Wired Passion Fruit with Calcium Energy Drink
Cost: $2.00 for 16 oz
Active ingredients: Green tea, caffeine
Rating: 7 out of 10
Calories: 20

Wired created a fair amount of confusion with this beverage. How, you ask? Wired passion fruit with calcium is obviously targeting women with the ingredients and flavors they've chosen yet adopted a masculine approach with its packaging.

The beverage tastes quite nice with, you guessed it, a generous amount of passion fruit flavor. With all of the healthy ingredients included (green tea, calcium, vitamin D, aloe vera, and B vitamins) we were curious if any off-notes would be present...they are not. We did detect an artificial sweetener aftertaste which was unfortunate.

The graphics are similar to the other Wired beverages we've reviewed, but with a slight feminine tone. The familiar racing-influenced flames are now replaced with thinner, pink imagery against a black background. We would have expected a lighter background in order to better appeal to women. In addition, we would have liked to see the product packaged in a 8.4 or 12 oz. sleek can versus a 16 oz. can. The can does a good job of clearly point out that a portion of the proceeds from the purchase of the beverage will help to find a cure for breast cancer.

The energy rush provided by Wired passion fruit with calcium is one of the stronger by an energy drink targeting women. This is not a beverage for the average soccer mom unless the soccer mom wants to jog to the soccer game and play forward as well.

Web site: Wired

With Red Bull as the primary driver, the sports and energy drink segment grew by 21% in the UK for 2007.
From the article:
Another big winner in 2007 was the sports and energy drinks market, which grew by 21 per cent. Red Bull led the charge, increasing its sales by £28 million to £164 million...
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Energy drinks find their way into elementary and middle schools, drawing the concern of school officials.
From the article:
Want to feel like a "Rock Star"... or better yet... a "Monster?"
Yes, these are some of the so-called energy drinks you can find just about anywhere.
"Number one seller out of our coolers is the energy drinks."...
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Caribou Coffee Regular Iced Coffee
Cost: $1.99 for 12 oz
Active ingredients: Caffeine
Rating: 7 out of 10
Calories: 120

We are well aware of the fact that this is not technically an energy drink. However, we love coffee, and coffee delivers energy, so we decided to give this beverage a try. The drink is produced as a result of a partnership between Caribou Coffee and Coca-Cola.

The best component of this product is the packaging. It incorporates an attractive aluminum bottle/can which also features a resealable cap. We like the bottle/can for two reasons-1. it looks unique versus an ordinary aluminum can and 2. when chilled, it seems to keep the drink colder than other package types. (This may be an illusion, but we are sticking with it.) The graphic imagery shows off the Caribou Coffee logo (a running caribou) and coffee beans.

The taste is not what we expected. We were looking forward to a creamy (not so much), sweet (so-so), and strong coffee (average) decadent treat. We figured since Caribou Coffee has built its business on coffee, that coffee would be a solid flavor in this drink, but it is not.

We did not feel too much of an energy blast after drinking this beverage. We wondered aloud if this drink had as much of a lift as drinking a cup of coffee...we doubted it.

Web site: Caribou Coffee

The state of Utah is investigating whether to require energy drinks containing alcohol to feature more specific labeling.
From the article:
Energy drinks have become immensely popular in recent years, especially with youth, but some health officials are working to restrict how the drinks are sold. ...
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7-Eleven's launch of Inked energy drink illustrates just how mainstream tattoos have become.
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."...
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Sol Mate' Lemon Lime Energy Drink - Just Energy, No Jitters
Cost: $2.00 for 10 oz
Active ingredients: Mate' extract, caffeine
Rating: 8 out of 10
Calories: 90

Sol Mate's other energy drink takes their original flavor (see our recent review) and adds lemon lime. The good news is that Sol Mate' stays true to form with their great clear glass bottle, simple graphics and organic ingredients (mate' extract, cane sugar, lime juice, caramel color, and lemon oil). We especially like the fact that Sol Mate' is sweetened with organic cane sugar since it provides a pleasant sweetness with no aftertaste. The lemon lime beverage does not stray too far from the original product, which we saw as the downside. Sol Mate' has a solid opportunity to create a divide between the two products by amping up the lemon lime flavor. We tasted very little, if any, lemon lime flavoring in this drink. Perhaps we were expecting too much, but when a label clearly states "lemon lime", thats what we want. The overall flavor presentation is clean, crisp and refreshing.

