This list also works as our 5 hour energy best alternatives.   To see our previous 5 hour energy alternative.  After four grueling years of degenerative health in the name of science and all that must be known for the sake of a cheap buck (and so you know!), here is our list.

But first . . .

Let's mention those that were removed from the list and why.

Fusion Energy Shot - Fusion is a good energy shot.  It has a bad taste.  Unfortunately, since making the list it has just become too hard to find.  If you can get it than it isn't so good for you.

Monster Hitman Energy Shot -This energy shot is good, but not great.  People complain about the taste most.  It's high price and mediocre buzz is why we took it off the list.

Now that we have covered the losers, let's look at the new ones that have made the list.

Worx Energy Extra Strength Shot - Worx is new on the scene 2011.  Copying 5 Hour's bland commercials and similar marketing tactics we were thinking another "me too" energy shot.  However, the Extra Strength version truly performs and gives a clean buzz that lasts longer than the rest, with no crash.

Now to the list.  It is going to look similar to 2011, but that's only because the year has been slow in "solid" product releases.  Is the energy shot trend finally peaking?  That's for another article altogether.

#7

5 hour regular strength energy shot - 5 hour still remains on the list, because it is a brand you know you can trust, and can get just about anywhere.  If the same old is your thing, then stick with what works.

#6

Stacker 2 Energy Shot - Regular strength Xtra's work alright, can be found at just about any dollar store, and they are only a buck.  What could go wrong?

#5

Mana Energy Potion - With a combination of novelty, good taste, and a product that works, this energy shot "mana"ges to hold on for another year.  This one's not for everyday, though, when it can cost as much as $6 per shot.

#4

Nitro2Go Instant Energy Extra Strength - A solid copy cat that works.  It is getting harder to find, however, and the price has been creeping closer to the $3 range.

#3

5 Hour Extra Strength - Always works.  Always available.

#2

Worx Energy Shot - New for mid 2010, Worx Energy is only $2 or less and provides a different, more powerful experience than the rest.  And with strong marketing it is here to stay.

#1

WINNER: Xtra Extra Strength Energy Shot - The cheapest buzz for your buck, Xtra continues to win with its affordability and ability to work.

NVE Pharmaceuticals Stacker 2 Xtra Energy Shot    US $34.59

Stacker 2 Xtra 6 hour Energy Shots 3 Flavor 9 Bottles    US $17.99

5 Hour Energy Xtra Strength Grape X S 5 Hr 12 SHOTS    US $27.50

Stacker 2 Xtra Berry 2oz Energy Shots    US $1.99

5 Hour Energy Xtra Strength Grape 24 shots    US $9.99

XTRA Stacker 2 Diet and Energy Shot 12 Bottles 3oz each    US $17.98

48 Stacker 2 Xtra Diet Energy Crave Control Shots 2 oz    US $59.00

Lot of 6 Stacker2 Xtra Berry Flavor Energy Shots 2fl oz Stacker 2    US $6.99

Stacker 2 Xtra Berry Flavor 6 Hour Energy Shot 6 Pack    US $13.99

5 Hour Energy Xtra Strength Grape X S 5 Hr 24 SHOTS    US $55.00

XTRA ENERGY SHOT 2FL OZ1 BOTTLEBERRY FLAVOR0 SUGAR    US $1.50

XTRA ENERGY SHOT 2FL OZ1 BOTTLEORANGE FLAVOR0 SUGAR    US $1.50

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At only a buck, the Xtra Extra Strength Energy shot, is the most energy for your dollar.

We interviewed Mary Mary, who donned a blazen orange vest and handed us a 5 hour energy shot and an Emergen-C immunity mix drink.  She said, "It is a free kick back for consumers who are staying up late.  It is a display of what these products can do for those that need to stay up late and push their bodies to the limit."

