The American Botanical Council (ABC) has published a 40-page review of an emerging new product and market category called “energy shots.” The report focuses on shots sold mainly in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Energy shots have been available for less than 5 years. According to ABC, energy shots serve a larger niche of consumers than energy drinks. Energy shots appeal to people who want more energy to get through their ordinary day — not just fans of extreme sports.

For health conscious people, energy shots contain little or no sugar compared to many energy drinks. Energy shots also come in smaller volumes compared to energy drinks.

Caffeine is the primary energy source used in these products. Examples of energy shot products that do not include herbals in their formula include…

• 5-Hour Energy is the leader in this category.
• Red Bull: This company marketed the first and leading energy drink and also has an energy shot product.

Examples of energy shots that contain herbals include Monster Hitman, Rockstar, Amp, Full Throttle Quick Shots and NOS power shots. Examples include Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), guarana (Paullinia cupana) ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), green tea (Camellia sinensis) and milk thistle (Silybum marianum).

A  more complete and dizzying list of energy shot products are listed here.

The bottom line?
The report can be purchased here.

8/12/09 19:38 JR