REVIEW OF XS CRANBERRY-GRAPE BLAST CAFFEINE FREE

CAFFEINE CONTENT: NONE. 

RATING: 5.6 OUT OF 10. 

     Throughout the course of this site's history, I have reviewed a whopping eleven flavors of Amway's XS Energy Drink. However, I haven't had the opportunity to review an XS product since 2010, when I reviewed their Cranberry-Grape flavor. I am pleased to say that XS is going to be reviewed once again, and it is going to be none other than the caffeine free version of Cranberry-Grape Blast. I'm not expecting any effect from this drink, but hopefully it can shine in my other two categories.

     This 8.4 ounce can of caffeine free XS looks nearly identical to its caffeinated counterpart, apart from the fact that this has a yellow caffeine free label wrapped around the bottom. Eager to see what was in store, I cracked open the can and took a big gulp. If their is one thing XS is known for, it's flavor, and this one is no exception. The cranberry and grape flavors amalgamate flawlessly to create a pleasant taste bud experience. I found the level of viscosity to be nicely balanced between watered-down and syrupy. Looks like we have another tasty drink in the XS line-up.

     Although this drink is caffeine free, it can still provide some sort of energy from other ingredients. These ingredients include 100 percent daily value of vitamin b3, 100 percent daily value of vitamin b5, 300 percent daily value of vitamin b6, and 4,900 percent daily value of vitamin b12. Of course, you also have undisclosed amounts of taurine and l-glutamine. I would assume that the taurine level is quite high since it is the second ingredient behind carbonated water. As you can see, any energy you might receive from this drink is going to come from the b vitamins.

     Unfortunately, b vitamins just aren't going to cut it if you want a powerful effect. Keep in mind however, that this drink has not a single drop of caffeine, which is essentially the heart and soul of all energy drinks. And since this version of XS is caffeine free, it might be more accurate to refer to it as a functional beverage. It's probably healthier than an average energy drink, with only eight calories and 200 percent daily value of vitamin c. So perhaps it will prevent you from getting the common cold, but it won't help you on finals week.

     XS Energy knows how to produce tasty energy drinks, and Cranberry-Grape Blast Caffeine Free is just another example. Obviously, the flavor is this drinks highlight, with that seamless blend of tart cranberry and sweet grape. It's also a healthier alternative to, say, a Red Bull with its vitamins and low calories. My advice is to drink this as if it were a soda, not as if it were an energy drink. If you're looking to pull an all-nighter, this is not the ideal beverage.

REVIEW OF FORCE ONE

CAFFEINE CONTENT: UNKNOWN.

RATING: 8.2 OUT OF 10. 

     At Addicted 2 Energy, I have had the pleasure of reviewing some of the most unique products on the market. Caffeinated cookies? Yep, I've tried them. Snack mix? Been there, done that. Almonds? Yes indeed. Almonds covered in dark chocolate? Yes.....wait, no. That's right, this latest review is on Force One Energy Almonds. This packet of healthy nuts is infused with Adrenaline XR and they are dipped in succulent dark chocolate. I couldn't wait to give these a go.

     The packaging for this product is pretty slick, with a black lion ready to attack in the center. Being a huge fan of almonds, and dark chocolate, I was extremely eager to give these little buggers a try. I popped one in my mouth and noticed that distinctive crunch along with a slightly bland dark chocolate flavor. I have to say, I have had much better dark chocolate almonds compared to this. It's not bad by any means, but it's just that it's a little too bland for my taste. It really needs that full, rich dark chocolate flavor, which can be difficult to do when your working with the blend that this thing has.

     Typically, energy almonds use caffeine, taurine, ginseng, and maybe a few other traditional ingredients. This is certainly not the case for Force One. They use Adrenaline XR, as well as a host of other ingredients. What are those ingredients? Well, there's caffeine anhydrous, l-tyrosine, glucuronolactone, n-methyltyramine, green tea leaf extract, sulbutamine, evodiamine, gingko biloba leaf extract, hordenine, phenylethylamine, tyramine, and bioperine. This is not even close to your typical energy blend. This blend means serious business. My only trivial complaint is that the caffeine content is undisclosed.

     Then again, it doesn't really matter how much caffeine is in here when the effects are this great. As you probably know, I have quite a tolerance for energy products these days. I suppose that's what happens when you try over 300 energy products. However, after I consumed a packet of Force One Energy Almonds, I had a difficult time sitting still. This indicates that this product would be fabulous before a workout or a labor-intensive activity. And you get this wonderful effect without any jitters. It's just a smooth, potent effect that lasts for a few hours.

