Top 10 Leading Energy Drink Brands In The Us For 2024

Energy drinks have been successfully outperforming other beverages available in the market, especially in the ready-to-drink segment. The U.S. has created for itself a leading position in the energy drink market.

High demand for convenient and rapid energy sources among working professionals, athletes, and students has pushed sales of energy drinks. Both well-established and niche brands have come up with new products in the U.S. They are aiming for targeted marketing campaigns, thereby associating energy drinks with extreme sports and music festivals.

The trend for functional drinks has further positively influenced sales of energy drinks in the U.S. The introduction of these drinks in multiple flavors and unique features has augmented demand.

Energy Drink Mixes to Gain Traction among Athletes to Avoid Dehydration

Brands are anticipated to introduce novel formulations of energy drinks to cater to varying demands from modern consumers. Energy drink mix powder is one such formulation that is gaining traction in the U.S. It is extensively consumed by athletes during exercise to prevent dehydration.

The launch of energy drink mix powder in multiple flavors, textures, packaging, and variants is projected to open the door to success. Brands are expected to target youngsters by introducing their products on online platforms.

Top 10 Energy Drink Brands in the U.S. Shaping the Beverage Industry

1. Monster Beverage Corporation

Monster Beverage Corporation, a California-based provider of energy drinks, was founded in 1935 by Hilton Schlosberg and Rodney Sacks. The company offers a wide range of products under multiple brands, such as Reign and Burn, Relentless, and Monster Energy. Out of these, Reign energy drinks have become a favorite among millennials in the U.S. In September 2024, Reign Storm and Chelsea Women signed a multi-year partnership to become the official energy drinks partner for Barclays Women’s Super League.

2. Rockstar, Inc.

Headquartered in New York, PepsiCo operates Rockstar, Inc., an energy drink brand founded in 2001. It has stayed at the forefront of the industry in the U.S. in the last few years. In January 2024, Rockstar introduced a new energy drink named Rockstar Focus to expand its existing portfolio. The drink promises to provide consumers with a mental and energy boost to help enhance focus.

3. GHOST

Considered as the world's first-ever lifestyle sports nutrition brand, GHOST was founded in 2016 by Ryan Hughes and Dan Lourenco in Illinois. GHOST energy drinks have gained immense popularity since their launch. It introduced a wide range of products in 2024, including Beyond Berry, FAZE UP, and GHOST HYDRATION. FAZE UP was launched in partnership with FaZe Clan, an esports organization based in North America. 

4. ZOA Energy

Headquartered in Florida, ZOA Energy is owned by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. In February 2024, the company unveiled its latest brand campaign called Big Dwayne Energy. Through the campaign, the brand aims to create awareness among consumers regarding the unique features of the drinks in a humorous way. ZOA energy drinks witnessed a period of immense success back in 2023 with extended distribution channels, innovative packaging, new launches, and cutting-edge formulations.

5. UPTIME Energy, Inc.

Based in California, UPTIME Energy is led by Benjamin Kim, who purchased the organization from its original owners in 2014. In August 2024, for instance, the company unveiled its new Ambassador Program to broaden its presence and engage with like-minded people. Ambassadors will receive exclusive incentives and perks. At the same time, they are likely to get access to special events and products like UPTIME energy drinks.

6. Red Bull USA

A highly popular brand of energy drinks, Red Bull has created a prominent presence across the U.S. with its office in California. A few best-selling Red Bull flavors include coconut-blueberry, watermelon, and tropical. Apart from providing high-quality energy drinks, it conducts several events. For example, in October 2024, the company extended its collaboration with AT&T, the telecommunication giant, right before the initiation of F1 2024 in the U.S.

7. C4 Energy

C4 energy drinks have gained traction across the U.S. since the company’s foundation in 2002 by a leading nutritional life sciences firm, Nutrabolt. Based in Texas, C4 Energy extended its partnership with WWE in April 2024. This partnership would enable the company to become the first ever official energy drink partner of WWE. The company also launched three distinct energy drink flavors inspired by WWE, namely, Nectarine Guava Knockout, Berry Powerbomb, and Ruthless Raspberry.

8. ASPIRE Brands, Inc. (Aspire Drink)

ASPIRE Brands was founded in 2009 in Illinois by Neil Blewitt, Darren Linnell, and Chris Wadlington. To keep up with the rising demand for clean energy drinks, the company, back in March 2024, updated its brand marketing design. As per the officials, it has successfully engaged around 70% of women consumers in the U.S. who discovered the drinks for the first time. It has also found that the majority of women have discarded conventional drinks infused with high sugar.

9. Bucked Up

 Utah-based Bucked Up was founded in 2013 by Ryan Gardner. A few renowned Bucked Up energy drinks include Notorious Buck, Big Game Energy, and LFG Burn. Notorious Buck is anticipated to be sold across retail outlets 2025 onward. Big Game Energy was introduced in collaboration with Spacestation Gaming, an esports establishment based in North America. LFG Burn, on the other hand, aims to deliver long-lasting stamina, endurance, and focus.

10. Alani Nu

Alani Nu energy drinks were founded in 2018 by social media influencer and personal trainer Katy Hearn. Based in Kentucky, the company offers a wide range of health supplements, beverages, and snacks through Amazon, Target, QuikTrip, and other online platforms. A significant stake of the company is owned by Congo Brands. In 2023, it joined hands with Kim Kardashian to introduce Kimade, a limited-edition energy drink.

Brands to Unveil Shots and Other Variants of Energy Drinks in the Near Future

Demand for healthy and natural energy drink options is anticipated to remain high in the next ten years. Key brands are set to target health-conscious consumers looking for drinks free from artificial colors, preservatives, and sugar. They are also expected to invest more in research and development activities to introduce products with several functional properties like stress relief and enhanced focus.

The trend for energy shots is further projected to create novel growth opportunities in the U.S. Reputed as well as emerging brands are anticipated to launch innovative formulations to fulfill varying consumer needs, including high energy and mental clarity. The inclination of millennials toward transparency in ingredients and clean labeling is also set to boost sales.

In May 2024, for instance, MATADOR ENERGY introduced a new energy shot that includes vitamin B12, B9, B6, and B3. It was made available across the U.S. in partnership with Danny Duncan, a popular YouTuber. Similar innovative product launches by independent companies and influencers are set to open the door to success in future.