Are you tired of the embarrassment of buying energy drinks in public? Every time you find yourself scanning the cooler for your favorite flavor of Monster or Ghost, you can’t help but wonder what assumptions others are making about you. Whether it’s recovering from a hangover or gearing up for a long bartending shift, we all have our reasons for needing that extra boost.
The good news is that purchasing your go-to energy drinks has never been easier, thanks to Amazon. And the even better news? You can do it all without even changing out of your comfy clothes or leaving your house. With discounts for buying in bulk and setting up auto-delivery, it’s like getting paid to stay put. Welcome to the future, where convenience reigns supreme.
As a devout coffee enthusiast, I often find myself at odds with the neon-colored tallboys of energy drinks dominating the shelves alongside my beloved Dr. Pepper and Mountain Dew at convenience stores. While energy drinks may be a booming industry—garnering close to $20 billion in the US alone in 2023—it’s rare to find someone who indulges regularly.
While a good cup of coffee may be hard to come by in the wee hours, energy drinks offer a no-fuss solution. Anytime, anywhere, you can grab a can boasting its caffeine content, make a purchase, and boost your energy levels in mere gulps. Homebodies and deal seekers alike can score amazing discounts with swift delivery on their favorite brands, all thanks to Amazon Prime.
Value, convenience, and caffeine drew me in, and I haven’t looked back since.
Thirsty for more? Be sure to explore our other drink-related guides, such as Best Coffee Subscriptions and Best Nonalcoholic Wines.
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How We Tested
Over 21 days, I sampled 30 different energy drinks from various gas station staples, Amazon-recommended brands, caffeine-rich options at Whole Foods, and a few forgotten oddities from the past.
Grading based on taste—albeit subjective—and the caffeine’s effects after consumption at 8:30 am daily, following my morning run with my furry companion. Reserve cans were consumed during my bartending shifts. I took a day off due to stomach discomfort and night sweats. If there’s a gamer fueled by Ghost in your basement, consider offering a wellness check or a refill on their tendies.
1. Celsius Functional Essential Energy Drink
With less carbonation than typical energy drinks, Celsius packs a punch without the lingering aftertaste, effectively masking any medicinal hints. Its impressive caffeine-to-volume ratio is unmatched, and none of the flavors I tried fell flat.
Rapidly gaining popularity, Celsius often boasts entire fridge displays in gas stations, positioned conveniently near the checkout. While the can’s text may be overwhelming, its appeal strikes a balance, appealing to both gamers and health-conscious consumers. A universal favorite akin to the Beatles or In-N-Out.