Happy Planet Shots Energy+ Review

If you haven't already heard, Happy Planet launched a line of shots in April last year. It wasn't up until recently that I started seeing some of them at gas stations and convenience stores displayed next to the cash registers. I decided to pick one up yesterday when I was at 7-11. The shots cost $2.99 CAD each and come in 4 different types - Energy+, Immunity, Detox and Glow. I only saw Energy+ and Detox at 7-11, but I will be on the lookout for the other 2.

I was impressed with the bottle design for a couple of reasons. First, it is square and all the shots fit nicely in a box without leaving much unused space. Second, the cap is standard and can fit regular bottles. I know that this isn't something most people are impressed with, but I like standardization. Also, I like larger openings on energy shots, it makes drinking them much easier.

Another thing I noticed was sedimentation, which did not come off easily. I had to shake the bottle a few times to get everything off the bottom. Upon unscrewing the cap I was greeted by an aroma, which reminded me of the Happy Planet smoothies and promised an enjoyable experience. It smelled like grapes and berries. The taste was similar to the aroma, but I was half expecting the consistency of their smoothies. Unfortunately the shot is not thick. The flavour is a combination of grapes, carrots and some bitter notes from the energy blend. The energy blend can be easily noticed and does bump the taste down a few notches, but it does not ruin the experience completely. The taste from the added citric acid adds up and after a few gulps, the aftertaste turns sour with hints of the grape juice and a bit of the energy blend. The label says that there is no sugar added, but the shot is sweet on its own. Unlike most energy shots, there is no horrible sugar free taste and aftertaste. This energy shot is definitely unique and more enjoyable than most other ones.

The taste was good, but what's even better is the caffeine content - 150 mg plus whatever else from the various ingredients. The energy started coming in 15 minutes after I took the first sip. It was gradual over the course of 10-15 minutes and there wasn't an overwhelming caffeine rush with jitters. For a while I was very focused but also awake and energized. I felt like I could use this energy for more than just something physical. I was still very energized when I lost my focus, but I was definitely not experiencing any jitters. Whatever is in this shot works. Here is a list of the medicinal and added ingredients:

• Cordia salicifolia (Cha de Bugre)
• Paullinia cupan (Guarana seed)
• Bacopa monniera (Brahmi herb)
• Ginkgo biloba
• Panax ginseng
• Melissa officinalis
• Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort flower)
  
• Avena sativa (Oat greens)
• Vitamins C, E, B3, B6, B12
• Selenium
• Natural Caffeine

I am too lazy to look them all up, but I know for a fact that some are unique to this shot. Surprisingly my focus came back alongside a very calm feeling. The calm feeling came and went several times, but I remained focused for a long period of time. More than 2 hours passed and I was still just as focused and energized. Though, this shot may have different effects on people, for me this works fantastically.

Scores:
Cost - $2.99 CAD for a 75 mL shot
Taste - 6.7/10
Energy - 9/10

Overall - 15.7/20...thought it does not contain as much caffeine as some other shots, this worked great for me. I was focused and energized for a long period of time and did not experience any jitters