World's Strongest] Ranking of Energy Drinks by Energy Drink Mania

Ranking of Caffeine Content

A ranking of energy drink brands with intense caffeine content. For those who believe that excessive consumption of Monster Energy can lead to death, it will come as a strong result.

1st: VPX bang - 375mg per can

Bang, an energy drink brand from the American company VPX, which is famous for bodybuilding supplements, currently holds the strongest position. Each can contains 375mg of caffeine, which is 4.5 times the caffeine content of a 250ml can of Red Bull from Japan. Bang is the only energy drink I’ve experienced where I felt the effects after drinking it.

Until then, it was said that "overseas Monster and Red Bull are dangerous!" but since being featured on Energy Drink Mania in 2014, it became more widely known in Japan that "the truly dangerous one is Bang." When it was first introduced, there were only three flavors, but now there are more than 10, and Bang is steadily securing its position even in the US.

2nd: SPIKE - 350mg per can

SPIKE is a super-strong energy drink brand with 350mg of caffeine in a 473ml can. For a 250ml can, it contains 300mg of caffeine. When it was first released, the can featured a "WARNING" label, and the product names were "Spike Shooter" and "Spike Shotgun," giving it a distinctly dangerous vibe.

In 2017, the product line was revamped, and it now includes Hardcore (473ml), Shooter (250ml), and Double Shot (63ml). In Japan, similar to Bang, it is not well-known, and Energy Drink Mania has avoided introducing SPIKE, so not many people are aware of it. (However, it will likely become more well-known after the review.)

3rd: Rockstar - 240mg per can

Rockstar is a major energy drink brand from the USA, holding third place in global market share. While major brands have been gradually decreasing their caffeine content, Rockstar continues to release new products with a high caffeine content of 240mg. There was also a product called 'ROCKSTAR 2X,' which contained 320mg of caffeine (double the normal amount), but it has since been discontinued. The flavor of the 2X was quite questionable.

Currently, Rockstar is available in the US with 240mg of caffeine in their calorie-free, sugar-free Pure Zero series. Each flavor is so delicious that you need to be careful not to drink too much. Interestingly, outside of the US, the same series is available with only 160mg of caffeine.

Delicious Ranking

In Japan, due to the influence of nutritional drinks, energy drinks often have a reputation for being unpleasant, with many people imagining the classic, distinctive flavor of Red Bull Original. However, in reality, there are many other flavors that are far more common. Among these, I have ranked the most delicious energy drinks that I highly recommend to everyone.

1st: Monster Energy - Pipeline Punch

The most delicious energy drink, in my opinion, is Monster Energy's Pipeline Punch from the Juice Monster series. So far, this has been the best-tasting energy drink I’ve ever had. It has a tropical fruit flavor with a sweet and sour balance of pineapple, papaya, mango, orange, and passion fruit, making it refreshing yet satisfying with a perfect balance.

By the way, it’s recommended for those who have never had an energy drink before. If you’ve only ever had the classic flavors like Red Bull or Monster, this drink will completely shatter your preconceived notions about energy drinks.

2nd: Red Bull - Winter Edition

The world’s first Winter Edition, released in Austria in 2016, was a game-changer. In 2017, it was released in Germany and other EU countries. This flavor combines cinnamon and rich cranberry, making it perfect for drinking at room temperature in the cold winter months. The fruity taste upfront and the lingering cinnamon aftertaste provide a unique, refined flavor that redefines energy drink flavors.

Prior to 2016, the new seasonal flavors from Red Bull were mostly disappointing, so this was a huge surprise. It’s a perfect energy drink that matches the season, and it’s one of the most fitting drinks for winter.

3rd: NOS - Original

Every time I go to America, I rediscover how delicious NOS Original is. It has a rich pineapple flavor with a smooth and refreshing aftertaste. NOS is one of the few brands that offers such a delicious original flavor. There was a time when it would sell out almost immediately at U.S. military bases, which shows how popular it is. The deliciousness of NOS makes it a strong contender, though it ranks 3rd for me due to the increasing level of competition from other energy drinks.

Effectiveness Ranking

While it may seem nonsensical to expect significant effects from energy drinks, there are actually some that have such a robust ingredient profile that you can feel the effects. Generally speaking, drinks like Red Bull and Monster, when sold worldwide, mainly provide a sugar rush and caffeine boost, so their effects are almost like a placebo, which is why they don’t make it into the rankings.

Here, I want to highlight the most effective energy drinks with ingredients that have a more noticeable impact.

1st: VPX Bang, SPIKE

In terms of effectiveness, I would rate VPX Bang as the most impactful energy drink. Similarly, SPIKE from the U.S. has a similar awakening effect, so I’m placing both at 1st. While most people around the world believe in the effectiveness of energy drinks, in reality, only a few offer a noticeable difference. The Bang and SPIKE both contain not only caffeine but also small amounts of ingredients typically used in sports drinks, which makes their effects much stronger. After drinking them, I could focus on my workout more easily. These highly caffeinated energy drinks are the ones to go for if you want noticeable effects.

2nd: Muscle Monster, Rockstar Sports

I’m ranking both Muscle Monster from Monster Energy and Rockstar Sports at 2nd. These two contain 25g of protein, making them ideal for drinking before or after a workout. They also contain typical energy drink ingredients like caffeine and taurine, making them suitable for pre-workout consumption. Given their ingredient profiles, these drinks are great for anyone looking to maximize the value of their energy drink. When I’ve traveled to the U.S. and worked out in hotel gyms without access to protein, I’ve sometimes relied on Muscle Monster, and I find it quite useful.

3rd: None at the moment

Currently, there are no other energy drinks that warrant a 3rd place. Energy drinks, in general, are not extremely effective, so there aren’t many that would rank higher. If a drink comes out that offers distinct effects beyond caffeine, it could potentially take a spot in the rankings.

Design Ranking

The design of an energy drink is just as important as its ingredients and flavor. Some energy drinks have such an impactful can design that I can’t help but like them purely for their looks. While it’s hard to rank these drinks, I’ve done my best.

1st: SEMTEX

SEMTEX from the Czech Republic has the most striking design. While the cans have been updated to a matte black finish and the bold designs are no longer available, this energy drink still stands out with its unique look. The cactus flavor is particularly memorable, and the design is truly one of a kind. It’s a standout energy drink that can’t be matched by others.

2nd: ALL CITY NRG

ALL CITY NRG from Arizona, USA, also has a remarkable design. Although I debated whether to place it 1st, SEMTEX’s design is so unique that it claims the top spot. However, ALL CITY NRG’s design is very close to being #1. The use of graffiti art and the overall cohesion of the design make it stand out among other energy drinks.

Why Japanese Energy Drinks Don't Rank

As I’ve finished writing these rankings, I’ve realized that Japanese energy drinks don’t make it into the list. When it comes to caffeine content, Japanese energy drinks can’t compete with those from the U.S., especially. In Japan, a caffeine content of around 160mg per can is considered high, but when compared to the caffeine content in other countries, Japanese drinks often fall short.

When it comes to taste, the only Japanese energy drink that stands out is Awaraizu. While there are no outright unpleasant energy drinks anymore, those from Japan still fall behind compared to the hundreds of options available overseas. Until something really exceptional comes out, Japanese energy drinks just don’t make it into the rankings.