Buzz Bites Mint Chocolate Energy Chews

Cost: $3.00
Cost Per Ounce:$0.50 per piece
Active Ingredients:Caffeine, Taurine, Ginseng, B-Vitamins
Taste Rating:8.6
Kick Rating:8.5
Final Judgment Rating:8.8
Energy Drink Ratings Explained

Buzz Bites Mint Chocolate Energy Chews:
In my last post I talked about taking a short break from reviewing Energy Drinks to review the new Buzz Bites Chews. My last review was on the Chocolate Buzz bites, and I was pretty impressed. So, I thought I would go ahead and inhale some more caffeine, just for you readers, and try out the Mint Chocolate flavor from Buzz Bites. I mean, what's another 100 milligrams of caffeine for the day right.... These chews cost $3.00 so each piece costs $0.50, which is not too bad for the energy you get for them. Onto the review of the Buzz Bites Mint Chocolate Chews.

For More Info Visit:Vending Machines

Buzz Bites Mint Chocolate Energy Chews: Taste
Alright, I liked the plain Chocolate flavor from my prior review of the chews, but as I mentioned I am not a huge fan of chocolate, so I was really looking forward to trying the Mint Chocolate Chew. Turns out it tastes fairly similar to an Andes Mint. If you have not had one of them all I can say is that the addition of the mint flavor is a definite plus as it masks any and all medicinal aftertaste from the energy ingredients. Nice improvement! Taste Rating - 8.9

Buzz Bites Mint Chocolate Energy Chews: Kick
Alright, they improved the taste quite a bit. However, the energy and kick from this chew is the same as the last one I tried. Which by the way is nothing to shy away from as each individual chew has 100 milligrams of caffeine, which is actually 25% more caffeine than what's in a Red Bull. Along with the caffeine comes ginseng, taurine and b-vitamins. The best part is that the chew will only set you back $0.50! As I also mentioned in my prior review of Buzz Bites, I am somewhat of a energy junky so I had two of these and the kick was phenomenal, especially for $1.00! Kick Rating - 8.5

Buzz Bites Mint Chocolate Energy Chews: Final Judgment
Well I reviewed both flavors and the mint chocolate flavor is my favorite. I also like the compact design of the tin, the price tag and the energy ingredients from these little chews. I recommend trying one of these out... I mean each tin will give you 600 milligrams of caffeine plus all the other energy ingredients (just don't eat them all at once), not bad at all for the price. Final Judgment - 9.0 (extra points for price!)

For More Info Visit:Vending Machines

Buzz Bites Chocolate Energy Chews

Cost: $3.00
Cost Per Ounce:$0.50 per piece
Active Ingredients:Caffeine, Taurine, Ginseng, B-Vitamins
Taste Rating:8.6
Kick Rating:8.5
Final Judgment Rating:8.8
Energy Drink Ratings Explained

Buzz Bites Chocolate Energy Chews:
Well today I took a break from adding to my arsenal of Energy Drinks reviewed to try out the new Buzz Bites Energy Chews. They come in two flavors, chocolate and mint chocolate. The package is a nicely designed tin that features 6 individually wrapped pieces. The tin costs $3.00 so each piece costs $0.50. In this review I will be trying the chocolate flavor, stay tuned for the mint review shortly. So let's find out how these Buzz Bites energy chews hold up against the competition... I know one thing, I like the price already.

For More Info Visit: Vending Machines

Buzz Bites Chocolate Energy Chews: Taste
In all honesty when I first got these energy chews I was not expecting much in the taste category. First off, I am not a huge fan of chocolate. Second, how do you make something taste good when you cram it full of vitamins and energy ingredients? Well, I am not sure how Buzz Bites did it, but they did. It took less than a minute for me to chew and swallow the tiny energy chew, but the chocolate flavor was pretty good. There was a small hint of medicinal flavoring, but far less than what I was expecting. Taste Rating - 8.6

Buzz Bites Chocolate Energy Chews: Kick
So the taste is pretty good, but will this tiny energy chew deliver any kick? Well each individual piece (remember 6 pieces per tin) has 100 milligrams of caffeine, which is actually 25% more caffeine than a Red Bull. These chews also contain taurine, ginseng and b-vitamins. And all this at $0.50 per serving. Well I love the price and the kick was not bad at all. I think two would suffice, even for an energy addict like me. And two would only cost $1.00. Kick Rating - 8.5

