Alani Nu Lime Slush Energy Drink Review

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Alani Nu Lime Slush Energy Drink can

There have been several Alani Nu Slush flavors over the years — Pink Slush, Blue Slush, Cherry Slush, and now this new Lime Slush. Here’s how the company describes it:

Icy, citrusy, iconic — Lime Slush Energy is here to sweeten your spring break with all the adventure and none of the sugar! A river of bold lime and sunny lemon flavors, each can serves up B vitamins, 200mg of caffeine, and our signature slushie twist. One sip? And, bestie, you’re off the map and in the moment!

Um, cool, bestie.

Despite trying several Alani Nu Energy flavors over the past year, this is my first Slush variety. I’m not sure why it took me this long, but if Lime Slush is any indication of what I’ve been missing, I must seek out the other Slush flavors.

Alani Nu Lime Slush Energy Drink in glass

To be honest, Lime Slush reminds me of the Bang Lime Pop Drop I reviewed a few weeks ago — another lime creamsicle-style drink that caught me pleasantly off guard. But while the Bang leans into the creamy, candy-like sweetness, the Alani Nu version takes a slightly different approach with a more pronounced sour lime flavor and a little less creaminess. Both drinks smell and taste wonderful, but I can’t say I like the flavor of one over the other.

Whether it truly tastes like a lime slush is debatable — I’d call it more of a lime sorbet, with a creaminess that you wouldn’t expect from something billed as icy and citrusy. But that’s not a complaint. It’s just a more interesting drink than its name suggests.

At 200 milligrams of caffeine, zero sugar, and only 10 calories, it also delivers almost everything you want from an energy drink without any of the guilt — which, combined with how good it tastes, makes it very easy to recommend. Though, like all energy drinks in slim 12-ounce cans, I wish it came in a larger 16-ounce version.

Lime Slush is another winner from Alani Nu — and a reminder that I really need to work my way through the rest of the Slush lineup to find out if any of them could also be my bestie.

Purchased Price: $2.89
Size: 12 fl oz can
Purchased at: Target
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 10 calories, 0 grams of fat, 190 milligrams of sodium, 1 gram of carbohydrates, 0 grams of sugar, 0 grams of protein, and 200 milligrams of caffeine.

Red Bull Spring Edition Cherry Sakura Energy Drink Review

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Red Bull Spring Edition Cherry Sakura Energy Drink can

Spring has sprung.

I’m still staring at mountains of dirty snow everywhere I turn, but as far as I’m concerned, Red Bull is the official arbiter of the season. That’s right, forget the fat little terrified groundhog, because the only animal you should be getting your seasonal assurance from is the bull.

Every year in early March, my rites of spring involve being angry at the Mets’ hypothetical roster, re-exposing my blindingly white calves to the world, and tossing back a few of whatever flavor concoction Red Bull has waiting for me. It’s 2026, and this year it landed on Cherry Sakura, or Japanese Cherry Blossom.

The can says cherry AND sakura

In case you’re like me and are wondering if the flavor name is an “ATM machine-like” redundancy, no, this is Cherry AND Cherry Blossom. Flora and Fruit(a.)

I enjoyed their last foray into Japanese flavors with “Fuji Apple,” and was reasonably satisfied with last year’s Spring Edition, also a fruit/flower hybrid, “Grapefruit Blossom,” so we were off to a good start. Still, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect.

After drinking two cans, I’m still pretty stumped on the flavor profile, but I can tell ya, it’s a winner. This is a very confusing flavor, and the internet seems to agree.

Red Bull Spring Edition Cherry Sakura Energy Drink carbonation in a glass with it's purple red color

Upon first sip, I immediately started lying to myself. Did I taste cherry? I think. It just wasn’t the typical sweet cherry you’d expect. Did I taste something mildly floral? I think. I’d say it’s more “leafy” than “flowery.”

Well, there ya go, it’s Cherry and flowers, they didn’t lie… but wait…

Was it cherry? I just kept tasting slightly sour, unripened fruits. I couldn’t distinguish which fruits. Despite reading the can and trying to convince myself it was cherry, I just refused to commit to that. Was it dragon fruit or something? I liked it a lot, I just didn’t know why.

Then it hit me – does this taste like Strawberry Banana, or am I insane? I might be insane. I’m not alone though. I’ll get to that in a bit.

I couldn’t shake it; I tasted what I would call Red Bull’s attempt at a Strawberry Banana Smoothie. It’s not super flavorful in either fruit’s direction, but something about it just tastes like a lite, unripe version of those two fruits in energy drink form. Like if you mixed 75% Sugar Free Red Bull with 25% Strawberry Banana juice.

Red Bull Spring Edition Cherry Sakura Energy Drink in a glass next to its can

Yeah. Cherry Sakura = Strawberry Banana Smoothie. “You’re insane.” So, after a little Googling I saw opinions on the flavor vary from what it’s actually supposed to be to… banana. There were a lot of people saying they tasted banana, which I’m sure sounds bananas.

