For many students, Red Bull is the go-to energy drink for late-night studies or morning classes. Known for its caffeine, the drink has become a popular drink in high school and college life. However, students and adults are saying it may be more of a financial grey space than they realize.

“I grab a Red Bull almost every day,” senior Skye Haskins said. “It keeps me awake at night when I have to work to catch up,”

But with prices ranging from $2 – $4 per can, Haskins admits that the cost can quickly add up. “I’ve started noticing how much I spend on these drinks, It’s definitely not cheap,” Haskins said.

For students like Haskins, the money spent on energy drinks could be better used elsewhere. As graduation approaches, many are focused on saving money for school or to move out.

“I’m trying to save up to move out after graduation,” said senior Cailee Frochiach. “But I keep buying Red Bull, and it’s starting to pull from my savings account.”

Additionally, students are building awareness of becoming addicted to their habits.

“I never realized how much I spent on Red Bull until I tried to save for a while and still caught myself buying them,” sophomore Liliyauna Patty said.

“It was much harder than I thought and I realized it was giving me headaches when I didn’t drink one every day,” Patty said.

Professionals state that regular consumption of energy drinks can lead to addiction, making it difficult for students to function without them.

Professionals also have plenty to say about the health risks of relying on energy drinks. Washington nutritionist Lisa Werner said, “These drinks provide a temporary boost but can cause an energy crisis later…students should consider healthier alternatives to stay alert.”

While Red Bull remains a favorite among students, it’s clear that the health risks and price of the drinks are something to consider. For those looking to save money and improve their health, cutting down on energy drinks in general may be a life-changing decision.