Energy drinks are a common sight in LOHS hallways and a handy solution for those prone to falling asleep in class. There are many different types and brands of this kind of beverage that LOHS students choose from.
An icon in the energy drink world is Red Bull. It’s supposed to taste like candy, but some believe it just has a battery acid flavor. Junior Carys Cassidy who is an energy drink fan also happens to enjoy Red Bull. “I love Red Bulls and I think they are underrated. I personally love the coconut and tropical flavors,” said Cassidy. But freshman Hudson Michael has a different opinion on Red Bull, explaining, “It wasn’t engerizing enough, I felt nothing.”
Celsius is another popular energy drink that many students across all grades enjoy. This goes not only for LOHS but also other schools and all over the country. Celsius has zero sugars or calories and a wide variety of flavors to choose from, like Kiwi Guava, Watermelon, Strawberry Lemonade, Wild Berry, Fiji Apple Pear, Lemon Lime, Orange and even more options. Cassidy has a different opinion than most on this popular drink: “Celsius was the first energy drink I tried. For some reason I find them pretty gross, but I know a lot of other people love them,” she said.
Another very popular option is Alani Nus, which most people just call Alanis. The company has very intriguing and artistic labels and unique flavors, such as Hawaiian Shaved Ice, Cosmic Stardust and Pink Slush. Junior Maddi Dale said she has had Alani many times. “They are my favorite. Best flavors with positive caffeine effects instead of negative,” said Dale when talking about how much she favors Alanis over other energy drink options. Junior Jon Lufkin had a very different look on Alanis though: “I have had an Alani. It also tastes terrible.”
Recently, Bloom Nutrition came out with a new energy drink. This company is known for their greens powder that got really popular over the years through social media because it was marketed to be healthier, since the caffeine comes naturally from green coffee bean extract. That makes this drink a better option than other brands because other brands source their caffeine from chemicals. Since the beverage is new, there are only four flavors so far: Raspberry Lemon, Cherry Lime, Strawberry Watermelon, and Peach Mango. Freshman Cadence Junker is a fan of Alanis and Celisus but is curious about trying Bloom’s addition to the energy drink market. Junker said, “I have not tried Bloom, but I want to.”
Even though energy drinks are not an asset to your health, students at LOHS still find them helpful to get through the day. Cassidy explained how energy drinks help bring ease into her day: “I am always tired, especially when going from school, to dance, to home. Energy drinks help give me an extra boost of energy in the mornings or before practice.” Junker also agrees with this opinion on energy drinks, declaring,“ Yes, I think they taste good and they keep me awake in school.”
These caffeine packed drinks are a good solution to a lack of energy but probably not the most efficient option. Lufkin hopes to one day be able to not rely on caffeine: “I want to quit energy drinks, and I can once I develop a routine that allows me sufficient sleep.”
There are so many beverages with caffeine like coffee, tea, and more. But it seems that LOHS students prefer to find their caffeine in a can with a fun flavor. Keep an eye out for energy drinks around the hall like Alanis or Red Bull to see what else students are enjoying!