5 Hour Energy Drink 24 Bottles Pomegranate Fresh all Sealed Expires 2013    US $50.60

5 HOUR ENERGY 144 BOTTLES MIX THE FLAVORS YOU WANT    US $231.99

Living Essentials 5 hour Energy Berry 12 ea    US $23.99

Living Essentials 5 hour Energy Orange 12 ea    US $23.99

Living Essentials 5 Hour Energy Extra Strength Berry 12    US $27.99

Living Essentials 5 hour Energy Pomegranate 12 ea    US $23.99

Living Essentials 5 hour Energy Grape 12 ea    US $23.99

5 HOUR ENERGY DRINK 100 BOTTLES    US $122.50

24 PACK OF 5 HOUR ENERGY BERRY FLAVOR EXP 10 13 FREE SHIPPING IN US    US $59.99

5 Hour Turbo Energy Nasal Spray Creatine Taurine Caffeine Kola Green Tea    US $9.99

5 HOUR ENERGY DRINK NO CRASH 12 PACK FAST SHIPPING    US $21.59

New Pomegranate 72 Bottles 5 Hour Energy Drink    US $139.74

5 Hours energy drink    US $24.49

5 Hour Energy ORANGE Flavor 24 Shots with Free Expedited Shipping    US $47.39

5 Hour Turbo Snort Energy Nasal Spray Creatine Taurine Better Than Energy Shots    US $9.99

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Or is it to get the consumer hooked?  Whatever the intentions we know a good thing when we see it.

If you missed it, you can get 5 hour energy or Emergen-C mix drink at pretty much any retailer.

So you maybe having a hard time finding us in the search engine, but we haven't gone away.  Google decided they don't like us for whatever reason, but we are still going to bring you the news on social energy and energy shots for you dear dedicated reader.  We are making efforts to improve our site so we will get back on top.

How will we do this?  Social networking.

This product is average at best, but it's fun to have  as something to talk about.  Instead of the regular packaging and 2 ounce size it is shaped like a fat flattened Coca-Cola bottle and adds an extra 2.5 ounces to its mid section.

Taste is fruit flavored, and goes down easy enough.  Not sure how to describe it.  Fruity I guess.

Kick is mediocre.  It will get you through in a pinch for a little while.  The real reason to buy it as social piece to tweet about to your friends, post on your Facebook wall, and get LinkedIn with the makers of the product.  Let's hope this energy shot goes the way of MySpace.

And to do so we are going to need lots of facedrinks.  Lots and lots.  I love the description for this product.  It's so clever, it's funny, and topples over on the side of being corny:

I was super excited to try Hornet Juice, especially when I heard the source of the energy.  Unfortunately, I got stung, and not with energy.

There is a hornet that is feared across the Asian world known as the Giant Asian Hornet.  It's nicknamed the Swallow Hornet, because it is nearly the size of a small bird.  In a fierce orange color this fierce insect can destroy a whole bee colony with just 5 - 10 hornets.  The scary thing is is that the adults hardly eat anything once grown, pillaging food for their young.

However, they do need an energy source and they get it from the baby grubs they feed.  After feeding them, they tap on the babies who then open their mouth with a digested formula of amino acids that act like a natural stimulant.  This is what the giant asian hornet gets its strength from, and nearly 100% of it.

I had heard that athletes have been using it as a performance enhancing drug, and since it is amino acids that occur naturally it is not a banned substance, and breaks down easy, making it not a drug at all.  Looking into it I found a company in New Zealand who claims to produce such substance.  I was ecstatic.  I paid my $9 for 4 samples to HornetJuice.com and received the sample a week later.

The packaging says to take it before, during, or after work out, so I have tried all three.  Supposedly it helps burn fat and boost physical energy, and should be mixed in water or electrolytes drink.

This is the worst drink mix I have ever tasted, although other people are neutral on it.  No one has told me they actually like it.

Before workout I got sick, and noticed that my weight resistance training suffered.  I could not max out at my usual reps.

During workout I was able to workout the same, and felt neutral afterwards.  I was able to take a nap a little later.

After workout I took it immediately, and the stuff made me sick again.  Foggy headed, dry mouth, gurgling stomach.  It was not a fun experience.

And when all is said and done I found out that Hornet Juice was not real Hornet Juice, just a combination of amino acids supposedly mimmicing nature's brew.  You can understand my disappointment with all this.

Here's what is in the product: l-proline, glycine, l-lysine, l-threonine, l-leucine, l-tyrosine, l-valine, l-isoleucine, l-alanine, l-arginine, l-phenylalanine, l-glutamic acid, l-tryptophan, l-histidine, l-methionine, l-serine, l-aspartic acid.

Anyway, if you know where to get the REAL hornet juice let me know. Another similar product is known as VAAM and I have yet to try it. Review is forthcoming.

The Stacker 2 Xtra Vitamin Shot Rest And Relaxation Energy Shot provides a well needed respite for those heavy into energy shots looking for a break.  With ingredients that provide mental calming, relaxation, and a sense of well being this cheap 2 ounce drink is just what one needs to fight stress.

