By Max Braunig
Photo By Max Braunig
In 2026, most teenagers or college students have a poor sleep schedule thanks to social media or loads of homework. To make up for lost sleep and the resulting tiredness, some teens now drink energy drinks.
What are energy drinks? They used to be just for adults who worked the night shift, weren’t they?
Not anymore. These beverages are loaded with caffeine. Certain flavors and designs of energy drinks appeal to young people. For example, cans with bright, floral colors and sweeter, more fruity flavors might appeal to girls, whereas cans with darker, cooler designs and different types of masculine flavors might make guys want to drink them.
This is called marketing.
“My favorite energy drink brands are Celsius and Redbull,” said Elva Taher, a freshman at Willow. “ For Celsius, my favorite flavor is the blue raspberry lemonade, and my favorite Redbull flavor is either iced vanilla berry or wild berry.”
These flavors are examples of those that appeal more to girls. Another example of this bias in flavors is freshman Evie Miller’s favorite flavor, Cotton candy Alani, “because it is very yummy and makes my day better.”
An example of the more masculine flavors and brand names is “Storm Reign,” according to senior Catrell Leashore.
Another factor that differentiates energy drink brands is the amount of caffeine or the energy they provide. “Celsius Green Tea and Peach Mango flavor are my favorites because it has more caffeine than most energy drinks,” said Eli Soileau, a senior. “It also feels very light on my immune system.”
Some people like lots of caffeine and want to be fully energized, while others like less caffeine and sometimes less sweetness.
“The amount of caffeine doesn’t really have an impact on my behavior. It is just more on the type of drink I am drinking,” said sophomore Elle Everett, “I find that Celsius and Alani are super sweet and make me really jittery, while Redbulls and Monsters don’t have that effect for me.”
Energy drinks usually replace coffee for younger people because they taste sweeter and more artificial and often have more caffeine, as well as look more appealing. “I prefer energy drinks over natural forms of caffeine because they are sweeter and give me more energy,” said Taher.
Others don’t have a preference between natural and artificial forms of energy. “I drink coffee as well. I don’t prefer either one,” said Soileau.
And some people prefer natural energy.
“I prefer coffee because it doesn’t contain as much caffeine,” said Leashore. “I’s healthier and makes me focused, while energy drinks make me more hyper.”
Energy drinks have become a major part of teenage life across the country as students balance school, sports, jobs, and social lives with little sleep. Many teens rely on them for quick energy and focus during busy days the same way adults drink coffee, tea, or energy drinks and for the same reasons. Flavor, branding, and caffeine levels all play a role in which drinks they choose. This growing trend shows how fast-paced is the lifestyle of today’s teenager.
