Caffeine is the world’s most widely consumed and socially accepted psychoactive stimulant. Like most of you, I depend on it to get through most days. My source preference are energy drinks, particularly those from Ghost. I became an early adopter of their products having discovered them in GNC around the launch of their energy drink line in 2020. It’s no mistake their aesthetic stood out since the co-founders have backgrounds in marketing and branding in the fitness industry. A hallmark of their business model is aggressive co-branding collaborations with influencers and iconic properties ranging from Oreos and to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. 

Thankfully Ghost’s calculated psychological baiting supports quality products. I haven’t had an energy drink from them that misrepresented or under-delivered on the advertised flavor. They are all zero sugar and contain the same energy stack of 200 mg natural caffeine, taurine, Astragin, Neurofactor Coffee Extract, Carinipure and Alpha-GPC. I don’t know what most of those ingredients are without googling and I’m not going to pretend that any of that information contributed to my desire to purchase my first can. However that blend gives me the desired effects without the unwanted flushing or itching associated with some stims.  

I’ve gone out of my way to try every flavor since their launch and will likely continue to do so. If you’re interested in trying them and want to know where to start, or you just enjoy ranking lists, I have constructed an assessment and hierarchy of most every Ghost Energy drink.    

15. Sour Green Apple Warhead

To be up front, I don’t like sour apple flavor in general but I wanted to try it for completist sake. This energy drink tastes just like the beloved sour green apple warhead candy but with the tartness dialed back to a reasonable level. If you love that flavor, you probably won’t be disappointed.

14. Bubblicious Cotton Candy (Limited Release)

This is a rare offering from Ghost, released June 1, 2023 through GNC and Kroeger stores alongside the returning Bubblicious Strawberry splash. Though I did see the strawberry variant pop up in some 7 Elevens and Vitamin Shoppe locations this summer, I was only able to secure a case of Bubblicious Cotton Candy through GNC online. An energy drink riff on a bubble gum inspired by a candy, there are Inception levels of artificiality to this beverage. The taste was vague and inoffensive sweetness without much else for me. I don’t believe I’ve ever had Cotton Candy Bubblicious gum so I cannot speak to the accuracy of flavor. I gave some out to my night shift co-workers. One that loves cotton candy liked it. If that’s your thing, you might like it too but good luck getting your hands on one.   

12. & 13. Blue Raspberry and Red Berry Sour Patch Kids

I’ve grouped my assessment of these two together since they’re ranked neck and neck. Imagine you’re drinking a glass Sour Patch Kids melted in soda water and this is what you’ve got. If that sounds appealing to you, have at it. You might be let down if you’re looking for the authentic Blue Raspberry or Red Berry experience. You won’t find those hyper-saturated reds and blues associated with the candy since Ghost Energy Drinks contain no artificial coloring.    

11. Faze Pop

If you’re like me you had no idea Faze Clan is some kind of professional esports and entertainment company. You can rest assured that knowledge has nothing to do with this flavor aside from name. If you’re a lover of brand association, this is the drink for you as long as that brand association is not with Bomb Pop trademarked in 1971. This must be based on a different red, white and blue frozen confection consisting of cherry, lime and blue raspberry flavors.         

10. Watermelon Warhead

We’ve entered into repeat purchase territory with Watermelon Warheads. They managed to both nail the flavor while balancing the sourness to achieve a beverage that doesn’t wear out its welcome drinking a 16 oz can. 

9. Orange Cream

This flavor is unique but a misalignment exists between the aroma, taste and mouthfeel. The orange and vanilla had me prepared for more viscous, milky consistency than a lightly carbonated liquid. That disparity does not yield a beverage I’d regard refreshing. Despite that it’s an excellent entry that I’ve revisited several times. I just don’t find myself wanting to drink one on a hot day.  

8. Bubblicious Strawberry Splash (Limited Release)

A limited release seemingly turned seasonal, Bubblicious Strawberry Splash emerged first in 2021 and has briefly resurfaced every year since. Its provisional nature no doubt adds to the enjoyment. By the time I grow tired of this strawberry candy-like flavor, it disappears.

7. Swedish Fish

Surprise, surprise, Swedish Fish tastes just like Swedish Fish. The fish scale textured can design is a nice touch.

6. Citrus

Citrus is the workhorse of the line. A combination of “natural flavor” and citric acid give you that nondescript citrus flavor from our childhoods. Do you really need to know what species from the genus Ghost is emulating? The answer is “NO.” It tastes great and gets the job done. Pair one of these with dragging your ass out of bed for work or going to the gym.     

5. Tropical Mango

Tropical Mango is functionally on the same tier as Citrus but marginally superior in flavor having chosen a specific fruit to emulate. 

4. Sour Pink Lemonade

Sour Pink Lemonade hit stores September 1 as evidence Ghost’s powers are growing stronger, probably as a result of an unholy covenant with some kind of extradimensional presence. 

3. Cherry Limeade

This was an assured winner since I’m a sucker for cherry and lime flavoring. This is my current favorite of the extended core lineup. It’s the case I add to my GNC order to get over the current $39.99 bar for free shipping when ordering limited flavors.

2. Rainbow Sour Strips (Limited Release)

The latest release to date dropped in September 2023. Sour strips are a brand collaboration with Sour Strips, a candy company formed by Youtuber, fitness personality and entrepreneur, Maxx Chewning. It is the best flavor of the active roster but the GOAT takes the number one slot.

1. Strawbango Margarita (Limited Release)

The single best thing Ghost Energy has produced was also a Maxx Chewning collaboration. It was a perfect concoction of strawberry and mango and margarita mix. Unfortunately, it was only available in the Fall of 2022. 

**Wide Awake Watermelon (Ultra Limited Release)

Created as a collaboration with Insomniac, the organizer of 2023’s Electric Daisy Carnival, this event exclusive offering alluded me. If you had it, good for you. 

You might suspect that I’m on the payroll with this company, but I assure you Ghost hasn’t sent me a dime. That being said, I already use this product and drumsticks aren’t cheap. If this gets to somebody at Ghost, sign me up for one of those influencer deals so I can get the drop on these hard to get releases. I don’t want to have another Wide Awake Watermelon on the list.

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