Buzz Bites Chocolate Energy Chews: Final Judgment
Well the predominant factor for me when reviewing Buzz Bites chocolate chews remains the price. $.50 gets you 100 milligrams of quick acting caffeine. The whole tin will get you 600 milligrams of caffeine for $3.00. Although I recommend against eating the whole tin, tempting as it may be. Overall I was impressed by these little chews. Stay tuned for the Mint Chocolate review... Final Judgment 8.8 (extra points for price to caffeine ratio!)

For More Info Visit: Vending Machines

Hydrive S Blue Raspberry Energy Drink Review

Cost:$1.99
Cost Per Ounce:$0.17
Active Ingredients:Caffeine, B-Vitamins, Taurine
Taste Rating:8.9
Kick Rating:8.5
Final Judgment Rating:8.8
Energy Drink Ratings Explained

Hydrive S Blue Raspberry Energy Drink Review:
Well this will be my 7th review of the Hydrive Energy Drinks and I have to be bluntly honest, they are all really good. Which is why I was more than excited to review their latest Energy Drink the Hydrive S Blue Raspberry which delivers 6performance enhancers (no not the illegal kind) which include Vitamin B-12, Caffeine, Macca Root, Ginkgo Biloba, D-Ribose and L-Leucine. Now I am not sure what a couple of those are and I really don't have the time to research them, so if anyone wants to chime in, feel free in the comments section below. Alright, onto the new Hydrive S Blue Raspberry review.

Official Site: Hydrive Energy

Hydrive S Blue Raspberry Energy Drink Review: Taste
Well it states it is blue raspberry flavored right on the sleek 15.5 ounce plastic resealable bottle and they are definitely not lying. This non-carbonated blue raspberry energy drink is quite refreshing (as the rest have also been) and has a very light flavor. What do you expect for a 30 calorie drink? Hydrive is actually one of the few drinks I will buy on my own, which when you think of it is a pretty big deal, especially since I have hundreds of drinks just lying around my house....
Taste Rating - 8.9

Hydrive S Blue Raspberry Energy Drink Review: Kick
Well the taste is refreshing and crisp, no surprise there. The kick is also really not a big surprise as they use the same formula for most of the drinks. The energy ingredients include 145 milligrams of caffeine (which is equivalent to almost 2 Red Bull's), Taurine, and a large quantity of b-vitamins, not too mention the other performance enhancers that I mentioned above. Kick Rating - 8.5

Hydrive S Blue Raspberry Energy Drink Review: Final Judgment
As I mentioned above, Hydrive is one of my favorite drinks to buy. They are all very refreshing, low in calories and have a very crisp taste to them. Although they are not the strongest drinks on the market, they definitely do the trick. So if you have not tried one. What are you waiting for.... Go try one already. Final Judgment - 8.8

Official Site: Hydrive Energy

Crunk Citrus Energy Drink Review

Cost: $2.00
Cost Per Ounce:$0.13
Active Ingredients:Caffeine, Guarana, Green Tea Extract, Ginseng, B-Vitamins, Horny Goat Weed
Taste Rating:9.1
Kick Rating:8.9
Final Judgment Rating:9.0
Energy Drink Ratings Explained

Crunk Citrus Energy Drink Review:
Well this will be the third review I have done for Crunk Energy Drinks, the first two being the original and sugar free original. Today I will be trying Lil Jon's latest concoction, the 16 ounce Crunk Citrus . I know I enjoyed the last two (and it wasn't because of any threats from Lil Jon.... WHAT…YEAH…OK…!!!), I actually enjoyed it. The only thing I felt was lacking was the kick, I think they will have solved this with their 16 ounce versions, of which all three come in. So let's see if the latest Crunk Citrus holds up to all the hype that the previous two drinks had.... Onto the review of taste and kick.

