Is Coffee an "old man's" energy beverage?
Donald Yates
It appears 74% of folks over sixty are having their daily brew. While coffee consumption is up by 9% from 2001 most of the rise comes from people on the go. Store brand coffees have fallen while quick fix coffee houses are on the rise. Multi tasking has effected coffee as people get more and more coffee to go. They drink on the way to work, the Dr. office while working and yes even while walking the dog.
"I just have to have my morning shot of caffeine." claims Dora Mc Fadden of Vista California.
It seems coffee drinkers look forward to the quick fix more than the taste. For some people drinking coffee is literally an eye opening experience. But coffee is being challenged by the energy drink people.
Today's young crowd is opting for their quick fix, from such brands as: "Fire Power", "XO", "Roaring Lion", "Four" and "Game Juice" which has more appeal to the youth in name alone.
Ingredients such as: Taurine, ginseng, guarana, and good old caffeine provide a high jolt of energy quicker with less long lasting effects. Younger folks are looking for more bang for the buck and are finding it in energy drinks.
According to statistics, the younger (18-24 year old crowd has turned their attention toward energy drinks as only 37% indulge in coffee as their favored drink. That's a stark difference from the the 40-59 year-old crowd where 60% prefer hot coffee. The National Coffee Association (believe or not there is a coffee association) has come up with these figures as a testimony to American's love for its' dark liquor.
Where is the future of coffee? Even though energy drinks will become more popular; Coffee will continue to be America's most favored hot drink.
Author Profile:
Donald Yates is a published author and motivational speaker. Donald hales from So. California and now resides in East Tennessee. He has been married for forty-six years with a herd of grandchildren. Donald's passion is writing and now that he is retired he can peruse it.
http://clean4profit.com/
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Donald_Yates
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Finding the best energy drink for you
Kerry Thomas
The energy beverage industry is growing at a very steady pace. This is no doubt due to consumers that are seeking ways to kick start their energy levels.
What types of beverages are driving the energy beverage market? One only has to take a close look at the supermarkets and see that there are perhaps hundreds of brands of these functional beverages available.
The problem of finding one that works for you can be difficult due to the sheer number of brands and formulations available. Is a caffeine based drink right for you? Do you need a boost via B vitamins? Will a sugary drink keep you going?
All these are valid questions, because they address most of the ways that energy drinks give you energy. Caffeine may be OK for some and cause problems for others. Drinks using B vitamins can be tricky as these are not generally designed to be drank at concentrations above the recommended servings.
Energy drinks loaded with sugar are pretty much going to be off limits for diabetics and those that want to watch their calorie intake.
The main consideration is that every energy drink can be different and thus needs to be evaluated differently. An informed consumer will be able to generally eliminate most types as being undesirable by simply understanding the ingredients contained in the drinks.
Here's where the research can come into play. Take a quick glance at the label of the energy drink and see what ingredients are contained. The next step is to do a little research on these particular ingredients to see what benefits they offer and more importantly what the potential side effects are.
See if you can identify the ingredients that can give an energy boost and look at the different ways those work as well as how those ingredients can affect you after you no longer need a boost of energy.
Consider this...Would you want to drink a caffeine based energy drink late at night knowing that you will need sleep at some point. The best choice here might be a drink that uses B vitamins for a boost.
Suppose you are hiking up a steep mountain trail...Would you want an energy drink that offers a short term boost and then plays out -- leaving you right in the middle of your hike with no energy.
Do the research, understand how energy drink works, and also do not forget to consider the after affects.
Finding the Best Energy Drink can take some experimentation and research. Learn to look at the ingredients and see what they may have to offer.
Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kerry_Thomas
Kerry Thomas
The energy beverage industry is growing at a very steady pace. This is no doubt due to consumers that are seeking ways to kick start their energy levels.
What types of beverages are driving the energy beverage market? One only has to take a close look at the supermarkets and see that there are perhaps hundreds of brands of these functional beverages available.
The problem of finding one that works for you can be difficult due to the sheer number of brands and formulations available. Is a caffeine based drink right for you? Do you need a boost via B vitamins? Will a sugary drink keep you going?
All these are valid questions, because they address most of the ways that energy drinks give you energy. Caffeine may be OK for some and cause problems for others. Drinks using B vitamins can be tricky as these are not generally designed to be drank at concentrations above the recommended servings.
Energy drinks loaded with sugar are pretty much going to be off limits for diabetics and those that want to watch their calorie intake.
The main consideration is that every energy drink can be different and thus needs to be evaluated differently. An informed consumer will be able to generally eliminate most types as being undesirable by simply understanding the ingredients contained in the drinks.
Here's where the research can come into play. Take a quick glance at the label of the energy drink and see what ingredients are contained. The next step is to do a little research on these particular ingredients to see what benefits they offer and more importantly what the potential side effects are.
See if you can identify the ingredients that can give an energy boost and look at the different ways those work as well as how those ingredients can affect you after you no longer need a boost of energy.
Consider this...Would you want to drink a caffeine based energy drink late at night knowing that you will need sleep at some point. The best choice here might be a drink that uses B vitamins for a boost.
Suppose you are hiking up a steep mountain trail...Would you want an energy drink that offers a short term boost and then plays out -- leaving you right in the middle of your hike with no energy.
Do the research, understand how energy drink works, and also do not forget to consider the after affects.
Finding the Best Energy Drink can take some experimentation and research. Learn to look at the ingredients and see what they may have to offer.
Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kerry_Thomas
Monday, June 11, 2007
I was walking through Wal-Green's shopping for some Doritos and salsa when I noticed something odd in the Red Bull portion of the energy drink section adjacent to the chip and dip aisle. There were the standard, tiny 8.4 oz. Red Bulls featured prominently in one row followed by a slightly larger version of the popular energy drink just below. That's right, Red Bull can now be purchased in 12 oz. cans.
This revelation is somewhat of a surprise since Red Bull has been a major opponent of producing a larger-sized version of their beverage. You can find a myriad of 12 and 16 oz. energy drinks--even some up to 24 oz--but Red Bull was, shall we say, bullish about sticking to the 8 oz. can and nothing more.
But it appears the creators have finally come to their senses and are producing a bigger version. I say kudos gentlemen for catching up to the times. It's really just common sense to make this move. When people have so many energy drinks to choose from and they see an 8 oz. Red Bull selling for $2 while a 16 oz. Monster is selling for the same price, the average consumer will go for the better return on value.
It's good to see Red Bull make some alterations and become a bit more maleable with their product. I believe their early success gave resulted in an arrogance with the beverage. They didn't see the need to change the size of their can simply because they were Red Bull. This isn't to say they haven't done anything to branch out. They were wise enough to notice the popularity of low-sugar/low card beverages and released a sugar-free version of Red Bull. But even then, they did not think to offer it in a larger-sized can.
It's good to see they've come back to reality and are trying to compete with their larger-sized-beverage competitors.
This revelation is somewhat of a surprise since Red Bull has been a major opponent of producing a larger-sized version of their beverage. You can find a myriad of 12 and 16 oz. energy drinks--even some up to 24 oz--but Red Bull was, shall we say, bullish about sticking to the 8 oz. can and nothing more.
But it appears the creators have finally come to their senses and are producing a bigger version. I say kudos gentlemen for catching up to the times. It's really just common sense to make this move. When people have so many energy drinks to choose from and they see an 8 oz. Red Bull selling for $2 while a 16 oz. Monster is selling for the same price, the average consumer will go for the better return on value.
