Over the last couple of decades, energy shots have become immensely popular. Kirkland Energy Shots, which Costco sells under their Kirkland Signature brand, are one of the most popular energy shots on the market. How much caffeine is in a Kirkland Energy Shot? It contains a sizable 180 mg of caffeine, equal to about 2.5 cups of regular coffee. Read on to find out how that compares to other energy shots and other energy drinks.
How Much Caffeine Do Kirkland Energy Shots Contain?
Kirkland sells two energy shots: the regular formula and the “extra strength” formula. Both contain almost the same amount of caffeine. The regular Kirkland Energy Shots contain 180 mg of caffeine, while the Extra Strength Energy Shots contain 190.
Although that’s not a massive amount of caffeine compared to other energy drinks, it’s still quite a bit. Kirkland’s Energy Shots also contain an “energy blend” that contains L-Tyrosine and Taurine amino acids. They also contain B vitamins which, together with their amino acids and caffeine, produce the desired effect of a quick increase in energy, focus, and attention.
Caffeine Content Comparison
Below is a comparison of some of the most popular energy shots with their caffeine content and added energy-producing ingredients listed.
| Energy Shot Product | Caffeine Content | Other Energy Ingredients |
| Kirkland Energy Shots | 180 mg | L-Tyrosine, Taurine, B Vitamins |
| Kirkland Energy Shot Extra Strength | 190 mg | L-Tyrosine, Taurine,
B Vitamins |
| 5-hour Energy | 200 mg | L-Tyrosine,
L-Phenylalanine |
| Forto Coffee Shot | 225 mg | Cane Sugar |
| SToK Coffee Shots | 40 mg | Corn syrup |
| Tru Focus Shot | 150 mg | Choline bitartrate, CoQ10, Rhodiola Rosea, Yerba Mate |
| Daily Power Energy Shot | 220 mg | Panax Ginseng, Taurine,
B Vitamins |
| NEU Extra Strength Energy Shots | 300 mg | L-Tyrosine, Acetyl L-Carnitine, L-Theanine, Choline Bitartrate |
| Brain Juice Booster Shot | 75 mg | B-12 (megadose) |
| Qualia Nootropic
Energy Shot |
90 mg | American Ginseng, L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, L-Tryptophan |
| Vitamin Energy Shots | 260 mg | L-Carnitine, Taurine,
B Vitamins |
All About Energy Shots
What Are Energy Shots?
Energy shots are the nickname given to any drink with a small amount of liquid but a high amount of caffeine and other energizing ingredients. The first “energy shot” was 5-hour Energy, which burst onto the US marketplace in 2004. Energy shots are a direct offshoot of energy drinks, including one of the most famous and popular, Red Bull. There are several others, of course, including Monster Energy, Rockstar, Jolt Cola, Kickstart, and several more.
What’s the Difference Between Energy Shots and Energy Drinks?
The difference between energy drinks and energy shots is simple; the size. While the typical energy drink comes in a 16 oz can (474 ml), energy shots are typically 1 or 2 ounces (30 or 60 ml). That’s a huge difference in the amount of liquid one would have to drink to get the same amount of caffeine and energy-producing ingredients. It’s also the main reason energy shots have become so popular.
What’s the Difference Between Energy Shots and Coffee?
There are several differences between energy shots and coffee. Yes, both contain significant amounts of caffeine, and both will give you energy and help you focus, but that’s where the similarities end. Energy shots contain a wide variety of other ingredients to produce energy. They include L-Tyrosine, taurine, B vitamins, L-Phenylalanine, cane sugar, corn syrup, choline bitartrate, CoQ10, Rhodiola Rosea, Yerba mate, Panax Ginseng, and more. Also, energy shots contain various artificial ingredients, colors, and preservatives compared to regular coffee.
Interesting Facts About Energy Shots
- Although they provide energy and focus, energy shots can also cause higher stress levels, difficulty sleeping, metabolism problems, and increased blood pressure.
- A standard energy shot has 200 mg of caffeine. On average, a can of energy drink has only 75 mg of caffeine.
- Some energy shots use synthetic caffeine. However, since they are chemically identical, your body processes both types of caffeine similarly.
- The moderate daily intake of caffeine that’s considered safe by the FDA, Health Canada, and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is 400 mg.
- Energy shots are considered a dietary supplement. Energy drinks, on the other hand, are considered “conventional food.”
Final Thoughts
Energy shots are one of the most popular caffeinated products on the market and are getting more popular. When you consider how fast-paced the world has become, that’s not surprising. What is surprising is how quickly they took the thunder away from espresso, the high-caffeine coffee that’s been around for centuries. One reason is the convenience factor, as energy shots are easy to purchase, no brewing or preparation is necessary, and they can be drunk in mere seconds. They’re a fast, easy way to keep your eyes open and your mind focused.
You may also be interested in:
- How Much Caffeine in Monster Hydro Energy Drinks?
- How Much Caffeine in Monster Assault Energy Drinks?
- How Much Caffeine Is In E6 Energy Shot?
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