Crunk Citrus Energy Drink Review: Taste
Well Crunk Citrus says that it contains "real lemon lime" right on the can. Well, they were not fibbing. The lemon taste is fairly strong whereas the lime is not as prevalent. It kind of tastes like a extremely hyped up lemonade, which in my opinion hit the spot. Especially since it is 85 degrees out (that's hot for Wisconsin). The carbonation level of the drink was not over the top and there was no medicinal aftertaste present from the energy ingredients. I would have to say that Crunk hit another one out of the park as far as taste is concerned. Taste Judgment - 9.1

Crunk Citrus Energy Drink Review: Kick
Well the hyped up lemonade flavor was well received, but has the 16 ounce Crunk Citrus addressed my previous concerns of left wanting more energy? You bet! The 16 ounce can of Citrus Crunk contains the following energy ingredients; 194 milligrams of caffeine, Green Tea Extract, Guarana Seed Extract, Panax Ginseng, bunch of B-vitamins and a whole bunch more.... And yes, Horny Goat weed is still a key ingredient (Yeah!!!). There is 58 milligrams of sugar in this drink, less than the industry average, but a little more than I needed. I did feel a slight crash, but that could have been because it was 2:00 a.m. Anyways, kick worked for me. Kick Rating - 8.9

Crunk Citrus Energy Drink Review: Final Judgment
Good kick coupled with a good lemon lime taste and a new 16 ounce option. Kind of leaves me wondering what they have in store next!!! Anyways, these are fairly easy to get your hands on and are competitively priced at $2.00 / 16 ounce can. If you can't find them in your area Crunk has a store which allows you to buy them in bulk for a cheaper price. Final Judgment - 9.0

AMP Elevate Energy Drink Review

Cost: $2.00
Cost Per Ounce:$0.13
Active Ingredients:Caffeine, Guarana, Ginseng, Taurine, L-Theanine
Taste Rating:8.9
Kick Rating:9.2
Final Judgment Rating:9.1
Energy Drink Ratings Explained

AMP Elevate Energy Drink Review:
Well this will be my sixth Amp Energy Drink Review that I have done sp far. The 16 ounce AMP Elevate is also the final new (for now at least) AMP Energy Drink to hit the market. The other ones are ReLaunch and Traction and they are all supposed to have an added function besides just providing energy. Elevate is supposed to provide enhanced focus. You can find them virtually everywhere, thanks to the growing population of the brand, which in large part might have something to do with the new sponsorship they have going with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and NASCAR, I mean that's a pretty freakin big fan base they tapped into.... Anyways, I am sure you are at least somewhat familiar with the Amp Lineup from Pepsi, so let's get straight to the taste and kick review of the new Amp Elevate.

AMP Elevate Energy Drink Review: Taste
Upon opening the 16 ounce blue can I get a hint of berry smell, which is a good thing since on the can it states it is mixed berry, and proceed to drink up. There was an array of mixed berry flavoring going on, but blueberry, at least in my opinion, seemed to stand out the most. I could also taste a hint of raspberry as well. The mix was actually very well done and was not too sweet. I think because AMP has a bit less sugar than the normal Energy Drink, although not by much. Taste Rating - 8.9

AMP Elevate Energy Drink Review: Kick
So the new flavor was pretty good tasting, but will it provide a decent kick and enhanced focus? Well the energy ingredients (for the entire 16 ounce can) include 160 milligrams of caffeine, 248 milligrams of guarana extract (natural caffeine), 296 milligrams of taurine, 34 milligrams of Panax Ginseg Extract and 24 milligrams of L-Theanine which was added to help focus. So yeah, the combination of those ingredients, especially the caffeine and guarana gave me a pretty large kick in the pants. Actually more than I was expecting from an AMP. How about the focus aspect? Well, it was kind of hard to judge while bouncing off the walls :). Kick Rating - 9.2

AMP Elevate Energy Drink Review: Final Judgment
All in all, a nice addition to the lineup. The flavor and kick were both above average, the price is not too bad and you can find them pretty much everywhere. I see the AMP lineup gaining some ground on the Monster Energy Drink in the not to far off future. But hey, what do I know, I'm just a fanatic... Not like I tried a couple hundred different flavors! Final Judgment - 9.1

Starbucks doubleshot Energy + Coffee Review (coffee flavor)

