I Used to Be a Huge Red Bull Fan, But These 8 Energy Drinks Are Just Plain Better

As a busy mother, father, or youngster, you know how tough it can be to get through a tough day of parenting, work, or school. Many of us feel tired as the afternoon comes around, and we need a pick-me-up. Enter tasty energy drinks like Red Bull. If you're like me, you have a refrigerator full of Red Bull, and popping one open is a regular occurrence. However, I recently went into a gas station and realized how many other energy drinks are on the market, so I started trying them. I found that there are many other beverages that are just plain better.

From the old-school favorites like Monster and Rockstar to the newer kids on the block, like Bang and Ghost Energy, there's a lot to love. Each of the companies on this list has a long list of tasty flavors that will scratch any itch. We dare you to try a couple of the drinks on this list. We bet you'll be hooked!

One of the best energy drinks on the market today is anything made by Riot Energy. They have many flavors, some of which you have seen before. Still, the flavors seem to pop more than they do with other companies. The drinks are 100% plant-powered, so you'll be helping the environment, but don't worry, they still provide the energy you need to get through the day. The standard beverages offer 180 mg of caffeine.

There are many great Riot energy drinks to consider. They have many of the classics, like berry, citrus, strawberry lemonade, and mango. They also have some extra special flavors, such as cherry watermelon and others that will be released in the future. If it's your first time, we recommend berry or citrus for a refreshing beverage.

Just about everything regarding Prime energy drinks is extreme. From the bold font on the can to the fact that the drink was founded by YouTuber Logan Paul. There are many tasty flavors that offer an energy punch with 200 mg of caffeine per 12 ounces. This is one of the "cool" energy drinks to carry around.

Just like many other energy drinks, there are many tasty flavors in the Prime lineup. While you can go with the classics, like strawberry banana and berry breeze, there are also other unique flavors that are likely to impress. Many people enjoy the ice pop flavor, which brings them back to their childhoods. Another winner is called "X" which has a strong strawberry lemonade flavor. Try them all!

Of all the flavors on this list, Bangs is surely beginning to become my favorite. There's a real pop and perfect fizz with every gulp, and I find myself coming back for more. As an added perk, each flavor comes with zero calories. Their tagline of "Fuel Your Destiny" makes it feel like you're going on an adventure with every sip.

The best thing about Bang energy drinks is the variety of flavors that will have you on a mission to try every one. There are many standard flavors, like blue raspberry, peach mango, and black cherry vanilla. However, they also have some wild flavors, including cotton candy and purple haze, which is grape. Then, there are some truly unique cans, with flavors like Radical Skadattle, which is like a candy flavor, and Star Blast, which has hints of mango, pineapple, and passion fruit. They're all delicious.

Each can of Nos labels itself as a high-performance energy drink, and they mean it. This is a beverage for folks who love cars and speed. In fact, the design of the can is meant to portray speed and energy. With that said, the standard can of Nos contains 160 mg of caffeine, which is 40 mg less than other beverages on this list. Still, it's a tasty drink when you're looking for something different.

There are a few tasty flavors of Nos energy drink. They don't have as many flavors as many competitors, but what they do have is delicious. They have their main brand, which has hints of citrus, passion fruit, and mango. There's also the zero sugar option. Finally, complete your collection by trying the tasty grape and sonic sour flavors.

For many years, Rockstar energy drinks have been keeping pace with Red Bull. It's because Rockstar is a flashy brand that has colorful cans and amazing flavors. It's a cool drink to have in your shopping cart. It has a very bold taste, and with 160 mg of caffeine per 16-ounce can, it will give you plenty of oomph to boost through your afternoon. Beware that Rockstar Punched flavors will have 240 mg of caffeine, which may be overkill for some people.

Rockstar has been upping their flavor game for a while. They have countless varieties from which to choose, ranging from kiwi strawberry and lime freeze to whipped strawberry and whipped orange. With that said, the original flavor still has the bold and slightly fruity taste that will leave you wanting more.

Over time, Celsius has been advertised as an energy drink with great health benefits. In addition to helping you get through your afternoon slump, the drink also burns fat and boosts metabolism. At 200 mg of caffeine per can, it will do the job, and you'll feel good about it afterward. The taste is also not as overpowering as some of the other brands on this list.

There are several tasty Celsius flavors to try, and they all have a smooth taste. Some of my favorites include peach vibe, strawberry guava, fuji apple pear, and wild berry. That's just the tip of the iceberg. Other fun flavors include a tropical vibe, which has hints of pineapple, and cola, which is like a Pepsi but with an extra boost of flavor.

Even if you're an energy drink fan, you may not be familiar with Ghost, but they make great drinks. They make amazing beverages in a wild assortment of flavors and styles. Your standard beverage will have 200 mg of caffeine, which is more than enough to get you through the afternoon. Ghost beverages also have zero sugar.

The best thing about the Ghost energy drinks is the wide assortment of flavors. You have some common but tasty flavors like tropical mango, citrus, orange cream, and cherry limeade. However, there are also many flavors that include tasty candy combinations. For instance, you can get a Ghost drink that has Warheads flavors or Sour Patch flavors. You can even get a can that tastes like red Swedish fish.

Monster is another great brand that often enters the conversation around energy drinks. Monster was one of the originals and they're still great today. The beverages offer a punch of flavor, and you can taste the energy in every gulp. There are 166 mg of caffeine in a 16-ounce can, so it's enough to give you a boost without being overbearing. 

The traditional flavor of Monster energy drink will always be a favorite. It has a bold taste that screams "energy." However, if you want something different, there are other flavors to consider. Personally, I love the white pineapple flavor because it really pops. Other flavors include orange creamsicle and peaches and cream. There are also zero-sugar and low-carb options. They're all amazing.