The energy drink aisle keeps multiplying, and most shoppers just want a can that tastes good, lifts them through the afternoon, and skips the sugar crash. You probably care about flavor, caffeine strength, and whether the can fits your routine, so the list below sorts through eight popular options based on those exact priorities.
A Fast Comparison Of The Options
MAC Energy by Conor McGregor Orange Creamsicle Sugar Free
Alani Nu Hawaiian Shaved Ice Sugar Free (12 Pack)
Alani Nu Variety Pack Cherry Twist, Pink Slush, Orange Kiss (12 Pack)
Bloom Nutrition Zero Sugar Energy Drink, Shirley Temple 12pk
Bloom Nutrition Zero Sugar Energy Drink, Apple Crisp 12pk
Bloom Nutrition Zero Sugar Energy Drink, Glacier Crush 12pk
Alani Nu Cherry Slush Sugar Free (24 Pack)
Alani Nu Mini Variety Pack (8 oz, 12 Pack)
The Picks, Examined More Closely
The MAC Energy Orange Creamsicle can leans into a different approach than the rest of the lineup. Rather than relying only on caffeine and B vitamins, it builds around a ketone-based formula designed to support cellular energy, which makes it a curiosity for anyone tired of the same old recipe. The orange creamsicle flavor lands as a smooth, creamy citrus that reads more like a dessert soda than a typical canned energy product.
For shoppers who like the personality of a celebrity-backed brand, the McGregor tie-in adds a fitness-lifestyle angle. The zero-sugar profile keeps the can light, and the carbonation feels easy-drinking rather than sharp. It suits people who want a novel ingredient story and a flavor that doesn’t taste medicinal, though the exact caffeine content isn’t disclosed in the listing provided, so light caffeine users should verify that detail on the product page.
Practical Pluses
- Ketone-based formulation offers a different angle than standard caffeine-and-B-vitamin cans
- Orange creamsicle flavor is approachable for people who dislike bitter or overly tart energy drinks
- Zero-sugar profile keeps each can light on carbs and calories
- Celebrity branding may appeal to MMA fans and lifestyle-focused shoppers
Points To Note
- Ketone ingredients tend to be more expensive per can than traditional caffeine sources
- Availability of specific flavor variants may vary, so the creamsicle option is not always in stock
Key Attributes
Built With In Mind
Curious drinkers and McGregor fans who want a novel ketone-based option and a creamy citrus flavor.
Skip It When
Stick with the Alani Nu Hawaiian Shaved Ice if you prefer a punchier tropical taste and a higher caffeine level per can.
Alani Nu Hawaiian Shaved Ice earns its cult following by blending a real 200mg caffeine hit with a candy-inspired tropical flavor. Each 12 oz can layers a bright, icy sweetness that reminds you of a summer carnival, but the can itself stays light with zero sugar and very few calories. The lightly carbonated texture avoids the harsh bite of traditional energy drinks, so it goes down easy before a workout or during a long shift.
For shoppers new to Alani Nu, this single-flavor 12 pack is a safe way to sample the brand without committing to a variety box. The formula adds B5, B6, and B12 vitamins, plus L-theanine (a calming amino acid that helps smooth out the caffeine curve). You get a steady lift without the jittery spike some energy drinks deliver, which makes it friendly for anyone sensitive to caffeine swings.
The Value In It
- 200mg caffeine per can with a relatively smooth delivery thanks to L-theanine
- Sweet, fruity shaved-ice taste that doesn’t read as “health food”
- Zero sugar and low calorie count suit calorie-conscious drinkers
- Vegan and gluten-free formula works for a range of dietary needs
- No artificial colors in the ingredient list
Worth Noting
- Sweetness level can feel candy-like for people used to black coffee or unsweetened drinks
- 200mg caffeine is a strong dose, so late-afternoon drinkers may want to time it carefully
Right Fit For
Daily gym-goers, students, and professionals who want a fruity lift without sugar or artificial colors.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
Choose the Bloom Nutrition Shirley Temple if you want a softer 180mg caffeine level and a more nostalgic soda-shop flavor.
