They gained a little ground with college students and athletes, but in general, young adults felt a bit ripped off with the energy shot. In most cases they were expected to pay the same amount for a 2oz shot that they would pay for a 16oz energy drink, that was enjoyable to drink and not just a syrupy quick hit.

In a bit of a fluke really, energy shot sales are gaining a lot of steam with those over 60 years old, believe it or not. 5 Hour Energy has been quick to capitalize on this growing trend by handing out free samples at the AARP convention and they have been running big ads in the AARP Bulletin which has a 22 million household reach.

Get this, 5 Hour Energy has even been recruiting doctors to give out free coupons to their elderly patients and you can find bulk 5 Hour Energy next to the Ensure and Wrinkle cream at Costco. From personal experience I can attest that my mom loves the stuff and she’s always chugging back a 5 Hour Energy to keep her awake during church!

I’m glad energy shots are finding their place in this world, but at the same time, I’m braced for the next barrage of headlines like “Energy Shots Send Seniors to the ER” or “Senior has a Heart Attack After Drinking Energy Shot”….. Just wait and see.

If you’re a senior, why do you find the energy shot so appealing?

Source: The Wall Street Journal

These connoisseurs of the shot market provided me with a few rather interesting drinks, one of which was iShot Skinny. Now I have to admit I’m not exactly their target market, but I figured it was my duty to bite the bullet and drink it even at the risk of disappearing when I turn side on to people.

This little white iShot Skinny Bottle might be the godsend to those who just may like the drive-through a little too much.

Taste

The packaging and the provided blurb have informed me that iShot Skinny has an acai berry orientated taste. However, I’ve never had the berry on its own so I can’t confirm this. What I can say though, is that it tastes somewhat like Ribena (or to you Americans, summer fruits). Whilst this may not be to your taste, it is to mine. It’s not over powering yet still strong enough to give it a defined and sweet flavour.

iShot Skinny Ingredients

This is where all you health freaks might have to change your trousers as this drink is packing a lot. It contains a rather nice 78mg of caffeine and a rather nice selection of your needed B vitamins. However, where it differs is iShot Skinny’s use of orange peel, acai berry and green tea (all well known for encouraging weight loss).

Effect

Well I’ve not wasted away so I don’t think I’ve lost any weight, but then again it’s not aimed at my body type. However, I feel if someone boasting a “muffin top” drank iShot Skinny over a long period of time it might well help as long as they skipped their daily “muffin” of course. With regards to the caffeine I have to say the little boost was nice although not as much as I’d hope for in a shot drink.

iShot Skinny Verdict

This little packet of joy is cute to look at, nice to the taste and whilst I can’t confirm it made me lose any weight due to the fact that there isn’t much fat on me to start with, I have to say the science behind the ingredients and their quantities suggest that iShot Skinny Energy Shot might well be able to aid someone in shedding a few pounds as part of a Calorie restricted diet.

iShot Love Potion, the cheeky buggers, have come up with a new drink that lets you go all night long (the bottle even says so)! Now whilst I hope my girlfriend doesn’t read these reviews, I thought it would be fun to take these drinks away for out Valentines week away to see what they really did.

In hindsight I really did not need any “prompting” so this review might be slightly biased, but either way here is an insight into the wonderful world of the little black bottle called iShot Love Potion.

Taste

I have to admit I struggled to find a definitive flavour here, as it didn’t come with any real hints as to what it was supposed to be. Even after trying it a few times, I was unable to come up with an exact taste. What I can say is that it is defiantly different, however, iShot Love Potion is light, fruity, and pretty tasty.

iShot Love Potion Ingredients

iShot Love Potion All Night contains a nice little packet of caffeine (90mg) and a healthy dose of B vitamins. However, this is the important part, this drink contains a pleasure blend consisting of Damiana, Korean Ginseng, Green Tea and Guarana. This blend makes up around 760mg which after a little snooping on the net I found out was enough to give even the most lifeless pensioner a little bit of a chubby.

Effect

Ahh, back to caffeine! The caffeine content I have to say gave me a little kick but not much. It was just enough to keep me up for that little bit longer on our nights away, but then again, this is meant to be taken at night so caffeine isn’t that much of an issue. As far as the sexy content of this drink went I have to say, I can’t confirm Love Potion’s claims but the science behind it says it helps.

iShot Love Potion Verdict

So far iShot has given us hyperactivity, weight loss, and now a raging hard on (or female equivalent, yes its unisex). This drink looks funky, tastes pretty cool and to the best of my knowledge has the potential to cost you a lot of money in bed replacements. However, whether or not iShot Love Potion replaces the coveted little blue pill is something I can’t say, but what I can say is this is a lot more interesting then a pill and contains a nice little bit of caffeine to keep you up that little bit longer.

