Energy drinks awareness and on-shelf presence grows in Bangladesh.
From the article:
A salesman shelves energy drink cans at his shop in Dhaka yesterday. Photo: STARDomestic beverage producers have joined the global rush to produce so called 'Energy' drinks with brands such as Royal Tiger, Speed and Big Boss capturing an increasing slice of the country's soft drink market...
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Cuba Orange Passionfruit Herbal Energy Drink
Cost: $1.69 for 12 oz.
Active ingredients: Guarana, yerba mate, panax ginseng, green tea
Rating: 8 out of 10
Calories: 100

It is winter across the U.S. and our thoughts often wander to sunny, sandy locales where the days are hot and the nights hotter. We hoped a can of Cuba's orange passionfruit herbal energy drink would, at least temporarily, transport us to a place of palm trees and energy.

The 12 oz. can is attractively adorned with oranges, the company logo, and an image of the island of Cuba. We liked the understated approach Cuba takes on their can.

When we opened the can, we were greeted by an enticing aroma of oranges, pears, and passionfruit. The flavor matched that of the aroma and was nicely sweetened to boot. The fruity flavors would create a refreshing drink to be sipped at poolside or on the beach either by itself or mixed with rum or vodka.

We experienced a slight boost in energy; nothing too dramatic or too weak. We also did not experience any jitters, either.

Web site: Cuba

Cott Corp., a significant producer of store-branded soft drinks, energy drinks and other carbonated and non-carbonated beverages may see reduced shelf presence in 2008 at Wal-Mart.
From the article:
Cott Corporation is one of the world's largest non-alcoholic beverage companies and the world's largest retailer brand soft drink company. The Company commercializes its business in over 60 countries worldwide, with its principal markets being the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Mexico. Cott markets or supplies over 200 retailer and licensed brands, and Company-owned brands including Cott, RC, Vintage, Vess and So Clear. Its products include carbonated soft drinks, sparkling and flavored waters, energy drinks, sports drinks, juices, juice drinks and smoothies, ready-to-drink teas, and other non-carbonated beverages. The Company's website is www.cott.com. The brand names and trademarks referenced in this press release are trademarks of Cott Corporation, its affiliated companies, customers, or other fourth parties...
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Analysts predict how Hansen Natural's stock may behave in 2008.
From the article:
I disagree. Estimating long-term models for high-growth stocks can be difficult, and I think analysts are lowballing us on this one. The energy-drink market is still in its infancy relative to traditional soft drinks, bottled water, and so forth. Monster has only been available at my local grocery store for about two years, but I'm willing to bet that they've stocked Coke bottles since the first store in the chain opened. ...
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Exclamation Energy Drink
Cost: $1.99 for 12 oz.
Active ingredients: Taurine, caffeine, guarana, panax ginseng
Rating: 8 out of 10
Calories: 180

For those of you old enough to remember, 7UP marketed itself at one time as the "uncola". This was at a time when Coca-Cola and Pepsi were at their zenith's and 7UP need to draw a distinction between cola-oriented soft drinks and 7UP's lemon-lime soft drink. If 7UP was the "uncola", Exclamation should be the "unenergy" drink. What?!, you say? Read on...

Yes, Exclamation energy drink contains energy-enhancing ingredients (caffeine, taurine, ginseng, guarana) and makes no mistake about being an energy drink. However, this beverage does not taste like a typical energy drink...it offers a carbonated, sweet, pear-like flavor which we found appealing. Exclamation also contains a fair amount of vitamins C, B6/B12, niacin, folic acid and biotin.

You are not hit over the head with Exclamation's energy claims because, well, the only one that exists is their subtle tagline-"Exclamation needs no explanation". In fact, the 12 oz. can features a lone exclamation point as their logo against an orange and yellow background. The drinks name appears on the back of the can.

We liked the energy boost we received from Exclamation. Okay, this was very much like an energy drink. We give Exclamation credit for not trying to be like everyone else.

