Reviews, rankings & hot takes
61 longer reads from the Sharks and friends: full reviews, best-of lists, flavor leaks, industry news, and what caffeine actually does.
Plant-Infused Drinks, Part 1: We're Just Trying Anything Now
Mushroom elixirs, cactus water, and "euphoric alternatives to alcohol" are all over Tyler's feed. He's launching a series to try every one of them.
Review
Starbucks Iced Energy Review: Stay in Your Lane, Bro
Starbucks launched in-store Iced Energy drinks in Melon Burst and Tropical Citrus. Tyler and Jared tried them so you don't have to.
Review
G.O.A.T. Fuel: An Energy Drink Business Model I Don't Understand
Jerry Rice's energy drink is flat, the Wild Berry comes in a green can, and it's full of mushrooms. Tyler is confused.
Humor
Down With the Red Bull and Vodka Monopoly!
There are hundreds of energy drinks, yet the only one you can order at the bar is a Red Bull vodka. Tyler proposes four challengers to topple the regime.
Review
Alani Nu Protein Shake Review: Are Fit Shakes the Best on the Market?
Karan grabbed Alani Nu Fit Shakes at Costco and rated four flavors, Vanilla, Cookies & Cream, Munchies, and Fruity Cereal, with a score and a BOOM or DOOM.
Review
Is Red Bull Sea Blue Edition Juneberry Worth a Try?
Red Bull promoted its Juneberry summer flavor to the permanent lineup. I'm still not sure a juneberry is real, and this can didn't convince me.
Jared · Apr 2, 2024 · 1 min read Guide
The Best Energy Drink for Every Activity
Gaming, the beach, the slopes, the gym, a long run, finals week, and a smuggled can at the movies. Cam's pick for every occasion.
Cam · Feb 16, 2024 · 4 min read Hard Seltzer
Mom Water Variety Pack Review: Becky, Karen, Julie, and Linda
Non-carbonated vodka water named after moms. Jared found it at Trader Joe's, and Linda (Blueberry Peach) blew the rest of the squad away.
Jared · Oct 25, 2023 · 2 min read Review
Ric Flair's Wooooo! Energy Drink Review
Ric "Nature Boy" Flair has an energy drink, it's a "sparkling mushroom elixir," and it arrived duct-taped in a box. Tyler and Jared review the variety pack.
Rankings
PRIME Energy Flavors Ranked: Logan Paul and KSI's Drinks From Best to Worst
We reviewed every PRIME Energy flavor. Lemon Lime is the surprise champion; Orange Mango leaves the octagon in shame.
Jared · Sep 9, 2023 · 2 min read Review
Kim Kardashian's Energy Drink: Keep the Flavor Simple, Go All Out on the Branding
Alani Nu's limited-edition Kimade is just Kim plus lemonade. Tyler expected to hate it. Instead he thinks it's a genius move, and an 8.1.
Humor
A Highly Caffeinated Man With Anxiety Goes to IKEA: A Ballad
One bed frame, one Celsius, and 45 minutes in the Swedish maze. The true story of Tyler's first trip to IKEA.
Opinion
PRIME, the Paul Brothers, and the UFC: A Deeper Look
PRIME becomes a UFC sponsor, the UFC merges with the WWE, and the Paul brothers pick fights with everyone. Tyler connects the dots. Speculatively.
Humor
Aliens Have Been Confirmed (Allegedly). What Energy Drink Do They Prefer?
A whistleblower says the government has UFOs and alien pilots. Everyone's asking the wrong questions. Tyler asks the right one.
News
Is Bang Energy Dead?
Lawsuits, a messy split with PepsiCo, bankruptcy, and a CEO shown the door. What's left for the most controversial brand in the cooler?
Jared · May 17, 2023 · 2 min read Rankings
Gatorade Fast Twitch Flavors Ranked: All Six
The variety pack only has three of the six Fast Twitch flavors, and Cam doesn't think they picked the best three. Here's every flavor ranked.
