Are you a fan of the popular DynaPep energy shots?
I get it; sometimes, we all need that extra boost to power through our busy days or intense workouts.
So here's the burning question: just how much caffeine is packed into these little energy micro-shots? Short answer - a lot.
Now join me on a caffeine-fueled rollercoaster ride while I review energizing properties of DynaPep shots.
*Update - DynaPep has been discontinued and is no longer being produced. You can find it available on Amazon and other retailers, although supplies are limited.
How Much Caffeine Is In DynaPep Micro Energy Shot?
In DynaPep Micro Energy Shot, you will find 100 mg of caffeine per 0.14 fl oz shot.
The FDA recommendation is up to 400 milligrams a day to avoid side effects, so 100 mg in DynaPep is not that much.[1]
In fact, that is the average amount of caffeine for an energy drink.
However, there is one difference: the amount of liquid. I'm not saying there is a difference in the potency of caffeine if you dilute it in more liquids.
For example, a 10 oz drink, you need at least 20 minutes or so.
On the other hand, you will drink DynaPep in the blink of an eye, so 100 mg of caffeine will instantly enter your bloodstream in comparison to gradual consumption.
That is why you will feel the powerful effects of this micro energy shot immediately.
DynaPep Explained For Caffeine Connoisseurs
Let's check what DynaPep Micro Energy Shot is made of and what it tastes like.
Even more important than the taste is how it makes you feel, and I will give you my impressions.
What Are The Ingredients?
The ingredients profile of DynaPep is rather usual for energy drinks.
You will find some fancy words such as "adrenaline-inducing" on the label, but the key ones are caffeine, vitamin B12, and vitamin E.
Other ingredients, such as sodium alginate and xanthan gum, are well-known food additives that affect the product's texture, taste, shelf life, and other features.
Although they are not the healthiest thing you can consume, they are completely safe, as is this energy shot.
The exception is if you are a cancer survivor or have a genetic predisposition to cancer since such a high dose of vitamin B is considered a risk factor for your health.[2]
What Does DynaPep Taste Like?
DynaPep shot is available in four flavors.
Fresh Mint is my favorite flavor. It's not perfect, but it's refreshing, and the most important thing - it doesn't leave a terrible chemical aftertaste like some other energy shots.
Berry is just fine; you can swallow it. I recommend drinking water right after to wash away the aftertaste.
I couldn't find Cinnamon, which is not surprising considering that DynaPep has been discontinued and that it is increasingly hard to find any flavor.
If you try Cinnamon, please tell me in the comments if it's better or worse than Mint.
Many years ago, I tried the original, and honestly speaking, it was awful. I can't remember any similar flavor to compare it with, but it's certainly not something you want to consume often.
How Does DynaPep Make You Feel?
I'm always skeptical when I'm about to try an energy shot because at least a few of them caused me unpleasant feelings - jitters and nervousness.
After just a few minutes, I felt a tingling sensation, which made me think that I would also classify DynaPep in the group of energy shots that I generally avoid.
Yet, these 100 mg of caffeine proved to be fast-acting but not too powerful.
I felt a pleasant boost in mental alertness and focus. After about 20 minutes, I felt an energy surge, and I was ready for a workout.
Individual factors influence how you will feel after taking this energy shot.
This is my experience, and I am a 6.1 ft tall and 170 lbs heavy male in my late twenties. Too much caffeine and the jitters might set in, leaving you restless, so be careful.
Caffeine In DynaPep Shot Vs Coffee
If you are thinking of replacing your morning cup of coffee (or black tea) with a DynaPep shot, you can do it.
Double espresso, my go-to option in the morning, has only slightly higher caffeine levels than a DynaPep shot. The difference is about 20 mg, a negligible amount of caffeine.
Of course, I would recommend espresso because it is tastier and healthier than an energy shot full of artificial ingredients. Still, if you don't have time for coffee, DynaPep will deliver.
Comparing DynaPep Energy Shot With Other Energy Drinks
The options seem endless when it comes to other drinks for fueling our bodies with a quick burst of energy.
This is how DynaPep Energy Shot stacks up against the best-selling energy drinks in the world: 5-Hour Energy Shot, Bang Energy Shot, and Red Bull.
DynaPep Energy Drink Vs 5-Hour Energy Shot
5-Hour Energy Shot contains 200 milligrams of caffeine strength per serving, twice as much as DynaPep. That's a lot of caffeine, even for a full-size beverage.
It is behind only Bang/Redline energy shots in terms of caffeine content.
DynaPep Energy Shot Vs Bang Energy Shot
Bang Energy Shot is three times more potent than DynaPep.
It is intended for experienced exercisers and those who are not sensitive to caffeine. Otherwise, 300 mg of caffeine strength in just 3 fl oz shot will undoubtedly trigger side effects.
That’s like adding 6 espresso shots to your Starbucks coffee.
DynaPep Energy Shot Vs Red Bull
With its iconic branding and wide availability, Red Bull has been the most dominant player on the market for more than two decades.
Red Bull contains approximately 80 mg of caffeine per 8.4 fl oz (250 ml) can, which means it has less caffeine compared to the DynaPep energy shot, although the difference is insignificant.
Sugar levels are much higher in Red Bull, though, and high sugar levels also contribute to energy boosts and subsequent crashes.
Red Bull has not yet launched its energy shot, so let's wait and see if they will try to make such a ready-to-drink pre-workout.
Where Can You Buy DynaPep Micro-Shot?
The official website has been unavailable since DynaPep stopped operating, so you should check your local grocery store or supplement store first.
Many gyms sell energy drinks, too, so ask at the counter.
If you can't find it anywhere close, try ordering from Amazon, as they sometimes have it in stock.
Related DynaPep Caffeine Content Questions
Is DynaPep considered high in caffeine content?
Yes, DynaPep is considered high in caffeine content. It contains 100 mg of caffeine per 0.14 fl. oz shot. DynaPep is generally known as a potent energy shot.
Are energy shots safe?
Energy shots are safe for most users when used in moderation and within recommended guidelines. However, it's important to remember that excessive consumption or combining energy shots with other caffeinated beverages can have adverse effects, especially if you're sensitive to high caffeine levels.
How long do energy shots last?
The energy shots typically last a few hours, but individual experiences vary. You'll usually start feeling the effects within 15-30 minutes of consumption. The average half-life of caffeine is about 5 hours, so the energy boost can last anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on your metabolism.[3]
What time of day is best to take an energy shot?
The best time of the day to take an energy shot is in the morning. While timing largely depends on your personal preferences and daily routine, taking it after 5 PM can ruin your night's sleep.
Conclusion
DynaPep Micro-Shot is strong and is not for everyone.
100 mg of caffeine is not that much compared to coffee or other energy drinks, but keep in mind that it's just one shot, not a 10 fl oz drink.
It will undeniably give you an energy boost but can also cause jitters and other side effects, especially if you take more than one.
If you haven't tried DynaPep Micro-Shot yet, go ahead and do it while some retailers still have it on offer. Soon, it will be gone for good.
References:
1. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much
2. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/11/3380
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK223808/