It's good to see Red Bull make some alterations and become a bit more maleable with their product. I believe their early success gave resulted in an arrogance with the beverage. They didn't see the need to change the size of their can simply because they were Red Bull. This isn't to say they haven't done anything to branch out. They were wise enough to notice the popularity of low-sugar/low card beverages and released a sugar-free version of Red Bull. But even then, they did not think to offer it in a larger-sized can.
It's good to see they've come back to reality and are trying to compete with their larger-sized-beverage competitors.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Could this controversy surrounding the Cocaine energy drink actually help the beverage itself and its creator, Redux? This may sound like a silly question considering Cocaine has been pulled from shelves all across America due to the FDA's disapproval of Redux's marketing strategy with this drink. But with all the controversy and hullabaloo comes a dramatic spike in word-of-mouth and awareness about the energy drink. It's safe to say Cocaine is the most talked about energy drink on the web right now.
Obviously, having Cocaine pulled from the shelves will not help Redux in the revenue department and is certainly damaging in the short-term, but in the long-run all of this attention could actually help the Vegas-based company in future endeavors. The drama surrounding Cocaine provides Redux with a bit of "street cred." They are viewed as the bad-boy marketers who ruffled the feathers of the "man" (aka the FDA).
Having a controversial product can actually be very beneficial in terms of sales. Just take a look at the most popular energy drink, Red Bull. When Red Bull first hit the American market, many people said it was "dangerous; rumors swirled about people dying from consuming three Red Bulls in one night. Others speculated that it contained bull testicle extracts. Obviously, these stories simply proliferated the urban myth of Red Bull, which resulted in it becoming the "trendy drink" for numerous young individuals. Today, the Red Bull energy drink reportedly generates over $1 billion dollars (yes, that's a B) in sales annually. However, Red Bull never received the full wrath of the FDA (unlike the Cocaine energy drink).
The way I look at it, the Cocaine energy drink is like the evil cousin of Red Bull. They're similar in certain respects, but diverge drastically at the end of the day. Red Bull's story is one of success utilizing the mystery element of marketing their product. The Cocaine energy drink went too far to become the "trendy drink" and wound up being repremanded by a government agency.
The Cocaine energy drink controversy may help Redux down the road since the beverage is now a collectors item and they now possess an aura of danger. But Redux will never come close to achieving the success of Red Bull or other major energy drinks.
Obviously, having Cocaine pulled from the shelves will not help Redux in the revenue department and is certainly damaging in the short-term, but in the long-run all of this attention could actually help the Vegas-based company in future endeavors. The drama surrounding Cocaine provides Redux with a bit of "street cred." They are viewed as the bad-boy marketers who ruffled the feathers of the "man" (aka the FDA).
Having a controversial product can actually be very beneficial in terms of sales. Just take a look at the most popular energy drink, Red Bull. When Red Bull first hit the American market, many people said it was "dangerous; rumors swirled about people dying from consuming three Red Bulls in one night. Others speculated that it contained bull testicle extracts. Obviously, these stories simply proliferated the urban myth of Red Bull, which resulted in it becoming the "trendy drink" for numerous young individuals. Today, the Red Bull energy drink reportedly generates over $1 billion dollars (yes, that's a B) in sales annually. However, Red Bull never received the full wrath of the FDA (unlike the Cocaine energy drink).
The way I look at it, the Cocaine energy drink is like the evil cousin of Red Bull. They're similar in certain respects, but diverge drastically at the end of the day. Red Bull's story is one of success utilizing the mystery element of marketing their product. The Cocaine energy drink went too far to become the "trendy drink" and wound up being repremanded by a government agency.
The Cocaine energy drink controversy may help Redux down the road since the beverage is now a collectors item and they now possess an aura of danger. But Redux will never come close to achieving the success of Red Bull or other major energy drinks.
Coca-Cola recently purchased Glaceau, a New York-based company which produces popular energy drinks such as Vitaminwater, Smartwater and Vitaminenergy. The price tag? A whopping $4.1 billion dollars. Wow, I need to start making flavored water ASAP!
Many believe this move was done to counteract Pepsi's growing stronghold in the so-called "active lifestyle" beverage market (aka energy drink market). Pepsi has enjoyed major success with Lipton tea and Sobe beverages. Coca-Cola has been slow to realize the revenue potential of this ever-expanding market, but they appear to be making up for lost time (and revenue) with this move.
Of course, Coca-Cola has dabbled in the energy drink market with their Full Throttle beverage. But Full Throttle is designed for hardcore energy drink consumers, not those categorized in "active lifestyle." What's the difference? Well, someone labeled as "active lifestyle" is someone who enjoys caffeine, but shutters at the thought of consuming 200+ milligrams of the stuff in one beverage. A hardcore energy drink consumer salivates at the thought of downing that amount and could even consider that number to be their base of consumption. An "active lifestyle" individual enjoys flavored teas and water while a hardcore energy drink consumer simply desires a carbonated concoction of caffeine, taurine and b-vitamins.
Needless to say, with Coca-Cola now producing Vitaminwater and other beverages of the same ilk, expect to see them in vending machines and 7-11's across the globe. I bet you've even noticed a lot more commercials featuring Vitaminwater. The one that stands out to me is the Badminton spoof with NFL star Brian Urlacher and MLB star David "Big Papi" Ortiz. If you haven't seen it, these two respective athletes team-up in the world championship of Badminton and dominate over the smaller (and that's being polite) competition. Both drink Vitaminwater during the competition, which is supposed to insinuate that the beverage provides substantial energy and improved performance during phyiscal exertion.
Click here for more information regarding Cokes purchase of Glaceau
Many believe this move was done to counteract Pepsi's growing stronghold in the so-called "active lifestyle" beverage market (aka energy drink market). Pepsi has enjoyed major success with Lipton tea and Sobe beverages. Coca-Cola has been slow to realize the revenue potential of this ever-expanding market, but they appear to be making up for lost time (and revenue) with this move.
Of course, Coca-Cola has dabbled in the energy drink market with their Full Throttle beverage. But Full Throttle is designed for hardcore energy drink consumers, not those categorized in "active lifestyle." What's the difference? Well, someone labeled as "active lifestyle" is someone who enjoys caffeine, but shutters at the thought of consuming 200+ milligrams of the stuff in one beverage. A hardcore energy drink consumer salivates at the thought of downing that amount and could even consider that number to be their base of consumption. An "active lifestyle" individual enjoys flavored teas and water while a hardcore energy drink consumer simply desires a carbonated concoction of caffeine, taurine and b-vitamins.
Needless to say, with Coca-Cola now producing Vitaminwater and other beverages of the same ilk, expect to see them in vending machines and 7-11's across the globe. I bet you've even noticed a lot more commercials featuring Vitaminwater. The one that stands out to me is the Badminton spoof with NFL star Brian Urlacher and MLB star David "Big Papi" Ortiz. If you haven't seen it, these two respective athletes team-up in the world championship of Badminton and dominate over the smaller (and that's being polite) competition. Both drink Vitaminwater during the competition, which is supposed to insinuate that the beverage provides substantial energy and improved performance during phyiscal exertion.
Click here for more information regarding Cokes purchase of Glaceau
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Forget BMX. Forget skateboarding. Forget all the other "extreme sports" commonly associated with the energy drink market. Why? Because Steven Seagal has now entered the energizing beverage universe with the Lightning Bolt energy drink. And when Seagal enters the picture, everything else is secondary.
