A new energy drink incorporates several unique ingredients in an effort to separate the beverage in a competitive marketplace.
From the article:
Their beverage didn't start as an energy drink, but it was the best medium for fraternity brothers Waylon Howell and Joe Elmore to market their mood enhancement formula called Neuro Fuel. Advertisement...
View full article

Mad Croc Sugar Free Energy Drink - Energy With A Wild Bite
Cost: $1.89 for 8.4 oz.
Active ingredients: Taurine and caffeine
Rating: 7 out of 10
Calories: 5

Mad Croc Sugar Free caught our attention at a local grocery store recently. We have spied Mad Croc at convenience stores in the past, but not at the big chain grocery stores. Regardless, we gave Mad Croc Sugar Free a look and a taste and here's what we found:

The package is the segment-standard 8.4 oz. can. Mad Croc features its brand icon (a fierce-looking red crocodile complete with its mouth wide open, large teeth flashing) prominently. The rest of the graphics are typical images of activity and energy...nothing too risky.

If you have tasted a Red Bull and added more sweetness, then you have experienced Mad Croc Sugar Free. The flavors and aroma of this energy drink are very similar to Red Bull, but with an increased sweetness. We were surprised since many sugar free energy drinks tend to lean toward less flavorful counterparts to their "regular" brethren.

We did like the increased buzz we received shortly after consuming the energy drink. The added kick did not last too long, just about where we wanted and expected it to last.

Web site: Mad Croc

From the article:
In homes and dorm rooms across the country, young people are mixing a new kind of cocktail: energy drinks and alcohol...
View full article

New evidence that individuals with high blood pressure should be cautious in their consumption of energy drinks.
From the article:
Nowadays, having at least one energy drink a week has become the norm of the day, especially for people who exercise at gyms. But, now a new study that was conducted in the US has indicated that such energy drinks can increase one’s blood pressure...
View full article

Del Monte Mango Passionfruit Bloom Energy Drink
Cost: $1.99 for 10.5 oz.
Active ingredients: Guarana and white tea
Rating: 8 out of 10
Calories: 100

We received many responses to our recent reviews on the CranRaspberry and Wild Berry Bloom beverages, so we decided to give the Mango Passionfruit drink a try. If you like a sweet, fruity-tasting beverage, light on the carbonation, this is for you.

As we began this review, we asked ourselves-"what exactly is passionfruit?" Sure, we had a passing knowledge of what it is (a tropical fruit you eat while on vacation lying on a beach somewhere), but no one could identify what the fruit looks like nor what benefits, if any, it is supposed to provide. Ultimately, we did not let this detract from our enjoyment of the energy drink.

The package is clean and simply, adorned with an orange exclamation point and subtle text of the health benefits (supports bone strength, natural caffeine, antioxidants, etc.) contained in the can.

The women in our review group especially liked the sweeter, true fruit taste than did the men in our group. None of us detected any off-notes, simply fresh fruit. We did not have any vodka or rum nearby, but agreed this energy drink would pair well with either with added ice.

We felt a little energy lift, not much. Mango Passionfruit may serve as a nice morning/mid-afternoon treat, but don't count on it to carry you through a late night study session.

Web site: Del Monte

As tattoos migrate into the mainstream of society, they are linked by marketers to promote products as diverse as shoes, tires, and energy drinks.
From the article:
"There is always an element of rebellion or rite of passage with these things," said David Crockett, assistant professor of marketing at the University of South Carolina. "What makes them interesting is how the marketplace appropriates that rebelliousness and serves that back to you in the form of an energy drink."...
View full article

College students may be using energy drinks and prescription drugs to provide an added boost while preparing for exams.
From the article:
Lape said what he typically sees in his classmates is “mostly chugging coffee and slamming Red Bulls just to stay awake in class.” ...
View full article

Wired Low Carb Energy Drink
Cost: $2.00 for 16 oz
Active ingredients: Caffeine, taurine
Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Calories: 10

The fascination with a low carb diet has been dead/on life support for some time now primarily because many of the products tasted bad or lacked taste altogether. Wired Low Carb Energy Drink is not one of these beverages.