Cost: $2.29
Cost Per Ounce:$0.15
Active Ingredients:Guarana, B-Vitamins, Ginseng, Bunch of other stuff...
Taste Rating:8.0
Kick Rating:8.8
Final Judgment Rating:8.5
Energy Drink Ratings Explained

Starbucks doubleshot Energy + Coffee Review (coffee flavor):
This will be my second coffee flavored review of an Energy Drink in a row, which is rather odd as I am really not a huge coffee drinker. However, Starbucks just released their newest line of energy drinks with coffee flavoring. There are 3 flavors that include; Vanilla, Mocha and Coffee (which I will be reviewing today). Now Starbucks did try this avenue before, but they were marketed more as RTD coffee beverages whereas this new lineup is taking a stab at the coffee flavored energy drink market. This puts them several months behind the Java Monster drinks, but maybe the wait will be worth it? So lets see how the new Starbucks doubleshot energy + coffee does in the taste and kick reviews.

Starbucks doubleshot Energy + Coffee Review (coffee flavor): Taste
As I do in almost every coffee flavored review I am going to remind you (the reader) that I am not a huge fan of coffee, mainly because I am not a fan of the taste. Now that my biased flavor judgment of coffee is out of the way, I will give you my taste judgment :)... Well it has a blend of Starbucks coffee (go figure) and you can taste the milk as well. The sugar level is just sweet enough for me, which means if you like your coffee black it might be a little sweet for you. There is no medicinal aftertaste at all. Other than that there is not too much to say about the taste. Basically a slightly sweet, slightly milky cold premium Starbucks coffee flavor. I actually liked it quite a bit. Taste Rating - 8.0

Starbucks doubleshot Energy + Coffee Review (coffee flavor): Kick
So after that insightful taste description, we can finally move on to the good stuff. Starbucks already has a potent blend of coffee, but will it carry over in to the energy drinks that they are making? Well the energy ingredients include: 2000 milligrams of Maltodextrin, 1800 milligrams of taurine, 450 milligrams of L-Carnitine, 180 milligrams of Inosistol, 325 milligrams of Panax Ginseng, B-Vitamins and 90 milligrams of Guarana. So it does indeed mirror the potent blend of Starbucks coffee. The kick was well received by me and there was no crash effect (only 26 milligrams of sugar in the entire can, considerably less than the 60-70 milligrams you find in the market leaders). Kick Rating - 8.8

Starbucks doubleshot Energy + Coffee Review (coffee flavor): Final Judgment
Even though I am not a big coffee drinker, mainly because of taste, I found the Starbucks doubleshot energy + coffee quite good. The kick was more than adequate and the taste was also well received. With it's huge market base, I think Starbucks should do quite well with this lineup. The crossover appeal is also there. Just don't know what took them so long to come out with this.... Final Judgment - 8.5

Java Monster - Russian Energy Drink Review

Cost: $2.00
Cost Per Ounce:$0.13
Active Ingredients:Caffeine, Taurine, Guarana, Ginseng, B-Vitamins
Taste Rating:7.8
Kick Rating:8.9
Final Judgment Rating:8.5
Energy Drink Ratings Explained

Energy Drink Review:
Well it has been awhile since I reviewed a Monster Energy Drink... Don't get me wrong I have nothing against Monster, I have just been busy reviewing less main stream Energy Drinks. Well today I just so happened to be in my local c-store, when I walked over to the ED section, which I do way too often. There stood a Java Monster - Russian Energy Drink. Now I knew it existed, but for some reason I had not seen the Russian Java Monster out an about yet. Being the fanatic that I am I bought one. The can was pretty cool, has kind of a Soviet cold war theme with a the sickle and hammer, red star and Russian style lettering (gold Monster logo is a nice touch as well). So let's see how the new Java Monster performs in the taste and kick categories.

