It seems like everyone and his brother is trying to get on the energy drink bandwagon. In 2006 alone, more than 500 new energy drinks were launched worldwide, according to The Associated Press.

I confess, I am a caffeine addict and am one of the many who are fueling this industry. Coffee drinks are my preference though. When I want something hot, I get a latte from Starbucks or Pony Espresso. For cold, my current fave is Hansen’s Java Monster, but I’m always willing to try something new. And a new one this year is called Syzmo (pronounced sizz-mo). It’s a cold, canned drink that comes in either original, passion or prickly pear flavors. Its claim to fame is that it’s the first USDA organic energy drink in the market and the only one that’s certified glycemic index tested (it has an index of 30).

If you’re not familiar with glycemic index, Katie Murphy, a public relations representative for the company, says the GI is a ranking of carbohydrates on a scale of 0 to 100 according to the extent to which they raise blood sugar levels after eating. Low-GI foods have been proven to have health benefits, including weight control and benefits for those with diabetes.

The ingredients in Syzmo certainly make you feel better about energizing yourself. Syzmo is sweetened with all-natural agave — no sugar. There’s vitamins and no artificial colors. And the 120 mg of caffeine is organic, from green tea extract, coffee fruit and guarana extract.

But the taste? It’s lightly carbonated with a refreshing, fruity taste. It didn’t have that chemical taruine-y aftertaste that some energy drinks, such as Red Bull, have. For another opinion, I asked Blake Hannon, a fellow caffeine addict and Red Bull fan, to try it. He actually likes the Red Bull taurine kick, but said he really liked the Syzmo taste, too.

Bottom line: The taste is great and the drink is as healthy as an energy drink can get. The only downside is Syzmo is not widely available yet. You can buy it online at www.syzmo.com. A 24-pack is $60 ($2.50 a can). Shipping is free.

Lifestyles reporter Sylvia Anderson can be reached at sylviaanderson@npgco.com