The 3 Energy Drinks That Have The Most Caffeine

For some of us, caffeine isn't just an occasional pick-me-up — it's a way of life. There are folks who thrive off a steady coffee habit and know exactly whether Dunkin' or Starbucks has more caffeine in their dark roast coffee. For others, their boost of choice is an energy drink. There are so many of them, in fact, that the United States ranks first in energy drink consumption around the world, with the average American knocking back eight gallons of the stuff per year. There's a dizzying variety of energy drinks on the market, boasting bright colored cans, fizzy, sweet-tasting refreshment, and even celebrity endorsements. For example, YouTuber Logan Paul touts his Prime brand of drinks, which have become trendy with some teens and young adults.

If you just can't clear your head in the morning without a good caffeine jolt, you may have wondered which energy drinks give you the most buzz for your buck, so to speak. As it turns out, three popular drinks tie for the top spot in terms of caffeine content: Bang, Celsius Heat, and Rockstar Xdurance. Each of these packs a 300-milligram caffeine wallop per can. To put that in perspective, Red Bull, which is the best-selling energy drink in the U.S., contains a comparatively demure 80 milligrams per can. You can choose to take this information as a promotion or a warning. Either way, be mindful of the fact that caffeine is like so many other things in life: there can be too much of a good thing.

Nobody is saying that (healthy) adults can't enjoy an energy drink, even if the drink is one of the "big three" listed above. However, it's a fact that multiple health authorities like the Mayo Clinic recommend no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine a day. Children, teens, pregnant people, or those breastfeeding should keep their caffeine intake under 200 milligrams daily. Four hundred milligrams of caffeine works out to about 10 cans of soda or four cups of regular brewed coffee (there's no accounting for the folks who brew their cup of joe with coffee substituting for water). One can of Bang, Celsius Heat, or Rockstar Xdurance is going to get you awfully close to that daily limit, which leaves little wiggle room for any colas, iced teas, or even a nitro cold brew or iced coffee, which contain close to 100 milligrams of caffeine.

While a bit of caffeine can get your eyes open and your feet out the door in the morning, too much can make you feel pretty lousy. Jitters, irritability, tummy troubles, and sleeplessness are all side effects of overindulging. In the long-term, caffeine can prove addictive, and hardcore use opens you up to the risks of high blood pressure and even, in extreme cases, muscle breakdown. Energy drinks are tasty and put a spring in your step, but should definitely be enjoyed in moderation ... especially those with the most caffeine.