Every year, hundreds of caffeinated products hit the shelves. These are mainly people trying to tap into the billion dollar market with a me-too mindset and with very little to offer the consumer. However, a handful of products usually rise to the top - separating themselves from the usual. This is to showcase those rarities, those who stepped out of Hansen's and Red Bull's shadow, coming up with something unique and original in the face of overwhelming mediocrity.
While not all of these caffeinated treats came out this last year, This is when I could try them. So while these are not necessarily the best to come out in 2009, these were the best I have tried in the past year. Like last year's winners, They have been divided into three categories, Best energy drink, Best Energy Shots and Best Energy Products, which incorporates all those other gems, like foods, candies, pills, powders and best caffeinated alcohol product.
BEST ENERGY DRINKS 2009
There have been some absolutely amazing energy drinks this year, drink which have gone way beyond the normal Red Bull clones to achieve Caffeinated godliness. While I was able to try so many superlative energy drinks this year, there were a few which stood out from all others in Bertha, my energy drink fridge. I had a very hard time picking out my favorites from this category, as the top categories all looked fantastic, tasted amazing and looked beautiful. I feel honored to these companies for providing me the chance to sample the best of the best.
Best Overall: Xyience Xenergy lemon Blast
While this drink is not the most extreme energy, the most amazing design and the best flavored, this drink is possibly the best drink for any and all occasions. Want something refreshing to start off the day? The light flavor and clean aftertaste gets the energy into you smooth and easy. Where Energyfiend.com found this muddling and mushy, I found a brilliant bubbly glass of fresh sweet and sour lemons with every chug. Post workout, it has electrolytes to help you recover. The calorie-free 250mg of caffeine, potassium and tons of vitamin B complex, it could easily be a daily drink. And while it won't make Xtreme skaterz drop their jaws, it does all the things it should do (list caffeine, double face, put the lid on the right direction, be easily readable and printed with quality) and does it with style and grace. It has enough energy to get a really nice buzz without being so over the top you can't drink it at after 5, and mixes great with alcohol too! Lemon Blast had just the right combination of looks, taste and power to be the Top energy drink of 2009.
Best Tasting:Kronik Low Carb Dragon Berry
As soon as I tried this drink out early last year, I knew this was a winner. Imagine a big bowl of lightly sugar dusted berries in cream. This is a fruity mix of delicious berry flavors - combined together in a wonderful and exotic flavor profile. This is made with natural Dragonberry, Mango and strawberry flavors - where every one of those comes through very strongly, while still complimenting each other. On top of this, the Whey protein gives this a thick milky flavor, reminiscent of a cream or yogurt. On top of being so yummy, this is one of the most badass drinks you can find. It looks crazy-hardcore, full of barbed wire and intensity. it also has an amazing energy profile, with a good dose of omega 3 fatty acids,10 grams of protein, some calcium, as well as the usual energy drink vitamin stuff.This is why the bitter taste of Red Bull knockoffs can hardly be tolerated. If you can have this rolling on your tongue, why even bother with anything else?
Best Buzz: American Body Building's Speed Shot
You know those drinks fear-mongers warn you about? This is that drink. Sure, it has a brain-blasting 500mg(!!) of caffeine in this little shot, but then they up the ante even more. They pack in bitter orange extract and beta alanine, so your body goes into thermogenic mode, causing a furnace inside your core. If you are into physical fitness, this 8 ounce bottle will put you over the top. If not, don't plan on sitting still. They don't even use pharma caffeine, instead upping the dose with Yerba Mate, Guarana and cacao, so the buzz comes on slower and processes in you at a slower rate. All this with beta-alanine and only 5 calories to burn off in the process. This is one of those substances that, like kerosene, is really useful as long as you know what you are playing with.
Best Packaging: Unbound Energy
I know I should say Monster Imported. Everyone is glowing over it - and it is a Genius in design. But I just cant do it. Yes, the design is cooler than regular monsters, yes the opening is amazing, but it lacks the Wicked Awesome. That thing that makes skateboarders drop their Rockstars and inquire. It reseals, is reusable, it is easy to face. It lists caffeine and nutrients and follows all the necessary rules of design. But more than that, It. Just. Rules. Sure, Vuka's Awaken Energy Juice does the same thing - only insulates better and is more durable, but hand-painted oranges and tribal prints do not top gunmetal and bursting flames. From the standpoint of the consumer, Unbound is just a fantastic bit of work.
Comments
XS Energy Drinks from Logic Nutrition are an absolutely wonderful and a healthy choice. 14 flavors, as well as shots, many related energy products. most 0 sugar, 0 carbs, tons of Vit B12 and good for you. great flavor and many choices. Available from an Amway Global Distributor, check them out at www.bjoyner1.qhealthzone.com Thanks.
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