Energy Drink Review: Jolt Cola's Jolt Energy

Price: $0.99 - $2.50

Size: 16 fluid ounces

Availability: Most markets.

Website: http://www.joltenergy.com

The original Jolt Cola came out in 1985, produced by Wet Planet Beverages. It was purposely produced with extra caffeine and marketed as a high caffeine soda. Kind of a similar concept to Coke's line of Vault sodas. Vault as you may know is very similar to Surge which was initially taken off the market due to high caffeine (this was before the energy drink craze).

But back to the drink at hand here. Jolt Energy is basically Jolt Cola's take on an energy drink. What we have is an already high caffeine soda mixed with the standard energy drink ingredients.

The first thing I noticed was the can, which is in the shape of a battery and features a resealable cap. I picked one up because it was on sale for 99 cents and worth a try.

The taste:

I went with the original "cola" flavor known as Jolt Power Cola. I did this because I wanted to taste the original Jolt flavor (which I've never tasted) and because this flavor has the least amount of calories and sugar.

First sip and I could taste the cola like flavor. Reminded me slightly of Red Bull's all natural cola. Sadly Jolt is far from all natural. There was also a sweet taste to the drink.

It is carbonated which gives it a slightly harsh taste, you can't drink this one quick. The flavor was ok but felt a bit inconsistent at times. Some sips were syrupy like a thick cola and other sips were watery.

The kick:

With a name like Jolt, you expect a good hard energy kick. Jolt does deliver on this promise. This is the kind of energy drink that you can't sit still after drinking. If that is your thing, by all means this drink is worth a try. I managed to sit at my laptop and do my freelance work for the day, but I could feel that urge to jump up and run around.

The kick came in quickly and while Jolt doesn't disclose the amount of caffeine in it's drink, I suspect it is more caffeine than most of the other standard energy drinks. The kick is also delivered in part due to basic energy drink staples such as ginseng, B vitamins, and guarana.

Due to the slightly harsh carbonated taste I couldn't drink it all within a few minutes, so i found myself finishing it off over the course of about 2 hours. Lets just say the energy stayed strong and I felt quite wired.

I felt alert although a bit jumpy as the Jolt did its thing. After 4-5 hours after taking the first sip I still have a decent bit of caffeine fueled energy coursing through my system and the crash is not too noticeable.

I'll point out that Jolt seems to have made a wise decision in making these drinks. While there is 25 grams of sugar per 8 ounce serving, this is around the average for most energy drinks and still far below many soda's sugar content. This makes the crash a little less harsh.

Overall:

For 99 cents I was impressed. Even at regular price of just under $2.00 in most markets, this is a good deal and a great pick me up drink that lasts and you can drink throughout the day.

If you need to a good energy boost day or night, this is a very, very good choice. For those who have become immune to standard energy drinks or coffee, Jolt cola will work for you as well. Those not used to caffeine may want to stay away from this drink or only drink a small amount per day.