We wish Stacker 2 would make more of their products taste like this one.  Blissful blueberry is enjoyable to drink and makes you wish there was more than 2 ounces .  It uses valerian root and passion flower to put your mind at ease, and just a bit of chamomile to help with relaxation.

Other ingredients to help mental fortitude and a restful state include lemon balm, SAMe, white willow bark, l-tryptophan, and taurine.

This item was taken on a day that was extremely stressful with deadlines mounting and unhappy bosses breathing down the neck.  After taking the product I felt at ease within an hour.  The day was easier to take on, however, I wasn't too tired although I probably could have easily gone to bed if I had so chosen.

So ready for a break?  Think about Xtra's Vitamin Shot Rest And Relaxation Shot next time you need help with stress.

Stacker 2 Vitamin Shot B12 10000 Acai Pomegranate 12    US $19.99

Sebastianos Syrup Balance Vitamin B12 Booster Shots    US $21.07

48 CT 5 HOUR ORANGE ENERGY DRINK SHOT B VITAMINS    US $98.32

ENER B SHOT Vitamin B 12 5000 mcg 2 fl oz Liquid    US $9.85

Jamba Juice Acerola Caja Vitamin C Booster Shot 16 Ounce Bottles Pack of 2    US $24.30

Antiox Shot Emergen C Vitamin C Immune Booster Bene Via    US $39.95

1 STRONGEST B VITAMIN B1 B2 B3 B5 B6 CAFFEINE GREEN TEA GUARANA ENERGY SHOT    US $8.54

Aero Shot Pure Energy Inhalable Caffeine 100mg B Vitamins DRY ENERGY AEROSHOT    US $5.99

144 CT 5 HOUR BERRY ENERGY DRINK SHOT B VITAMINS    US $284.44

Stacker 2 Vitamin Shot B12 10000 12 2 fl oz 60ml Ac    US $22.61

Now Foods Choco Energy Vitamin B12 12 Shots    US $22.14

Jamba Acerola Caja Vitamin C Booster Daily Superfruit Shot 2 Bottles 16 oz Ea    US $26.99

48 Stacker 2 B 12 Vitamin Shots 2 oz    US $59.00

Jamba® Vitamin C Booster Daily Superfruit Shot Mango 2 Bottles 16 oz each    US $26.95

5 hr hour Extra Strength Energy Shot Drink 12 Pack Berry or Grape Vitamin B    US $26.99

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Product: Vitamin Shot Hangover Helper
Maker: Stacker 2 under the Xtra brand
Size: 2 fluid ounces
Flavor: Detox Lemonade
Rating: 4 out of 5
Flavor Rating: 3 out of 5

Another product from Stacker 2, this different take on the energy shot is a safe and effective way to counter the debilitating side effects of a late night of drinking and partying.  So it's the weekend, you are reading this and wondering what in the heck you are going to do as you can barely function after that crazy bachelor party.  However you spent your last remaining cents on that shotgun wedding in Las Vegas and need a quick out before the new missus takes it serious.

In steps in Vitamin Shot Hangover Helper.  This little shot tastes weird, but as a shots man, the detox lemonade flavor will go down easy and at 2 ounces, it's as easier than downing a shot of vodka.

Here's the rundown on how it works.  After you take it, the fog in your head should clear out from the assortment of necessary B vitamins.  Give your liver some relief with the potent antioxiant properties of Milk Thistle Seed Extract.  With a little help from green tea, ginger root, niacin, and taurine will help get the hammer out of your head and get back on the road to recovery.

So with this down you, you are able to make a quick exit and get on with your day, and no one will be the wiser.  The only thing that would make it better is a little caffeine to boost your energy, but otherwise it's an effective product for hangover relief.  And at only a couple bucks in price, well worth a binge fix.