This Alani Nu variety pack is built for people who get bored with a single flavor rotation. Each 12 oz can delivers the same 200mg caffeine dose that made Hawaiian Shaved Ice popular, but the case rotates through three distinct profiles: Cherry Twist for a sweet-tart bite, Pink Slush for a creamy tropical-leaning pour, and Orange Kiss for a creamy-citrus finish. The shift between cans keeps the daily ritual feeling fresh instead of routine.
You’ll find the same low-calorie, zero-sugar formula that defines the Alani Nu line, with biotin and B-vitamin support for daily drinkers. The variety also helps households share one case, since each housemate can pick a different can on any given day. For anyone wondering whether to commit to a full case of one flavor, this pack is the easier starting point.
Useful Strengths
- Three different flavor profiles in a single 12-pack case
- Same reliable 200mg caffeine per can across all three flavors
- Zero sugar and roughly 10 calories per can for macro-conscious drinkers
Honest Caveats
- Sweetness runs high in all three flavors, so unsweetened-palate drinkers may find each option too candy-like
- Twelve cans in one box may be more than occasional drinkers need before a flavor turns stale to them
Who It Suits Best
Variety seekers, shared households, and first-time Alani Nu shoppers who want a sampler without locking in one flavor.
Swap It Out When
Pick the Alani Nu Cherry Slush 24 Pack if you already know your favorite and want a larger single-flavor stash.
Bloom’s Shirley Temple flavor leans into a nostalgic soda-fountain vibe, and that’s the whole selling point. Each 12 oz can delivers 180mg of natural caffeine from green coffee bean extract, which is gentler than the 200mg punches of some competitors. With zero sugar and only 10 calories per can, it fits cleanly into most low-calorie routines without derailing them.
Where Bloom tries to differentiate is the ingredient panel. The can adds prebiotics and lychee, both pitched as supporting energy, metabolism, and mental focus without the usual crash. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and free of artificial flavors, colors, and aspartame, which makes it a friendly entry point for shoppers curious about the better-for-you side of the category.
Everyday Wins
- Natural caffeine from green coffee bean extract instead of synthetic sources
- Prebiotic and lychee add-ins offer functional ingredients beyond standard B vitamins
- Nostalgic Shirley Temple taste works for drinkers who find traditional energy flavors too sharp
- No artificial colors, flavors, or aspartame in the formula
Small Caveats
- 180mg caffeine is moderate, so heavy caffeine users may need two cans for their usual lift
- The Shirley Temple sweetness can feel a bit nostalgic rather than crisp for shoppers who prefer dry, fruity profiles
Spec Overview
Made For
Light caffeine drinkers, wellness-minded shoppers, and anyone who wants a soda-style flavor with fewer synthetic ingredients.
Look Elsewhere When
Choose Alani Nu Hawaiian Shaved Ice for a stronger 200mg caffeine dose and a brighter tropical taste.
Bloom’s Apple Crisp flavor trades the soda-fountain nostalgia of the Shirley Temple version for something warmer and more autumn-coded. Think apple cider vibes with a touch of baked-spice sweetness, all delivered in the same 12 oz, 10-calorie can. It still leans on 180mg of natural caffeine from green coffee bean extract, so the lift feels measured rather than sharp.
The functional side stays consistent with the rest of the Bloom line. Prebiotics and lychee show up in the ingredient list, the formula stays vegan and gluten-free, and there’s no aspartame, no artificial flavors, and no artificial colors. For shoppers who want a cozier flavor in their fridge during cooler months, this is the pick that fits that mood best.
Good Reasons To Consider
- Warm apple-crisp flavor profile suits cool-weather sipping
- Same 180mg natural caffeine as other Bloom cans, keeping the lift consistent
- 10 calories and zero sugar keep it friendly to most diet plans
- Vegan, gluten-free formula with no artificial additives
Some Limits To Know
- Spiced-cider taste is a niche flavor that won’t appeal to shoppers wanting pure fruit profiles
- Twelve cans of one seasonal-leaning flavor can feel repetitive over several weeks
Best Suited To
Cozy-flavor fans, fall-and-winter drinkers, and anyone who wants a softer 180mg caffeine lift with a baked-apple twist.