The bone-crushing zen master, and star of such amazing action flicks as "Hard to Kill" and "Under Seige" developed Lightning Bolt with an emphasis on herbal stimulation. His drink features Tibetan Goji Berry, Asian Cordyceps, B-Vitamins, Green Tea, Yerba Mate, Ginseng, Ginkgo Biloba, Guarana and Policosanols.
Yeah, yeah, that's great and all but the true magic behind the Lightning Bolt energy drink is the secret ingredient..."100% Pure Steven Seagal Juice." Now you know its good. Seagal's own juice is in this drink (I know there's a very crude double-meaning behind this).
Lightning Bolt is specifically designed for "intense mortal combat or any extreme situation requiring ultimate energy." Of course, for Seagal the term "extreme situation" means the set of a straight-to-DVD action movie. But I digress.
Seagal, the self-proclaimed actor, musician, Tibetan monk, and azz-kicker stated, "I have traveled the world creating this drink; there is none better that I know." The portly B-movie star went on to say, "I have included in this drink everything I could to strengthen the body."
So does the Lightning Bolt energy drink live up to the hype?
Let's get down to the nitty gritty:
Does it taste good?
Well, it depends on the flavor you choose. Lightning Bolt comes in "Asian Experience," "Cherry Charge," and "Root Beer Rush." I've tried all three and I have to say "Cherry Charge" is by far the best. Of course, that's not saying much. None of the drinks really provided a smooth taste. To be honest, they were pretty generic. The only reason I prefer the cherry flavor is because that's what my taste buds enjoy.
How's the price?
This is the major drawback of the beverage. It costs a whopping $3.50 for a 16oz. can. That's highway robbery considering you can get a Monster or Jolt of the same size for only $2. Of course, with Seagal's face planted right in the center of the can, it may be worth the extra buck.
Overall:
I'm a big fan of Seagal's films, especially "Above the Law" but I wasn't too thrilled with his Lightning Bolt energy drink. It's overpriced and underflavored. But if you want to buy a beverage with a hilarious design (intended or not) then this may be the drink for you. As stated earlier, Seagal's face is planted firmly in the center of each drink with a thought-provoking quote from the Master Sensei himself.
The bone-crushing zen master, and star of such amazing action flicks as "Hard to Kill" and "Under Seige" developed Lightning Bolt with an emphasis on herbal stimulation. His drink features Tibetan Goji Berry, Asian Cordyceps, B-Vitamins, Green Tea, Yerba Mate, Ginseng, Ginkgo Biloba, Guarana and Policosanols.
Yeah, yeah, that's great and all but the true magic behind the Lightning Bolt energy drink is the secret ingredient..."100% Pure Steven Seagal Juice." Now you know its good. Seagal's own juice is in this drink (I know there's a very crude double-meaning behind this).
Lightning Bolt is specifically designed for "intense mortal combat or any extreme situation requiring ultimate energy." Of course, for Seagal the term "extreme situation" means the set of a straight-to-DVD action movie. But I digress.
Seagal, the self-proclaimed actor, musician, Tibetan monk, and azz-kicker stated, "I have traveled the world creating this drink; there is none better that I know." The portly B-movie star went on to say, "I have included in this drink everything I could to strengthen the body."
So does the Lightning Bolt energy drink live up to the hype?
Let's get down to the nitty gritty:
Does it taste good?
Well, it depends on the flavor you choose. Lightning Bolt comes in "Asian Experience," "Cherry Charge," and "Root Beer Rush." I've tried all three and I have to say "Cherry Charge" is by far the best. Of course, that's not saying much. None of the drinks really provided a smooth taste. To be honest, they were pretty generic. The only reason I prefer the cherry flavor is because that's what my taste buds enjoy.
How's the price?
This is the major drawback of the beverage. It costs a whopping $3.50 for a 16oz. can. That's highway robbery considering you can get a Monster or Jolt of the same size for only $2. Of course, with Seagal's face planted right in the center of the can, it may be worth the extra buck.
Overall:
I'm a big fan of Seagal's films, especially "Above the Law" but I wasn't too thrilled with his Lightning Bolt energy drink. It's overpriced and underflavored. But if you want to buy a beverage with a hilarious design (intended or not) then this may be the drink for you. As stated earlier, Seagal's face is planted firmly in the center of each drink with a thought-provoking quote from the Master Sensei himself.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
The proverbial sh!t hit the fan in the energy drink market with the recent controversey surrounding the Cocaine energy drink. The FDA decided to investigate the marketing, branding and ingredients of the beverage due to its subtle hints at being "liquid cocaine."
Redux Beverages LLC, the Las Vegas company which produces the Cocaine energy drink, should have seen this coming. Their marketing strategy did strongly suggest an affiliation with cocaine, a illegal substance. The reasoning behind this association is due to the side effects cocaine can produce including jitters, dramatically increased heart rate and a stimulated energy level; all things energy drinks hope to produce. So Redux decided to market the Cocaine energy drink as "the legal alternative" and "speed in a can."
Of course, cocaine produces horrendously negative side effects and is addicting. Energy drinks are neither (though, some would argue they can be addictive if consumed in large quantities).
In a three-page letter sent to Redux, the FDA stated, "Your product, Cocaine, is a drug." This is a strong declaration, especially when examining the ingredients of the drink.
Here is a list of the ingredients comprising the Cocaine energy drink:
Carbonated Water, Dextrose, Citric Acid, Taurine, Natural Flavors, Sodium Citrate, Caffeine, D-Ribose, Salt, Sodium Benzoate, Inositol, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Sucralose, L-Carnitine, Potassium Sorbate, Guarana Seed Extract, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12), and FD&C coloring.
Contents per 8.4 fl. oz serving:
Caffeine (280mg)
Taurine (700mg)
Inositol (100mg)
Sodium (200mg)
L-Carnitine (50mg)
D-Ribose (250mg)
Guarana (25mg)
Calories: 70
Carbohydrate: 18g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 0g
Sugar content: 18 grams (per 8.4 ounces).
As you can see, there is no actual use of the drug cocaine nor any liquid concoction mimicking it. In fact, the ingredients inside the Cocaine energy drink can be found in a myriad of other highly-caffeinated energy beverages.
Even with this knowledge the FDA proclaimed, "[Redux] must immediately correct these violations. If you do not immediately correct them, you may be subject to enforcement action against you without further notice. The Act provides for the seizure of illegal products and for an injunction against the manufacturer and distributors of illegal products. Individuals and businesses that violate the Act may also be subject to criminal prosecution."
Read the FDA's letter in its entirety
In the opinion of this blogger, the FDA is going way overboard. As stated earlier, if you simply look at the ingredients which comprise the Cocaine energy drink, there are no traces of any illegal substances so saying "it's a drug" is invalid.
However, I do agree with the FDA's disapproval of Redux's marketing campaign with this product. They do indeed try to insinuate that their beverage is a liquid version of cocaine. I, for one, felt it totally unnecessary for Redux to produce a drink with this type of name and branding. Has the energy drink market been so flooded with products that a company really felt the need to affilliate itself with an illegal substance in order to generate sales? It's a new low for marketers and brand generators.
Tags:
cocaine
cocaine drink
cocaine energy drink
cocaine controversy
Redux Beverages LLC, the Las Vegas company which produces the Cocaine energy drink, should have seen this coming. Their marketing strategy did strongly suggest an affiliation with cocaine, a illegal substance. The reasoning behind this association is due to the side effects cocaine can produce including jitters, dramatically increased heart rate and a stimulated energy level; all things energy drinks hope to produce. So Redux decided to market the Cocaine energy drink as "the legal alternative" and "speed in a can."
