Energy drinks: Celsius vs. Bang Energy
Quick Verdict
Both Celsius and Bang Energy cater to the energy drink market with zero sugar and varying caffeine levels. Celsius emphasizes natural ingredients and a wellness-focused brand, while Bang Energy focuses on a high-energy boost and a wide array of flavors. The choice depends on individual preferences regarding caffeine intake, ingredient concerns, and flavor preferences.
- Both Celsius and Bang Energy are sugar-free energy drinks.
- Bang Energy generally has a higher caffeine content (300mg) compared to most Celsius products (200mg), except for Celsius Essentials (270mg) and Celsius Heat (300mg).
- Celsius is marketed as having healthier ingredients, while some experts recommend caution regarding some of Bang Energy's ingredients.
- Celsius offers both carbonated and non-carbonated options, while the carbonation level of Bang Energy is not specified.
- Bang Energy is known for a wider variety of flavors and bold marketing, while Celsius is positioned as a lifestyle/wellness brand.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Celsius | Bang Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Caffeine Content (mg) | Celsius and Celsius Vibe: 200 mg per 12 fl oz can, Celsius Essentials: 270 mg per 12 fl oz can, Celsius On-The-Go powders: 200 mg per packet, Celsius Heat: 300 mg per 12 fl oz can, Celsius BCAA: 100 mg per 12 fl oz can, Celsius Stevia: 200 mg per 12 fl oz can | 300 |
| Sugar Content (grams) | 0 grams | 0 |
| Calorie Count | 10 calories per 12 fl oz can. Some sources list approximately 7 calories per cup | 0 |
| Electrolyte Content | Celsius Hydration products contain electrolytes. One stick pack of Celsius Hydration contains 210mg of sodium, 700mg of potassium, and 65mg of magnesium | Potassium, Magnesium, and Calcium |
| Vitamin Content | Contains vitamins B and C. Specific vitamins include Vitamin B6, B12, Niacin, Riboflavin, Pantothenic Acid, and Biotin | Vitamin C, Niacin (B3), Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12 |
| Artificial Sweeteners Used | Sucralose is commonly used. Some products use Stevia. Celsius is also sweetened with erythritol | Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K) |
| Available Flavors | Offers a variety of flavors, including fruit-inspired options. Some popular flavors include Sparkling Orange, Peach Mango Green Tea, Raspberry Acai Green Tea, Kiwi Guava, and Grape Rush | Black Cherry Vanilla, Cotton Candy, Delish Strawberry Kiss, Purple Haze, Radical Skadattle, Rainbow Unicorn, Sour Heads, Star Blast, Wyldin' Watermelon, Blue Razz, Peach Mango and over 20 flavors |
| Carbonation Level | Available in both carbonated and non-carbonated versions | Not available |
| Container Size | Typically 12 fl oz (355ml) | 16 fl oz (473 ml) |
| Price per Can | Prices vary | Varies |
| Ingredients Quality | Marketed as having healthier ingredients like green tea, guarana, ginger, and vitamins. They contain no artificial preservatives or flavors, no aspartame or high fructose corn syrup, and are very low in sodium | Mix of ingredients, including some that are considered cutting-edge supplements. Some experts recommend being wary of some ingredients. |
| Brand Reputation | Initially marketed as a 'negative calorie drink', rebranded as a lifestyle/wellness brand, positioned as a fitness drink | Known for its bold marketing and high caffeine content, targeting a younger, more active audience. The brand was acquired by Monster Beverage in July 2023. |
| Pros | Provides a steady and balanced energy lift due to natural ingredients like green tea and guarana, Low in calories and contains 0g of sugar, Offers more subtle and sophisticated flavors compared to Bang, Refreshing taste that is not too sweet, Contains green tea extract, guarana seed extract, caffeine, taurine, glucuronolactone, ginger extract, and green tea leaf extract, Caffeine is sourced in part from guarana extract, a safe, plant-derived form of caffeine | Sugar-free, Wide variety of flavors, High caffeine content for a strong energy boost, Contains electrolytes and vitamins, Designed to be crash-free |
| Cons | Some find Celsius to have an overly sweet or artificial aftertaste, High caffeine content can lead to side effects for those sensitive to caffeine | High caffeine content may lead to side effects like rapid heartbeat, headaches, insomnia, and dehydration, Contains artificial sweeteners that have been linked to health issues, Some experts recommend being wary of some ingredients |
Overall Comparison
Celsius: 200-300mg caffeine, 0g sugar, 10 calories; Bang Energy: 300mg caffeine, 0g sugar, 0 calories
Pros and Cons
Celsius
Pros:
- Provides a steady and balanced energy lift due to natural ingredients like green tea and guarana
- Low in calories and contains 0g of sugar
- Offers more subtle and sophisticated flavors compared to Bang
- Refreshing taste that is not too sweet
- Contains green tea extract, guarana seed extract, caffeine, taurine, glucuronolactone, ginger extract, and green tea leaf extract
- Caffeine is sourced in part from guarana extract, a safe, plant-derived form of caffeine
Cons:
- Some find Celsius to have an overly sweet or artificial aftertaste
- High caffeine content can lead to side effects for those sensitive to caffeine
Bang Energy
Pros:
- Sugar-free
- Wide variety of flavors
- High caffeine content for a strong energy boost
- Contains electrolytes and vitamins
- Designed to be crash-free
Cons:
- High caffeine content may lead to side effects like rapid heartbeat, headaches, insomnia, and dehydration
- Contains artificial sweeteners that have been linked to health issues
- Some experts recommend being wary of some ingredients
User Experiences and Feedback
Celsius
What Users Love
- Provides a steady and balanced energy lift
- Refreshing taste that is not too sweet
Common Complaints
- Some find Celsius to have an overly sweet or artificial aftertaste
- High caffeine content can lead to side effects for those sensitive to caffeine
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
Bang Energy
What Users Love
- Provides a quick and strong energy surge
- Offers bold, fruity flavors
- Caters to low-calorie diets
Common Complaints
- Overconsumption can lead to rapid heartbeat, headaches, insomnia, and dehydration
- Some artificial sweeteners used have been linked to health issues
Value Perception
- More affordable than Bang energy
User Recommendations
- Bang provides a quick and strong energy surge due to its high caffeine content (300mg)
- Bang is designed to be crash-free
- Bang is known for its bold, fruity flavors
- Bang's flavors often have a sweet and intense kick.