Reviewed by Don Juan Josh Nathan

With a hook like that, I couldn’t wait to try these little suckers, and luckily enough it seems as if FeelGood7 made these shots for each part of the day. From morning to bed time (which could be the next morning if you are anything like myself).

Either way, between a sleek slogan and the bold packaging I’m ready to down these puppies and see if the bark matches the bite.

Taste

• Energy: The first sip reveals the staple version to have an extremely sweet flavor reminiscent of 5 Hour Energy or the Red Bull energy shot. It’s a classic flavor done right, with no bitterness to be found. I am pleased to chug this thing, and I don’t get the dreadful “energy shot cringe” while doing so. Something to point out though, it seems as if some people might find this to be too sweet, although I would rather my energy shot be too sweet than too bitter.
• Sleep: Next in the lineup is Sleep, which tastes like a modified version of Energy, although it has a sour component, along with some fruitiness. Once again there is no inkling of bitterness, and it has no traces of the sickly and medicinal taste and smell I usually find in abundance in the run-of-the-mill energy shot.
• Hangover: The first sip of this fella jolted me, as it was extremely sweet as well as sour, along with a hint of bitterness on the tail end. This is all joined by discernible pineapple and banana fruit flavors throughout. Odd, but endearing. Although i’m not sure how someone who was truly hungover would feel about this taste. Seems like it could be quite a shock to the system.

FeelGood7 Ingredients

• Energy: As usual with energy shots, the caffeine amount is not given, but skewed in an energy blend. Either way this shot is pretty solid. Packing in 30mg of Vitamin B3, 40mg of Vitamin B6, 400mcg of Folic acid, 498mcg of Vitamin B12, 15mg of Sodium and Potassium respectively, along with an energy blend (1731mg) containing Taurine, Malic Acid, Caffeine, Green Tea Extract, L-Phenylalanine, N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, Glucoronolactone, and Citicholine.
• Sleep: I always enjoy reading labels for “anti-energy” drinks and shots, and this one has all the essentials. Clocking in with 20mg of Vitamin B3, 40mg of Magnesium, and a “sleep blend” (308mg) containing L-Tryptophan, Chamomile flower, Lemonbalm herb, Passionflower vines, Hops flower, L-Theanine, Melatonin, and Valerian Root. Looks like guaranteed sleepy time to me.
• Hangover: This version is essentially the Energy flavor with some modifications, which is what I shall highlight. Included in the third flavor is 60mg of Vitamin C, identical amounts for all B Vitamins (with Energy), 20mg of Sodium, and an energy blend (1251mg) mirroring that of energy’s but with Ginko biloba leaf, Yerba Mate and Gotu kola. Something else to note is that Hangover has the highest calorie content of the three (a whopping TEN calories).

Effect

• Energy: After ingesting this I was granted with an almost immediate boost on a level surpassing most energy shots. It lasted a good part of the afternoon to around mid-evening with a nice fade-off.
• Sleep: I downed this about thirty minutes before I planned to “put on my nightcap”, if you will, and I had a very peaceful crash along with some nice relaxation before I completely slumped onto my bed. Sleep made for a great counterpart for drifting into dreamland.
• Hangover: I could not officially try this one with an actual hangover, but I was able to drink it on a very groggy and cold morning. Luckily it did just the trick. Hangover is a very solid wake-me-up and even the taste alone is enough to jolt you out of a droopy demeanor and a foggy interior.

FeelGood 7 Verdict

All in all, FeelGood7 is an extremely useful lineup of energy shots, each with their own quirks and uses. These shots do what they promise, and do it very well. Simple as that.

Love Energy Potion is no exception. Just released this month in preparation for Valentine’s Day, Love Energy Potion is sure to bring out your passionate side.

Harcos says that they have packed the pink, strawberry flavored energy shot with herbs that are reported to promote libido and the energy needed for all that romance.

The caffeine content of Love Energy Potion arousals in at 90mg and some of the other ingredients include horny goat weed, maca, ashwagandha, and damiana.