Vtg DR SELTZERS HANGOVER HELPER Shirt Funny Xs Extra Small    US $11.39

EMBROIDERED PILL CASE BOX WEEKLY DAY DORM ROOM STORAGE    US $14.99

HANGOVER RELEASE Herbal Helper 48 Bottle Case Free Ship    US $189.95

EMBROIDERED TRAVEL PILL CASE VITAMINS STORAGE BOX 7 DAY    US $14.99

EMBROIDERED PILL CASE BOX REMOVABLE WEEKLY 7 DAY    US $14.99

I Party Hard Glass Hangover Helper Shaker Mixer Drink Remedies Recipes Barware    US $19.99

PILL CASE BOX 7 DAY BIRTHDAY PARTY FAVOR TEACHERS GIFT    US $14.99

Uncle Rummies HANGOVER HELPER    US $11.95

UNCLE RUMMIES Hangover Helper Headache Nausea Pills    US $5.99

21st Birthday Survival Kit Pin Hangover Helper Shotglas    US $24.97

OXYGEN REJUVENATION BAR RELAX AROMA THERAPY STRESS HANGOVER MIGRAINE HELPER    US $325.00

Hangover Helper Packets 30 Packets x 2 Tablets    US $18.99

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B vitamin shots are popular in holistic and natural health circles for their claims of natural energy and as a necessary vitamin our body needs.  This is definitely true, but to get a B vitamins shot from a doctor, holistic practitioner, or a regular vitamin store is expensive.

That's where Stacker 2's Vitamin Shot B12 comes in.  A 2 ounce liquid drink that only costs $1 and found most anywhere, including dollar stores, anyone can get that B12 shot they are looking for without doctor visits, consultations, needles, or creams.  Just open, drink and go.

With 10,000% of the daily recommended value of B12 it packs a significant punch, but be assured that no one has over dosed by going over the recommended amount and most products, including energy shot products provide this large kick of B12 with no problems.  Expect a really kick in the pants if your body is lacking B12, and after a few doses you should level out but still maintain reasonable amounts of energy.

The B12's flavor is a bit tart but easy to swallow with its acai and pomegranate flavor.  Plus, you are not drinking it as a casual treat, but just to get the necessary vitamins you need.

One thing to be aware of is the B12 shot does also contain about a cup of coffee worth of caffeine so if you are sensitive to this or don't take caffeine then this may not be the product for you.  Other things to be aware of is a possible niacin flush which is a tingling or warm sensation just under the epidermal layer of the skin.  This is normal and most like the feeling.

Other ingredients include niacin, vitamin B6, B12 (of course), folic acid, sodium, taurine, glucuronolactone, n-acetly, l-tyrosine, among others.

All in all a good alternative to expensive B12 vitamin shots.

Stacker 2 Vitamin Shot B12 10000 Acai Pomegranate 12    US $19.99

Sebastianos Syrup Balance Vitamin B12 Booster Shots    US $21.07

ENER B SHOT Vitamin B 12 5000 mcg 2 fl oz Liquid    US $9.85

Stacker 2 Vitamin Shot B12 10000 12 2 fl oz 60ml Ac    US $22.61

Now Foods Choco Energy Vitamin B12 12 Shots    US $22.14

48 Stacker 2 B 12 Vitamin Shots 2 oz    US $59.00

ENER B SHOT VITAMIN B 12 LIQUID QUICK ENERGY METABOLISM 5000MCG BERRY 2 oz DROPS    US $12.34

You can't go wrong with a free energy shot, and Worx energy shots are already cheaper than most 5 hour energy shot and major competitors, so it's a win win.  Get it before this offer dries up.

Nitro2go, one of the largest energy shot manufacturers on the market, has upped themselves with the Nitro2go Mega Shot.  Improving upon the Nitro2go Energy Shot, Nitro 2 go Inc has made a value bottle with 2 shots in one bottle.  We review the pomegrape flavor but there are many other smartie flavors to choose from.

The bottle claims 14 HOURS OF ENERGY.  Which of course is not going to happen.  I have yet to find a shot that will give me a true FULL 5 hours of energy, although some come close.  Beyond 5 hours it's all marketing folks.

However, Nitro2go is one of the best energy shots, ranking as number three 5 hour energy alternative in 2008, and number one in 2009.  It mirrors 5 hour in taste and consistency.

This 4 ounce bottle has twice the juice as a regular instant energy shot, so you can get two intense doses of insanity in one container.  It is the same ingredients and product, just in different packaging.  For further information see the review from the link above.

If you want to save money, this mega shot will cut down on costs by about 33% so it is a good deal if you like Nitro2go.  However, the bigger container is not as easy to pack around, and may annoy some to try and guess the amount of one shot, leading to too much energy, which may or may not be fun.

NITRO 2 GO BOTTLE OPENER KEY CHAIN RED    US $1.00

12 BOTTLES OF NITRO2GO UP TO 7 HOURS INSTANT ENERGY    US $19.99