NOW FoodsB-12 10,000mcg Shots 0.5 ounce 12 Count Box Mixed Berry

These Now Foods B-12 Energy Shots are free of all common allergens, and they work gently and quite well. If you are used to guzzling traditional energy drinks, these may not seem as strong at first because there is no caffeine, sugar, taurine, guarana, etc., but that also means there shouldn't be any jitters, or heart palpitations while you're enjoying the energy rush, and there is definitely no annoying sugar crash later. These shots are sweetened with healthy xylitol, not sugar. Xylitol tastes sweet, like sugar, but has no weird aftertaste, the way stevia can. The rush lasts a good, long time, about 4-6 hours, or maybe longer, which is better than most drinks and on par with competing unhealthy energy shots. The box recommends taking only one shot a day, preferably in the morning. It doesn't say what could happen if you take more than one at once, or more than one per day, so I wouldn't recommend it.This Mixed Berry flavor actually tastes pretty good, considering (which is to say, it's not great, but okay). You just shake it up, twist off the recyclable plastic tube top and squirt it in your mouth; one or two squeezes gets the job done. I've tried other energy shots like this and they tasted beyond awful and didn't seem to work that good. Normally, all energy drinks, even the tiny 5 Hour Energy or 6 Hour Stacker types, make me sick due to whatever horrible chemical and other junk they stick in them reacting with my food allergies, plus all that sugar, caffeine, and/or carbonation isn't good for me (and I doubt it is for anyone else, either).What I need is a quick, reliable, cheap energy source that is also allergen-free and gentle on my body. This one has no salt, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, or shellfish (and is suitable for vegans and vegetarians, if that's your thing), so it fits the bill nicely. There are no artificial colors or flavors, no sugar.Aside from the "full spectrum of B-vitamins and supporting nutrients" (including Vitamin C, Niacin, Biotin, Riboflavin, Choline, Inositol, Pantothenic Acid, and Folic Acid), the other ingredients are: de-ionized water, vegetable glycerine, xylitol, natural berry and cherry flavors, malic acid, potassium sorbate (as preservative), and natural french vanilla flavor.You get the 10,000 mcg of B-12, which is 166,667% of the daily value, 500% of B-6, 200% of B-1, 167% of C, and 200-500% of everything else, except the two ingredients that have no daily value established (inositol and choline, each of which are delivered at 5 mg).Unfortunately, this product is hard to find in stores, even health food ones, but the price here is really good. Now Foods also makes two other energy shots: ChocoEnergy and L-Carnitine 2,000 (neither available on Amazon as of this writing), but I haven't tried those. I use Now Foods vitamins (also allergen-free) and think they are really good.These B-12 energy shots are the perfect alternative for a healthier energy drink, and just about the only choice for today's "on-the-go" people with food allergies, or chemical sensitivities, or anyone who is sick or scared of hurting themselves with the harsh energy drinks lining supermarket and convenience store shelves.UPDATE (May 20, 2011): I've been using this product as recommended for almost two weeks now and can happily say it works well (of course, some days seem better than others depending on my sleep schedule and/or motivation). No weird side affects, no allergic reactions. Good stuff!UPDATE (October 26, 2012): If you prefer a traditional energy drink in a can that's allergen-free, I recommend Opta Energy, Organic Passion Orange Energy Drink, 12/12 Oz which is organic and without the weird, nasty stuff found in regular energy drinks. It comes in two different fruit flavors, both decent tasting, and they certainly do the trick. You get 1.5 servings per can.

I had been feeling very run down and sort of over whelmed by my busy life and decided to try this product out in the hopes of regaining some energy and general positivity. Well, it worked... for me and my wife. We are both VERY busy and both in our early 40s and don't always eat "healthy". We take one of these in the morning and we have more energy and feel better in general throughout each of our hectic days.. I am finding I don't need to eat as much and I feel more rested in the mornings now also after two weeks of taking this daily. Obviously every body will have a different reaction to taking a supplements, but this has definitely helped our energy levels and and overall sense of well being.The taste is kind of strong but not bad. It tastes like raw B vitamin to me with some syrup mixed in.. I am very used to it now but it is strong and you'll want to chase it with some water or something.NOTE: The only thing to be wary of is when you open the little tubes, don't squeeze on the sides of them or else the little bit of dark brown liquid trapped in the top will leak out and make a mess.. you have to twist the top gingerly and once the seal is cracked the little bit in the top will drain back down and then you can pull the top off.EDIT: 10 years later and I am still taking this product. Love it!

I decided to try the NOW foods B-12 10,000 mcg shots to help combat the fatigue that unfortunately comes with my Multiple Sclerosis (Dxed 1995). I noticed after only two days of use, I was feeling much more alert & for much longer in the day. I did not feel any caffeine like jitters, just a great sense of being alert. I also purchased the Now Foods Instant Energy B12 2000 mcg packets to carry with me during the day & they also work very well. The taste is not bad on either product. I take the shot in the morning when I awaken & I'm good to go for the day. I use the packets when I feel that I need a boost. I just open the package & pour the contents in my mouth & wash it down with a drink. I've noticed that my concentration has greatly improved. I have renewed interest in my hobbies (baseball cards & model making) which really helps with my overall well being. I love to read & I have found that I can read & concentrate much longer. For being a MS patient for 17 years, I feel that the NOW Food B12 products have & are helping me greatly on a daily basis. I highly recommend them.

For several years I have relied on NOW Energy B-12 packets with powdered contents that tasted pretty good that you could put in your mouth and it would dissolve right away. These new liquid vials smell like B vitamins and are hard to separate from each other (need scissors). When you finally get one and twist the top after shaking it as instructed, a bit of sticky fluid pops out onto your fingers and onto whatever you open it over. It tastes very strong, even in a glass of pineapple juice. I tried taking it straight, but that was rough. Disappointed in their decision to take the product this route. I think it works to give energy - kind of a quiet energy but steady on all day, which is why I use it. That's why I didn't give it one star.

Great product works nice

I have been diagnosed with stage 4 peritoneal mesothelioma. My endurance and energy were starting to wane. My daily walks became shorter and shorter and I was exhausted and short of breath. So, I ordered some NOW B-12 as my medonc doc was going to give me a shot before chemo. I have since declined chemo.After two days -2 shots - of the Now 10,000 mcg supplement I went out for a walk and had seriously renewed energy. Went my normal 3 miles. Much improved energy and attitude .Flavor is fine. Packaging is fine, once you are used to it.