Red Bull: Legacy Brand Red Bull revolutionized energy drinks during its prime, innovating in the booming market and desired by every citizen and athlete of the world. Red Bull’s primary strength comes from the 80 milligrams of caffeine found in each 8.4-ounce can, imparting a consistent kick of energy to all who drink; especially when combined with its other ingredients, it is large enough to provoke peak alertness. Its formulation includes B vitamins, such as B6 and B12, which helps with metabolism and energy production. Athletes, over the many years it’s been around, have adored it for its effect on improving physical performance and stamina.

Red Bull comes with its share of downsides of course. Each can is loaded with 27 grams of sugar; here the trouble begins. While the energy boost is real, so is the inevitable crash that follows. Make drinking this elixir a regular thing, and you’re staring at a potential victim of weight gain and metabolic issues. Caffeine is also a double-edged sword—great for staying awake, but can mess with your sleep cycle and give you the jitters, especially if you’re sensitive to it. Plus, Red Bull isn’t exactly a budget-friendly option. It’s priced higher per ounce than many of its competitors, though people still trust the brand enough to justify the extra cost.

Celsius: the fitness drink with a modern twist. This one’s packed with caffeine, green tea extract, guarana, and ginger, all aiming to ramp up your metabolism. The biggest bragging right? Zero sugar. That’s a big win for avoiding the energy crashes tied to sugary drinks. Celsius leans into its natural ingredient lineup and wellness-centric image, which appeals to those trying to keep things balanced.

But here’s where it gets murky: some unsettling reports suggest that certain claims about Celsius weren’t as transparent as consumers were led to believe. There’s even been talk about questionable sourcing of ingredients, including rumors that some of it was derived from human waste treatment facilities. It’s an eyebrow-raising accusation that points to a broader need for more transparency from corporations with a growing fan base. Still, loyal fans swear by its taste and smoother, long-lasting energy that doesn’t leave them feeling wired and then wiped out. As for the accusations, a correspondent from WYKC reached out to the FDA; Matt Bertin, a chemistry professor at Case Western Reserve University; and Gary Brecka, the man who made these claims himself. All in all, the claims were proved to be false and Brecka retracted all statements and videos making the claim.

So, which one should you go for? The choice depends on what you’re looking for. Red Bull is great if you need a quick, no-nonsense jolt of energy and don’t mind the sugar or the occasional crash. It’s got a legendary status for a reason—it works and tastes like a classic. But it’s best saved for sporadic pick-me-ups, maybe before a workout or a big deadline.

Celsius, on the other hand, calls out to those who prioritize health and steadier energy. If you’re into something that doesn’t load you up on sugar and offers ingredients that might give your metabolism a nudge, Celsius is your drink. Just remember to stay informed and make sure the brand’s values line up with yours.

In the end, Red Bull holds its place in my heart as the old reliable energy drink—familiar, effective, but with some obvious downsides. Still I would pick this over Celsius in a heartbeat, at least for now. I don’t know about you, but even the thought of potentially drinking something that came out the toilet is disgusting. Give me some time to breathe.