Of course, cocaine produces horrendously negative side effects and is addicting. Energy drinks are neither (though, some would argue they can be addictive if consumed in large quantities).
In a three-page letter sent to Redux, the FDA stated, "Your product, Cocaine, is a drug." This is a strong declaration, especially when examining the ingredients of the drink.
Here is a list of the ingredients comprising the Cocaine energy drink:
Carbonated Water, Dextrose, Citric Acid, Taurine, Natural Flavors, Sodium Citrate, Caffeine, D-Ribose, Salt, Sodium Benzoate, Inositol, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Sucralose, L-Carnitine, Potassium Sorbate, Guarana Seed Extract, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12), and FD&C coloring.
Contents per 8.4 fl. oz serving:
Caffeine (280mg)
Taurine (700mg)
Inositol (100mg)
Sodium (200mg)
L-Carnitine (50mg)
D-Ribose (250mg)
Guarana (25mg)
Calories: 70
Carbohydrate: 18g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 0g
Sugar content: 18 grams (per 8.4 ounces).
As you can see, there is no actual use of the drug cocaine nor any liquid concoction mimicking it. In fact, the ingredients inside the Cocaine energy drink can be found in a myriad of other highly-caffeinated energy beverages.
Even with this knowledge the FDA proclaimed, "[Redux] must immediately correct these violations. If you do not immediately correct them, you may be subject to enforcement action against you without further notice. The Act provides for the seizure of illegal products and for an injunction against the manufacturer and distributors of illegal products. Individuals and businesses that violate the Act may also be subject to criminal prosecution."
Read the FDA's letter in its entirety
In the opinion of this blogger, the FDA is going way overboard. As stated earlier, if you simply look at the ingredients which comprise the Cocaine energy drink, there are no traces of any illegal substances so saying "it's a drug" is invalid.
However, I do agree with the FDA's disapproval of Redux's marketing campaign with this product. They do indeed try to insinuate that their beverage is a liquid version of cocaine. I, for one, felt it totally unnecessary for Redux to produce a drink with this type of name and branding. Has the energy drink market been so flooded with products that a company really felt the need to affilliate itself with an illegal substance in order to generate sales? It's a new low for marketers and brand generators.
Tags:
cocaine
cocaine drink
cocaine energy drink
cocaine controversy
Monday, June 04, 2007
The Energy Drinker is back and better than ever!
Yes, I know it's been a long, long time since the last post. However, the much-needed respit was necessary for both personal and professional reasons. Now I'm back and ready to continue my pursuit of informing the world, ney, universe of the best energy drinks currently available!
Stay tuned.
Yes, I know it's been a long, long time since the last post. However, the much-needed respit was necessary for both personal and professional reasons. Now I'm back and ready to continue my pursuit of informing the world, ney, universe of the best energy drinks currently available!
Stay tuned.
Monday, July 24, 2006
I tried the Xenergy drink and I have to say, I was very impressed. It’s one of the better tasting energy drinks on the market. I had the chance to consume the Cran-Razz and Clear flavors. Both were very good with no undesirable aftertaste.
The Cran-Razz flavor, as the name implies, has a strong tart-taste. The mixture of cranberry and raspberry flavoring is strong, but it goes down smooth. I liken it to the SoBe No Fear energy drink in terms of taste.
The Clear flavor is much lighter and crisp with a hint of blueberry. If the Cran-Razz is just too strong for you, this is the perfect alternative.
The most impressive aspect of the Xenergy drink is that it has a pleasant taste but no calories and is sugar free. Usually, when energy drinks remove sugar and calories, the flavor is removed as well. That’s not the case with Xenergy.
But enough with the taste; do the drinks provide an ample energy boost? Yes, most definitely. Both drinks provided a major energy kick after consumption.
Xenergy is produced by the Xyience company who have managed to make Xenergy the official energy drink of the U.F.C. (Ultimate Fighting Championship). This will prove to be a wise move considering the U.F.C. attracts the primary demographic of energy drink consumers (i.e. 18-24 year old males).
The exterior design is metallic silver with jujitsu-like graphics featured in the center. It comes in a 16 oz. container which should provide plenty of bang for your buck. The ingredients are similar to most other energy drinks (e.g. caffeine, b-vitamins, taurine, etc.). Though, it also features ginseng and guarana extracts.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the Xenergy drink. It has a good, clean taste without relying on copious amounts of sugar and calories. I give it two thumbs up.
Tags:
xenergy
xenergy drink
ginseng
ultimate fighting championship
The Cran-Razz flavor, as the name implies, has a strong tart-taste. The mixture of cranberry and raspberry flavoring is strong, but it goes down smooth. I liken it to the SoBe No Fear energy drink in terms of taste.
The Clear flavor is much lighter and crisp with a hint of blueberry. If the Cran-Razz is just too strong for you, this is the perfect alternative.
The most impressive aspect of the Xenergy drink is that it has a pleasant taste but no calories and is sugar free. Usually, when energy drinks remove sugar and calories, the flavor is removed as well. That’s not the case with Xenergy.
But enough with the taste; do the drinks provide an ample energy boost? Yes, most definitely. Both drinks provided a major energy kick after consumption.
Xenergy is produced by the Xyience company who have managed to make Xenergy the official energy drink of the U.F.C. (Ultimate Fighting Championship). This will prove to be a wise move considering the U.F.C. attracts the primary demographic of energy drink consumers (i.e. 18-24 year old males).
The exterior design is metallic silver with jujitsu-like graphics featured in the center. It comes in a 16 oz. container which should provide plenty of bang for your buck. The ingredients are similar to most other energy drinks (e.g. caffeine, b-vitamins, taurine, etc.). Though, it also features ginseng and guarana extracts.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the Xenergy drink. It has a good, clean taste without relying on copious amounts of sugar and calories. I give it two thumbs up.
Tags:
xenergy
xenergy drink
ginseng
ultimate fighting championship
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Accelerade isn’t really an energy drink in the mold of say, Red Bull. This drink focuses on providing energy through vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes rather than a mega-dose of caffeine and taurine. A more appropriate comparison would be Gatorade. However, Accelerade provides even more nutritional sustenance than Gatorade and tastes just as good.
The big advantage Accelerade has over the likes of Gatorade and Powerade is that it features natural whey protein in addition to higher vitamin concentrates. You get 100% RDA dosages of vitamins C and E. Neither Gatorade or Powerade provide that. The inclusion of whey protein is another big plus for Accelerade. If you partake in rigorous workouts you need to get more protein in your diet. It’s common knowledge that protein aids in muscle recovery and growth so having it supplied in liquid form is extremely convenient.
I tried the lemonade powder form of Accelerade and the taste was pleasant. It’s on par with other sports drinks including the aforementioned Gatorade. It was easy to mix which is a welcome change from other powdered drinks that clump together when you add them to water.
Accelerade also comes in gel packets for quick and easy consumption. They’re perfect for someone on the go or who needs replenishment during a workout. These gel packets have only 1 carbohydrate per serving and also feature natural whey protein, just like the powdered form.
Overall, Accelerade is a quality sports drink. However, if you’re looking for an energy boost on par with Red Bull or Monster you should look elsewhere. This drink is geared more towards athletes and those who seek a nutritionally fortified beverage. Essentially, Accelerade is Gatorade but with more essential vitamins and minerals needed to improve physical performance.