Web site: Exclamation

Guru energy drink sets its sights on breaking into the New York City market.
From the article:
© 2008 Canwest Interactive, a division of Canwest Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized distribution, transmission or republication strictly prohibited...
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The attorneys general from five states have subpoenaed documents regarding the marketing practices for energy drinks containing alcohol by Anheuser-Busch and Miller Brewing.
From the article:
The companies said late Wednesday they are cooperating with the subpoenas and denied their alcoholic energy drinks targeted underage drinkers, as dozens of attorneys general have alleged in the past...
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Hydrive X Triple Berry Energy Drink
Cost: $2.00 for 15.5 oz.
Active ingredients: Caffeine, taurine, green tea, ginkgo biloba
Rating: 7 out of 10
Calories: 30

Hydrive recently released their "X" line of energy drinks. Hydrive was one of the first (if not the first) companies to market themselves as using spring water in their energy drinks. We saw several flavors of the "X" line available and picked up the triple berry for our review.

The package is attractive beginning with the actual beverage providing the purple/red background (due to the transparent plastic bottle). We have liked this approach in the past because it tells us the beverage has nothing to hide...its all there for your eyes to see. Hydrive places its logo, with a shining sun, in the center of the bottle and touts the 6 powerful antioxidants provided in the beverage. The only minus we spied regarding the package was that the words "Better Energy" was placed near the top of the bottle, but the text was too subtle, we saw it almost by accident.

The flavor can be best described as berry sugar free Kool-Aid. Strange, we used this same flavor description regarding another energy drink within the last two weeks. Perhaps this is yet another trend...tapping into the tastes of yesteryear. We would've liked to have tasted more berry flavor. With a name like triple berry, we expected more. We did see ingredients for the health conscious: EGCG, ginkgo biloba, apple polyphenols, grape seed extract, selenium and zinc.

We discovered the energy bump as middle of the road. We knew we drank an energy drink by the rise in energy. However, the energy offered was moderate. We did not feel any jitters nor crash.

Web site: Hydrive X

One psychiatrist claims energy drinks are contributing to mental illness in kids.
From the article:
They are designed to give you an extra boost of energy, but one local psychiatrist says energy drinks are infecting kids with mental illness.
From psychosis to delusions, Dr. Craig Denny or EIRMC's Behavioral Health Center sees kids affected by the drinks daily. ...
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Anheuser Busch and Miller Brewing defend their marketing practices of beverages that mix energy drinks and alcohol.
From the article:

SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- A probe by a group of state attorneys general into the marketing of "alco-energy" drinks has put a pair of the world's largest brewers on the defensive, with Anheuser-Busch and Miller Brewing vehemently denying that the products are deceptively labeled or target minors. ...
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Mamajuana Energy Drink
Cost: $3.99 for 2 oz.
Active ingredients: Taurine, caffeine
Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Calories: 20

First, Mamajuana has our vote as the most intriguing name for an energy drink in 2008. According to the Mamajuana website, Mama Juana is a drink that hails from the Dominican Republic and is created by soaking rum, red wine and honey with tree bark and herbs. Many natives view Mama Juana as an aphrodisiac increasing everything from sexual drive, desire and the male libido. Lets find out how Mamajuana fares.

Mamajuana is available in a 2 oz. brown plastic bottle. The thought that first ran through out collective minds was-how many good thinks come dressed in a brown plastic bottle? The company logo, featuring a palm tree, beach and sun had a Carribean influence to it.

The flavor of Mamajuana was rather intense with what reminded us of dark berries and cherries. We found the drink to be quite sweet as well. Although this beverage is non-alcoholic, we understand why native Dominicans are drawn to it.

The burst of energy we experienced was just that...a burst of energy. The energy rose gradually and lasted quite awhile. None of us experience a sugar crash...true to Mamajuana's claims. As for the sexual enhancement...check back with us later.

Web site: Mamajuana

While students embrace energy drinks, a health care professional asks questions.
From the article:
Energy drinks have become a big hit in bars, stores and with young people around the country.
But there are some concerns about the claims and safety of these products...
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An analyst predicts Hansen's Java Monster energy drinks should help boost the company's stock through 2008.
From the article:
Dara Mohsenian raised her rating to "Overweight" from "Neutral," and

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Shark Sugar Free Energy Drink
Cost: $2.00 for 8.4 oz.
Active ingredients: Natural caffeine, taurine, guarana
Rating: 8 out of 10
Calories: 10

The Shark sugar free energy drink can states its been "Energizing The Planet Since 1965" which must make Shark one of the original energy drinks. Think about that for a moment...Shark has been around for 42 years...quite an accomplishment. With all of that experience under their belt, we wondered if that translated to a successful sugar free energy drink. In our opinions, it does.