The can's packaging is adorned with Wired's signature racing flame graphics. The racing flames on this package are more subtle than other Wired beverages simply because the racing flames are silver against a white background which does not provide a visual "pop". The words "sugar free" and "low carb are quite obvious, though.

The flavor of this energy drink was quite flavorful and sweet. Yes, it provided familiar flavors which you would expect in an energy drink, but the sweetness was smooth and pleasant. We did not taste any bitter off-notes.

We experienced a light boost in energy shortly after drinking this energy drinkthat lasted for several hours. If you are looking to pull an all-nighter or party 'til dawn, there are other beverages that will deliver the needed power.

Speaking of partying 'til dawn, the pleasingly sweet taste of this beverage would pair well with clear alcohols and be a nice change of pace to what you are currently drinking.

Web site: Wired

The results of a recent study indicate mixing energy drinks with alcohol can add to the likelihood of high-risk behaviors.
From the article:
The growing trend of combining energy drinks with alcohol is leading to an increase in high-risk behavior, a study reports. ...
View full article

A study conducted on healthy volunteers and the effect energy drinks had on them indicates a link to potential cardivascular problems.
From the article:
A study by researchers in the U.S. has found that for some people high energy drinks may be dangerous. ...
View full article

Hype MFP Energy Drink
Cost: $1.99 for 8.4 oz
Active ingredients: Taurine, caffeine, ginseng
Rating: 5.5 out of 10
Calories: 100

We've seen this story played out before-an energy drink that looks and tastes like so many other energy drinks on the market today. Unfortunately, Hype MFP is one of these drinks. One element that had us scratching our heads was "What does MFP stand for?"

Hype MFP packaging is obviously trying to appeal to the young, male consumer with its silver and black graphics. Hype MFP did not go out on a limb with any part of its package; it played it safe which is not the way to attract new consumers to try your brand versus their list of favorites. By the way, MFP is never explained anywhere on the can.

The beverage did give us a big boost of energy, its most redeeming quality. However, that's what you purchase energy drinks for, right?

The drink provides a strong citrus aroma which is pleasant. The flavor is undifferentiated from the many energy drinks on the market today...slightly tart, a little sweet with a combined lemon/lime/grapefruit profile and a tinge of medicine taste.

Hype MFP would probably mix well with clear spirits. Hopefully, the spirit mixer will mask the taste of this energy drink.

Web site: Hype MFP

A California-based company profits from the latest trend in energy drinks-energy shots.
From the article:
Though the company is currently in the energy drink market, future products could stretch to other functional drinks, from general health to high performance...
View full article

A medical Dr. offers his opinions on the benefits and risks of energy drinks specific to college students.
From the article:
Q: I recently visited my son at college and he and his friends drink a lot of energy drinks. They swear it helps them focus and study for exams. Are energy drinks safe? ...
View full article

Evviga Berry Energy Drink
Cost: $2.00 for 12 oz
Active ingredients: Green tea, caffeine
Rating: 6 out of 10
Calories: 5

The beverages guru's at Nestle and Coca-Cola should know better than to join forces on a product such as Enviga Berry. Yes, we know its not technically an energy drink, but with a fair amount of caffeine content, we do not see this beverage as much of a stretch.

We liked the sleek, 12 oz can and colorful, animated graphics. The package communicated ideas of activity, vitality, and energy.

The taste of Enviga Berry is a different story...it should be called Enviga Mystery Berry. Why? Because we have never tasted a berry even close to what this drink offers. The beverage has a slight aroma of raspberries. However, the flavor is of some unidentifiable fruit with a little bit of medicine thrown in. We did experience the green tea, but it tended to lend more bitterness on our tongues. The carbonation adds to the sensation of fruit, but not enough to cover the off-flavors.

The caffeine in Enviga Berry gave us a slight bump in energy. We are curious if Enviga Berry does indeed burn the 60-100 calories (if you consume three cans per day) it claims. We will not be drinking three cans this product per day anytime soon.