Tags:
accelerade
gatorade
powerade
sports drink
The big advantage Accelerade has over the likes of Gatorade and Powerade is that it features natural whey protein in addition to higher vitamin concentrates. You get 100% RDA dosages of vitamins C and E. Neither Gatorade or Powerade provide that. The inclusion of whey protein is another big plus for Accelerade. If you partake in rigorous workouts you need to get more protein in your diet. It’s common knowledge that protein aids in muscle recovery and growth so having it supplied in liquid form is extremely convenient.
I tried the lemonade powder form of Accelerade and the taste was pleasant. It’s on par with other sports drinks including the aforementioned Gatorade. It was easy to mix which is a welcome change from other powdered drinks that clump together when you add them to water.
Accelerade also comes in gel packets for quick and easy consumption. They’re perfect for someone on the go or who needs replenishment during a workout. These gel packets have only 1 carbohydrate per serving and also feature natural whey protein, just like the powdered form.
Overall, Accelerade is a quality sports drink. However, if you’re looking for an energy boost on par with Red Bull or Monster you should look elsewhere. This drink is geared more towards athletes and those who seek a nutritionally fortified beverage. Essentially, Accelerade is Gatorade but with more essential vitamins and minerals needed to improve physical performance.
Tags:
accelerade
gatorade
powerade
sports drink
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
This fascinating article on sugar-free energy drinks was written by Chris Capelle...
The diet of the now not-so-new millennium is, without a doubt, the low-carb diet. The Atkins Diet, which millions swear by (as well as swear at), has stayed the course and continues to be a key marketing point for many food products. (Obligatory disclaimer - I am NOT a doctor, nor do I play one on TV. Do your homework and consult a medical professional when dealing with these issues!)
My take on the diet created by Dr. Atkins is simple—substituting a piece of fatty sausage for your morning cantaloupe is insanity healthwise. BUT – there IS one part of the diet I do agree with. If you cut through all the crazy theories that surround diets and carbohydrates, there is an important takeaway from all of it – Americans consume too much sugar and too many carbs. We all see it daily – there are more and more overweight people every year, particularly children, which is extremely unfortunate. Diabetes, heart disease and other nasty illnesses reap havoc in an overweight body.
There are sources far more qualified than myself to decipher the entire simple/complex carbohydrate issue, explain what triglycerides are, what effect “bad” LDL cholesterol levels have on the body and whether or not a diet high in carbs contributes to heart disease, so I’ll leave the weird science to others. But I can’t stress the bottom line enough - (again!) most people should cut down on their consumption of carbs AND sugar (as well as fats and sodium), and live a healthy, active lifestyle. Well, you can lead a horse to water, but most Americans have to be dragged kicking and screaming to exercise. (However, kicking and screaming DO burn calories!) But what other country would have a hit series with “Celebrity Fit Club” on TV?
So where is this all going? Because most energy drinks contain abundant amounts of both carbs and sugars, this is an issue near and dear to us all. I know in my past articles, I’ve been snobbish on the subject of sugar-free drinks, mostly because I can be. That’s because I don’t consume a lot of sugar-loaded products - I don’t eat candy, Pop Tarts, donuts, et al. I rarely drink soda, and whole wheat bagels and bread are favored in my world. That way, when I drink a SoBe, it’s a treat, and I’m not piling sugar upon more sugar or carbo-loaded white bread. I also watch my calories and fat intake – a low sodium turkey and avocado half sandwich on whole wheat with carrots and a melon chaser is a typical lunch for me. Plus I live an active lifestyle.
But for some, carbs and sugar are not an option - those with diabetes, for example (similarly, there are resources far more qualified than me that deal with this extremely complex issue). And because energy drinks are such a huge business, millions of dollars are spent trying to reach the demographic that eschews carbs and sugars. But where in the real world does this mean to you and me?
OK, let’s take a close look at SoBe Energy. SoBe Energy is a bit of a misnomer - it’s actually a citrus drink, much closer to the tea or fruit drink market than a “pure” energy drink like Red Bull. SoBe Energy comes in two varieties, “regular” and Lean (which is SoBe’s sugar free line). I’ve tried both, and the taste is either awesome or pretty good. (Guess which is which!) Both contain Carnitine and Taurine, but the Lean also contains Citrimax and Chromium. Citrimax, a popular supplement in weight loss products, is said to block the conversion of carbs into fat by inhibiting an enzyme, and Chromium enhances the effects of natural insulin in the body (don’t take this as gospel; do your research!). The “regular” contains Panax Ginseng as well.
But the big difference (taste aside) is the 78g carbohydrates and 76g sugars per 20 oz. bottle (2.5 servings). That, my friends, is what separates the men from the boys here. This is where the rubber meets the road (OK, enough clichés already). With SoBe Energy, you’re either going to get a boatload of sugar and carbs, or not. But, as mentioned earlier, not everybody has the option to down a standard energy drink. There is a huge demand for the carb/sugar free versions of these drinks, and of course, companies are eager to exploit that market, which is unfortunately growing at an alarming rate.
But, let’s remember the perspective I’m writing this from– I’m extremely lucky. I have excellent health, I come from a good gene pool that doesn’t include the obesity gene, my ancestors have lived longer-than-average lives, and I am athletic enough to keep in decent shape. I consume standard energy drinks because I can, and because I don’t overdo things – calories, fat, carbs, sugars and sodium. Sure, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed I can’t get away with some of the things that I could when I was younger, but I’ve also become more aware about how to eat (and live) in a healthy manner. Clean living and the occasional energy drink go a long way!
Tags:
sugar free energy drinks
low carb energy drinks
sobe energy
drinks
The diet of the now not-so-new millennium is, without a doubt, the low-carb diet. The Atkins Diet, which millions swear by (as well as swear at), has stayed the course and continues to be a key marketing point for many food products. (Obligatory disclaimer - I am NOT a doctor, nor do I play one on TV. Do your homework and consult a medical professional when dealing with these issues!)
My take on the diet created by Dr. Atkins is simple—substituting a piece of fatty sausage for your morning cantaloupe is insanity healthwise. BUT – there IS one part of the diet I do agree with. If you cut through all the crazy theories that surround diets and carbohydrates, there is an important takeaway from all of it – Americans consume too much sugar and too many carbs. We all see it daily – there are more and more overweight people every year, particularly children, which is extremely unfortunate. Diabetes, heart disease and other nasty illnesses reap havoc in an overweight body.
There are sources far more qualified than myself to decipher the entire simple/complex carbohydrate issue, explain what triglycerides are, what effect “bad” LDL cholesterol levels have on the body and whether or not a diet high in carbs contributes to heart disease, so I’ll leave the weird science to others. But I can’t stress the bottom line enough - (again!) most people should cut down on their consumption of carbs AND sugar (as well as fats and sodium), and live a healthy, active lifestyle. Well, you can lead a horse to water, but most Americans have to be dragged kicking and screaming to exercise. (However, kicking and screaming DO burn calories!) But what other country would have a hit series with “Celebrity Fit Club” on TV?
So where is this all going? Because most energy drinks contain abundant amounts of both carbs and sugars, this is an issue near and dear to us all. I know in my past articles, I’ve been snobbish on the subject of sugar-free drinks, mostly because I can be. That’s because I don’t consume a lot of sugar-loaded products - I don’t eat candy, Pop Tarts, donuts, et al. I rarely drink soda, and whole wheat bagels and bread are favored in my world. That way, when I drink a SoBe, it’s a treat, and I’m not piling sugar upon more sugar or carbo-loaded white bread. I also watch my calories and fat intake – a low sodium turkey and avocado half sandwich on whole wheat with carrots and a melon chaser is a typical lunch for me. Plus I live an active lifestyle.