The 8.4 oz. slim can is similar to its brother/sister regular energy drink placing the shark logo front and center, surrounding the logo with simple text and nutritional information against a silver background. We like that Shark does not attempt to overpower the consumer with lots of claims/boasts/threats.

We instantly enjoyed the taste of Shark sugar free. It does taste similar to Red Bull's sugar free energy drink, yet is slightly sweeter and has no artificial sweetener aftertaste. We also found the flavor as pleasant and not too strong.

Shark sugar free's energy boost was very nice. We did not feel like we were hit over the head with an onslaught of jitters, just a smooth rise in energy and no crash.

Web site: Shark

An energy drink containing a natural aphrodisiac enters the market.
From the article:
great and brings a whole new perspective to the energy drink market...
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Lawmakers, school administrators and medical professionals voice their concerns over energy drinks that contain alcohol and their associated dangers.
From the article:
Some Leaders and doctors are warning about a popular new product - alcohol-infused energy drinks.
Attorneys-general from 28 states and the District are calling for a federal investigation into the marketing of these drinks, calling it fraudulent and misleading. ...
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Zizzazz Cherry Lime Energy Drink
Cost: $1.99 for 0.25 oz.
Active ingredients: Taurine, caffeine, ginseng, green tea
Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Calories: 20

Zizzazz is targeting the growing niche of convenient, enjoy-it-anywhere-you-are powders that can be either added to water/another beverage or eaten straight. Zizzazz also brings together low calories with a proprietary vitamin blend, delivering the benefits of health and wellness to the energy powder. Zizzazz also contained something called rhodiola rosea extract, an ingredient we've never heard of before seeing it in Zizzazz.

The package is quite basic (how much can do with a packet that measures approximately 1" wide by 5" high?) featuring the Zizzazz logo, what appears to be fireworks, and nutritional information.

We found the flavor to be one of the better powdered energy drinks we've reviewed. We tried the cherry lime drink and tasted quite a bit of cherry and little to no lime. We expected an artificial sweetener aftertaste, but it never presented itself. The cherry lime beverage is quite sweet and reminded us of the Kool-Aid we made for ourselves when our Mom's were not looking. Overall, a tasty treat.

The energy bump left a little to be desired. Yes, felt a slight buzz that lasted for a couple of hours, but nothing too dramatic. True to their claims, we did not experience a crash later, either.

Web site: Zizzazz

An energy drink in powdered form adopts a controversial approach to promote its product.
From the article:
What's a white powder that comes in a vial? Looks like cocaine. In this case it's a caffeine powder called Blow used for making energy drinks...
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The controversial Cocaine Energy Drink will see a second life as it is reintroduced to the market.
From the article:
and renamed it in June of 2007 due to FDA concerns about the product's marketing tagline. The re-launched Cocaine energy drink ingredients and flavor remain the same as the original and popular energy drink. ...
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OC Energy Insane Energy Drink
Cost: $1.99 for 2 oz.
Active ingredients: Caffeine, taurine, guarana, panax ginseng
Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Calories: 40

OC Energy's Insane energy drink is yet another entry into the energy "shot" category. Many energy drink marketers are extending their core brands by introducing what appears to be concentrated versions of their energy drinks in compact and convenient 2 oz. containers. Lets find out how OC Energy's Insane fares.

The 2 oz. plastic bottle features both an interesting label and shape. The label is very colorful with brown/yellow/gold/red tones in the background and three silhouette's of fit individuals. The bottle shape was consistent with OC's other beverages which clearly separates it from the multitude of other energy shots joining store shelves every day.

We found the taste of OC's energy shot to be most similar to cranberry cough syrup. We did not detect a strong medicine aftertaste, however, cranberry cough syrup it was.

