Starbucks Energy Drink vs. Red Bull Energy Drink: Which One Is Better?
I recently ditched the brand of energy drink that I had used for some time due to personal reasons. I love energy drinks, and I had to get my next brand. It was, however, difficult to decide between the Starbucks Energy Drink and the Red Bull Energy Drink. I engaged in a critical analysis of the two drinks and made my ultimate choice. If you cannot decide between the two drinks, this post will help you understand how they compare and why you should choose one over the other.
Table of Contents
What are the differences between Starbucks Energy Drink vs. Red Bull Energy Drink?
| Features | Starbucks Energy Drink | Red Bull Energy Drink |
| Ingredients | Citric acid cane sugar, ascorbic acid (vitamin c), mango juice from concentrate, green coffee bean extract, natural flavors, beta carotene, carbonated water coffee fruit extract, white grape and. | Natural and Artificial Flavors, Pyridoxine HCI, Carbonated Water, Glucose, Taurine, Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid, Caffeine, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12, Colors, Sucrose, Niacinamide, Magnesium Carbonate. |
| Taste profile | It is sweet and has mango, pineapple, or guava flavors. | It has a slightly sour taste, like licorice or tamarind, and is sweet. |
| Nutritional value/caffeine content | It has 170mg of caffeine, 90 calories, 23g of total carbohydrates, and 22g of sugar in a 12 fl oz (355ml) | It has 75g of caffeine, 112 calories, 1.2g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 27g sugar in every 8.4 fl oz (250 ml) |
| Availability | It is readily available in stores and groceries, and you can access it across the US and in other countries | It is readily available and in wholesale and retail stores across the globe |
| Side effects | It can cause migraine due to high caffeine. | It can cause jitters, migraines, insomnia, and increased heart rate. |
Starbucks Energy Drink vs. Red Bull Energy Drink – How They Compare
What it’s made of (ingredients)
The Starbucks energy drink is made of white grape concentrate, an important ingredient that boosts its nutritional value. It also contains mango juice that significantly boosts its vitamin content. Moreover, it contains beta carotene that is converted to vitamin A by the body. Coffee fruit extract and green coffee bean extract are significant sources of caffeine needed to boost energy.
On the other hand, red bull contains sucrose and glucose, which are vital in boosting energy. It contains taurine, caffeine, and vitamins B12 that are synthetically produced. Other ingredients such as citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium carbonate, niacinamide, calcium pantothenate, and pyridoxine HCL are synthetically produced.
The Starbucks energy drink wins in this category because most ingredients are natural, while those of Red bull are synthetically produced. Additionally, Starbucks energy drink has ingredients that increase its nutritional value – have more vitamins.
Taste profile
The Starbucks energy drink comes in natural flavors such as guava, pineapple, and mango. The flavors are mild and feel natural. Additionally, it has a sweet taste that makes it enjoyable.
Red bull has a slightly sour taste, almost like licorice or tamarind. The sour taste is mild and is not strong enough to keep you off. It also has a sweet taste that excellently balances with the sour taste. The balance in its taste makes it interesting and enjoyable.
The Red bull wins this category because its taste is balanced between a slightly sour taste and a sweet taste. The Starbucks energy drink has a sweet taste that makes it boring since most juices taste the same. The Red bull taste is unique, while Starbucks’ energy drink taste is typical.
Nutritional value/caffeine content
The Starbucks energy drink has 170mg of caffeine and 90 calories in one can of 355ml. Caffeine and calories are crucial ingredients in boosting energy. It is rich in vitamin C, ascorbic acid, and beta carotene that is converted to vitamin A in the body.
On the other hand, Red bull has 75g of caffeine and 112 calories in one can of 250ml. It has Vitamin B12.
Red bull energy drink wins in this category due to its high-calorie content. The main purpose of an energy drink is to boost your energy. The more calories it has, the more energy it provides. Although Starbucks energy drink has more vitamins, it has a significantly low-calorie content.
Availability/ accessibility
Starbucks energy drink is available in stores across the US. It is also available in other countries and can be shipped on request.
Red bull energy drink is available in the US and is available in most countries across the globe.
Red bull wins in this category because it is available in more countries than the Starbucks energy drink.
Side effects
The Starbucks energy drink can cause migraine and increased heart rate due to its high caffeine content. Migraine is experienced as a result of addiction to caffeine.
On the other side, Red bull energy drink can cause jitters, migraines, insomnia, and increased heart rate. The side effects are a result of the high content of added sugars.
Starbucks energy drink wins in this category because it has fewer side effects.
Starbucks Energy Drink vs. Red Bull Energy Drink: A comparison overview
Starbucks Energy Drink – Overview
The Starbucks energy drink serves two purposes: as a source of vitamin and to boost your energy. Few energy drinks have several vitamins which makes the energy drink uniquely nutritious. If you have a sweet tooth, the energy drink is sweet and comes in different flavors. The high caffein content in the drink ensures your brain is highly stimulated for complex tasks. It is a must try drink.
What I liked;
- It is rich in vitamins and has fewer calories making it healthier
What I didn’t like;
- It has a high caffeine content that can lead to addiction and several side effects caused by caffeine.
Who it’s best suited for.
- It is suited for individuals who need not only energy drinks but also those in need of vitamin supplements
Red Bull – Overview
Red bull is one of the most common energy drinks. It has high calorie content that shoots your energy through the roof. It has a unique taste that differentiates it from typical juices and sodas. The drink has caffeine and may be addictive if used regularly and over a long time.
What I liked;
- The sour taste balances out the sweet taste
What I didn’t like;
- The many side effects caused by added sugars
Who it’s best suited for.
- It is best suited for very active people, especially in manual jobs such as construction
Final Verdict: So, Which is Better? – Starbucks Energy Drink or Red Bull Energy Drink
The Red bull energy drink is better than the Starbucks energy drink. This is because it has high calories that significantly boost your energy, and an energy drink’s primary role is to boost energy. Additionally, it has a balanced taste brought about by the sour aspect. It does not taste too sugary.
FAQ
Is Starbucks energy drink stronger than a red bull?
No, red bull is much stronger due to its high-calorie content.
Is red bull healthier than Starbucks energy drink?
No, Red bull has several side effects due to the added sugars.
Which one tastes better between Starbucks energy drink and red bull?
Red bull has a balanced taste brought about by the sour aspect that cancels out the excess sweet taste.
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