Just be careful with Love Energy Potion and don’t wield it’s powers on the unexpected.

Never before has a energy shot been so creative. The bottle really grabs your attention with its creative bullet shape. Yet will the unique creative outside reflect a unique, creative taste inside?

Taste

Usually I find that shots are loaded with a number of crazy ingredients and the taste is lacking. Usually the price of a quick jolt is digesting a 2oz bottle of garbage, yet .50 Cal breaks that energy shot mold. I found this shot very refreshing.

The taste was very sweet fruit flavor without being to carbonated. The flavor says blueberry pomegranate, which I did get a hint of, but thought it should have been labeled fruity because it seemed there were many more flavors than just 2.

.50 Cal Energy Ingredients

.50 Cal is Just 8 calories while giving you 240% of your daily Vitamin B3 and B5 and 9600% of your B12 (really, they had to give you 9600%?). Also contains a energy blend of Taurine, Ginseng, Guarana, Ginko Biloba, Inositol, Glucuronolactone, L-Carnitine , Glutamine. Whats more, this shot also contains a antioxidant blend of acai berry extract, goji berry extract, blueberry extract, grape seed extract, and pomegranate extract. Did I mention 120mg of caffeine as well?

Effect

Like the bullet .50 Cal Shot is shaped after, it shot through my system and quickly exploded. It did give me that good energy jitter, yet no complaints here. The boost easily lasted a couple hours, propelling me through a late night with the guys.

.50 Cal Energy Shot Verdict

Usually I’m not a fan of shots as the taste isn’t worth the energy rush, yet .50 Cal was quite good. I could easily drink a regular size energy drink of .50 Cal, yet I’m not sure my heart could take it and what would I do with the 38,400% of my vitamin B12? I don’t normally reach for a shot, yet I can’t wait to open my next .50 Cal Energy Shot. This Shot comes HIGHLY recommended!

Reviewed by Brandon Trouten

Personally, I completely disagree with these statements and very much hate the fact that the authors of these articles seem to ignore the healthy options that energy drink consumers have. Dragon Pearl Energy has sought to make a healthy, green tea based shot that will help save our bodies. Have they succeeded?

Taste

You would expect a tea based shot to taste like tea, correct? Dragon Pearl Energy Shot has decided to flavor their shot with concord grape, pomegranate, blueberry, and acai juices. I understand this move, as many do not like tea. The taste starts out quite bitter, but slides into a sweet finish. If you like grape juice, you will enjoy the flavor of Dragon Pearl.

Ingredients

In addition to the juices, Dragon Pearl contains green tea, concentrated to the point that one shot equals the same as 3 cups of tea. The shot contains 100 mg of caffeine, and has 11grams of carbs with 45 calories.

Dragon Pearl’s Effect

I took this shot in the morning before class, and I noticed a decent lift in energy and mood about 15 minutes later. There was no surge of energy from Dragon Pearl Shot to speak of, simply a rise that carried me through most of my morning then tapered off about an hour later.

Verdict

I like the fact that energy drink companies are looking to make healthier alternatives to the mainstream energy drinks. Would I pick this shot up over a Lo Carb Monster? Probably not. But, the Dragon Pearl shot does what it was meant for: it supplies a lift in energy without a lot of sugar and calories. If I were going to recommend improvements, I would add some B Vitamins and Taurine. If you like green tea and/or grape juice, or are looking for a healthy shot, check out Dragon Pearl.

Reviewed by Jason Kleindorfer

Bazi Energy Shot proclaims to contain 8 of the world’s healthiest superfruits combined with jujube and other exotic berries from remote regions of the world which give you 13 vitamins, 68 minerals, key anti-oxidants, riboflavin and much more in their 2 ounce shot that “fulfills your body and powers your personal performance like never before”.

Well after all of that, lets get this thing open and fuel my neglected body…

Taste

Opening the small bottle of Bazi reveals a smell that is less than desirable. Unfortunately, the taste isn’t too much off from that. Its definitely smooth, yet I can’t really put a finger on the flavor. Its not good, yet Bazi isn’t disgusting. A little below average tasting, kind of a mild fruity flavor, yet with what I thought tasted like a hint of bacon grease, does that make sense?

Ingredients

Bazi Natural Energy Shot Contains juices from Jujube, Acai, Goji, Pomegranate, Mangosteen, Raspberry and Seabuckthorn. Bazi gives you 40 calories while providing at least 100% of your daily value of Vitamins A,C,D and E along with solid amounts of other vitamins to many to be listed here. Yet surprisingly Bazi doesn’t contain any Taurine and 80mg of caffeine.