The energy supplied by this drink was significant and swift. It seemed like only after a few minutes we were more energized than before we had taken our first few sips. The burst of energy we experienced did not come with jitters or a subsequent crash...not bad for 2 oz. of energy drink.

Web site: OC Energy

Questions are raised regarding how energy drinks containing alcohol are marketed, possibly attracting minors.
From the article:

Energy drinks are becoming so common that many parents do not look twice when they see kids drinking them. However, child advocates are saying that adults should start paying closer attention because some of those drinks contain alcohol...
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Consumer Reports comments on the amount of caffeine found in energy drinks versus coffee and soft drinks.
From the article:
Hear the word "caffeine" and around here you'd probably think coffee or soda.
But sales of energy drinks continue to skyrocket and many people may not realize just how much caffeine the drinks contain.
"It's not that they have necessarily dangerous levels of caffeine, but the truth is an energy drink is really more similar to a cup of coffee in terms of its caffeine content than it is to most sodas," said Consumer Reports Associate Editor Jamie Kopf Hirsh. ...
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Jetset Diet Original Energy Drink
Cost: $2.00 for 10.5 oz.
Active ingredients: Taurine, caffeine, guarana, ginseng
Rating: 8.0 out of 10
Calories: 4

We have seen or heard about Jetset for quite some time, but had not had the occasion to sample it. Finally, we decided to give Jetset a try.

Jetset's can is both simple and attractive with their logo set vertically against circular patterns of white and silver. The coolest part of the can was an arrangement of clocks near the top of the can showing the time for cities around the world...Dubai, Paris, Miami, Tokyo and Ibiza were a few listed. We liked the fact that Jetset chose to go this route to create the imagery of travel and on-the-go-energy. It would have been far easier (and cliched) to choose an airplane on the package.

The taste of Jetset diet original can best be described as a watered-down sugar-free Red Bull. This is not to say we did not like the flavor provided, we did. The taste was light with no diet aftertaste. We see Jetset's diet original appealing primarily to women. We would bet this energy drink would mix well with alcohol, too.

For a 10.5 oz. energy drink, the energy kick impressed us. We initially saw Jetset as more of a lifestyle beverage, but if you are looking for a pronounced energy boost, you will like what you experience here.

Web site: Jetset

Bottled water and energy drinks may prove to increase the fortunes in 2008 for Cott Corp.
From the article:
TORONTO - Troubled soft-drink maker Cott Corp. (TSX:BCB) says its focus on the U.S. bottled-water and energy drink businesses will help it turn around the company's North American operations in 2008...
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High-acid beverages and foods, such as energy drinks, can negatively affect tooth health.
From the article:
ScienceDaily (Feb. 10, 2008) — Sugar isn’t the only enemy of teeth. Acids found in diet and regular soda, energy drinks, juice and wine can erode tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay. The February issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter suggests ways to minimize the risk of damage from acidic foods and drinks:...
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Marquis Platinum Vitality Energy Drink
Cost: $3.99 for 12 oz.
Active ingredients: Guarana, natural caffeine
Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Calories: 45

Over the past few days, we wondered aloud what was going to be the next niche to be explored by an energy drink. Ironically, Marquis Platinum vitality drink put our musings to rest (at least temporarily...we will continue to tirelessly be on the watch for the latest and greatest energy drinks!). We came to discover Marquis Platinum as attempting to address a few niches, in fact, with one energy drink.

We viewed the package of Marquis Platinum as attracting the lifestyle niche. The 12 oz. can provides a luxurious appeal by combining black and silver striping as a background with a royalty-inspired logo and additional text. We imagined this beverage in exclusive clubs and bars...it would fit right in next to high-end vodkas, rums, tequilas, etc.

The contents of the can appear to be targeting another niche, that of the health and wellness crowd. Marquis Platinum provides copious amounts of antioxidants and value-added ingredients such as green tea, EGCG, aloe leaf, COQ10, pine bark, and others. The taste of the drink is difficult to pinpoint...perhaps a very lightly carbonated, slightly sweet watermelon with an earthy aftertaste. This is not the best energy drink we've tasted...but with all of the healthy ingredients included, we took it into consideration.

