BATTLE OF THE BUZZ
Red Bull’s uppity mix of taurine, caffeine and vitamin B12 can spark a person’s energy into hyper-drive. But where Red Bull fades out after a short term metabolism kick, the new 5-Hour Energy drink stays strong (at least that’s what they claim.)
Advertisements for the two energy drinks claim to be the only supplement needed when those long, slow-paced afternoons hit, or when you need a boost to complete a task. But which one is most effective? Here’s the tale of the tape:
RED BULL (8 fl. oz.)
- Calories: 110
- Sugars: 27 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Originated in 1987 after an Austrian entrepreneur discovered that Krating Daeng (a different energy drink) cured his jet lag.
- “It’ll give you wings!” is the popular slogan for the energy drink which also works as an ingredient in several cocktail recipes.
- Normally comes in cans 8.3 fl. oz. but has a larger can for those really sluggish days.
- It’s actually a bit healthy. Taurine, a main ingredient in Red Bull, is actually an organic acid produced by human tissue. Though taurine is naturally derived from animal tissue – it was first isolated from Bull bile, hence Red Bull – the company produces taurine synthetically.
- However, Red Bull remains prohibited as a soft drink in Norway, Uruguay, Denmark and Iceland, and it was subject of many legal disputes involving death among customers.
5-HOUR ENERGY (2 fl. oz.)
- Calories: 4
- Sugars: N/A
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Its parent company Living Essentials is based in Michigan and only recently released the new 2 fl. oz. mini bottle publicly.
- 5-Hour Energy claims to pack a mean punch in a small package. “Feel it in minutes, Lasts for hours” the bottle claims. Other than on-the-bottle promotions, the company’s very dull, but very effective ads boast that where other energy drinks fail with large amounts of sugar and caffeine, 5-Hour Energy stays strong with only 4 calories, amino acids and enzymes.
- The small dosed energy drink also claims to be sugarless, but interestingly enough has a warning that the “no crash” claim has not been FDA approved.
Our winner: Red Bull
Based on a combination of taste and natural energy, Red Bull beats the new 5-Hour Energy. It doesn't taste like a Sweet-tart with another cup of sugar piled on top like the 5-Hour. Plus, we're more apt to drink something with an animal in the name, not a number. (There's already a 6-Hour drink on the counters of most convenience stores.)
Which do you prefer? Are you into energy drinks or are you staying classic and drinking coffee? Let us know!
More Caffeine Is the Goal by BetterThanEvans (Submitted July 24, 2008)
If your goal is to spark a person’s energy into hyper-drive you're leaving out an energy drink. Mana Energy Potion holds it down as one of the most caffeinated drinks out there. Yes redbull and 5-hour energy are good little pick me ups but if you want to cry and shake yourself to sleep try the Mana Energy Potion. This bottle of liquid crack has 119mg per oz of caffeine, 5-hour energy has less than 40mg per oz. and redbull only has less than 10mg per oz. The bad thing about this caffeinated treat is that I've found you can order only online but its worth it.
