V8 Energy Shot Berry Blast
A Fair & Honest Energy Drink Review
V8 Energy Shot Berry Blast Retail Package Description
V8 Energy Shot Berry Blast, at least what we bought, comes in a 2-pack, boxed like Christmas ornaments. The bottle is shaped something like a mini-V8 Fusion bottle, with a wavy, heavily contoured shape. It's a busy bottle, Looking at the front, on the left, there's some plant foliage background with the V8 logo, some fruits (looks like carrots, strawberries and raspberries), then some text. The test reads, "Berry Blast", "Energy Shot", "A berry flavored blend of 9 vegetables and fruit juices from concentrate with green tea extract and other natural flavors", "NET 2.5 FL. OZ. (74ml)". Then on the right, vertically oriented and consuming the entire right hemisphere, "ENERGY".
On the back, there's the usual mess about "as much caffeine as a cup of coffee", then there's a more interesting bit about fruits and vegetables, "2.5 Fl. Oz. Serving = 1/4 cup of vegetables and 1/4 cup fruit. USDA Mypyramid (which now appears to be "Choose my plate", if website forwarding is the gold standard for official names and designations) recommends 2 1/2 cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruit for a 2000 calorie diet." Otherwise, the V8 logo, then, "Energy" and a bullet-ed list (yay!):
- Naturally powered by green tea extract
- 1 Combined serving of vegetables and fruit
- B Vitamins
Caffeine Addict's V8 Energy Shot Berry Blast Review
After years of reviewing energy drinks, conversation, particularly with people I don't know that well, often gravitates toward energy products. What I hear most frequently, particularly from the more seasoned populous, is "I'll just stick with my coffee". It's eerie how that's almost verbatim across the board, like Publisher's Clearing House was giving out prizes for anyone who dismissed energy products in this manner. Upon further interrogation, the biggest complaints were "all that sugar" (as they soup ladled sugar into their coffee), or "too much caffeine" (despite drinking 2 cups of coffee a day, that each contain 150% of the caffeine in a Red Bull). I've found that older folks don't like young whippersnappers coming at them with their "facts" and "statistics", trying to take away their incandescent light bulbs, leaded gas and Chryslers.
Finally, after years, I've got a reasonable rebuttal that's nearly foolproof. Thank you V8. Firstly, V8 contains fruit and vegetable juices, and as fitness expert Jack Lalanne, who lived 96 healthy years said, "That's the power of the juice!". Secondly, V8 Energy Shot (just like 90% of other energy shots), contains about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee, but V8 takes it a step further, with at least some of the caffeine coming from green tea extract. Lastly, V8 Energy contains about 2 teaspoons of sugar, so half the sugar contained in those mountainous "2 teaspoons" most folks carefully shovel into each cup of coffee. The most amazing part about V8 Energy shot, is that it tastes comparable to the pomegranate/blueberry flavor of V8 Fusion. The only things missing are 20g of dietary fiber to keep you regular, and a secret shot of rum for when the step-grandkids and your new, surgically-enhanced, vegan, agnostic daughter-in-law visit for Christmas.
V8 is strong enough to make a noticeable difference in your energy level, and subtle enough to not cause heart palpitations, anxiousness, nervous shaking, sweating, thoughts of suicide, anal seepage, or a surprise visitor, who stays more than 4 hours. Of course, before taking any supplement you should check with your doctor, to make sure this doesn't react with your "glaucoma meds".
In addition to not making your teeth look like a grotty Englishman, V8 is dietarily superior to coffee in every way. The only sticking point may be price, and while I know that everything cost a nickle, "back in your day", the $4.99 two pack will probably not break the bank on those sweet Coca-Cola and Walmart dividends you've wisely been pocketing since '87.
Energy Junkie's V8 Energy Shot Berry Blast Review
It's like this is becoming my new part-time job. This is my third review in a row, and thanks to everyone for reading them ;) .
Firstly, I love, love, love V8 Fusion. The cranberry/blackberry is my absolute fav, but I also love the pomegranate/blueberry. I'm excited because they have 3 new "smoothie" flavors you can read about on V8's product information page. After gagging on that 5 Hour Energy Grape I had to review, I can't say enough good things about the taste of V8 Energy Shot. I really expected this to be nasty. I was prepared for the worst, but truthfully, this shot tastes better than the V8 Fusion plus Tea product, and that's supposed to be enjoyable to drink.
The V8 Energy Shots are not widely available. The screamingenergy.com team picked these up in Boone for $2.50 (2 pack for $5), and, per the "product locator" on V8 Energy Shot, the nearest store that carries them is about 30 minutes from my house. I also had a hard time finding these for sell online.
V8 energy doesn't provide a "blow your socks off" energy experience, like I've heard other products described. Two teaspoons of sugar shouldn't be enough to cause the infamous "crash", 20% of your USRDA of Niacin shouldn't cause a skin-reddening "niacin flush" (which, based on some 5-hour energy comments, some people freak out about and wind up in the emergency room). Personally, I do have problems eating enough fruits and vegetables, and 1/4 cup of each helps close the gap on in my, far-too-often, fast food diet. It's small, it's easy to carry, it tastes pretty good, it works, and it's cheaper than that awful 5-hour energy.