We felt a slight boost in energy. On a scale of 1 to 10 we'd give it a 5...not too much...just enough to know we've recently drunk an energy drink. Thankfully we did not experience a sugar crash several hours later.

Web site: Marquis Platinum

A 2007 survey reveals almost half of Israel's young adults consume an energy drink at least once a week.
From the article:
Another survey conducted in the U.S. found that most energy-drink consumers say their primary motive is to stay awake (42%). A whole 58% think these drinks are "natural". But a cursory examination of their ingredients shows that "natural" is hardly the word to describe them, if one associates that word with "healthy". Before making a habit of it, check what energy drinks are and what exactly causes that stimulated sensation after drinking them. ...
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A recent study indicates energy drinks can increase blood pressure and affect the consumers heart.
From the article:
With names like Red Bull, Monster, Full Throttle and Rock Star, energy drinks claim to increase concentration and provide a boost...
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Recoil Energy Drink
Cost: $2.00 for 8.4 oz.
Active ingredients: Caffeine, taurine, ginseng
Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Calories: 5

Recoil came to us and is marketed as "an integral part of the Samantha Lyle Fitness Plan." We were unfamiliar with Samantha Lyle and, according to her website, she lost a bunch of weight and provides a program that allows you to continue to enjoy eating while losing/maintaining weight.

The 8.4 oz. can is wrapped in a label that features the company logo, four gold military stars and the sexy legs of a woman dressed in camouflage, military boots, holding a rifle. We did not get the connection between the military-esque imagery and Samantha Lyle, but it was cool all the same.

We found the flavor to be similar to many low-calorie/sugar-free energy drinks. However, the sweetness quotient was higher in Recoil with little to no aftertaste. Both were a nice surprise.

The jump in energy was quite pronounced. The women in our group were impressed with the boost in energy they felt coming from 8.4 oz. of energy drink. Even the men in our group commented on the blast of energy they received.

Web site: Recoil

A recent entry into the energy drink segment targets the Hispanic consumer.
From the article:
OMAHA, Neb. -- Energy drinks are all the rage, and now one product is aiming at a niche market...
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Parents are cautioned to be aware of energy drinks that contain alcohol; they can be mistakenly consumed by minors.
From the article:
"Kids could accidentally pick one up and drink it. Or they could drink it on purpose to try to sneak it by their parents," said Pam Darby, coordinator of the Washington State Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking. The alcoholic beverages have come on the market in the past few years as energy drinks, which were introduced in the mid-1990s, have gained popularity...
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Cuba Pomegranate Cranberry Herbal Energy Drink
Cost: $1.69 for 12 oz.
Active ingredients: Guarana, yerba mate, panax ginseng, green tea
Rating: 8 out of 10
Calories: 100

Cuba herbal energy drink positions itself as a lightly carbonated fruit juice with ginseng and green tea. We were curious if Cuba could be both healthy and tasty (a rather challenging task). The quick answer is yes...and here is what we found:

We were drawn to the clean and simple approach Cuba herbal energy drink took regarding their package...images of pomegranates with the company logo in the center of the 12 oz. sleek can plus a subtle image of the island of Cuba. Nothing too complicated or busy.

We found what was in the can clean and simple as well with cranberry being the first flavor to hit our palate, slight carbonation and pomegranate being the second and third. The fruit flavors were quite juicy and pleasant. Since Cuba sweetens their beverage with fruit juice and nothing else, we did not experience any artificial notes.

The energy bump was moderate. We did not feel the typical sugar crash which was a welcome change. We experimented with Cuba by mixing it with vodka and rum and it held its own quite nicely. (The woman in our group enjoyed these alcohol combinations very much and contemplated more research over the next weekend.)

