Recommended Energy Drinks for Studying and the Best Timing

Posted on October 27, 2022 | Last updated February 10, 2025

For those who want to use energy drinks not just for exercise or play, but also for studying, here are some easy-to-buy energy drinks I recommend for studying.

Author information Author: Energy Drink-kun

In 2001, while living in the United States, I encountered energy drinks through the dance scene and was deeply impressed. After returning to Japan, I found that energy drinks were considered novelty beverages, so I established a comprehensive website in 2013 to share the true appeal of energy drinks. As an energy drink enthusiast, I began drinking them seriously again, collecting over 7,000 varieties of energy drinks from various countries. I am also active as a critic and expert, receiving media interviews.

Recommended Energy Drinks for Studying

The key ingredient in energy drinks that helps with studying is simply caffeine. The stimulating effect of caffeine increases concentration and wards off drowsiness.

It is often stated that sugar provides nourishment for the brain, but if you are eating regular meals and snacks, you are already consuming enough carbohydrates, so there's no need to get sugar from energy drinks. In fact, consuming energy drinks can cause a rapid spike and drop in blood sugar, leading to drowsiness after a short time.

So, the ideal characteristics of energy drinks for studying are:

Sugar-free
A moderate amount of caffeine
Not too much volume

If the drink meets these conditions, you can choose your preferred flavor. One energy drink that I particularly recommend is Monster Energy, which is widely available and contains a higher caffeine content.

Recommended Monster Energy for Studying

Monster Energy Ultra

Monster Energy Ultra Paradise

Monster Energy Zero Calorie

Monster Energy M3 is not sugar-free, but it comes in a small bottle and has a caffeine content almost equivalent to the regular 355ml can. It's easy to drink all at once, and for those who really need a bit of sugar for the brain, the small, convenient M3 might be a good option to keep on hand.

For those who dislike carbonation, I recommend the non-carbonated lemonade tea flavor, Monster Energy Rehab Lemonade Tea. It is low in sugar and calories, helping to prevent rapid drops in blood sugar, and the refreshing lemonade tea flavor is very invigorating.

Red Bull has Less Caffeine

Red Bull Sugar-Free is easy to find and convenient, with a smaller volume that allows you to drink it quickly. However, it contains only 80mg of caffeine, which is about 60mg less than Monster Energy, so you might not feel the awakening effect of caffeine as strongly.

500ml Large Energy Drinks are Not Recommended

Recently, large 500ml energy drinks have become more common, but the downside is that it takes a while to finish one. Since you can't consume it all at once, the caffeine intake will be more gradual, which is not ideal for those who want to concentrate quickly.

The Peak and Half-Life of Caffeine's Effects and the Best Time to Drink

Drink Energy Drinks 30 Minutes Before Studying

Caffeine peaks in the bloodstream within 30 minutes to 2 hours after consumption, and its half-life, when the effects reduce by half, is between 2 to 8 hours.

Therefore, consider that the maximum concentration you can achieve is within 2 hours after drinking an energy drink, and after that, the effects of caffeine will gradually wear off.

Drinking Every Day is Fine, but...

The upper limit for daily caffeine intake is considered to be 400mg. Since Monster Energy contains 142mg of caffeine per can, it's safe to drink up to 2 cans a day without health risks. However, the intake limit may vary depending on age, body size, and condition, so avoid drinking it every day and be cautious not to overconsume.