In 2024, an increasing amount of students consider energy drinks to be a necessity. With students facing increasingly longer days filled with homework, sports, clubs, and other extracurricular activities, the extra dose of caffeine goes a long way.
Energy drink companies have switched their marketing strategy from athletes to young people to capitalize on the increasing desire for mental alertness in the past decade. According to Expert Market Research, the global energy drinks market is projected to be at almost $75 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach up to $130 billion by 2032. The North American market makes up roughly 34% of the total energy drinks market, according to Grand View Research.
Here is my top five ranking of the most popular energy drinks based on price, taste, and market share:
1. Redbull
Redbull is the clear market leader, coming in at 39.5% of the United States energy drinks market, according to Statista. Easily one of the most recognizable and iconic brands, Redbull’s diversified enterprises bring immense publicity to the company. In my opinion, Redbull easily has some of the best flavors and tastes for energy drinks, and the difference is not insignificant. My top flavors are the original and The Yellow Edition: Tropical.
2.Monster
Placing as the second-best energy drink in both my ranking and the market share, Monster holds a sizable 29.7% of the U.S. market, according to Statista. The market share accurately represents Monster as very popular but still lagging behind Redbull. The price tends to be cheaper than Redbull by 10 or so cents, and the savings add up especially when bought in bulk, but the drinks also have an inferior taste. My top flavors are Mango Loco and Rehab Lemonade.
3. Celsius
Taking the middle spot in this ranking, Celsius has been gradually increasing its market share, with 5.9% of the U.S. market currently, according to Statista. Although a lesser-known brand, Celsius has been on the rise in recent years, and it’s not difficult to see why. The average price is similar to its competitors and has a taste only comparable to Redbull, if not better. My top flavors are Strawberry-Lemonade and Orange.
4. Rockstar
Coming in fourth place, Rockstar holds the least market share in this list at 3.9% of the US market, according to Statista. Curiously enough, Rockstar tends to be more popular in places outside of the U.S. Rockstar has some of the best prices when it comes to energy drinks while still having palatable flavors, especially citrus ones. My favorite flavors are Organic Island Fruit and Pina Colada.
5. Bang
Bang comes in at a respectable fifth place and retains a U.S. market share of 4.2%, according to Statista. Despite being a top brand, Bang has been in a downturn in recent years due to its involvement in multiple controversies including its association with Turning Point USA which is a conservative organization. Bang Energy was even acquired by Monster Beverage last summer. Bang remains competitive in price but has significant inconsistency in quality depending on the flavor. My go-to flavors Cherry Blade Lemonade and Cotton Candy are still worth picking up.
Overall, the clear leader in energy drinks is Redbull.