Monster just posted its first-ever $2 billion quarter, Celsius saw revenue jump 84% year-over-year and energy drink sales in C-stores are booming. What's fueling this explosive growth, and where's the white space for emerging brands? The hosts break it down. They also ponder beef tallow's potential to power a fried food revival and highlight new mushroom lattes, clean-label cookies and sparkling teas.

Show notes:

0:35: A Future Chicago. L.A. Is Near. We're So Energized, But Why? Beefy Frites. Oats, Roots & Citrus. – The hosts share updates on recent and upcoming Taste Radio meetups in Chicago, San Diego, San Francisco and London, as well as highlighting BevNET's December events: NOSH Live, BevNET Live, and Brewbound Live. They turn their attention to the thriving energy drink category and examine how the space is expanding to include niche audiences like women, gamers, and wellness consumers, noting trends like zero-sugar options, adaptogens, and alternative caffeine. Ray spotlights Jesse and Ben's, a brand of French fries cooked in avocado oil and beef tallow, and the hosts discuss how the brand represents a broader movement away from seed oils and how packaging can educate consumers. Mike shares organic oatmeal cookies, Ray mixes up a protein latte, Jacqui shines a light on Hoplark's latest products and John heralds a "Coffee Palmer."

Brands in this episode: Lake Hour, Gorgie, Alani Nu, Celsius, Monster, Red Bull, Ghost, C4, Throne Sport Coffee, Yerba Madre, Every State, Jesse & Ben's, Laird, Hoplark, Besto, Skout Organic, Coffee Project NY, Naked Energy, Pablo's Mate, Solstice