The energy kick is slight to moderate with no crash afterward.

Web site: Sol Mate'

Research has indicated the combination of energy drinks and alcohol can increase the odds of being injured.
From the article:
The researchers believe that alcohol can affect the central nervous system and the development of the brain in such a way that it can increase the probability of developing an alcohol problem. So while environmental and genetic factors are still very important in the development of an alcohol problem, in utero exposure to alcohol also seems to play a role.
Dear Dr. Levy: I know that many kids now mix alcohol with energy drinks. Is this dangerous?
A: Researchers have begun to look at this. It appears college students who mixed alcohol with energy drinks doubled their risk of being injured and requiring medical attention. In addition, mixing alcohol and energy drinks together increases the chances of driving with someone who is intoxicated, as well as being taken advantage of sexually or taking advantage of someone else...
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National Beverage Corp. profit rose sharply driven by strong sales of energy drinks, waters and juices.
From the article:

National Beverage Corp., which distributes beverages and makes its own soda and energy drinks, said Thursday its fiscal second-quarter profit rose 13 percent due to price increases and strong sales of water, juice and energy drinks...
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Hi Ball Lemon Lime Energy Drink
Cost: $2.00 for 10 oz.
Active ingredients: Guarana, caffeine, ginseng and taurine
Rating: 8 out of 10
Calories: 10

Hi Ball arrived at our local chain grocery store in the newly expanded natural and organic beverage aisle. We were not familiar with the brand...even more reason to give the drink a try. We were glad we did.

For no other reason than it was the first one we picked up, we examined the sparkling lemon lime beverage. The package has a retro look and feel from its clear glass bottle to its simple green dot logo. Yes, it does come in a glass bottle, giving it a completely different approach to many of the other energy drinks on the shelf. We liked the fact that the clear bottle stated that it had nothing to hide. The words sugar free, taurine, guarana, ginseng and B-vitamins stood out clearly as well.

The taste was quite unique. The best way we can describe it would be a sparkling, very light lime flavored seltzer water. It not at all what we expected, yet tasty all the same. This drink will not likely appeal to teens and young adults, but more to mature audiences.

The energy we received from the beverage was bigger than we have experienced from energy drinks in larger packages. This is not an energy drink that will deliver the one-two punch many of us have grown to enjoy, but if you are looking for a more upscale energy drink, Hi Ball has you written all over it.

Web site: Hi Ball

Hansen Natural Corp., owner of the Monster brand of energy drinks, saw its stock jump after a robust report from Wall Street.
From the article:
"We believe the focus by the large branded players in this category has served to further validate energy drinks and assist in expanding shelf space,
(Note: Could not find full paragraph for this item)...
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Energy drinks and sports drinks continue to grow in the US. Energy drinks in particular are projected to rise 12% annually and reach $9.3 billion in sales by 2011.
From the article:
Energy drinks, including sports drinks, are gaining momentum at the expense of carbonated beverages, according to a new report from Packaged Facts...
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Inked Chikara Energy Drink
Cost: $1.99 for 12 oz.
Active ingredients: Caffeine and taurine
Rating: 8 out of 10
Calories: 180

We went to our local 7-Eleven to check out what was new in the beverage vault and came across a new energy drink, Inked. The more we investigated, we found this to be 7-Eleven's latest private label energy drink. Based on what we observed and tasted, we think they have a winner.

Inked is packaged in the 12 oz. sleek can which has gained in popularity among beverage marketers. The graphics are attractive and eye-catching using tattoo-influenced images and mellow orange/yellow/black colors to create the appearance of a setting or rising sun. One component that had us scratching our heads was the fact that the entire label is bi-lingual, featuring English and Spanish, yet contained the word "Chikara", which is the Japanese word for power, capability, influence.

The flavor reminded us of Squirt (anyone remember Squirt...a soft drink that tasted like a sweetened carbonated grapefruit) which we like very much.

The energy kick was average. You will not be bouncing off the walls with jittery energy after consuming Inked, however you will feel an energy bump.

Inked stands up solidly on its own and would do well as a mixer with alcohol.