Web site: Enviga

Consumer Reports investigates energy drinks and suggests enjoying these popular beverages in moderation.
From the article:
KUSA - Over half a billion dollars was spent on energy drinks last year. That's a 34 percent increase from the year before...
View full article

Today's consumers are taking advantage of a wider selection of beverage choices. Energy drinks, sports drinks, and enhanced waters continue to attract consumer attention.
From the article:
Consumers have gotten more picky about their liquid refreshments. The core 18- to 24-year-old soda drinker is moving away from sugary sodas to energy drinks and healthy beverages.
Over the past decade, the market has moved from one-size-fits-all megabrands to targeted niche products, says Gary Hemphill, managing director of Beverage Marketing Corp., a consulting and research firm. ...
View full article

Xtazy Energy 8 Hour Shot
Cost: $2.00 for 2 oz
Active ingredients: Guarana, caffeine
Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Calories: 0

A recent entry into the energy shot (a fast-growing sub segment of energy drinks) market, Xtazy Energy's 8 Hour Energy Shot provides a big boost of energy, a good cranberry taste, in a compact and colorful 2 oz. bottle. Did we also mention its sugar-free?

The bottle's packaging features Xtazy Energy's contemporary "X" logo on a black background. The 2 oz plastic container screamed "portable convenience" which appealed to us in a big way. Although it had a resealable screw cap, we clearly understood this energy shot was meant for single-serve consumption.

We immediately liked the pleasant cranberry aroma which reminded us of a classic cranberry cocktail. The flavor started out with a solid and sweet cranberry taste. We did taste a slight medicine flavor at the end; it wasn't too strong, but it was there. The beverage is not carbonated, which makes it easier for drinking as, well, a shot.

Xtazy Energy places the text "guarana-based energy shot" prominently on the package. Guarana is said to have a more sustained energy delivery than simple caffeine. We would have to agree after consuming this shot. We liked the initial kick we received and it went on well into our day.

Web site: Xtazy Energy 8 Hour Shot

Although Seattle consumes the most caffeinated coffee, Chicago is tops when it comes to its love of all caffeinated beverages including energy drinks, soft drinks, teas and coffee.
From the article:
Chicagoans eat more chocolate and drink more cola than other U.S. urbanites, and are among the top consumers of energy drinks and coffee...
View full article

The lead researcher of a recently published study drawing a link between energy drinks and a rise in heart rate and blood pressure levels points out that energy drinks may be unfairly identified as sole offenders. The researcher indicates more commonly used beverages such as coffee and tea need to be included.
From the article:
Blood pressure increases slightly after drinking energy drinks, a small study shows. But is this rise enough to be harmful?. ...
View full article

Sol Mate' Original Energy Drink - Just Energy, No Jitters
Cost: $2.00 for 10 oz
Active ingredients: Mate' extract, caffeine
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Calories: 90

We were familiar with the ingredient mate' on account of its being marketed more frequently in the U.S. recently due to health benefits, primarily as a loose bagged tea or a ready-to-drink tea. Sol Mate' is the first energy drink we've seen containing mate' (and organic mate' to boot), so naturally, we were intrigued. Overall, we liked Sol Mate'. This beverage is not setting itself up as an in-your-face type of energy drink. The tagline spells it out clearly-just energy, no jitters. Rather, Sol Mate' has a clean, we-have-nothing-to-hide approach.

The package is the first interesting piece to the drink. It comes to you in a substantial glass bottle, something you do not see every day in energy drinks. The labels are simple and appear to be hand painted (although they are not).

The taste reminded us initially of a green tea/ginger ale/honey combo with a little carbonation. The flavor will most likely appeal to sophisticated (older) consumers versus younger consumers.

We experienced a slight energy lift that lasted for several hours. Nothing too crazy. About the same as drinking a cup of coffee.

We saw that Sol Mate' offers a lemon-lime flavored drink. We would suggest other flavors for development along the lines of orange, peach, cranberry and raspberry.

