Red Bull is the most popular energy drink in the entire world, and the company helped to develop the entire energy drink market since its inception in the year 1987.
Today, Red Bull sponsors everything from Formula 1 racing teams to Olympic athletes, and the brand is recognizable all over the globe.
There are a handful of different options to choose from when shopping for Red Bull, including different sizes and flavors.
In this article, we will cover the different prices that customers can expect when shopping for Red Bull, energy drink alternatives, and frequently asked questions about Red Bull from around the internet.
A Brief History of Red Bull
Red Bull was first released to the market in the year 1987 in the country of Austria. At the time, tea, coffee, and soda were the only widely distributed beverages in the world that contained caffeine.
Red Bull was the first successful drink that was formulated and marketed with an “energy boost” in mind.
Red Bull was introduced to the United States in the year 1996, and it saw almost immediate success. By the mid-2000s, Red Bull had become extremely popular and could regularly be seen everywhere from skateparks to high-end nightclubs.
Thousands of Americans have become increasingly dependent on caffeine over the past few decades, and Red Bull provided an affordable and tasty “pick me up” for much of the population. Everyone from schoolteachers to skateboarders began drinking Red Bull, and energy drinks became a regular part of everyday American life.
Today, Red Bull employs over 13 thousand people and is the top-selling energy drink in the entire world. The company helped introduce the idea of an energy drink to the market, and it remains the industry leader in the energy drink beverage space today.
Red Bull Prices, Variations, and Sizes
There are currently eight different flavor variations of Red Bull, not including the original and sugar-free versions. This brings the total number of Red Bull options to 10, and there are four main sizes that each of these flavors is offered in.
While different retailers have a large variance in terms of the amount they charge for Red Bull, we have compiled a list featuring the most common prices for different Red Bull sizes. The best deals can be had by purchasing 24 packs in bulk at stores like Costco and Sam’s Club.
While there are sometimes specials offered by individual retailers that can drastically affect the price of different Red Bull styles, for the most part, the price remains constant regardless of flavor.
The main factor that determines Red Bull’s price is the size of the can:
- 4-ounce cans of Red Bull cost between $1.99 and $2.75 on average
- 12-ounce cans of Red Bull cost between $2.75 and $3.50 on average
- 16-ounce cans of Red Bull cost between $3.50 and $4.25 on average
- 20-ounce cans of Red Bull cost between four and five dollars
Red Bull Alternatives
While Red Bull is the number one selling energy drink in the entire world, there are many other companies that offer different takes on the energy drink beverage. There are many different energy drinks on the market today, and Red Bull paved the way for each of them.
Monster Energy Drink is a California-based company that has grown into one of Red Bull’s top competitors in the United States over the last two decades. The company sponsors a number of different popular athletes and is the title sponsor of the Supercross motorcycle racing circuit.
Monster is known for providing its customers with much larger cans compared to Red Bull, and many people believe that the newer flavors offered by Red Bull are in reaction to the many different flavors successfully offered and sold in the United States.
Rockstar Energy Drink is another United States-based energy drink company that has become popular domestically. They feature a sleek black can, and have a loyal following that prefers their drinks over larger competitors like Red Bull and Monster Energy.
Rockstar became very popular in the mid-2000s, and today it is both owned and distributed by the Pepsi company. Like Monster Energy, it is an American alternative to Red Bull that is run by a major soft drink company.
NOS Energy Drink is owned and distributed by the Coca-Cola company, and it is a favorite among many in the auto racing and car enthusiast communities. The cans feature a distinct blue color, and the name and concept are a reference to a gas used to “boost” cars in racing.
While NOS energy drink is a smaller brand compared to Rockstar, Monster Energy, and Red Bull, it is also owned by the Coca-Cola company, giving it plenty of resources and distribution power. It is one of the most popular options at auto races and motorcycle events.
How To Drink Red Bull
The majority of people buy chilled Red Bull from grocery stores or gas stations and enjoy it straight out of the can. There are others who prefer to pour their Red Bull over ice, and drinking Red Bull through a straw from the can became very popular in the mid-2000s.
Red Bull and Vodka are one of the most popular mixed drink options in bars and nightclubs in the United States, and many people choose to enjoy this drink as a shooter called a “bomb.” Grey Goose is often the Vodka of choice for mixing with Red Bull, though there are many variations.
It is important not to drink Red Bull too late in the day, as it contains a high amount of caffeine that can interfere with sleep. Many workers choose to enjoy a Red Bull or other energy drink during lunchtime and do not drink caffeine past a certain designated time in the afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Caffeine Is in One Can of Red Bull?
A small 8.4-ounce of Red Bull contains 77 milligrams of caffeine, which is just under the 95 milligrams contained in the average 12-ounce cup of coffee. A 12-ounce can of Red Bull contains 111 grams of caffeine, while a 16-ounce can have 148 milligrams.
How Does Red Bull Market Their Energy Drinks?
Red Bull is well known for revolutionizing the way beverage company markets their products. They have poured millions of dollars into extreme sports over the years, and have even sponsored a trip to space. They are also currently the main sponsor of a prominent Formula 1 auto racing team.
How Was the Red Bull Formula Created?
The Red Bull drink is based on a popular Thai drink called Krating Daeng. Krating Daeng is very popular among Thai truck drivers and others who work long shifts, and it was the first to feature two red bulls on the front. It is still sold in Thailand and it is slightly less strong than Red Bull.