milligrams per can) and 130 calories per 8 oz. serving (that’s 160 calories per can).
Keep in mind, that there are definite health risks involved when it comes to the consumption of energy drinks – they can effect everything from your heart to your teeth in a negative way, they can also overstimulate consumers in a dangerous way – especially those behind the wheel. On the other hand, a boost of energy used in moderation can be just what a driver needs to stay alert, focused, and awake. CDLLife.com does not endorse or support the use of energy drinks, but we’re certainly not knockin’ them either! What do you think about energy drinks? Does the risk outweigh the benefit, or do you crack a can open every day that you’re out on the road? Tell us what you think, and what your favorite is if you have one!