Web site: Inked

Thailand still holds the top ranking in consumption per person of energy drinks.
From the article:
The global energy drinks market advanced 17% in 2006 to 3,431 million litres, according to the latest report by global drinks consultancy Zenith International. ...
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Gatorade is working to stave off competitive threats by brands such as Red Bull and Vitaminwater with increased marketing initiatives.
From the article:
Brands from Glacéau (KO) waters to Red Bull energy drinks are encroaching on Gatorade's turf. "Competition is nothing new to us, and we take all of our competitors seriously," Magazine says. "The market has been somewhat explosive in our arena."...
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Nitro2Go II - Liquified Intensity - Energy Drink
Cost: $2.00 for 16 oz.
Active ingredients: Taurine and caffeine
Rating: 6 out of 10
Calories: 40

We were optimistic before reviewing Nitro2Go II that it would be better than their Firepower Extreme energy drink. Unfortunately, our optimism was not rewarded.

The flavor of the drink is tangy citrus and very sweet, much sweeter than most other energy drinks we've tasted. Immediately after the sweet profile, we experienced a sharp, bitter/metallic bite. The aftertaste is quite unappealing and lingers for what seems to be a long time.

We found the can rather curious. One side featured the requisite visual "energy" effects emanating from behind the logo. However, the other side of the can showed a slightly different, vertical logo. We were not certain why the separate approaches, yet there they were. The fact that this energy drink is Made in the USA is prominently featured as are the directions "Recycle Or Die".... weird.

We were not impressed with the rise in energy, if any at all, that came with this beverage. We were hoping that the boost in energy would compensate for the bad taste, but we've been disappointed before.

Web site: Nitro2Go

Added caffeine consumption, especially during the stressful holiday season, can hide serious sleep obstacles.
From the article:
“Many people won’t get enough sleep during the holidays and will drink numerous cups of coffee or high energy drinks so they will have enough energy to finish shopping and attend numerous parties,” said Dr. Joshua Septimus, an internist with The Methodist Hospital in Houston. “Most will use caffeine to push their bodies to the extreme, when they could get just as much energy from good night’s sleep.”...
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Australians are consuming more sports drinks, energy drinks, water, and ready-to-drink teas and less carbonated soft drinks, according to a recently published report.
From the article:
energy drinks and iced teas from 2002 to 2006, the decline in sugar...
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Full Throttle Blue Demon Energy Drink
Cost: $1.99 for 16 oz.
Active ingredients: Ginseng, taurine, guarana and caffeine
Rating: 7 out of 10
Calories: 220

Recently we've seen energy drink marketers try their hands at exploring new niches from motorcycle chopper fanatics to the tattoo wearing/applying community. Full Throttle Blue Demon energy drink is obviously attempting to appeal to another hotly sought-after consumer, the Hispanic population, with this beverage.

The 16 oz. can features a blue background supporting the Full Throttle logo. Full Throttle goes a step further in trying to attract the Hispanic consumer by placing text both in both English and Spanish on the can. An example are the words "Blue Agave Flavor" followed by "Sabor Agave Azul" around the top of the can. The English/Spanish combination does not stop there...it extends on to the nutrition facts and ingredients as well.

We were curious about the blue agave flavoring since we have viewed it used in other drinks and have generally liked what it brought to the party. Unfortunately, the taste delivered in this drink was quite average. We experienced a sweet, floral and fruity beginning that left us wanting more. The flavor seemed to scatter almost immediately after it hit our tongues. We did taste what seemed to be a pronounced apple note, but that, too, disappeared almost as quickly as it appeared.

The energy bump we expected was less than the other Full Throttle energy drinks we've reviewed, which is not saying much.

Web site: Coca-Cola

Energy drinks containing alcohol are finding their way into the hands of minors. Marketers, retailers and parents have cause for concern.
From the article:
'Everyone has to understand that drinking one of these products is virtually the same as drinking a beer product. It can have a dangerous impact on driving or any other activity.' - Chris Albrecht Alcoholic Beverage Control That energy drink your teen is so fond of may contain a potent mix of alcohol and caffeine. Using names such as Tilt, Rockstar 21, Liquid Core, Sparks and Joose, the colorful cans sold in grocery, convenience and liquor stores are marketed to children and young adults. ...
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