Our Official Review of the Newly Updated Alani Nu Watermelon Wave

As I’ve discussed before, Alani Nu is sending flavors to shelves in a predictable pattern: new flavor, update to an older flavor, repeat. (Speaking of new flavors, keep an eye out for my review of the brand new Strawberry Sunrise Alani Nu later this month.) Alani Nu sent over a case of their newest revamped flavor, Watermelon Wave. I’m sure it was a total coincidence that the “check your front door!” DM came a few days after I politely called them out for ghosting your favorite energy drink journalist.

So, we’ve got our hands on Alani Nu Watermelon Wave Energy V2. I know I’ve had the original version before, but it’s been at least a year or two. I don’t remember it being particularly noteworthy, so I have the medium-est of hopes for this new version.

New Alani Nu Flavor!

Alani Nu Watermelon Wave

Alani Nu

Pros: Oh yeah, it’s good. Alani Nu doesn’t miss these days; even their worst new flavors are still solidly better than okay. While the official flavor profile is “juicy melon meets twangy lemon,” I get something a little more specific out of it. This drink is 90% candy watermelon and 10% cucumber—and it’s delightful.

Cons: It pains me to write this, but this isn’t my favorite “candy watermelon” energy drink. Hell, it isn’t even my favorite “candy watermelon” energy drink to come out this year. Considering we’re barely two months in, that’s an awkward bar to trip over. While a few of my fellow taste testers swore this was almost identical to Watermelon Jolly Ranchers, there is a drink on shelves that tastes truly identical. If you’re seeking the absolute best in “candy watermelon” drink, check out C4 Energy’s Watermelon Jolly Rancher flavor ASAP.

Credit: Liv Averett / Alani Nu

Rating:

8/10

Sporks

Where can I find this Alani Nu flavor for myself?

I remember when Alani Nu was kinda hard to find, but it seems like these energy drinks are sold in more and more stores by the day. Gone are the days when you could only reliably find these in Vitamin Shoppe and GNC. There’s now a healthy selection of Alani Nu drinks at Walmart, Target, and the whole Kroger family of grocery stores. Like a rising tide, Alani Nu Watermelon Wave is rolling into as many stores as possible.