Not Your Match When
Switch to Bloom Nutrition Glacier Crush if you want a brighter, icier flavor for hot-weather sipping.
Glacier Crush is Bloom’s answer for drinkers who want something crisp and cold-feeling without a sharp citrus bite. The flavor reads more like a frosty fruit-mint hybrid, and it lands cleanly on a hot day or after a workout. Each can carries the same 180mg natural caffeine from green coffee bean extract that the rest of the Bloom line uses.
The format mirrors the Shirley Temple and Apple Crisp 12-packs: 12 oz cans, 10 calories each, zero sugar, with prebiotics and lychee tucked into the formula. For shoppers who already trust the Bloom ingredient list and just want a different flavor angle, this is the most refreshing option in the rotation. It’s also a smart pick for anyone who finds sweeter dessert-style cans a bit too much.
Positive Points
- Cool, icy flavor profile reads lighter than dessert-style cans
- Steady 180mg natural caffeine is approachable for most daily routines
- Same clean Bloom ingredient list across the line, so switching flavors doesn’t change the formula’s foundation
Practical Considerations
- Mint-leaning notes may not suit drinkers who avoid cooling flavors in their drinks
- 180mg caffeine can run light for shoppers used to traditional 200mg-plus energy drinks
Who Will Love This
Hot-weather drinkers, post-workout sippers, and anyone who wants a fresher, less sweet energy option in their fridge.
Reach For A Different Pick When
Pick the Bloom Nutrition Apple Crisp for a warmer, dessert-leaning flavor on a cold afternoon.
The Cherry Slush 24 Pack is built for households and offices that go through cans quickly. Each 12 oz can still delivers the Alani Nu standard 200mg caffeine, biotin, and B vitamins, with zero sugar and around 10 calories. The cherry flavor leans sweet and slushy, almost like a frozen drink translated into carbonated form.
The 24-can format means you don’t reorder constantly, and the case is easier to split between family members, roommates, or coworkers who all want the same flavor. For people who’ve already tried the variety pack and locked in Cherry Slush as their go-to, this is the bulk version that matches that habit.
What Makes Sense
- 24-can case covers several weeks of daily use without reordering
- Same 200mg caffeine and B-vitamin blend as the rest of the Alani Nu line
- Cherry Slush flavor is a familiar favorite for shoppers already committed to Alani Nu
Points To Keep In Mind
- Single-flavor 24-pack leaves less room for variety than the smaller 12-pack options
- A large case takes up more fridge space, which can be tight in small apartments
Perfect Match For
Daily drinkers, shared households, and small offices that already know they like Cherry Slush.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Choose the Alani Nu Variety Pack Cherry Twist, Pink Slush, Orange Kiss if you’d rather rotate flavors than commit to a single one.
The Alani Nu Mini Variety Pack shrinks the format down to 8 oz cans, which is roughly two-thirds the size of a standard energy drink. That smaller footprint makes the cans easier to slip into a purse, gym bag, or desk drawer, and it also helps with portion control. Each can delivers 100mg of caffeine, paired with biotin and a B-vitamin blend.
The pack rotates three flavors: Cherry Slush, Juicy Peach, and Orange Kiss. The lower caffeine dose per can suits people who want a gentler midday boost or who are easing into energy drinks for the first time. It’s also a smart choice for anyone who finishes half a 12 oz can and ends up pouring the rest out.
Real-World Strengths
- Compact 8 oz can fits easily into small bags and mini fridges
- 100mg caffeine per can offers a gentler dose than the standard 200mg
- Three-flavor variety keeps the case interesting across a busy week
- Same biotin and B-vitamin blend as the full-size Alani Nu line
Where It Is Less Suited
- 100mg caffeine may feel too low for shoppers who want a single-can replacement for their usual large energy drink
- Smaller cans mean more cans per case to get the same caffeine total, which adds up if you drink multiple per day
Who Should Grab It
Office workers, travelers, and caffeine-light drinkers who want a portable, low-dose energy option.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
Choose the Alani Nu Hawaiian Shaved Ice 12 Pack for a higher 200mg caffeine dose and a single-flavor commitment.
