Photos from Target, Meijer, and Walmart in the Energy Drink section. As shown there are no Alani Nu drinks in these sections. Photos by Allie Heren. 

Throughout the month of October, the number of Alani Nu energy drinks at grocery stores in Oswego, Ill has declined dramatically. 

High school students and teachers, having busy schedules and early wake-up times often drink energy drinks such as Celsius and Alani Nu to get the boost of energy they need. However, some of the most popular drinks are from Alani Nu, with 13 flavors to choose from, while providing 200mg of caffeine.  

Anatomy teacher and Robotics Coach Robyn Mellas loves Alani Nu energy drinks and has one almost every single day, her favorite flavors being Hawaiian Shaved Ice and Witches Brew. 

“I like the flavor and although it has a lot of caffeine it doesn’t make me feel jittery like Celsius drinks do. I feel like Alani gives me energy without feeling like my heart is gonna explode,” Mellas said. 

Students are turning to more expensive alternatives during this shortage, with Alani Nu drinks being only $2.69 and Starbucks drinks averaging around $5.50. Additionally, Starbucks Refresher beverages only contain around 90 mg of caffeine whereas the Alani Nu beverages contain 200 mg. 

Junior, Cassie Marks, is an avid Alani Nu drinker, being a student-athlete she needs the energy to get through her long days. She is usually seen with an Alani Nu beverage throughout the school days or volleyball practice making this shortage hard for her.

“The shortage is very sad. I had to get a Starbucks Refresher today,” Marks said.

Marks is so adamant about getting a drink with caffeine before school that she went the extra length to go to Starbucks. 

Junior Samantha Burk is another frequent Alani Nu drinker, she brings one for herself almost every day, as well as some for her friends. She loves the Pink Slush and Blue Slush flavors and also appreciates the caffeine content. 

“Alanis give me lots of energy and they don’t taste foul. I personally don’t like the taste of Redbull, so I think Alani Nu is a good alternative…I have noticed the shortage and I’m wondering what’s happening and why there’s a shortage” Burk said. 

Overall, students and staff at East are very concerned with the Alani Nu shortage and are hoping to see more stock at retailers like Target and Meijer soon in order to return to their normal routines.

Written by Juni0r Allie Heren. Edited by staff writers for Oswego East’s online news magazine The Howl.