With its wide availability and huge market share, a Red Bull energy drink review must be included in any discussion of this rapidly growing market. While competitors were targeting a more narrow energy market, the producers of Red Bull went for mass market appeal. This is a one hit wonder in the market – no variety of flavors or special market appeal is offered.
Red Bull energy drink ingredients are the basics – sugar and caffeine. A can contains only about 80 mg of caffeine which is less than one cup of coffee. The fast buzz of red bull may be from the almost 6 tsp of sugar in every can. I definitely had a quick lift from RedBull (I drank it fast due to the taste) but within a couple hours I had a fast crash, too.
Being first out of the gate has its advantages as Red Bull has cornered a large share of the popular market for energy drinks. The slender blue and gray can is available not only in convenience and grocery stores but also can be ordered at an increasing number of restaurants, bars and other public venues such as casinos. This brand even has its own vending machines.
It has to be good marketing – because Red Bull tastes horrendous! There is an unpleasant aftertaste that is difficult to get rid of and the smell of the drink isn’t much better. The best comparison I can think of for the taste is bad cough syrup. Many devotees claim the taste grows on you but I have to wonder why those who buy Red Bull energy drinks don’t switch to a brand that doesn’t taste like medicine. I give it a 4.5 on a scale of 10.