2020 was quite a year. Despite everything going on, companies didn’t stop releasing new energy drinks. Here are the notable launches:

  • Coca-Cola Energy (four flavors): January 2020
  • Java Monster 300: March 2020
  • Red Bull Summer Edition Watermelon: late April 2020
  • Tenzing Blackberry & Açaí: May 2020

Coca-Cola Energy

Coca-Cola, arguably the best-known man-made drink in the world, released versions with more caffeine. It just makes sense, and honestly it’s surprising they didn’t do it years ago. Coke came out swinging with four flavors: Energy, Energy Zero Sugar, Energy Cherry, and Energy Cherry Zero Sugar.

I’ve tried the original, and I’m not sure what I expected, but it tastes exactly like a regular Coke. I understand the “don’t fix it if it ain’t broke” approach. However late Coca-Cola is to the party, it seems like a good move. (Buy Coca-Cola Energy on Amazon.)

Update: Coca-Cola discontinued Coca-Cola Energy in the US in 2021, about a year after launch.

Red Bull Summer Edition Watermelon

Red Bull isn’t afraid to tweak its lineup, and the 2020 Summer Edition is Watermelon. It’s limited, so try it before summer’s over. I did, and you can read my full review. Red Bull is trying to make refreshing energy drinks happen, and I’d love to see more brands release seasonal products. Plenty of brands aren’t afraid of bold flavors (looking at you, Bang). I’m not fully convinced Red Bull pulled this one off, but read the review and decide for yourself.

Tenzing Blackberry & Açaí

This one’s for European energy drink fans. Tenzing, a health-focused brand sold in several Western European countries, launched Blackberry & Açaí as its first drink with BCAAs from natural sources, making it vegan. It joins Original and Raspberry & Yuzu in the lineup. (Tenzing’s site.)

Java Monster 300

Monster doesn’t back down. Its Java Monster line keeps growing, and apparently the roughly 200 mg in its other coffee drinks wasn’t enough. Java Monster 300, boldly labeled “Triple Shot,” has 300 mg of caffeine. Monster wants you to know this one isn’t for the faint of heart. It comes in Mocha and French Vanilla. (Buy on Amazon.)

More Java Monster we’ve rated:

Sources: FoodBev, Coca-Cola, Delish, Monster Energy, CNN.