Web site: Sol Mate'

Researchers have identified a connection between an ingredient found in many energy drinks, ginkgo tea, and increased heart-related disorders.
From the article:

Ginkgo tea may be harmful as a new study has linked energy drinks to the high blood pressure and cardiovascular attacks and strokes...
View full article

Monster Energy sets its sights on challenging Coca Cola in the UK.
From the article:

...
View full article

XO Vanilla Energy Drink - Xtreme Energy for Xtreme People
Cost: $1.99 for 180 ml
Active ingredients: Taurine, caffeine
Rating: 8 out of 10
Calories: 110

The eye featured prominently on the package of the XO vanilla energy drink was staring at us all day; how could we refuse a sip or two? We were in the mood for a sweet treat and our sweet tooth was satisfied with this beverage.

As with all of the other flavors we have tried from XO, this drink was non-carbonated, adding to the experience. The vanilla flavor is rich and creamy, similar to a scoop of Ben & Jerry's original vanilla ice cream. Good vanilla flavor is hard to come by and we were rather impressed by how this beverage was able to deliver such a good vanilla infusion in an energy drink. We did not have any vodka or rum nearby, but we agree that XO vanilla would make a nice cocktail. You could also have lots of fun experimenting with unique takes off of traditional drinks-rum, cola and XO vanilla, vodka, cola and XO vanilla, XO vanilla pina colada, you get the picture.

The energy boost was in-line with XO's other beverages; a solid, sustained lift over several hours with no crash.

Web site: XO Vanilla Energy Drink

A leading consumer testing company looks into energy drinks.
From the article:
Text size:
With names like Rockstar, Full Throttle and No Fear, caffeinated energy drinks are hot, accounting for $744 million in annual sales. While they may especially appeal to young adults, the beverages often contain multiple stimulants, making them a poor choice for young children and pregnant women. They can also be risky if mixed with alcohol. ...
View full article

Nitro2Go Firepower Extreme Energy Drink
Cost: $1.99 for 16 oz
Active ingredients: Taurine, ginseng, guarana, caffeine
Rating: 6 out of 10
Calories: 110

We recently saw Nitro2Go's Firepower Extreme energy drink in the store and thought we would give it a try. We also saw two other products offered by Nitro2Go, High Octane energy drink and Lite energy drink, and hope they are better than their big, powerful appearing brother.

The package is somewhat interesting with its use of flames against a black background. However, the words "Firepower" and "Extreme" are quite overpowering. We got the intent, it just seemed to overcompensate, thats all. We also found it odd that on one side of the can we saw a message of "Please Recycle" and on another side we read "Recycle Or Die" over a skull and crossbones. Regardless, we understood we should recycle. We also observed the words "Made in the USA", a growing trend we've seen on other energy drinks. (see our review of Liquid Lightning)

We found Firepower Extreme's taste to be that of raspberry's and caramel which started out strong but finished weak. The carbonation was higher than most other energy drinks, which we felt was a positive.

The energy blast we expected did not arrive. With a name like Firepower Extreme we imagined a solid, sustained jolt, but it never came.

Web site: Nitro2Go

An industry watchdog group is concerned with the appearance of companies marketing energy drinks containing alcohol to kids.
From the article:
Simon was in Charlotte on Friday to talk about the growing trend in alcoholic energy drinks. Her group reports energy drink sales reached more than $3 billion in 2006, and Simon fears America’s youth are the target consumers. ...
View full article

Energy drinks combined with alcohol are popular with Australian university students and command a premium price.
From the article:
But the pub has deliberately opted not to stock pre-mixed spirit-based energy drinks. ...
View full article

The results from a recent study indicating energy drinks may pose risks for people with high blood pressure and heart disease were deemed inconclusive due to a small number of participants.
From the article:
This just in: energy drinks could pose dangers to “people out there who have preexisting heart problems,” but they’re still trying to figure that out...
View full article

XO Grape Energy Drink - Xtreme Energy for Xtreme People
Cost: $1.99 for 180 ml
Active ingredients: Taurine, caffeine
Rating: 8 out of 10
Calories: 110

The next batter up is XO Energy Drink's grape-flavored beverage. So far, XO Energy has had a good track record with us and the grape version does not let the team down.

