In a time where Americans will drive the extra mile to save a couple cents per-gallon on gas, there is a booming new energy drink category that sells for twenty times more than Coca-Cola – the energy shot.

An increasing amount of people are dropping their $3 cups of coffee, and picking up these $3 2-ounce energy shots – and most of them taste horrible.

The market for energy shots is expected to increase by 100% this year, to 700 million in sales – and a majority of those sales will be of Living Essentials’ 5 Hour Energy shot, the first energy shot on the market.

Several companies are already following in 5 Hour’s footsteps – products like 6 Hour Power, Fuel 7 Hour Energy, and Mr. Energy 8 Hour Energy are all competing to tap into the energy shot world.

8 Hour Energy, though the name is similar, has taken the industry a few steps further. In addition to caffeine, it includes Acai, Gogi, and Tahitian Noni – three popular berries known for their dietary and energizing properties. Usually, these berries can only be attained by purchasing a $40 bottle of juice.

On top of everything, The 8 Hour shot has zero carbs or calories, and it tastes good!

“I’ve seen the 5 Hour ads plastered all over the media. But if people read the labels before they buy, I think they’ll go for 8 Hour Energy. It’s just a better quality product,” says Darin Steen, one of the top ranked health and fitness instructors in the world.

In a blind test conducted at the University of Florida, 9 out of 10 students preferred the 8 Hour shot over 5 Hour Energy. Another study gave out samples of the Mr Energy 8 Hour shot during finals week, and students returned with rave reviews.

“Wow… after taking the 8 Hour Energy, not only was I able to stay up to study for finals, I picked up a basketball game after! Without it, I probably wouldn’t have managed to do either,” said Troy Smith – a Finance major.

“Mr Energy 8 Hour Energy shots are amazing. I stayed energized and focused, and totally aced my final. It’s like time in a bottle,” said Stephanie Wilcox – a grad student at the Dentistry school.

Despite 5 Hour Energy’s 60 million dollar advertising budget, Bhelliom Enterprises, the creator of 8 Hour Energy, is confident that their product is superior. “The ingredients speak for themselves,” says CEO of Bhelliom Enterprises, Casey McCarthy.