A few weeks back, I discovered by chance a combination of two different products which combined to be quite tasty (and quite a kick too).  As an experiment, I combined MioEnergy Green Thunder and PowerPak Electrolyte packs to make a healthier alternative to an energy drink but without sacrificing the kick.  Here is a picture I took.

So, you might be thinking that because it lacks carbs, sugar, and calories that it's some kind of diet energy drink, right?  Wrong.  Well, kinda wrong.  It does contain a few artificial sweeteners, 5 grams of sugar, and 6 grams of carbs, including 40 calories.  So it is in a way, kinda dietish.

Now comes the fun part, what makes it kick.  The MioEnergy packs in Taurine, Guarana, Ginseng, and 120mg of Caffeine (for 2 squirts), while the PowerPaks (2 of them) hold 4000% Vitamin C, all 4 major electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium) by contrast Gatorade only has 2.  7 different B vitamins, Zinc, Selenium, Manganese, Chromium and Boron.  These aren't minerals you'd find in your everyday Red Bull or Monster.

But what about the taste?  To me, it tastes like a flat Monster knockoff.  It really does taste like an energy drink (a watered-down one though), just without the carbonation.  It's goes down smooth like water or juice.

And the best part?  This beverage can be customized in different ways.  MioEnergy is the main product (the one that gives it it's kick), and the PowerPaks are to enhance the flavor and to help retain hydration better.  Marketed energy drinks do nothing but dehydrate you, but having all 4 major electrolytes in the same beverage helps cancel out some of the dehydration that is common with caffeinated drinks.

Another great benefit, which you won't get from standard energy drinks is that Vitamin C helps absorb Calcium faster, and calcium helps boost metabolism.  More so than from Caffeine alone.

If anybody's interested in trying it out, here's the link for the PowerPak Electrolyte Packets via Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Trace-Minerals-Electrolyte-Limeade-32-Count/dp/B001Y281R2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330544480&sr=8-1

These can't be found at most grocery stores, but MioEnergy can be found at most grocery stores, so no need to put a link for Mio.  There are also other flavors of PowerPaks available, but it might not taste very good with MioEnergy though.  I use Cherry-Limeade flavored packs.

The best part about all this is that you can customize how much or how little of each product you want, but proceed with caution.  Too much of either one can pose health risks, so try a small amount at first.  It's a shame that commercialized energy drinks don't allow for this kind of customization. 

It's also much cheaper to mix up a couple of Mio squirts and PowerPaks together than to buy a can of Red Bull or Monster.  ($4 for MioEnergy bottle/9 servings per bottle=44 cents, + $0.23/pack (out of 32 on Amazon) *2=46 cents.  Add the 2, and 16oz of THIS stuff sets you back at $0.90.  You can have *THIS* 3 times for the same price as ONE 16oz. can of Monster or Red Bull)  And this stuff's better for you too.

And another cool tip, MioEnergy can be added to more than just water.  I mixed some with Greek Yogurt and Protein Shakes too for an extra kick.  But don't add any to already caffeinated beverages.  It's can be dangerous to do so.

This may not be the best "healthy energy/sports drink alternative" out there, but it's a start.

Would you try this, or come up with some alternative customized beverage of your own to try and outsmart the competition?
Comments would be appreciated.