While Red Bulls and Zoas have long resided in LHS vending machines and the student store, there has recently been a noticeable spike in the energy drink epidemic. Now, desks are decorated with cans of brands such as Alani Nu, Celsius, Bloom and other colorful varieties.
It isn’t surprising that these products are so popular at school, as students turn to them to recover from late nights studying or getting through a long day.
“I love them because they help me stay focused and be productive at school,” said sophomore Shannon Farrell. “I have one every day.”
This everyday consumption is common for students, as the drinks are not only energizing but flavorful. The wide range of different flavors available for each brand makes it easy for students to meet their preferences and find a favorite.
“My favorite energy drink is the Celsius fizz-free mango green tea,” said Layth Al Juboori, a senior. “It’s underrated.”
Though the diversity of flavors helps explain the drinks’ popularity among students, it doesn’t fully account for the sudden increase in their presence at LHS. Instead, according to an article published by Urgent Care of Fairhope, their behind-the-scenes marketing techniques play a much larger role in their popularity than we realize.
“It doesn’t help that many mainstream energy drinks are marketed to this age group with bold packaging, candy-based flavors and celebrity endorsements,” the article said.
With the increase in energy drink sales comes a simultaneous increase in worries about their effects on one’s health. Even though they are promoted as healthier, with Alani Nu being marketed as being sugar-free and vitamin-rich and Bloom using apple cider vinegar and prebiotics, they still contain large amounts of caffeine and artificial sweeteners that can be dangerous when consumed in large amounts. This is an issue for senior Grace Kriwanek, who has an energy drink once or twice a week.
“I am worried about the health effects and I’m trying to drink them less,” Kriwanek said.
Even though there is still uncertainty regarding the extent of their health effects as brands are still emerging and taking off, the instant pick-me-up they provide to busy students is undeniable. For some, it outweighs the health consequences.
“My body can handle it,” Al Juboori said.