Maybe this could be the Yanny/Laurel of a new generation. Perhaps my fellow blue/black dress observers are phantom bananas, while the white/gold psychos are something entirely different?

Either way, no matter what flavors you pinpoint, I think most will agree this is a strong addition to the Red Bull lineup. This might be one of my most puzzling reviews, but all I can really tell you is that I kinda loved “Cherry Sakura” by the end.

Purchased Price: $2.50
Size: 8.4 Fl. Oz.
Purchased at: Quick Chek
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 10 calories, 0 grams of fat, 140 milligrams of sodium, 2 grams of total carbohydrates, 0 grams of total sugars, 0 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Bang Lime Pop Drop Energy Drink

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Bang Lime Pop Drop Energy Drink can

When Bang’s Lime Pop Drop was dropped off at my door by UPS, I expected it to be a heavily caffeinated lemon-lime-flavored energy drink that would be reminiscent of such sodas as Sprite, 7Up, Starry, Mist Twst, or Sierra Mist.

Because I live under a rock apparently made of new Monster Energy, breakfast cereal, and ice cream releases, I hadn’t even heard of this drink before it ended up on my Welcome mat. But after tasting the sample Bang sent me, I quickly found it didn’t taste at all like those lemon-lime sodas. Instead, the energy drink had a way better flavor.

Much like other Bang Energy Drinks, a can of Lime Pop Drop has 300 milligrams of caffeine, has zero sugar, and zero calories. Plus, it has the usual “performance supplements,” like Ultra COQ10 and essential aminos.

Bang Lime Pop Drop Energy Drink in a glass

After cracking open the can, an alluring lime mixed with cotton candy aroma rose from it, hitting my nostrils as if I walked into a Bath & Body Works. As I took my first sip, I instantly wondered, “Wait. Is this the lime version of Bang’s Any Means Orange?” That drink, which came out last year, was an orange-creamsicle-flavored delight, and this Lime Pop Drop tastes like a lime-creamsicle-flavored cousin. It was such a pleasant and delicious surprise that I had to physically restrain myself from chugging the entire can in one go. I don’t know how my body would respond to consuming 300 milligrams of caffeine within a few moments.

I also got strong key lime pie vibes, but imagine that key lime pie was drowning under several extra-generous dollops of whipped cream. But there’s also a candy-like aspect to the lime that makes the citrus flavor sing. It definitely won’t be confused with any lemon-lime soda.

I enjoyed Lime Pop Drop every bit as much as Any Means Orange, which I gave a very high score, and I hope Bang keeps it around and never drops it.

DISCLOSURE: I received a free product sample from Bang. Doing so did not influence my review.

Purchased Price: FREE
Size: 16 fl oz can
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 0 calories, 0 grams of fat, 40 milligrams of sodium, 2 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of sugar, 0 grams of protein, and 300 milligrams of caffeine.

OTHER THINGS I CONSUMED: 2/20/2026

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Slice Apple Healthy Soda

Slice Apple Healthy Soda

There needs to be more apple-flavored sodas on shelves. Sure, I could stick some apple juice into a Sodastream, but that might void its warranty. One of the best apple sodas I’ve had was from Slice way back when. But then Slice got sliced out of the market. But as we all know, Slice made a comeback last year, and now that we’re a year or so into its resurrection, the brand has brought back its apple flavor, but, um, a healthier version with prebiotics and probiotics.

This isn’t the first apple-flavored soda with gut stuff. Olipop makes a delicious Crisp Apple flavor that is a top-tier Olipop variety. If this Slice version is as good or as good as the original Slice Apple, we’ll have a winner here. However, while its aroma is enticing, its flavor unfortunately pales in comparison to Olipop’s Crisp Apple, which has a fruitiness that, well, um, pops. This Slice soda? Not so much. It’s very underwhelming. I’ll stick with Crisp Apple.

Stiller’s Shirley Temple Soda

Stiller’s Shirley Temple Soda

If you asked me what celebrity would come out with a soda line, I’d probably rattle off a bunch of YouTubers. Didn’t expect Ben Stiller to have one. Much like a lot of new sodas nowadays, it’s a “better for you” soda. Now you might be thinking, “Oh, so it’s like Olipop and Poppi.” Well, I’m going to pop that thought because there’s nothing in this that your gut microbiome will appreciate. No fiber. No apple cider vinegar. No pre- or probiotics. There’s just some fruit juice and natural flavors, along with a bunch of sweeteners: cane sugar, stevia, and monk fruit. The soda has only 30 calories.

The can claims its “The World’s Refreshing-est Soda.” I’m going to follow that with the World’s Eye Rolling-est Eye Roll. Because it’s a soda, by nature it’s most likely going to be refreshing, but “World’s Refreshing-est”? Nope. It smells nice and there’s a mild cherry taste with a bit of citrus in the background. But its flavor doesn’t strike my taste buds as hard as others. Plus, there’s an earthy twist in the aftertaste that makes an okay soda a little less okay. Sorry, Mr. Stiller. I’ll rewatch Severance, but I won’t repurchase your soda.