Cam · Apr 19, 2023 · 3 min read Performance
XTEND x Airheads Review: A BCAA and Electrolyte Mix for Runners
Justin tested the Blue Raspberry hydration mix in a race; Jared tried it on a comeback run. Both were surprised by the taste.
Review
Stella Blue Coffee Review: Totally Unbiased and Impartial
Barstool's Big Cat launched a coffee brand. Tyler is a huge fan of Big Cat and gets acid reflux from coffee. Journalistic integrity, activated.
Humor
The Blue-Collar Guy's Guide to Energy Drinks
What to drink on the job site, what to hide in the porta-potty, and why Monster will always be ole reliable. The official guide for people who do honest work.
Review
Gatorade Fast Twitch Variety Pack Review
200 mg of caffeine, zero sugar, no carbonation. Does Gatorade's energy drink just taste like Gatorade? A resounding no.
Cam · Mar 13, 2023 · 2 min read Hard Seltzer
New Belgium Fruit Smash Hard Seltzer Review
The Fat Tire brewery's first seltzer pack, reviewed on Super Bowl Sunday. Three flavors with real-juice taste and one supreme disappointment.
Jared · Mar 4, 2023 · 1 min read Rankings
The Most Repulsive Energy Drinks: Our Five Lowest-Rated Cans
Rancid cotton candy, spoiled cherry, and a peach seltzer that tastes like dirt. The worst of the worst, plus Cam's personal nemesis and least favorite brand.
Cam · Feb 8, 2023 · 5 min read News
PSA: Bought Celsius Between 2015 and 2022? You Could Get Up to $250
Celsius settled a lawsuit over its "No Preservatives" labels, paying $1 per can to buyers from 2015 to 2022. Jared filed a claim in ten minutes.
Jared · Feb 1, 2023 · 1 min read Review
New Celsius Sparkling Lemon Lime Is in Stores Now
Celsius added Lemon Lime to its sparkling lineup. Jared tastes Mellow Yellow, not Sprite; Matt likes the sweet-tart balance.
Jared · Jan 28, 2023 · 1 min read Guide
The Hitchhiker's Guide to Costa Rican Energy Drinks
Volcanoes, sloths, hot springs, and the energy drink aisle. What you'll find in Costa Rica, starting with a local can called Maxxx.
Jared · Jan 14, 2023 · 2 min read Hard Seltzer
Michelob ULTRA Organic Hard Seltzer with Coconut Water Review
A Publix pickup on a Sarasota vacation. Berry Hibiscus was the clear winner; Kiwi Lime was the weak link.
Jared · Dec 21, 2022 · 2 min read Opinion
Celsius Is Heating Up the Energy Drink Landscape
How a fitness-focused upstart with zero sugar and a $550 million PepsiCo investment started chasing Red Bull and Monster.
Guide
Tired of Mainstream Energy Drinks? Try These Three
Burned out on the same Monster or Red Bull? Cam's three palate cleansers: C4 Twisted Limeade, Alani Nu Cosmic Stardust, and Adrenaline Shoc Acai Berry.
Cam · Dec 19, 2022 · 2 min read Review
C4 Pre-Workout Review: Original, Sport, SuperSport, and Ultimate
Jared had never taken pre-workout. Then Cellucor sent four kinds of C4. The verdict: a cheaper, mix-it-yourself alternative to canned energy drinks.
Jared · Nov 24, 2022 · 3 min read Leak
Leak: Monster Reserve Orange Dreamsicle Is Coming
Multiple Reddit users confirmed the next Monster Reserve flavor. Monster isn't the first to try Orange Dreamsicle, and it isn't even its own company's first attempt.
Jared · Sep 3, 2022 · 1 min read Leak
Leak: Red Bull Winter Edition 2022 Will Be Fig Apple
Reddit and our own sources agree on the 2022 Winter Edition flavor, and it might be the weirdest Red Bull in years.