But for some, carbs and sugar are not an option - those with diabetes, for example (similarly, there are resources far more qualified than me that deal with this extremely complex issue). And because energy drinks are such a huge business, millions of dollars are spent trying to reach the demographic that eschews carbs and sugars. But where in the real world does this mean to you and me?
OK, let’s take a close look at SoBe Energy. SoBe Energy is a bit of a misnomer - it’s actually a citrus drink, much closer to the tea or fruit drink market than a “pure” energy drink like Red Bull. SoBe Energy comes in two varieties, “regular” and Lean (which is SoBe’s sugar free line). I’ve tried both, and the taste is either awesome or pretty good. (Guess which is which!) Both contain Carnitine and Taurine, but the Lean also contains Citrimax and Chromium. Citrimax, a popular supplement in weight loss products, is said to block the conversion of carbs into fat by inhibiting an enzyme, and Chromium enhances the effects of natural insulin in the body (don’t take this as gospel; do your research!). The “regular” contains Panax Ginseng as well.
But the big difference (taste aside) is the 78g carbohydrates and 76g sugars per 20 oz. bottle (2.5 servings). That, my friends, is what separates the men from the boys here. This is where the rubber meets the road (OK, enough clichés already). With SoBe Energy, you’re either going to get a boatload of sugar and carbs, or not. But, as mentioned earlier, not everybody has the option to down a standard energy drink. There is a huge demand for the carb/sugar free versions of these drinks, and of course, companies are eager to exploit that market, which is unfortunately growing at an alarming rate.
But, let’s remember the perspective I’m writing this from– I’m extremely lucky. I have excellent health, I come from a good gene pool that doesn’t include the obesity gene, my ancestors have lived longer-than-average lives, and I am athletic enough to keep in decent shape. I consume standard energy drinks because I can, and because I don’t overdo things – calories, fat, carbs, sugars and sodium. Sure, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed I can’t get away with some of the things that I could when I was younger, but I’ve also become more aware about how to eat (and live) in a healthy manner. Clean living and the occasional energy drink go a long way!
Tags:
sugar free energy drinks
low carb energy drinks
sobe energy
drinks
This drink review is by Rachel Heller...
In 2003, the Uni-Tea Company of India entered the energy drink arena with their Energy-V instant drink mix. This orange-flavored instant drink mix is tasty and nutritious.
There are three main ingredients in the Energy-V beverage:
The first ingredient is calcium. The human body requires more calcium than any other mineral! Calcium is necessary for the proper development of teeth and bones. It plays an important part in physiological functions. It is imperative to have calcium in sufficient amounts so that the stimulation of enzymes occurs during digestion.
Calcium is very important for women during their childbearing years. It promotes proper fetal growth and is necessary for lactation during the secretion of breast milk. In addition, calcium is involved in the body during all healing functions.
The second ingredient is Vitamin C. Vitamin C contains antihistamind properties that make it a natural to help with seasonal allergy symptoms. In addition, it helps protect fat soluble vitamins like A and E as well as fatty acids from oxidation while neutralizing pollutants in the body. It is necessary for antibody production and aids the clotting process of blood.
The third ingredient is carbohydrates. The digestive system relies on carbohydates by breaking them down into single sugar molecules. These single sugar molecules are small enough to cross into the blood stream. The digestive system also converts carbohydrates into glucose because the cells in our bodies are designed to use this as a universal energy source. They provide that essential energy for a day when you really need that extra boost!
Energy-V dissolves instantly in cold water. There is no need to add sugar (naturally sweet) and only one packet is necessary per glass.
Tags:
energy v
calcium
carbohydrates
vitamin c
In 2003, the Uni-Tea Company of India entered the energy drink arena with their Energy-V instant drink mix. This orange-flavored instant drink mix is tasty and nutritious.
There are three main ingredients in the Energy-V beverage:
The first ingredient is calcium. The human body requires more calcium than any other mineral! Calcium is necessary for the proper development of teeth and bones. It plays an important part in physiological functions. It is imperative to have calcium in sufficient amounts so that the stimulation of enzymes occurs during digestion.
Calcium is very important for women during their childbearing years. It promotes proper fetal growth and is necessary for lactation during the secretion of breast milk. In addition, calcium is involved in the body during all healing functions.
The second ingredient is Vitamin C. Vitamin C contains antihistamind properties that make it a natural to help with seasonal allergy symptoms. In addition, it helps protect fat soluble vitamins like A and E as well as fatty acids from oxidation while neutralizing pollutants in the body. It is necessary for antibody production and aids the clotting process of blood.
The third ingredient is carbohydrates. The digestive system relies on carbohydates by breaking them down into single sugar molecules. These single sugar molecules are small enough to cross into the blood stream. The digestive system also converts carbohydrates into glucose because the cells in our bodies are designed to use this as a universal energy source. They provide that essential energy for a day when you really need that extra boost!
Energy-V dissolves instantly in cold water. There is no need to add sugar (naturally sweet) and only one packet is necessary per glass.
Tags:
energy v
calcium
carbohydrates
vitamin c
Sunday, July 09, 2006
The Blue Streak energy drink is your run of the mill energy-inducing beverage. The flavor isn’t unique and tastes like numerous others in this market such as Monster and Rock Star. So I’m not giving Blue Streak a good or bad review; just neutral. I didn’t dislike it, but there’s nothing about the beverage that makes me want to purchase it again.
The formulation, like the flavor, is virtually identical to that of Red Bull. Essentially, that means it’s loaded with sugar, caffeine, taurine, and b-vitamins. Of course, I can’t fault Blue Streak for mimicking this combination since all energy drinks are based in some way, shape, or form on this foundation of ingredients.
It comes in a full-sized 16 oz container and has a similar design to Rock Star (noticing a pattern). The exterior design is catchy, but it won’t pop out at you. I only noticed it because I’ve consumed all the others energy drinks at the particular Sheets I purchased Blue Streak at.
There is a sugar-free version aswell. I tried the original along with this version and the taste is practically the same. So, if you’re trying to cut down on carbs/sugar this might be a drink to consider.
All in all, the Blue Streak energy drink is decent. It’s not great and there’s really nothing special about it. But it follows the guidelines that most energy drinks employ, so it gets neither a thumbs up or thumbs down from me. It’s just…okay.
Tags:
Blue Streak Energy Drink
Blue Streak
energy drink
drink
The formulation, like the flavor, is virtually identical to that of Red Bull. Essentially, that means it’s loaded with sugar, caffeine, taurine, and b-vitamins. Of course, I can’t fault Blue Streak for mimicking this combination since all energy drinks are based in some way, shape, or form on this foundation of ingredients.
It comes in a full-sized 16 oz container and has a similar design to Rock Star (noticing a pattern). The exterior design is catchy, but it won’t pop out at you. I only noticed it because I’ve consumed all the others energy drinks at the particular Sheets I purchased Blue Streak at.
There is a sugar-free version aswell. I tried the original along with this version and the taste is practically the same. So, if you’re trying to cut down on carbs/sugar this might be a drink to consider.
All in all, the Blue Streak energy drink is decent. It’s not great and there’s really nothing special about it. But it follows the guidelines that most energy drinks employ, so it gets neither a thumbs up or thumbs down from me. It’s just…okay.
Tags:
Blue Streak Energy Drink
Blue Streak
energy drink
drink
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Extreme Energy Shot is the first full fledged “energy drink” by Arizona beverages. Their claim to fame is producing tasty, ready-to-drink teas. I guess it makes sense for them to try and tap into the energy drink market, but the taste of Extreme Energy Shot leads me to believe they should stick to tea. This beverage was disappointing, to say the least.