Web site: Cuba

Supermarkets and convenience stores are experiencing increased theft of energy drinks.
From the article:
The amount of caffeine in energy drinks varies, with Red Bull containing 80 milligrams, which is similar to a cup of coffee. Other brands, however, have three times that amount. That has prompted one member of the Kentucky State Legislature to propose a law banning the sale of energy drinks to minors...
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A legislator from Kentucky proposes a ban on selling some energy drinks to minors.
From the article:
Energy drinks with names like Monster and No Fear could be off limits to minors in Kentucky.
Lawmaker Danny Ford has filed a house bill to ban the sale of energy drinks to anyone under the age of 18. The bill targets drinks with more than 71 milligrams of caffeine per 12 ounce can. ...
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1in3 Trinity Energy Drink
Cost: $2.00 for 8.4 oz.
Active ingredients: Taurine, caffeine, ginseng, ginkgo biloba
Rating: 6.5 out of 10
Calories: 10

According to the literature that accompanied 1in3 Trinity energy drink, the brand is positioned to appeal to core energy drink consumers as well as the Hispanic and faith-inspired/Christian population. As energy drink marketers attempt to find new ways to separate their beverages from the many energy drinks that enter the market on an almost daily basis, it was only a matter of time before a faith-based energy drink hit store shelves.

1in3 Trinity's packaging is directs and lacks frills...the company name and logo are placed in the center of the 8.4 oz. can surrounded by words such as "goodness", "joy" and "patience" against a dark blue-green background. We found the gothic-tinged imagery basic yet interesting.

The jump in energy was average in comparison to other energy drinks. We did experience a slight crash several hours after consuming the drink.

The overall taste of 1in3 Trinity was disappointing. The beverage started out fruity and sweet, but the flavor did not stand up for very long. We also sensed a bit of a medicine aftertaste. The drink provided several ingredients (pomegranate, grapeskin extract) that pointed to health benefits. Unfortunately, we did not taste the pomegranate which may have added a more sustained fruity appeal.

Web site: 1in3 Trinity

An overview on how caffeine affects teens and their bodies.
From the article:
Energy drinks are touted for their ability to provide a boost of stimulation and maintain alertness. There are several different brands. The amount of caffeine per 8-ounce serving ranges from about 50 to nearly 80 mg or more. Energy drinks also generally contain high amounts of carbohydrates or sugar to provide extra fuel for the body. In addition, many of the drinks contain herbs and other ingredients meant to amplify the effects of caffeine...
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Cott Corporation sets date to deliver Q4 results.
From the article:
Cott Corporation is one of the world's largest non-alcoholic beverage companies and the world's largest retailer brand soft drink provider. The Company commercializes its business in over 60 countries worldwide, with its principal markets being the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Mexico. Cott markets or supplies over 200 retailer and licensed brands, and Company-owned brands including Cott, RC, Vintage, Vess and So Clear. Its products include carbonated soft drinks, sparkling and flavored waters, energy drinks, sports drinks, juices, juice drinks and smoothies, ready-to-drink teas, and other non-carbonated beverages. The Company's website is www.cott.com. The brand names referenced in this press release are trademarks of Cott Corporation, its affiliated companies, its customers, or other third parties...
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Amplifire Spiced Energy Drink
Cost: $3.99 for 2 oz.
Active ingredients: Guarana
Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Calories: 68

How many times have you tried a spiced energy drink? None? We hadn't either. When we first saw Amplifire spiced energy drink, we simply had to drink it, right then and there. Here is what we experienced.

The aroma is a rather pleasant fruity/rose essence, something we had not expected. The flavor was pleasantly unique as well-we tasted pepper, ginger, orange and cranberry. Again, not what we had expected. We also experienced a bit of a nice tingling sensation after drinking the beverage, probably from the pepper.

We reviewed the ingredient panel and were impressed (and curious) about what we saw: aronia berry, organic agave, ginger, rose, ylang ylang (?), neroli (?), geranium, frankincense, tulsi (??), rosemary, to name a few. These are not all of the ingredients in the drink, just a few that stood out to us. Amplifire positions itself as a natural energy source, providing antioxidants and organic plant concentrates. Not too bad for a 2 oz. shot.

The small, compact package features the Amplifire logo, complete with a flame image and leaves to complete its earthy ingredient approach.

We did not receive much of an energy boost compared to other energy drinks. We felt a slight rise in energy, but if you are looking for a solid rush before that big presentation or workout, you may want to look elsewhere.

Amplifire spiced energy drink will not appeal to everyone...but if you like what you've read here, you are certain to enjoy the beverage we drank today.

Web site: Amplifire