Wheat Thins Ranch Crackers

Wheat Thins Ranch Crackers

Am I in another timeline? Because I’m pretty sure ranch-flavored Wheat Thins have been a thing for a very long time. Long enough that I’m sure it has gone through box design changes. But here we are in 2026 with Wheat Thins Ranch Crackers with a “NEW” banner on the box. I guess it must be a new and improved version.

Wheat Thins Ranch Crackers close up

I’m 100 percent sure I’ve had the previous version on multiple occasion, but I can’t quite remember what it tastes like, so I’m unable to compare. But I won’t forget these crackers because they are wonderful. Every bite definitely says “ranch.” Their seasoning is tangy, creamy, slightly herby and garlicky, and every cracker is well seasoned. I hate to admit this, but I ate two-thirds of the box while rewatching Severance. I stopped myself once my fingers realized they were hitting the bottom of the box. Okay, I didn’t stop just then. I mean, my hand was still in the box, so why not take out a couple more before closing it. They’re that good.

Poppi Amaya’s Island Colada

Poppi Amaya's Island Colada

I have no idea who Amaya is. Pop singer? Siri and Alexa’s cousin? The can says something about “Love Island.” I have no idea what that is. Is it like a reboot of the TV show “The Love Boat,” but on an island? I’m so out of it in terms of American pop culture. All I do is watch anime and Asian dramas with quirky characters, and listen to 90s rap and Japanese and Korean pop and rock.

However, I do know that Amaya’s Island Colada is a tasty prebiotic soda. It might be in my top 5 favorite Poppi flavors. It starts off with a sweet pineapple flavor that pleases my taste buds, and then it’s followed by a creamy coconut flavor that, thankfully, isn’t overwhelming. The pineapple gets a tad sour in the aftertaste, but not enough to make me pucker because the creamy coconut helps prevent that. Also, unlike some other Poppi flavors, I didn’t notice the apple cider vinegar.

It’s a limited edition flavor, so set sail to pick one up if a piña colada-flavored prebiotic soda interests you.

REVIEW: Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Cherry Float

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Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Cherry Float bottle

For many years now, Coca-Cola has Oreo-ified its brand model. Releasing countless drops of mystery flavors and odd combinations, utilizing cooling menthol, tropical fruits, and even a collaboration with Oreo itself. Yet the beginning of 2026 sees the company with a return to form of sorts, embracing a new but very familiar pairing for its classic soda with Coca-Cola Cherry Float in both regular and Zero Sugar.

If you have ever walked up to a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine at your favorite movie theater or fast food chain, you may be asking yourself: “Haven’t I had this?” The short answer is, yes. Coca-Cola Cherry Float is a cute name for a drink you’ve likely had before gleefully watching the newest blockbuster at AMC, with the clear distinction of a specific, calculated Coke-approved syrup ratio.

I’m sure you have experienced the varying levels of awesomeness at a soda fountain. Whether that’s at your standard restaurant or a Freestyle machine, sometimes the ratio can taste light, just right, or, less likely, heavy. Which is why McDonald’s fountains have such a stout fanbase — quality control and a unique system that keeps the Coke crispy and consistent. Without the variable of a machine-specific distribution, what does the Coca-Cola company view as the perfect cherry-to-vanilla ratio?

Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Cherry Float poured into glass

At first, I thought that there wasn’t enough cherry, which, as a cherry lover, alarmed me. There’s some initial cherry on the front end that finishes pretty strongly on the artificial vanilla flavor that Coke has used in the past. There’s nothing new or special about the “float” flavor other than it is a bold vanilla paired with the cherry taste you’ve known since its inception in 1985.

Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Cherry Float bottle sitting next to glass

The more I drank the soda, the more the cherry stacked, and by the end of the bottle, an almost even, let’s call it 55/45 split, started to shine. It’s one that should please fans of both cherry and vanilla. I like this better than last year’s Wild Cherry & Cream Pepsi, which is no surprise given my general affinity for one brand over the other (although I am far from a Pepsi hater).

This is another somewhat lazy but comfortable release, akin to last year’s Holiday Creamy Vanilla, but at least it’s a more exciting one since it hasn’t been bottled or canned before. Whereas Holiday Creamy Vanilla desperately lacked some spice or a special element to make it unique, there is nothing inherently disappointing about grabbing a can of pre-mixed half-cherry, half-vanilla Coke from the fridge without having to find a Freestyle Machine. But it also suffers from what I call the “Reese’s Conundrum,” where original Reese’s, much like original Coca Cola (and Cherry Coke), are so good that is this twist really any better than the base beverage itself? And the straightforward answer is simply: no!

Purchased Price: $2.99
Size: 20-ounce bottle
Purchased at: Safeway
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 bottle, 20 oz) 0 calories, 0 grams of fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 85 milligrams of sodium, 0 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, 0 grams of total sugars, and 0 grams of protein.

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