The main detractor is the taste. It’s weak, virtually nonexistent. This was very surprising considering Arizona has a reputation for producing full-flavored beverages and the fact that it’s loaded with 28 grams of sugar. It’s almost as if they tried too hard to make it taste like an energy drink. They would have been better off using one of their popular tea formulations and then adding the necessary energy ingredients (i.e. caffeine, taurine, b-vitamins, etc.).
Speaking of ingredients, there’s nothing special in Extreme Energy Shot. In fact, the formulation is identical to the Rock Star energy drink.
The exterior of the container is eye-catching. The color scheme is orange and black “caution” striping with the Extreme Energy Shot logo in the center backed by a blue background. The label also claims this is a “performance energy drink” but I can tell you the only performance is Arizona trying to pass this off as a good energy drink.
Overall, Extreme Energy Shot is a below-average energy drink with practically no flavor and a feeble energy boost.
Tags:
extreme energy shot
energy drink
Arizona tea
drinks
The main detractor is the taste. It’s weak, virtually nonexistent. This was very surprising considering Arizona has a reputation for producing full-flavored beverages and the fact that it’s loaded with 28 grams of sugar. It’s almost as if they tried too hard to make it taste like an energy drink. They would have been better off using one of their popular tea formulations and then adding the necessary energy ingredients (i.e. caffeine, taurine, b-vitamins, etc.).
Speaking of ingredients, there’s nothing special in Extreme Energy Shot. In fact, the formulation is identical to the Rock Star energy drink.
The exterior of the container is eye-catching. The color scheme is orange and black “caution” striping with the Extreme Energy Shot logo in the center backed by a blue background. The label also claims this is a “performance energy drink” but I can tell you the only performance is Arizona trying to pass this off as a good energy drink.
Overall, Extreme Energy Shot is a below-average energy drink with practically no flavor and a feeble energy boost.
Tags:
extreme energy shot
energy drink
Arizona tea
drinks
Saturday, June 24, 2006
The SoBe energy beverage isn’t your conventional “energy drink”. In fact, it shouldn’t be categorized with other SoBe brethren like No Fear and Adrenaline Rush. Both of those drinks are carbonated and loaded with caffeine. This particular drink is not carbonated and contains trace amounts of caffeine in the form of a natural herbal stimulant known as guarana.
So is this “holistic” drink worth your hard-earned money? Well, that depends. The taste is good; very sweet. This should be expected considering it relies on orange juice as the primary sweetener. But if you’re looking for a major energy boost, the SoBe energy beverage falls short. You just don’t feel much of anything after consumption. This could be the result of only providing 25mg of guarana. Of course, I am a seasoned energy drink consumer so I’m used to drinking much higher amounts of stimulants, guarana included.
The price is reasonable ($1.50) especially since it comes in a 20 oz. bottle. The exterior design is simple; nothing flashy or eye-popping. As with all SoBe drinks, there are two lizards featured prominently in the background.
There is also a “Lean” version of the SoBe energy beverage. It’s the same drink but with only 5 calories, 1 carb, and 0 grams of sugar. I tried this version aswell and I have to say I didn’t notice much of a taste difference between the two.
Overall, the SoBe energy beverage has a good taste but the energy kick is less-than-stellar. If you’re looking for a major energy kick, you’d be much better off buying No Fear or Adrenaline Rush.
Tags:
SoBe energy
sobe
beverage
beverages
So is this “holistic” drink worth your hard-earned money? Well, that depends. The taste is good; very sweet. This should be expected considering it relies on orange juice as the primary sweetener. But if you’re looking for a major energy boost, the SoBe energy beverage falls short. You just don’t feel much of anything after consumption. This could be the result of only providing 25mg of guarana. Of course, I am a seasoned energy drink consumer so I’m used to drinking much higher amounts of stimulants, guarana included.
The price is reasonable ($1.50) especially since it comes in a 20 oz. bottle. The exterior design is simple; nothing flashy or eye-popping. As with all SoBe drinks, there are two lizards featured prominently in the background.
There is also a “Lean” version of the SoBe energy beverage. It’s the same drink but with only 5 calories, 1 carb, and 0 grams of sugar. I tried this version aswell and I have to say I didn’t notice much of a taste difference between the two.
Overall, the SoBe energy beverage has a good taste but the energy kick is less-than-stellar. If you’re looking for a major energy kick, you’d be much better off buying No Fear or Adrenaline Rush.
Tags:
SoBe energy
sobe
beverage
beverages
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
I was checking out the beverages at my local 7-11 and I noticed the Arizona Green Tea with Ginseng. I decided to give it a try since I’ve always been a fan of Arizona Tea. Furthermore, the addition of Ginseng would probably mean I’d get some sort of an energy boost (even if only minor in scale).
I have to say this beverage was pretty good. The taste is sweet, but not too sweet to make you think you’re drinking liquid candy. It relies upon honey as the sweetener so you’re getting natural flavor as opposed to most energy drinks, sodas, and even teas that use high fructose corn syrup.
The use of ginseng doesn’t really provide a strong energy kick, but you do feel a slight charge. Of course, this really shouldn’t be consumed if you’re sole purpose is to re-fuel your energy reserves (leave that to the likes of Red Bull, Full Throttle, and Monster). Arizona Green Tea with Ginseng is more of a laid-back beverage.
The price is great: 23.5 oz container for only .99 cents! That’s a fantastic deal most other drinks can’t beat.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with Arizona Green Tea. It won’t give you a great energy boost, but the taste is good and it’s sold at a bargain basement price.
Tags:
Arizona Tea
tea
ginseng
green tea
I have to say this beverage was pretty good. The taste is sweet, but not too sweet to make you think you’re drinking liquid candy. It relies upon honey as the sweetener so you’re getting natural flavor as opposed to most energy drinks, sodas, and even teas that use high fructose corn syrup.
The use of ginseng doesn’t really provide a strong energy kick, but you do feel a slight charge. Of course, this really shouldn’t be consumed if you’re sole purpose is to re-fuel your energy reserves (leave that to the likes of Red Bull, Full Throttle, and Monster). Arizona Green Tea with Ginseng is more of a laid-back beverage.
The price is great: 23.5 oz container for only .99 cents! That’s a fantastic deal most other drinks can’t beat.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with Arizona Green Tea. It won’t give you a great energy boost, but the taste is good and it’s sold at a bargain basement price.
Tags:
Arizona Tea
tea
ginseng
green tea
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
The Xtreme Shock energy drink fails to live up to its name. The energy boost is good…for about half an hour. After that you get to enjoy a major freefall. They boast you will “feel the rush in 15 minutes” which is true. You even feel a bit of a tingle. However, the rush leaves you soon after, so there’s really no point to consuming this drink.
The taste is okay. I drank the cherry flavor (also comes in orange and grape). It’s definitely on the sweet side, which is surprising considering it only has 5 carbs and 0 grams of sugar. It reminded me of drinking Hawaiian Punch.
The exterior of the container is eerily similar to the Redline energy drink. It even makes similar claims to Redline (i.e. a “fat-burning” drink). The ingredients don’t really support this assertion since they can be found in a plethora of energy drinks currently on the market.
All in all, the Xtreme Shock energy drink isn’t one I’ll be consuming again. The taste isn’t anything special and the energy boost lacks sustainability. Two thumbs down.
