We’ve all heard the slogan, “5-hour Energy shots give you the energy you need, without the crash later”. Their commercials are always on TV. The question is, does the science back up the claim?

Well, in a lawsuit against the manufacturer’s company “Living Essentials”, Oregon’s attorney general presented evidence that about 1 in 4 people actually do experience a “moderately severe crash that left them extremely tired and in need of rest, another drink or some other action”. What about all those “healthy” additives like vitamin B and amino acids found in the drink? They help give you energy too, right? Not quite. According to independent laboratory research by consumerlabs.com (not affiliated with Consumer Reports),  there is little evidence that these ingredients provide the average person with a boost of energy. Consumer Reports writes that “5-hour energy will probably chase away grogginess at least as well as a cup of coffee”

The bottom line is, 5-hour energy still contains about as much caffeine as a grande coffee at Starbucks. So 5-hour energy, without the crash? Not entirely. But hey, if you need the energy boost, there’s no harm in giving it a “shot”, no pun intended. And like all things in life, enjoy it in moderation and don’t go drinking this stuff everyday.