We Tried Target’s Apple Cider Donut Energy Drink

There are just an unbelievable number of apple-flavored energy drinks hitting shelves this month. The long-awaited return of Alani Nu Witch’s Brew (alongside a brand-new red apple variant) heads up a wave of new and returning apple pickings from brands like Red Bull, Gorgie, Gorilla Mind, FLRT, and Bucked Up, if not more. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, but it absolutely falls into the energy drink cooler.

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While most of the aforementioned drinks’ flavor inspirations are some version of caramel apple, Unwell Beverages has taken a distinctly unique path for their August energy drink drop: Apple Cider Donut. Yes, this mainstay of Target endcaps has eschewed the popular sweet-and-tart treat for a far warmer option. I picked up a can at, where else, Target to find out how well this energy drink emulates the classic autumn baked good.

Unwell Apple Cider Donut Energy Review

New Unwell Energy!

Pros: I’ll be damned. Whether I think this should be an energy drink flavor or not, there’s no doubt this absolutely delivers a real apple cider donut flavor–thanks in no small part to the inclusion of real apple juice in the ingredients. This apple cider-ish energy drink would pass muster with artificial sugar haters and sweet innocent grandmas alike. (Do not give your grandma energy drinks.)

I vastly prefer this to Unwell’s Red, White & Blueberry Energy release earlier this year. I would absolutely love to see Unwell’s real fruit juice approach to the never-ending rocket pop flavor trend.

Cons: Am I just tired of energy drinks delivering warmth through real or artificial cinnamon? Ever since befriending someone with a cinnamon allergy, I’ve gotten more and more aware of how often cinnamon is used in products, warranted or otherwise. There’s certainly a baked good warmth delivered by this drink regardless of temperature; considering how many people prefer their energy drinks ice cold, I’m not sure cinnamon ever needs to enter the conversation.

Credit: Griffin Parker / Target

Rating:

7.5/10

Sporks

What other Unwell drinks are available at Target?

This brand pretty much lives at Target; I’ve seen them at very few other retailers since they launched. As such, there are tons of Unwell’s energy, protein, and hydration drinks spread through Target’s bougie grocery section.

Energy-wise, alongside today’s limited-edition fall offering, Unwell makes Passion Fruit Orange Guava, Pineapple Coconut, Cherry Lime, Watermelon, and Peach Sorbet. The Unwell Protein trio includes Watermelon Strawberry, Raspberry Melon, and Peach Tangerine. Unwell’s bottled hydration line is split between lightly caffeinated and wholly uncaffeinated. The former lineup includes Blackberry Açai, Kiwi Pineapple, Mango Citrus, Orange Hibiscus, and Strawberry; the latter lineup is limited to Juicy Pear and Watermelon.