Tags:
energy
drink
drinks
beverages
The taste is okay. I drank the cherry flavor (also comes in orange and grape). It’s definitely on the sweet side, which is surprising considering it only has 5 carbs and 0 grams of sugar. It reminded me of drinking Hawaiian Punch.
The exterior of the container is eerily similar to the Redline energy drink. It even makes similar claims to Redline (i.e. a “fat-burning” drink). The ingredients don’t really support this assertion since they can be found in a plethora of energy drinks currently on the market.
All in all, the Xtreme Shock energy drink isn’t one I’ll be consuming again. The taste isn’t anything special and the energy boost lacks sustainability. Two thumbs down.
Tags:
energy
drink
drinks
beverages
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Red Bull claims to “give you wings”. That’s certainly a nice catch phrase, but what are the real effects of Red Bull on the human body? Ever since this caffeinated beverage blasted onto the U.S. scene, that’s the question many people have been asking.
Fortunately, a study was done by C. Alford, H. Cox, and R. Wescott on the effects of Red Bull in relation to human performance and mood. Here are the results of the study:
“The effects of Red Bull Energy Drink, which includes taurine, glucuronolactone, and caffeine amongst the ingredients, were examined over 3 studies in a total of 36 volunteers. Assessments included psychomotor performance (reaction time, concentration, memory), subjective alertness and physical endurance. When compared with control drinks, Red Bull Energy Drink significantly improved aerobic endurance (maintaining 65-75% max. heart rate) and anaerobic performance (maintaining max. speed) on cycle ergometers. Significant improvements in mental performance included choice reaction time, concentration (number cancellation) and memory (immediate recall), which reflected increased subjective alertness. These consistent and wide ranging improvements in performance are interpreted as reflecting the effects of the combination of ingredients.”
As you can see, Red Bull’s assertions of improving mental focus and physical performance are backed up by this study. It may not actually “give you wings” but the effects of Red Bull seem to be positive.
Tags:
Red Bull
taurine
glucuronolactone
caffeine
Fortunately, a study was done by C. Alford, H. Cox, and R. Wescott on the effects of Red Bull in relation to human performance and mood. Here are the results of the study:
“The effects of Red Bull Energy Drink, which includes taurine, glucuronolactone, and caffeine amongst the ingredients, were examined over 3 studies in a total of 36 volunteers. Assessments included psychomotor performance (reaction time, concentration, memory), subjective alertness and physical endurance. When compared with control drinks, Red Bull Energy Drink significantly improved aerobic endurance (maintaining 65-75% max. heart rate) and anaerobic performance (maintaining max. speed) on cycle ergometers. Significant improvements in mental performance included choice reaction time, concentration (number cancellation) and memory (immediate recall), which reflected increased subjective alertness. These consistent and wide ranging improvements in performance are interpreted as reflecting the effects of the combination of ingredients.”
As you can see, Red Bull’s assertions of improving mental focus and physical performance are backed up by this study. It may not actually “give you wings” but the effects of Red Bull seem to be positive.
Tags:
Red Bull
taurine
glucuronolactone
caffeine
Saturday, June 03, 2006
The Lost Perfect 10 energy drink is anything but. It’s geared toward the sugar-free/low carb crowd and has only 10 calories (hence, the name Perfect 10). Unfortunately, when the sugar/carbs/calories left, so did the flavor. It tastes similar to the Monster Lo-Carb energy drink but without any sweetness to speak of. Furthermore, it leaves a very bitter, medicinal aftertaste.
The only positive I can think of is that the exterior design looks nice. It’s similar to the original Lost but with blue/metallic silver coloring. Other than that, there’s really nothing worthwhile about this beverage.
Overall, Lost Perfect 10 was disappointing and should be avoided. Two thumbs down.
The only positive I can think of is that the exterior design looks nice. It’s similar to the original Lost but with blue/metallic silver coloring. Other than that, there’s really nothing worthwhile about this beverage.
Overall, Lost Perfect 10 was disappointing and should be avoided. Two thumbs down.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Jolt cola, the originator, the innovator, is finally back. For those of you who don’t remember, Jolt was the first official “energy drink” to hit the market back in the 80’s. The marketing strategy was simple—same taste as a regular soda but with twice the caffeine (brilliant). It quickly became a cult phenomenon and the ultimate cram-all-night study aid for high school and college students. The future looked bright for this uber-caffeinated beverage, but for some odd reason it fell off the map in the early 90’s. I guess, like the transition from big-hair metal bands to grunge rock, Jolt was part of a certain time period and couldn’t survive a new decade in its original incarnation.
So here we are now in the new millennium and it looks like Jolt cola, after a long respite, is back and ready to take the energy drink world by storm. I had the pleasure of consuming their new, mega-sized 24 oz. beverage. It tastes like any other soda (though, just a tad bit sweeter) but its main asset is the whopping 140mg of caffeine per container. If you don’t get a major energy kick from that dosage of caffeine, then there’s something wrong with you.
The exterior design has changed dramatically. The Jolt logo is now reminiscent of an anime comic book cover. It’s obvious Jolt is looking to capture the hard-core energy drink consumer with this new beverage. Another interesting feature is the pressurization of the container. By that I mean, you don’t really open the top, it opens for you. Just twist slightly and you’ll see Jolt bring new meaning to the term, “popping the top.”
Can Jolt truly return to energy drink prominence and compete with big boys like Red Bull and Monster? Well, they certainly have an advantage over most of the competition. They have the recognizable name and a flavor that everyone enjoys (i.e. soda). Jolt certainly trumps Red Bull in terms of value per container. As stated earlier, the new Jolt is offered in a massive 24 oz. container and only costs 50 cents more than the 8.4 oz Red Bull. It doesn’t take a math wizard to realize which will give you the best bang for your buck.
All in all, the new Jolt energy cola is a very impressive drink that I enjoyed thoroughly. Maybe a part of my affection is the nostalgia of drinking something from my earlier years, but this is now one of my favorite energy drinks.
Recommended Resource:
The Official Jolt Cola Site
Tags:
Jolt Cola
soft drinks
soda
refreshment
So here we are now in the new millennium and it looks like Jolt cola, after a long respite, is back and ready to take the energy drink world by storm. I had the pleasure of consuming their new, mega-sized 24 oz. beverage. It tastes like any other soda (though, just a tad bit sweeter) but its main asset is the whopping 140mg of caffeine per container. If you don’t get a major energy kick from that dosage of caffeine, then there’s something wrong with you.
The exterior design has changed dramatically. The Jolt logo is now reminiscent of an anime comic book cover. It’s obvious Jolt is looking to capture the hard-core energy drink consumer with this new beverage. Another interesting feature is the pressurization of the container. By that I mean, you don’t really open the top, it opens for you. Just twist slightly and you’ll see Jolt bring new meaning to the term, “popping the top.”
Can Jolt truly return to energy drink prominence and compete with big boys like Red Bull and Monster? Well, they certainly have an advantage over most of the competition. They have the recognizable name and a flavor that everyone enjoys (i.e. soda). Jolt certainly trumps Red Bull in terms of value per container. As stated earlier, the new Jolt is offered in a massive 24 oz. container and only costs 50 cents more than the 8.4 oz Red Bull. It doesn’t take a math wizard to realize which will give you the best bang for your buck.
All in all, the new Jolt energy cola is a very impressive drink that I enjoyed thoroughly. Maybe a part of my affection is the nostalgia of drinking something from my earlier years, but this is now one of my favorite energy drinks.
Recommended Resource:
The Official Jolt Cola Site
Tags:
Jolt Cola
soft drinks
soda
refreshment
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