These days, when people are often forced to work longer and harder to pay their bills, the demand for energy is high. While there are a variety of options for obtaining an extra boost of energy, the most common method seems to be found in the energy drink market. Today, these products claim as much real estate in our supermarkets’ beverage aisles as our favorite sodas. Here are the top 5 energy drinks out there (in no particular order), taking into account both taste and the boost they provide.

Rockstar Juiced Energy Drink + Juice

This energy drink definitely wins the taste test. Flavors range from guava to pomegranate and also include original, sugar free, and zero carbs, which boast a bold citrus taste. Aside from caffeine (160 mg in 16 ounces), the energizing blend includes D-Ribose, L-Carnitine, and taurine to pack a high-performance punch, though some reviewers say the boost still isn’t as strong as your traditional “non-juice” drink.

Red Bull Original and Sugar Free

Red Bull is undoubtedly at the front of the pack popularity-wise in the realm of energy drinks. It’s a tad more expensive than its competitors, but most people are willing to shell out the extra cash for a tried-and-true product. For someone who always needs to be on top of his or her game, Red Bull is great for improving mental clarity. It combines the amino acid taurine and glucuronolactone, an alternative source of energy that exists naturally in small amounts in the body. Of course, it also contains stimulating caffeine (76 mg in 8.3 ounce), vitamins, and the energy provided by carbohydrates. Red Bull’s taste takes awhile to get accustomed to; nevertheless, this is the leader in the energy drinks industry.

Monster Energy Drink                                                                                            

Monster is effective when it comes to increased energy and mental clarity. The average can is 16 ounces, packing 160 mg of caffeine, but the sizes range from 8.3 to 24 ounces. In addition to caffeine, Monster contains taurine and ginseng. Flavors range from original and low carb to the Java line of flavors; these are great if you prefer energy drinks that taste more like coffee. Otherwise, Monster tastes similar to others on the market.

VitaminEnergy

This one, from the makers of Vitamin Water, is marketed as a more natural energy drink that won’t cause the unpleasant “crash” associated with most. Flavors include Dragonfruit, Tropical Citrus, and Fruit Punch, and each contains caffeine (150 mg in 16 ounces), ribose, and vitamins B3, B5, B6, B12, and C, along with different juices depending on the flavor. No artificial colors, sweeteners, or flavors are used, which is unusual in the energy drink industry. The taste is akin to the Vitamin Water flavor that it matches, with just the right amount of carbonation, but the boost is not as strong as your traditional energy drink.

Sobe No Fear Energy Drink

Available in a 16-ounce can and at a price similar to Red Bull, this is a good value among the field of energy drinks. Nevertheless, when it comes to producing a keen and sharp mind, No Fear delivers quicker and for a longer duration than the competition. The taste is probably one of the more enjoyable of the energy drinks produced today. Using a formula that features 30 percent fruit juice, including blood orange, dragonfruit, and others, this is one of the more original juice energy products. It also has plenty of kick, with 174 mg of caffeine per can, and added taurine, ginseng, guarana, electrolytes, and vitamins.

Are you a fan of Engergy Drinks? Which one works best to get your engergy up?