The packaging stays in sync with the rest of the product line-up, so we will go straight to the important stuff...how it tastes and how much energy we received.

First, the energy is quite good. We did not experience any crash after drinking any of the other products and the grape flavor did not allow us to crash, either. The energy was sustained over a long period of time, too.

Second, the taste was very nice. The drink starts out juicy and jammy, but not too sweet or overpowering. We did not experience any harsh aftertaste which we all know can ruin the entire experience. If you are in the mood for an energy drink that tastes like a non-carbonated Grape Nehi you are going to like this beverage.

Web site: XO Grape Energy Drink

XO Original Energy Drink - Xtreme Energy for Xtreme People
Cost: $1.99 for 180 ml
Active ingredients: Taurine, caffeine
Rating: 8 out of 10
Calories: 110

After tasting XO Energy's peach flavor, we were quite curious about the original flavor and if it could carry the solid flavor offering of the peach energy drink. So many times with other products we've tasted, several of the products launched by an energy drink company are quite good, but others are less than stellar. XO Energy's original flavor picks up where peach left off.

The packaging on the original flavor is very similar to the peach flavor, save for a few color variations.

Yes, the theme of a good-tasting non-carbonated energy drink (that tastes like a non-carbonated Red Bull) runs through the original product. Again, we believe you will enjoy this XO Energy event.

Web site: XO Original Energy Drink

Officials in Britain are concerned about the rise in underage drinking in their country. Ease of access and mixing alcohol with energy drinks add to the problem.
From the article:
Generated Tue, 06 Nov 2007 05:06:11 GMT by Prolexic.com (SI3.MIA1/3.02.5.STABLE14)...
View full article

XO Peach Energy Drink - Xtreme Energy for Xtreme People
Cost: $1.99 for 180 ml
Active ingredients: Taurine, caffeine
Rating: 8 out of 10
Calories: 110

How many times have you-1. enjoyed a peach-flavored energy drink, 2. enjoyed a non-carbonated peach-flavored energy drink, and 3. enjoyed a non-carbonated peach-flavored energy drink that the makers told you to drink at room temperature? We have and were impressed with XO Energy Drinks' peach flavored beverage.

The first think you notice about the package is a giant eye staring back at you. That, and the fact the beverage comes in a recloseable PET (beverage-speak for plastic) bottle which you do not see every day.

We were pleasantly surprised by the aroma of the beverage as we opened the cap. It was what you would expect...sweet peach. The flavor is very good as well. We can best describe it as a smooth peach candy. We were quite amazed XO was not carbonated, but they pulled it off. The energy boost was present, too, yet not overpowering.

We believe you will find XO an interesting energy drink experience.

Web site: XO Peach Energy Drink

A recent survey reveals the results of mixing college students, alcohol, and energy drinks.
From the article:
College students who drink alcohol mixed with caffeine-loaded "energy" drinks are more likely to drink more in a single session, finds a new study. They're also at a higher risk for injury compared to students who drink alcohol without energy drinks...
View full article

Roaring Lion Energy Drink - Fly Twice as HIIIGH
Cost: $1.99 for 12 oz.
Active ingredients: Taurine, caffeine, glucose, B vitamins
Rating: 7 out of 10
Calories: 119

Roaring Lion recently introduced their energy drink in a 12 oz. can. Roaring Lion has been around for awhile and we were curious how the product came across in its new format. We'd have to say its pretty good.

The package is the popular 12 oz. sleek can. The graphics play up the drinks brand imagery nicely, complete with claw marks, and yes, a roaring lion. With the exception of a few lines of text (Original Formula, With Taurine, Fly Twice as HIIIGH) a blue background and nutritional information, thats basically it.

Roaring Lion does not have a very complicated ingredient list. What it does offer, though, is substantial. The nutrition label clearly points out generous amounts of niacin, vitamins B6 and 12, and pantothenic acid. Curiously, caffeine content is not indicated. The caffeine rush is above average, which is why we were surprised it was not called out. The taste started out sweet with lemon flavors and finished sour. We imagined Roaring Lion would mix well with most clear spirits and probably make one mean cosmo.