Energy Drink Review: Taste
Well I have noted several times throughout my reviews, that I am not a huge coffee drinker. However, I will occasionaly drink one now and again (just saying this because it might have an affect on my taste judgment of Java Russian). The good thing about Java Russian is that it is supposed to taste like a White Russian (alcoholic beverage). Not my drink of choice, but I have had my fair share. So what does it taste like? Well it does have a strong coffee taste, with a hint of Kahlua and dairy so the Russian name seems quite fitting, eh comrade.... Taste Rating - 7.8 (again not a huge coffee fan)

Energy Drink Review: Kick
So the flavor was not too bad for a strong coffee energy drink, but will the kick pick me up? Well the energy ingredients include and energy blend that contains 2,600 milligrams of the following; Glucose, L-Carnitine, Caffeine, Guarana, Inosistol and Maltrodextrin coupled with 2000 milligrams of taurine, 400 milligrams of Panax Ginseng and some b-vitamins. Not too shabby, it was quite strong actually for a 16 ounce coffee flavored energy drink. There was really no crash present either as there is only 32 grams of sugar in the entire 16 ounce can. I know some of you are saying "only 32 grams of sugar"... Well compare that to other ED's and you will see what I mean. Kick Rating - 8.9

Energy Drink Review: Final Judgment
Decent taste for a coffee flavored ED (remember I am not a huge fan of coffee) and a fairly strong kick. They along with other Java Monster are available everywhere but you can get them in bulk Here at Amazon. So if you like coffee, but need a cool drink, try one of the new Java Monsters the taste and kick are not too bad. Final Judgment - 8.5

Energy Drink Ratings - Gains Notoriety

Well I have been reviewing Energy Drinks for quite some time now, April 2006 to be exact. I started out as an novice in College. Then I started The Energy Drink Ratings Blog where I became an aficionado. Now, dare I say I have become an addict, especially considering my average daily caffeine intake is probably 400-600 milligrams...

Now I don't have the most extensive database of energy drinks reviewed; however, coming in at around 350 or so reviews, I would have to say I have a pretty decent collection. Now I don't want to brag (at least any more than I normally do), but it looks like an independent review of my site has given me a #1 spot when it comes to ranking energy drinks. The rating was based on "credibility in testing, evaluating and identifying the best Energy Drinks". I rate all Energy Drinks based on taste, price and kick and try to compare apples to apples at all times. That being said, this honor actually means quite a bit to me... and I have to say that I have learned a lot over the past couple years reviewing drinks.

I have come to realize that taste is subjective and kick sometimes is as well. I have admitted when I was wrong when misquoting facts or ingredients (I think at least 3 times now.. although I could be misquoting that). I have been blasted for giving soft reviews on several ED companies products and accused of working for these said energy drink companies, although I have yet to see any kick backs from them :). I have probably been flamed in at least 10 different reviews, probably by said ED company that I am working for and I have even been flamed in reviews by competing ED companies, again for apparently working for said other ED company.

Over the last 350 or so reviews I have also learned

1) Caffeine is a drug and I am addicted. Although, to this day, I still remain extremely active and healthy which is probably why I have a preference for sugar free and organic energy drinks, which several of you have noticed!

2) Don't abuse caffeine. It has it's consequences.

3) Everyone has there idea of the Best Energy Drink

4) Always keep a flame suit handy

5) Get ready for angry and threatening emails from ED companies, especially when they don't agree with MY Opinion in the review.

6) Remain objective (even though taste is subjective) when reviewing energy drinks.

7) Stay as neutral as possible in news events, unlike actual news stories that just point out the negatives.

8) Spammers waste too much of my time

9) Being bribed for a good review is tempting, but I enjoy my integrity.

10) At the rate ED's come out, I will never review them all.

11) I am not the only one addicted to ED's. In all actuality, the ED world is a very tight knit community. I owe the competition a lot. They keep me on my feet and keep me reviewing drinks.

So again, thanks to all you readers out there who post thoughtful comments, thanks to the readers who continually disagree with me, it keeps me on my toes. Thanks to all the ED companies for force feeding me your products and keeping me bouncing off the walls (my actual 9-5 boss really appreciates the increase in productivity) and especially thanks to Consumer Search for the #1 Credibility Rating

- Oshburg

Go Girl Energy Drink Review

Cost: $1.69
Cost Per Ounce:$0.14
Active Ingredients:Caffeine, Taurine, B-Vitamins
Taste Rating:8.8
Kick Rating:8.6
Final Judgment Rating:8.7
Energy Drink Ratings Explained

Go Girl Energy Drink Review:
So today I will be reviewing the 12 ounce Sugar Free Go Girl even though I am not this Energy Drinks target market. Yes with a hot pink can and slogans like "Beautiful Energy" most guys would not be caught dead with Go Girl (unless maybe cross dressing for Halloween). However, being the energy junky that I am, I had to give it a try. Besides, if you have read enough of my posts you have probably heard me mention that I like sugar free energy drinks because I need to watch my girlish figure. And with Go Girl being sugar free I thought, why not. So enough fluff, let's find out how this beverage rates in the taste and kick category.