Jared · Aug 13, 2022 · 1 min read Leak
Leak: Red Bull's Summer Edition Is Here to Stay as the Amber Edition
Strawberry Apricot is getting a permanent spot as the newly branded Amber Edition. Plus, a teaser on the 2022 Winter Edition.
Jared · Aug 6, 2022 · 1 min read News
Prime Day 2022 Deal: 40%+ Off C4 Energy
Cases of C4 dropped more than 40% for Amazon Prime Day 2022, including Jared's favorite, Black Cherry.
Jared · Jul 13, 2022 · 1 min read Hard Seltzer
Three Birds Hard Seltzer Review: All Four Flavors
A $13 case from Total Wine that tastes like White Claw for less, and one flavor that beats it. Jared's verdict: day-drink ready.
Jared · Jun 20, 2022 · 2 min read Hard Seltzer
Nectar Hard Seltzer Review: Lychee, Asian Pear, Mandarin, and Yuzu
Zero sugar, no artificial sweeteners, and Asian fruit flavors. Four of us expected bland. Nectar's Lychee earned the highest seltzer scores we've ever given.
Jared · May 24, 2022 · 4 min read Review
NAPJITSU NOW Review: Time-Release Caffeine in a Capsule
150 mg of slow-release caffeine with nootropics and a 10-minute meditation. Jared and Daniel both got all-day energy with no crash.
Jared · May 6, 2022 · 3 min read Review
Starbucks BAYA Energy Review: Mango Guava, Raspberry Lime, and Pineapple Passionfruit
Starbucks' first real energy drink gets its caffeine from coffee fruit. Jared loved two of the three flavors. Cam disagreed, loudly.
Jared · Apr 2, 2022 · 3 min read Guide
Kill Cliff: The Healthy Energy Drink?
Natural caffeine, zero sugar, electrolytes, and no sucralose. Cam breaks down why Kill Cliff checks every box on his healthy-energy-drink list.
Cam · Mar 22, 2022 · 2 min read Rankings
Best Energy Drinks of 2022: The Sharks' Top 5
C4 Black Cherry took the crown in our second annual best-of list. Here are the five highest-scoring cans going into 2022, and what changed from last year.
Jared · Feb 26, 2022 · 2 min read Performance
Nuun Energy Review: Berry Blast and Tropical Punch
Fizzy tablets with 80 mg of caffeine and electrolytes. Great before and after a run, Jared says; Matt found Tropical Punch "bizarre." Plus Cam's ingredient breakdown.
Jared · Jan 17, 2022 · 3 min read News
Monster Debuts True North Energy Seltzer
Monster Beverage's True North brand launched a line of plant-caffeinated energy seltzers with 120 mg per can, aimed squarely at the outdoorsy crowd.
Jared · Jan 15, 2022 · 1 min read Leak
Leak: Red Bull Summer Edition 2022 Is Strawberry Apricot
Sources at Red Bull confirmed the 2022 Summer Edition flavor months ahead of launch.
Jared · Dec 20, 2021 · 1 min read Review
Fission Fuel Kit Review: Gimmick or a Real Replacement for Canned Energy Drinks?
A Cirkul bottle with a dial from water to full blast and flavors named Florida Man and Blue Magic. Jared tried the starter kit; Cam broke down the energy blend.
Jared · Dec 4, 2021 · 4 min read Leak
Leak: Monster Ultra Peachy Keen, Reignbow Sherbet, and More for 2022
A Reddit leak revealed three new Monster flavors and one new Reign coming in 2022. Peachy Keen and Reignbow Sherbet had Jared most excited.
Jared · Nov 20, 2021 · 1 min read Review
Bang Birthday Cake Bash: Revisiting the Most Controversial Energy Drink
It's one of the lowest-rated drinks on the site, but is it really that bad? Matt asks friends and Reddit for a second opinion.