Effect

Almost instantly I did feel a very healthy alertness from Bazi. Not jittery or a buzz, but just what I can describe as an alertness that felt very good. Bazi didn’t give me the usual boost that would push me to jump out of an airplane or compete in the X games, yet more like a boost to ace my SAT’s or do well at a job interview. Just different I guess.

Verdict

Even though the taste of Bazi Jujube Shot was sub-par, the effect of the drink definitely made it worth it. By no means will I be reaching for Bazi to get me through a hard day or to give me that much needed rush, yet I can see me keeping a few bottles around the house or office to help me focus and give me that edge over my co-workers.

Reviewed by Brandon Trouten

Taste

As I twist the top, I get a nice release of pressure, and a very nice orange aroma. So far so good. As for the taste, if you’re an orange fan, you will fall in love with THINQ. Comparing the taste, I would compare it to a carbonated orange Gatorade, does that make sense? Anyways, THINQ has a smooth orange taste with no after-taste. As for taste, the outside was a good reflection of what’s on the inside.

Ingredients

THINQ Functional Drink pretty much breaks the rules for your standard “energy” drink. THINQ pushes itself as a deliciously refreshing all-natural drink, so you’ll find a good amount of Vitamin D, 3 types of Vitamin B, Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium. Yet it wouldn’t be an energy drink if it didn’t also include such ingredients as Guarana extract, Ginseng extract, and Gingko Biloba. Yet even with all that good stuff, at least there’s only 60 calories! The caffeine content of THINQ isn’t disclosed.

Effect

As for the impact, THINQ doesn’t proclaim that it’s a keep you up all night and rock your world energy drink that others try to be, but THINQ prides itself on being all natural and “designed to work with your body on a cellular level to awaken your mind, energize your body and exhilarate your spirit”. So after downing the entire can, I did feel a very refreshing new alertness with no buzz or jitters. I was just more awake and ready to face my day. So crash either!

Verdict

I Loved THINQ. However, it’s not the drink I would reach for to give me that big boost to get me through the rest of a long day, but definitely a drink to reach for while hanging around the house or sipping on while out with friends. I agree with the saying across the THINQ can “An invigorating whole body experience”.

Reviewed by Brandon Trouten

Luckily there are no grandiose claims on the bottle, only the words “Raw Sustained Energy” on the wrapping near the cap. To me that says enough without going way over the top. Now is not the time to be dissecting the packaging though, it is time to take this Rip It Energy Shot for a test drive!

Taste

After opening Rip It’s little 2 oz. bottle I am immediately hit with a solid brick wall of a scent. It is simply orange. No other scents, just straight orange. My first taste however, is a mixed reaction. The liquid is very watery and quite sweet, almost too sweet. There is no tang like the original flavor, just orange, watery, artificial sweetness. To my surprise however, I am greeted with the fact that Rip It Energy Shot has no disgusting, bitter, standard energy shot flavor mixed in. This makes it palatable and easy to gulp down once I have had my initial sips to judge the taste. It does however, leave somewhat of a soapy aftertaste and is a bit scratchy going down my throat.

Ingredients

Rip It Energy Shot comes with 100 milligrams of caffeine, which is somewhat weak, but I do like the fact that the caffeine amount is actually listed. There is a huge dose of Vitamin B12, landing at 500 micrograms, or 8333%. The rest is pretty standard, 40 milligrams of Vitamin B6, 100 milligrams of Taurine, some Niacin coming in at 30 milligrams. There are also 20 milligrams of L-Glutamine and d-Glucuronolactone respectively.

Effect

There is sadly not much to say about the kick. I drank this shot almost as soon as I woke up and all Rip It Shot really did was aid my awakening. In some cases that is a good thing, but today I was looking for a little zing or zip in my step. I wish there was more to write, but to my dismay, there is not.

Verdict

In the end, I still enjoyed the experience. When this Rip Energy Shot hits the shelves I will still purchase it. That is because I am loyal to this brand, but I do not think anyone who isn’t a super fan like myself will get much out of this shot. There are two other flavors coming out as well and I cannot wait to try those. Maybe they will supply a bigger kick and be just what I am looking for. For Rip It’s Citrus X  Energy Shot however, this is not the case.

Reviewed by Taylor Fruits