Top 5 Best Energy Drinks of 2025

Not too long ago, I was blindsided by an episode of Good Mythical More where Sporked’s own Gwynedd Stuart called me Sporked’s “energy drink expert.” Sure, I’ve ingested dozens of energy drinks and thousands of milligrams of caffeine in my time here at Sporked, but “expert” is a new standard of excellence. Today, I’m going to try and live up to that title by listing the very best energy drinks I tried this year in the pursuit of peak caffeination.

Best New Classic: Red Bull Zero

Red Bull’s updated zero-sugar formula sweetened with monk fruit is a fantastic addition to the unflavored energy drink pantheon. This drink really grew on me as I drank more and more throughout the year. While I gave it a 7.5/10 in my initial coverage, I’d easily give it a 9 at minimum now. I have returned to this “tutti frutti” drink again and again when I want a lower-caffeine energy drink I don’t have to think about.

Best Return: Monster Ultra Black Energy

This Monster Ultra flavor first launched in 2017 and slowly lost traction as the brand introduced newer, shinier flavors. Back in October, the Kroger family of stores acquired the exclusive rights to sell this rare black cherry energy drink—and it quickly reminded everyone why it’s managed to survive this long. Monster Ultra Black is tart, strong, and forces you to savor it, lest you get turned inside out like a sour candy commercial. This is the best revival of an energy drink this year, and my favorite Monster Ultra flavor to boot.

Best Brand Imitation: BUM Dr. Bum Energy

If you like “pepper soda,” this will tide you over until we get the official version. BUM Energy’s Dr. Bum is the only entry in my top five that didn’t get a dedicated review, but it truly deserved it. This zero-sugar soda is the most accurate zero-sugar imitation of Dr Pepper I’ve ever had—including the official diet and zero sugar versions of the soda that started it all. BUM Energy (owned and operated by multiple-time Mr. Olympia winner Chris Bumstead, hence the name) is a quiet killer in the energy drink space. With 16 flavors available at the time of writing, I really should put together a ranking sometime in 2026…

Best Indescribable Flavor: Bloom Glacier Crush Energy

Folks, there’s no stranger feeling than being completely unable to describe a flavor in “flavor” words. My entire job is to explain what drinks taste like and, crucially, why they taste good. I can tell you confidently Bloom’s Glacier Crush Energy tastes very good, but my best explanation for why is…Blue Gatorade? Whatever magic is shoved into each and every can of this Bloom Energy flavor, sign me up for more.

Best in Show: Red Bull Winter Edition Fuji Apple & Ginger

For the second year in a row, my favorite energy drink is Red Bull’s Winter Edition. While this year’s entry doesn’t beat 2024’s instant-GOAT Iced Vanilla Berry, Fuji Apple & Ginger is still a fantastic flavor that I’ve bought more than a few of after drinking all the samples Red Bull sent over. (It’s also the only full-sugar entry in my top five, for whatever that’s worth.) Is Fuji Apple & Ginger truly a “winter” flavor? I couldn’t care less; it’s damn good. Between Monster’s Bad Apple Juice, Bloom’s Crisp Apple Sparkling Energy, and this Red Bull, the 2025 Flavor of the Year for energy drinks in my eyes is “Red Apple.”

Honorary Mentions

“Most Improved” has to go to Alani Nu’s Winter Wonderland V2. “Most Accurate Fruit Flavor” is awarded to GHOST’s uncanny “Peaches” Energy. “Best Cola-ish” easily goes to Sparkling Ice + Caffeine’s Cherry Cola. If I were to pick a “Most Anticipated” ahead of 2026, it’d be a toss-up between the return of Red Bull Iced Vanilla Berry or the debut of GHOST Welch’s Grape-Cran Energy—stay tuned for my review of the latter once we return from the holidays.