What Matters Most Before Choosing Energy Drinks
Caffeine Source and Dose
The first thing to look at is the caffeine number, usually between 100mg and 200mg per can, and the source behind it. Natural caffeine from green coffee bean extract tends to feel smoother to many drinkers, while synthetic caffeine can feel sharper. Match the dose to your tolerance, since heavy coffee drinkers will read 180mg as light, while caffeine-sensitive shoppers will find 200mg a lot.
Sugar, Calories, and Sweetener Style
Most modern energy drinks lean zero-sugar, but the sweetness still comes from somewhere, often artificial or natural non-sugar sweeteners. If you’re tracking macros, look for cans in the 5 to 15 calorie range. The taste profile matters too, since some cans taste like dessert and others taste like dry seltzer with a fruit edge.
Functional Add-Ins
Vitamins B5, B6, and B12 are nearly universal in the category and help support natural energy production. L-theanine, an amino acid, can take the edge off caffeine for jittery drinkers. Prebiotics, biotin, and adaptogens like ginseng appear on some labels and may matter if you already take those supplements separately.
Flavor Format and Pack Size
Flavor variety packs are great for first-timers, while single-flavor 24-packs work for daily drinkers who already know their favorite. Smaller 8 oz cans are a good fit for office bags and lighter caffeine routines. Pick the format that matches how often you actually reach for a can.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Mistakes Worth Dodging
Many shoppers buy based on flavor alone and end up with a 24-pack they don’t enjoy past the first week. Start with a smaller 12-pack or variety box before committing to a bulk case, especially if you’ve never tried the brand. Watch the caffeine total too, since doubling up on a 200mg can late in the day can disrupt sleep for caffeine-sensitive drinkers.
What The Higher Tier Buys
The premium options in this list, like the MAC Energy ketone-based formula, lean on extra functional ingredients and a novel energy pathway. You’re paying for the alternative formulation and the brand story, not necessarily more caffeine. For most daily drinkers, a standard 200mg caffeine can with B vitamins is plenty, but if you’re chasing a specific functional angle, the premium tier earns its place.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much caffeine is too much in an energy drink?
Most healthy adults tolerate up to 400mg of caffeine per day, so a single 200mg can fits comfortably within that range, but stacking multiple cans quickly adds up. Spread your intake across the day and avoid energy drinks within six hours of bedtime to protect your sleep.
Are zero-sugar energy drinks actually healthier?
Zero-sugar cans cut out the blood-sugar spike that comes with regular sodas and sweetened energy drinks, which is a real win for most people. The trade-off is the use of artificial or natural non-sugar sweeteners, which some drinkers prefer to avoid for personal reasons.
Can you drink an energy drink every day?
Daily use is common among adult caffeine drinkers, but it pays to cycle your intake and stay hydrated with water alongside. If you notice jitters, sleep trouble, or a rising tolerance, take a few days off and reassess.
What’s the difference between natural and synthetic caffeine?
Natural caffeine is extracted from sources like green coffee beans or tea leaves, while synthetic caffeine is manufactured in a lab. Many drinkers report that natural caffeine feels smoother, though the actual lift depends more on the dose and your personal sensitivity.
Do energy drinks work better than coffee?
Energy drinks win on convenience, flavor variety, and added B vitamins, while coffee wins on cost per cup and a shorter ingredient list. Pick based on your routine: grab a can when you need portability, brew coffee when you want a slower ritual.
Final Verdict
The right energy drink depends on how you actually plan to use it. For daily gym sessions and long workdays, the Alani Nu Hawaiian Shaved Ice delivers reliable caffeine and a flavor that never gets old. For lighter routines and clean ingredient lists, any of the Bloom Nutrition 12-packs hit the mark. Start with what fits your caffeine tolerance, and let the flavor follow.
