The best-tasting energy drinks
Kick and can design aside, which energy drinks actually taste the best? This list sorts by the Sharks' average Taste score (0–10), not the overall Shark Score.
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| # | Drink | Taste | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  C4 Black CherryC4 |
9.4/10 | 92 |
| 2 |  UPTIME Original Citrus Sugar FreeUptime |
9.4/10 | 92 |
| 3 |  C4 Frozen BombsicleC4 |
9.4/10 | 89 |
| 4 |  Celsius Spritz Vibe Sparkling Shirley TempleCelsius |
9.3/10 | 92 |
| 5 |  Monster Zero UltraMonster |
9.3/10 | 90 |
| 6 |  Monster Ultra GoldMonster |
9.2/10 | 91 |
| 7 |  Alani Nu Juicy PeachAlani Nu |
9.1/10 | 91 |
| 8 |  Bloom Cherry LimeBloom |
9.1/10 | 91 |
| 9 |  C4 Twisted LimeadeC4 |
9.1/10 | 91 |
| 10 |  Rockstar Juiced Island-MangoRockstar |
9.1/10 | 91 |
Only drinks you can buy now are listed. Retired cans keep their scores in the full rankings.
The full list
-
Shark Score 92
- 9.4/10 taste
- 200 mg caffeine
- 16 oz can
- 12.5 mg/oz
- Zero sugar
- Elite
“Cherries jubilee ice cream flavor that makes for an instant classic.”Jared
-
Shark Score 92
- 9.4/10 taste
- 142 mg caffeine
- 12 oz can
- 11.8 mg/oz
- Zero sugar
- Elite
“Original Citrus is the gold standard for the refreshing, moderate caffeine-content group of energy drinks.”Jared
-
Shark Score 89
- 9.4/10 taste
- 200 mg caffeine
- 16 oz can
- 12.5 mg/oz
- Zero sugar
- Excellent
“A delicious blue beverage with a solid amount of carbonation and caffeine. With 200mg of caffeine, no calories, and a popular flavor, I would recommend this to all energy drink lovers.”Cam
-
Shark Score 92
- Seasonal
- 9.3/10 taste
- 200 mg caffeine
- 12 oz can
- 16.7 mg/oz
- Zero sugar
- Elite
“I think this will appeal to a wide audience, whether you’re into Celsius, shirley temples, lemon-lime, or cherry.”Jared
-
MonsterShark Score 90
5. Monster Zero Ultra
- 9.3/10 taste
- 140 mg caffeine
- 16 oz can
- 8.8 mg/oz
- Zero sugar
- Elite
“It’s crisp, sweet, and refreshing with a nice aftertaste – definitely the drink I reach for if I want a consistent, delicious kick.”Jared
-
MonsterShark Score 91
6. Monster Ultra Gold
- 9.2/10 taste
- 150 mg caffeine
- 16 oz can
- 9.4 mg/oz
- Zero sugar
- Elite
“Captures the intended pineapple flavor with perfection.”Jared
-
Alani NuShark Score 91
7. Alani Nu Juicy Peach
- 9.1/10 taste
- 200 mg caffeine
- 12 oz can
- 16.7 mg/oz
- Zero sugar
- Elite
“Incredibly juicy and quite peachy. Highly refreshing, smooth, and flat out delicious.”Cam
-
BloomShark Score 91
8. Bloom Cherry Lime
- 9.1/10 taste
- 180 mg caffeine
- 12 oz can
- 15 mg/oz
- Elite
“It has the consistency of a seltzer that’s jacked to the max on flavor, while still feeling relatively healthy (if that’s possible).”Jared
-
Shark Score 91
- 9.1/10 taste
- 200 mg caffeine
- 16 oz can
- 12.5 mg/oz
- Zero sugar
- Elite
“Like a Diet Dew with a generous splash of lime.”Jared
-
RockstarShark Score 91
10. Rockstar Juiced Island-Mango
- 9.1/10 taste
- 160 mg caffeine
- 16 oz can
- 10 mg/oz
- Elite
“It manages to be unique, both in design and taste”Matt
-
Shark Score 90
- 9.1/10 taste
- 200 mg caffeine
- 12 oz can
- 16.7 mg/oz
- Zero sugar
- Elite
“If you like lemon-lime, or energy drinks in general, you should check out PRIME Lemon Lime.”Jared
-
Shark Score 90
- 9.1/10 taste
- 142 mg caffeine
- 12 oz can
- 11.8 mg/oz
- Zero sugar
- Elite
“Despite the relatively low caffeine content, I would recommend this to anyone who’s looking for a refreshing, fruity kick.”Jared
-
MonsterShark Score 87
13. Monster Ultra Rosa
- 9.1/10 taste
- 150 mg caffeine
- 16 oz can
- 9.4 mg/oz
- Zero sugar
- Excellent
“One of the best energy drinks out there. With a great flavor and mouthfeel, it is all around an enjoyable beverage. You are missing out if you have never tried a Monster Ultra Rosa.”Cam
-
Alani NuShark Score 90
14. Alani Nu Breezeberry
- 9/10 taste
- 200 mg caffeine
- 12 oz can
- 16.7 mg/oz
- Zero sugar
- Elite
“Sweet tart blue raspberry flavor, exciting moutheel, and overall excellent energy drink.”Cam
-
Shark Score 89
- Seasonal
- 9/10 taste
- 114 mg caffeine
- 12 oz can
- 9.5 mg/oz
- Excellent
“The cherry flavor is prominent, not too sweet, and then it has a cooling, iced aftertaste to it.”Jared
-
Adrenaline ShocShark Score 90
16. Adrenaline Shoc Accelerator Orange Mango
- 8.9/10 taste
- 200 mg caffeine
- 16 oz can
- 12.5 mg/oz
- Elite
“Versatile beverage with smooth, fruity flavor that you can bring and enjoy anywhere.”Jared
-
Shark Score 90
- 8.9/10 taste
- 200 mg caffeine
- 12 oz can
- 16.7 mg/oz
- Zero sugar
- Elite
“The strawberry watermelon combination tastes like summer in a can.”Jared
-
Shark Score 88
- Leaving shelves
- 8.9/10 taste
- 200 mg caffeine
- 12 oz can
- 16.7 mg/oz
- Zero sugar
- Excellent
“Unique mouthfeel with an excellent combination of flavors. The peach and nectarine combo may be overly sweet for some, but I think that it is one of the more refreshing beverages out there.”Cam
-
Shark Score 90
- 8.8/10 taste
- 200 mg caffeine
- 16 oz can
- 12.5 mg/oz
- Zero sugar
- Elite
“Ghost Sour Pink Lemonade is extremely crisp and refreshing and absolutely lives up to the rest of the Ghost lineup.”Jared
-
Shark Score 90
- 8.8/10 taste
- 300 mg caffeine
- 16 oz can
- 18.8 mg/oz
- Zero sugar
- Elite
“Smooth fruit punch flavor with melon aftertaste that walks the fine line of re-drinkability by not being too sweet.”Jared
Questions
What is the best-tasting energy drink?
C4 Black Cherry has the highest average Taste score we've given: 9.4 out of 10.