Go Girl Energy Drink Review: Taste
So the lightly carbonated hot pink can has pretty much a cherry taste to it... maybe with a hint of citrus blended in their as well. The citrus flavoring might come from the ingredient "super citrimax" which is supposed to help suppress your appetite. It would have been beneficial for me to test this out, but having just ate, I really don't see any scientific conclusions coming from my observations, so you will have to test the citrimax claims out yourself. Back to the taste... Smooth blend, refreshing cherry / light citrus flavor without any medicinal aftertaste. Taste Rating - 8.8

Go Girl Energy Drink Review: Kick
So after enjoying the taste flowing from my hot pink can I had to see if this Go Girl Energy Drink would provide me with any kick. Well with more energy ingredients than market leader Red Bull I was more than surprised with the kick I received. The energy ingredients include (per 12 ounces - 1 can) - 150 milligrams of caffeine, 1200 milligrams of taurine and plenty of b-vitamins. At 6 foot, 185 pounds, it was far from the strongest kick I ever had, but definitely better than the market leader! Kick Rating - 8.6

Go Girl Energy Drink Review: Final Judgment
So a great taste and ample kick (even for a guy). So next time any of you girls (or guys for that matter) get made fun of for drinking a hot pink energy drink by some douche drinking a Red Bull, feel free to reference this post and point out that you are getting almost twice the energy for less money! Final Judgment - 8.7

Guru Energy Drink Review

Cost: $1.99
Cost Per Ounce:$0.13
Active Ingredients:Guarana, Echinacea, Panax ginseng, stevia leaf
Taste Rating:8.8
Kick Rating:9.0
Final Judgment Rating:8.9
Energy Drink Ratings Explained

Guru Energy Drink Review:
Well I originally reviewed the Guru Lite Energy Drink in January 2008 and I was quite pleased with the taste and kick. So today I will be reviewing the original Guru Energy Drink in a 12 ounce slim can (also available in 8.3 ounces). I still don't know a whole lot about the Guru Energy Drink besides the fact that it is 100% natural, contains no preservatives and that they recently they introduced a bunch of newer flavors including iced tea. So stay tuned for those reviews, but for the meantime let's see how the original Guru Energy Drink performs in the taste and kick tests.

Guru Energy Drink Review: Taste
Right off the bat the "all natural - no preservative" taste was quite unique. Is it citrus or is it cherry? I really could not decide so I will call it a citrus based taste followed by a cherry aftertaste, which in my opinion is better than a medicinal aftertaste! This one is mildly carbonated and when poured comes out clear. As mentioned before the cherry aftertaste is not too bad, but after a couple more sips I did notice a slight medicinal aftertaste, but still pretty much overshadowed by a cherry flavor. Very good for an all natural energy drink. Taste Rating - 8.8

Guru Energy Drink Review: Kick
So the all natural, no preservative flavor scores some pretty good marks, but will they hold up in the kick category as well? Well there is about 145 milligrams of naturally occurring caffeine (12 ounces) along with a 1285 milligram blend of Guarana seed extract, Echinacea flower extract, Panax ginseng extract, Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract and stevia leaf extract. That's a lot of extracts and to be honest I am not going to look all of them up to see what they mean. I do know that the kick supplied whether it be from extract or not, was pretty damn good. So if you are looking for more of a natural kick then give the Guru Energy Drink a try. Kick Rating - 9.0

Guru Energy Drink Review: Final Judgment
Good taste and a good kick. It's also all natural and has no preservatives. To be honest I was not expecting this much from this drink; however, I have been wrong in the past (think this might be my third time now). I can't wait to try the other flavors as well, so stay tuned for the review of them. Final Judgment - 8.9