Energy in a bottle: The concept appeals to those of us with too much to do and too little time to do it. Manufacturers of so-called energy drinks bank on that fact. (Literally. It’s a multimillion-dollar industry.) Whether or not a beverage can “give you wings” or turn you into a tireless go-getter is debatable, but new products continue to appear on the market, making such claims and tempting a consumer base of worn-out people looking for a boost. The best way to get your energy in liquid form is simply to stay well-hydrated. But if you need an extra kick or a tastier alternative to water once in a while, get the lowdown on a few of the newer selections.
Go Girl Pomegranate Blueberry Tea Energy Drink
The claim: Geared primarily toward women (obviously), this low-calorie, sugar-free drink claims to promote weight-loss efforts while keeping you on top of your active life.
The ingredients: B vitamins, Taurine and Super Citrimax
The taste: Refreshing and light, with nicely mingled fruit and tea flavors. It's a pleasant change from the syrupy or muddled taste of some energy drinks.
The bottom line: You will get a jolt from the caffeine in this drink, though it contains less than many of its counterparts ... 65 mg, a little more than the amount in cola. Go Girl tea is tasty, thirst-quenching, and only 35 calories per 11.5-ounce can.
V8 V-Fusion + Energy drinks
The claim: Drink your produce and get a natural boost from caffeine-containing green tea.
The ingredients: Vegetable and fruit juices, green tea extract
The taste: Not overly sweet but with a fresh, natural juice flavor that makes it tasty enough for sipping.
The bottom line: Made with trusted, nutritious ingredients, this was our favorite drink, and a good choice for those who are dubious about unfamiliar additives. It contains twice as much caffeine as a cola but somehow tasted healthier.
Oxywater
The claim: Billed as a source of healthy hydration with natural energy-boosting minerals, OxyWater infuses water with extra oxygen and claims to have the antioxidant power of five servings of fruit.
The ingredients: Immune system-boosting minerals including magnesium, zinc, calcium, sulfur, selenium, copper and potassium
The taste: This drink comes in Cherry-Pomegranate, Passion Berry and Island Citrus, and offers a crisp, clean flavor that's a far cry from many bland flavored waters on the market.
The bottom line: It's light, tasty, and full of healthy ingredients and no artificial “boosters.” Even if this drink doesn't push your energy into overdrive, staying hydrated can help you function better and feel better and more energetic overall.
Sensa Quench
The claim: Makers of these water-enhancing packets tout the product as a thirst quencher, energy booster, weight-loss aid and vitamin source in one.
The ingredients: Green tea and guarana to increase energy and enhance metabolism, maqui berry for antioxidant power, vitamins A, C, D, B6, and B12
The taste: Available in Berry Splash, Tropical Breeze, Orange Crush, and Pink Grapefruit, the fruit flavors come through boldly but can leave an aftertaste that some might find off-putting.
The bottom line: The packets are convenient for carrying around in your purse or keeping in a desk drawer at your office to mix into your water bottle. If you find the flavor appealing, it's a good way to make yourself drink more water each day.
Monster Rehab
The claim: "Re-fresh, Re-hydrate, Re-store, or in other words, Re-habilitate" say the manufacturers about this blend of tea, lemonade and electrolytes.
The ingredients: Caffeine, black tea extract, coconut water, guarana, B vitamins
The taste: Lemony with a nice hint of tea in the background, Monster Rehab delivers assertive flavor with the right balance of sweetness.
The bottom line: Energy-wise, this was the clear winner, though the effect bordered on the jitters, likely due to the whopping 170 mg of caffeine per 16-ounce can (which is technically two servings). But this drink does deliver on flavor and the ability to hydrate.
The Best New Energy Drinks
Energy in a bottle: The concept appeals to those of us with too much to do and too little time to do it. Manufacturers of so-called energy drinks bank on that fact. (Literally. It’s a multimillion-dollar industry.) Whether or not a beverage can “give you wings” or turn you into a tireless go-getter is debatable, but new products continue to appear on the market, making such claims and tempting a consumer base of worn-out people looking for a boost. The best way to get your energy in liquid form is simply to stay well-hydrated. But if you need an extra kick or a tastier alternative to water once in a while, get the lowdown on a few of the newer selections.
The Best New Energy Drinks
Energy in a bottle: The concept appeals to those of us with too much to do and too little time to do it. Manufacturers of so-called energy drinks bank on that fact. (Literally. It’s a multimillion-dollar industry.) Whether or not a beverage can “give you wings” or turn you into a tireless go-getter is debatable, but new products continue to appear on the market, making such claims and tempting a consumer base of worn-out people looking for a boost. The best way to get your energy in liquid form is simply to stay well-hydrated. But if you need an extra kick or a tastier alternative to water once in a while, get the lowdown on a few of the newer selections.
