This Cinco de Mayo, things are heating up—and not just from the tacos. 5-hour ENERGY® and Taco John’s® are teaming up to bring a double punch of flavor and fire with a limited-edition drop: the Energizing Hot Sauce in a bold Mango Habanero flavor. It’s the spicy sidekick to their new Spicy Cinco de Mango energy shot—and yes, the sauce is totally free when you grab a bottle online or as part of select Taco John’s bundles.
Perfect for swicy (sweet + spicy) fans, this limited-time collab blends caffeine, fruit, and fire—all packed into a portable bottle that’s made to party. Whether you’re drizzling it on tacos or stashing it in your bag for emergencies (yes, spicy emergencies exist), it’s the must-have flavor boost for May 5th and beyond.
Spice + Energy = Your new cinco obsession
We’ve seen energy drinks. We’ve seen hot sauces. But a caffeinated hot sauce? Now that’s something to taco-bout.
Here’s what’s going on:
- Launch Date: April 28, 2025
- Where: Available on 5hourenergy.com and at select Taco John’s® locations
- What You Get: A Mango Habanero hot sauce, FREE with purchase of the Spicy Cinco de Mango 5-hour ENERGY® shot
- Who It’s For: Anyone who likes it hot… and caffeinated
“After last year’s Energizing BBQ Sauce blew up, we knew we had to go bolder. Partnering with Taco John’s made perfect sense—they bring the flavor, we bring the fuel.” said Leah Key, President and COO at Living Essentials, the makers of 5-hour ENERGY®.
Swicy, spicy, and supercharged!
This isn’t just a clever campaign—it’s a look at what’s trending in the world of CPG and flavor innovation.
- Crossovers are king: Two brands teaming up for one craveable, limited-time experience? Yes, please.
- Swicy is on fire: Sweet + spicy continues to dominate everything from sauces to snacks.
- Function meets flavor: Consumers want more than taste—they want energy, convenience, and a story.
- Targeting Gen Z & Millennials: These younger shoppers love heat, innovation, and experiences.
“This isn’t just about flavor. It’s about creating a moment—one that’s bold, portable, and fun.” said Kevin Flaherty, CMO of Taco John’s.
It’s not just smart marketing—it’s good business. Limited drops like these create buzz, sell out fast, and give consumers something they want to talk (and post) about.
Limited-time drops, long-term impact
And let’s not forget the power of limited-time drops in the consumer packaged goods world.
These seasonal stunts don’t just drive hype—they create urgency, build brand loyalty, and offer a low-risk way to test bold flavors in real time.
Whether you’re a retailer looking to spice up shelf appeal or a product developer eyeing the next big thing, drops like this prove that innovation doesn’t have to be permanent to make a lasting impact. It’s all about creating a moment—and making it delicious.
Bring the heat, feel the energy
Behind the sizzle is a message for ingredient buyers, developers, and trend-watchers: bold collabs like this open new doors for product innovation.
Key takeaways for the food industry:
- Mango and habanero continue to rise in both culinary and CPG spaces
- Natural caffeine sources are expanding beyond beverages
- Functional sauces are gaining traction in retail and foodservice
- Private label and co-manufacturing teams can jump on the swicy trend
Final splash!
This launch isn’t just about Cinco de Mayo—it’s about where flavor and function are headed next. Think bold hybrids, fun packaging, and unexpected flavor mashups. As consumer palates continue to evolve, brands are being challenged to spice things up in creative, unexpected ways.
Want to turn up the heat on your next big idea? Source86 is your go-to for bulk ingredients, flavor innovation, and product development support. From fruity heat to functional flair, we’ve got the goods to take your brand to the next level.
Let’s turn those bold ideas into even bolder bites. Reach out today and let’s cook up something exciting!
