In an age when Americans will go out of their way if it means they’ll spend less on gas, there is a booming new industry of energy drinks that sells for twenty times more than Coca-Cola – energy shots.
An increasing amount of people are dropping their $3 cups of coffee, and picking up $3 2 ounce shots of solid caffeine – and most of them taste disgusting.
The demand for energy shots is expected to double this year, reaching $700 mil in sales – and a majority of those sales will be of Living Essentials’ ‘5 Hour Energy,’ the first energy shot on the market.
Several companies are already following in 5 Hour’s footsteps – similar energy shots like 6 Hour, 7 Hour, and 8 Hour Energy are attempting to break into this growing new industry with their own products.
8 Hour Energy, though the name is similar, has taken the industry a few steps further. While the others merely contain caffeine, it includes Acai, Gogi, and Tahitian Noni – three incredibly popular berries, each known for their natural energizing and dietary benefits. Usually, these berries can only be attained by purchasing a $40 bottle of juice.
Aside from the health-benefits, 8 Hour Energy is carb and calorie free – and it tastes delicious.
“I’ve seen the 5 Hour ads plastered all over the media. But if people read the labels before they buy, I think they’ll go for 8 Hour Energy. It’s just a better quality product,” says Darin Steen, one of the top 10 health and fitness trainers in the world.
In a double-blind taste-test, 9 of 10 college students preferred 8 Hour Energy over 5 Hour Energy. Another study gave out samples of the Mr Energy 8 Hour shot during finals week, and students returned with rave reviews.
“Wow… after taking the 8 Hour Energy, not only was I able to stay up to study for finals, I picked up a basketball game after! Without it, I probably wouldn’t have managed to do either,” said Troy Smith – a Finance major.
“8 Hour Energy shots are amazing. I stayed energized and focused, and totally aced my final. It’s like time in a bottle,” said Stephanie Wilcox – a grad student at the Dentistry school.
Despite 5 Hour Energy’s fierce advertising budget, Bhelliom Enterprises, the creator of 8 Hour Energy, is confident that their product is superior. “The ingredients speak for themselves,” says Bhelliom Enterprises’ CEO, Casey McCarthy.