Kelly the Culinarian: Food find: Tab energy drinks

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Food find: Tab energy drinks

When energy drinks got big when I was in college, I didn't think much of them. Red Bull was the big drink that was everywhere -- the Red Bull team even came on campus and left a can at every dorm and in the office of my newspaper, The Bradley Scout. I was never a huge fan of the flavor -- it was just too bitter and unfamiliar. Also, Red Bull and vodka may be a popular drink, but I just can't support mixing a depressant like alcohol with a stimulant like Red Bull. Jagerbombs are cool and dandy, but because Red Bull is a bit pricey, it's usually one of those overpriced drinks you only order if someone else is paying or for a celebration.

Red Bull was the beginning of the trend and now dozens of energy drinks exist. Even though this article says these drinks typically contain less caffeine than coffee, I really don't want to drink coffee in the desert heat of Arizona during August.

And sometimes, I need a little kick. I'm trying to savor my last few days in Arizona and I've been putting in some long hours, so I've tried a few. My new favorite is Tab energy drink. It's five calories and tastes like a Jolly Rancher hard candy. So delicious. It doesn't make me "crash" after a few hours like many high-caffeine products and there's no nasty aftertaste.

I'm not particularly thrilled that the company's Web site says they specifically market the product to "women with a sense of style and purpose." I had no idea a $2 drink could say all that. It's a good thing I only judge food by how it tastes.

8 comments:

Lia said...

i used to drank red bulk when i have no enough slept at night, just to make me awake in the office:D

FH said...

I have never tasted these before,my fave energy drink is chilled water!:D
I like what you said in the last paragraph!So true:)

East Meets West Kitchen said...

I enjoyed Tab and Red Bull in the past, but now my kids are my main source of caffeine as they keep me going non-stop. LOL!

A Mature Student said...

It's been ages since I've seen a Tab drink. Was very popular in Australia but we don't see them in UK.

Cynthia said...

Do the drinks actually work, Kelly?

KellytheCulinarian said...

I also like the design of the can. I do think the drink gave me a little extra kick and enough energy to get through the day. It may simply be a placebo-type effect, but with the lack of sleep I've had lately, I'll take what I can get.

WokandSpoon said...

Back when I was a spring chicken, I used to drink red bull and vodka...though I've now heard of cases where people have had heart problems from drinking that combination! i think the combination might even be banned in some countries now! I know red bull is banned in France!
But I have to say, I do resort to the odd red bull when i'm extremely tired and need a slight kick!

Sylvia said...

When I was a child ,I enjoyed Tab ,but I never saw again. Now your posting is about energy drinks ,and I surprised to found again in energy drink version