The top-selling 10 energy drinks vary significantly in price by brand name, ingredients, package, and positioning. They cost between $1 and $5 per can, with premium products being more costly since they contain specialized formula or organic products. The value is largely determined by the cost per fluid ounce because some are sold in 8-ounce cans while others are sold in 16-ounce or 24-ounce cans.
Red Bull, arguably the most recognizable brand name, is priced around $2.50 for an 8.4-ounce can and is also among the highest-priced per ounce at $0.30 per ounce. Monster Energy, their most direct competitor, retails a 16-ounce can for around $2.99, which is approximately $0.19 per ounce, providing better value in quantity. Bang Energy, which contains a high level of caffeine per can (300 mg), is also priced at $2.99 for 16 ounces and is also an affordable option for consumers who need the additional boost from caffeine.
Other budget-friendly options in the form of Rockstar Energy and NOS Energy offer cans of 16 ounces for about $2.00, giving a price per ounce of low $0.12 to $0.15, thereby qualifying as among the lowest-priced options for consumers looking at affordability. On the other hand, luxury brands like Celsius and 5-Hour Energy are in a different category. Celsius, a fitness drink with no artificial sweeteners, is approximately $2.50 for a 12-ounce can, at $0.21 an ounce. 5-Hour Energy, a 2-ounce-concentrate shot, costs approximately $3.00 to $4.00, making it the most expensive at $1.50 to $2.00 an ounce.
The organic and natural energy drink segment, like Zevia Energy and Guayaki Yerba Mate, is sought by health-conscious consumers. Zevia, being sugar-free and stevia-sweetened, is priced at $2.00 for a 12-ounce can, or $0.17 per ounce. Guayaki Yerba Mate, which is South American tea leaf-based, is available in 15.5-ounce cans for $2.99, or $0.19 per ounce. These drinks are attractive to customers looking for a natural substitute for artificial sources of caffeine.
Energy shots differ from the traditional canned drinks in price and amount of caffeine. 5-Hour Energy, the leading shot, has 200 mg of caffeine in just 2 ounces and is priced at $3.50 on average. Other shots, such as Vital 4U Screamin’ Energy, are similarly priced but contain varying combinations of ingredients, such as supplemental vitamins and amino acids.
Market forces also dictate pricing. In the convenience stores, energy drinks typically cost more, but buying in bulk at membership warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club can lower the price per can to $1.50 or less. Internet bulk-buying plans and subscription plans, like Amazon’s Subscribe & Save, offer further discounts, sometimes lowering costs 10% to 15% per unit.
Brand loyalty and target marketing are significant drivers of consumer decision. Red Bull’s sponsorship of action sports, Monster Energy’s sponsorships of eSports and motor sport, and Bang Energy’s focus on fitness groups all play into their pricing strategy. Affordability, value, and being positioned as a brand determine which of the top 10 energy drinks consumers use. More facts about these companies and their prices can be found at top 10 energy drinks.