Tonic Health Shot

Product Type:Functional: Relaxation Drink; Container: 2.5 oz PET
BevNET Review: The Calm variety of Tonic Health Shot is a pleasant-tasting spiced tea-flavored shot. In our tests, this was one of the flavors that we preferred, especially since it’s something that is unique to the Tonic line. And functionally, we like how they’ve differentiated this product as well, with ashwagandha, chamomile, and L-5 hydroxytryptophan. Aside from chamomile, which is very common in relaxation drinks and shots, their approach is different than some of the other brands that are utilizing ingredients that are found in sleep aids (such as melatonin and valerian root). Packaging is a clean looking 2.5 oz. PET bottle, which they’ve decorated with a pleasant looking blue, black, and white color scheme. Plus, it’s soothing visual appearance definitely helps to reinforce the product’s functional benefits. Definitely worth a try.Reviewed on: 2/17/2011

Product Type:Functional: Other Shots; Container: 2.5 oz PET
BevNET Review: One of the two Tonic varieties that does not contain caffeine, Immunity features ingredients that are commonly accepted to help boost your immune system. These include vitamin C, Echinacea, zinc, grape seed extra, and chlorella powder. The aroma of the shot is a bit off putting, but fortunately, this does not carry over to the flavor of the shot. It uses a sweetener blend of sugar and stevia, which keeps the calories at 20 and still manages to bring a good amount of sweetness to the product. The flavor is probably best described as grape-orange-strawberry, with notes of sweet and sour throughout. On the outside, the product has a nice visual appearance, starting with the bottle shape that looks like a miniature beverage bottle. The red color scheme is appealing to the eye and fits well, particularly given the function and flavor of this variety. The bottle is easy to read aside from the tiny “tonic no 1” that’s found towards the bottom of the front panel. And speaking of the numbering system, it’s not really clear what this is supposed to mean – is it the order you are supposed to consume them or something else? Overall, it’s an enjoyable product, but we wonder how well an immunity variety will sell relative to the other caffeine enhanced offerings that make up this brand.Reviewed on: 2/17/2011

Product Type:Functional: Other Shots; Container: 2.5 oz PET
BevNET Review: Of the flavors that make up the Tonic Health Shot line, this one was our least favorite. The reason is the shot’s flavor, which tastes overly medicinal (think cough syrup) to the point where it’s not up to the same standard as its linemates. And for us, it also undermines the function, Focus, since the flavor is definitely something that will get your attention. Functionally, the product has caffeine (120mg), gotu kola, guarana, and ginkgo biloba. Considering that this product has more caffeine than your typical 8 oz. energy drink as well as other functional ingredients that are found in energy drinks, it’s hard to understand what makes this a focus shot rather than just another energy shot. Ultimately, the harsh flavor and lack of functional differentiation make this a variety that we’d skip.Reviewed on: 2/17/2011

Product Type:Functional: Energy Shot; Container: 2.5 oz PET
BevNET Review: In the grand scheme of the energy shot category, Tonic Health Shot “Energy” is one of the more palatable energy shots out there. That’s not to say that it tastes as good as an energy drink or traditional RTD beverage, but Tonic Energy doesn’t have the harsh burn that’s found in so many of the energy shots on the market today. Instead, the product has what we’d describe as a tea flavor, with the stevia (it also uses 5g of sugar) creating an almost mint-like flavor to the finish. For its functional cocktail, this product features 150mg of natural caffeine, D-Ribose, yerba mate, guarana, and B vitamins. With that level of caffeine, Tonic Energy will definitely pack some punch. The packaging is a 2.5 oz. PET bottle, which looks almost like a miniature version of the ubiquitous 16.9 oz. stock bottle of the same shape. They’ve done a nice job with the logo and colors, with the product looking especially nice when it’s stocked next to the brand’s other offerings. However, we don’t see the value of the numbering system: it feels more like a distraction than a benefit. Otherwise, we very much appreciate the fact that the text on the bottle is at a size that’s easily readable. Finally, it would be helpful if the product had some way to explain or substantiate the “health shot” tag line. Still, a very enjoyable all natural energy shot.Reviewed on: 2/17/2011