Web site: Roaring Lion

The ingredients found in many of today's energy drinks are explained by a healthcare professional.
From the article:
If you don't go overboard, say experts, the only price you'll pay is the hefty one at the checkout line. Many of the ingredients common to most energy drinks are beneficial, unless quaffed in huge amounts, says George Fredericks, pharmacy director at an Albany-area hospital group. He is a fan of the drinks, though he frugally favors Red Thunder. ("It's $2 for a four-pack, compared to around five or six dollars for a pack of Red Bull," he says.) ...
View full article

Students in San Diego challenged parents and local politicians to identify energy drinks from those energy drinks also containing alcohol. Most could not.
From the article:
Adjust font sizeSave for LaterEmail to FriendsPrint ModeSubmit your own content on this or any topic. Get started.In an October 19th, 2007 press release, the San Diego County Alcohol Policy Panel stated that young people had teamed up with other interested parties to ask that safeguards be initiated on Alcopops and other alcohol containing energy drinks. The meeting took place at the San Diego County Alcohol Policy Panel yearly Legislative Forum on Underage Drinking. Two of the goals of the Forum are to get the governor of California to reclassify energy drinks containing alcohol as "distilled spirits", and to get him to investigate the marketing of alcohol containing energy drinks to teenagers...
View full article

Four Premium Malt Beverage Energy Drink
Cost: $3.00 for 16 oz.
Active ingredients: Guarana, taurine, caffeine, wormwood oil
Rating: 5 out of 10
Alcohol content: 6%

Its almost the weekend, so we thought we may kick it off right and try Four. Four falls into the segment of the energy drink category that combines alcohol in the form of a malt beverage with energy ingredients.

When we opened the can, we caught an instant aroma of strawberry and raspberry. Once the beverage was poured, it too, had a strawberry hue to it. We were not certain what to expect, so a strawberry color fits just as well as any other color. The flavor was strong and syrupy. We could not taste the alcohol, which is probably a big part of the appeal with these types of drinks. We did like the fact that the full flavor did not last too long in our mouths. The amount of carbonation actually started out bold, but seemed to weaken the longer it was in the glass.

The packaging is basic in its approach. The words "Alcoholic Beverage" appear in small letters in a ring at the top of the can. We were also not sure what the ingredient wormwood oil is or is supposed to do...if anyone knows, let us know. The fact that the beverage offered 6% alcohol by volume was in large print, apparently in an attempt to alert consumers that this indeed was a beverage that contained alcohol.

Web site: Four

Energy drinks and sports drinks can satisfy the specifics needs from the weekend warrior to the serious competitor.
From the article:
If you want to personalize your power drink or if you want to make sure what ingredients are in the power drinks you take in, you can make your own blend to meet what your body needs for a specific bodybuilding training set. There are many protein power drinks that you can blend and mix. Protein power drinks add muscle to the drink and it also contains carbohydrates, calcium, riboflavin and of course, protein...
View full article

Game Juice Energy Drink -Juice Up Your Game with Impact
Cost: $2.00 for 16.9 oz.
Active ingredients: Caffeine, taurine
Rating: 8 out of 10
Calories: 224

It was inevitable that an energy drink was specifically created for the very large and growing-by-the-day video game enthusiasts. It is here, and its name is Game Juice. There are two very cool things about Game Juice. First, the taste. The drink is lightly carbonated and has a very nice tangy, lime/citrus flavor. Game Juice is sweetened with real sugar, so is has a genuine sweetness with no aftertaste. We also liked the fact that the flavor was not too powerful or watered-down. Second, the design of the bottle. From a distance, it looks like many other plastic bottles. However, when you pick it up, you see that the bottom of the bottle has been designed to resemble a game controller. Yes, you heard it, a game controller. It must've taken a long time to develop, but in our opinion, it was worth it. An innovation like this will place Game Juice in the "why didn't we think of this" category.

Game Juice also offers a big energy jump. We tried Game Juice during our usual mid-afternoon energy drop and this beverage picked us right back up.

Web site: Game Juice