Matt · Nov 10, 2021 · 2 min read News
Bang Nectarine Blueberry: A Vitamin Shoppe Exclusive
Bang's mystery flavor is out, and it's Nectarine Blueberry, available only at The Vitamin Shoppe. Reddit's early verdict: "absolute fire."
Jared · Oct 17, 2021 · 1 min read Hard Seltzer
Bud Light Seltzer Retro Summer Pack Review
Cherry Limeade, Blue Raspberry, and Summer Ice, tested where they belong: on the beach between volleyball games.
Jared · Oct 11, 2021 · 1 min read Leak
Leak: Java Monster Cold Brew Expected in January 2022
Two versions, a 16 oz can, and a January launch. Everything we knew about Java Monster Cold Brew before it hit shelves.
Jared · Oct 9, 2021 · 1 min read Hard Seltzer
Wild Basin Hard Seltzer Review: Original and Berry Mixpacks
The most unusual flavors in any seltzer aisle and none of the artificial aftertaste. Cam ranks all eight from Wild Basin's two mixpacks.
Cam · Sep 3, 2021 · 3 min read Rankings
The Best-Looking Energy Drink Cans
Every Shark review scores the can's look. We sorted our ratings to find each Shark's best-looking design.
Jared · Aug 19, 2021 · 1 min read Leak
Leak: Monster Reserve White Pineapple Slated for October Release
A mystery can on Reddit set off some internet detective work. The verdict: Monster Reserve is real, it's full sugar, and it's coming this fall.
Jared · Aug 5, 2021 · 1 min read Hard Seltzer
Bang MIXX Hard Seltzer Review
Bang made hard seltzer that tastes like its energy drinks. Cam was skeptical, then Purple Kiddles became one of his favorite seltzers ever.
Cam · Jul 8, 2021 · 2 min read News
NERD Focus Energy Drink Is Back, From Campus to NASCAR
The "Original Think Drink" started in a Texas dorm in 2006. Now it has a new owner, a rebrand, and a NASCAR sponsorship. Here's what drinkers say about it.
Jared · Jul 6, 2021 · 3 min read Guide
The Best Energy Drink Variety Packs on Amazon
Tired of 12 of the same can? Jared picks the best Amazon variety packs for value, taste, kick, and sheer variety.
Jared · Jun 30, 2021 · 2 min read Rankings
The Most Underrated Energy Drinks of 2021
Each Shark picks one can that deserves way more attention: Adrenaline Shoc Accelerator Cherry Limeade, Bucked Up Blood Raz, and Uptime Original Citrus.
Jared · Jun 8, 2021 · 3 min read Opinion
Esports Energy Drinks: LPL Edition
The right energy drink for staying up to watch the LPL depends on who you root for. Cam pairs every team with a can, from contenders to the cellar.
Cam · Jun 2, 2021 · 5 min read Rankings
Best Energy Drinks of 2021: The Sharks' Top 5
Our first annual best-of list. Red Bull's Arctic Berry took #1, with Adrenaline Shoc, Bucked Up, Uptime, and Rockstar rounding out the top five.
Jared · May 15, 2021 · 2 min read Rankings
The Best Energy Drink From Each Brand
Everyone has had a Red Bull and a Monster. Here's the single can we'd grab from each of the big ten lineups.
Cam · Apr 27, 2021 · 1 min read News
Mtn Dew Releases Rise Energy
With LeBron James as its face, PepsiCo's newest energy drink launched in six flavors with 180 mg of caffeine and a pitch for mental clarity.
Jared · Apr 10, 2021 · 1 min read News
New Energy Drinks of 2020
Coca-Cola Energy, Red Bull's Watermelon Summer Edition, Tenzing's vegan BCAA flavor, and a 300 mg Java Monster. The year's notable launches.
Matt · Feb 14, 2021 · 2 min read Performance
Will Energy Drinks Take Your Game to the Next Level?
What caffeine actually does for focus, reaction time, and endurance, and which drinks the Sharks reach for before game time.
Cam · Aug 9, 2020 · 4 min read