     Despite having a slightly bland flavor, Force One Energy Almonds are still a stellar product. Their take-no-prisoners energy blend is definitely the product's strongpoint. The effectiveness is also quite wonderful, and the fact that I didn't receive any jitters was a nice touch. And then, of course, there's the added health benefit of eating almonds and dark chocolate. If you happen to stumble across a packet of these, I recommend you try it out. Try taking it before a workout and let me know what you think.

REVIEW OF XYIENCE XENERGY FROSTBERRY BLAST

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 208 MILLIGRAMS PER 16 OUNCE CAN.

RATING: 7.6 OUT OF 10. 

     Although I am not biased toward any company, I have always had a special place in my heart for the Xyience company. On November 21, 2009 my review of Xyience Xenergy Cran Razz marked the 100th review on Addicted 2 Energy. Since then, I have had the pleasure of reviewing six other flavors, which are Melon Mayhem, Blu Pom, Apple Jak'd, Cherry Lime, Cherry Rush, and Orange Fuel. This time, I'm going to check out one of their latest flavors called Frostberry Blast. Even the name itself sounds refreshing, so let's head right in to this one.

     All of the Xyience energy drinks utilize the same can design, putting two colored circles against a solid background. I must admit, I am a sucker for black cans, and this is definitely one of the sleekest designs I've seen from them. After glancing over the packaging a few more times, I proceeded to crack open the aluminum can and take my first sip. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect with a name like Frostberry Blast, but I was surprised by the sour note when it first hit my tongue. I can't recall any energy drink I've tried that actually tasted sour, and I give Xyience props for uniqueness. Besides it being a little sour, there is some lemon flavor that becomes present after the sourness has subsided. On a negative note, my prediction that it would be refreshing proved to be inaccurate, but nevertheless it is still has a wonderfully unique flavor profile.

     As you may already know, Xyience Xenergy is the official energy drink of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and as always, I expected a knock-out energy blend. Inside a can of Xyience Xenergy Frostberry Blast, you will find 200 percent daily value of niacin, 320 percent daily value of vitamin b12, 500 percent daily value of vitamin b6, and 1,000 percent daily value of pantothenic acid. Along with that, you get undisclosed amounts of taurine, ginseng root extract, l-carnitine, and inositol. Not to mention, there are 208 milligrams of caffeine in here as well. All things considered, this is an adequate blend, but it doesn't deserve the heavyweight title.

     With 208 milligrams of caffeine per can, this puts it a notch higher than the industry standard of 160 milligrams. This means that the drink should have a more potent effect on most consumers. As for myself,I consumed this prior to mowing the lawn and I noticed a moderate increase in my energy levels. In a couple hours, it vanished without a crash, thanks to this being a sugar free drink.

     Frostberry Blast is not Xyience's tastiest offering, but it is certainly the most unique of the whole line-up. The sourness makes itself known without being overbearing, and you can still taste the actual flavor. The energy blend is decent, utilizing most of the standard ingredients found in most energy drinks. I found the effect to also be adequate, with a nice amount of caffeine. You should have no trouble finding this drink in your local convenience store, and when you do, don't be afraid to try it out. Just don't be surprised when the first sip makes your lips pucker up.

REVIEW OF SPEED ETHANOL

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 187 MILLIGRAMS PER 16 OUNCE CAN.

Courtesy of Caffeine King

RATING: 7.4 OUT OF 10. 

     I'm finding it increasingly harder to make time for these reviews. I'm rapidly filling my notebook with notes on various products, so I figured I need to knock some of these older ones out of the way. Today's review will be on Speed Ethanol, another drink out of race car driver Robby Gordon's line. I don't like the name 'Ethanol' for an energy drink very much. It's not very attractive, but I suppose it works well with the theme that this company has going. Let's see how it stacks up.

     I find it hard to some up what I taste here; maybe a citrus? I don't know; I can't put my finger on an exact flavor, but I like it none the less. It is a sugary and kind of thick beverage, but it still maintains a solid taste for me, surprisingly. My major complaint is that it does have some variation from sip to sip, and it throws me off on what to say.

     Speed seems to be on par with what I come to expect of most drinks, which gives it solid marks in the buzz department. Ethanol has 187 mgs of caffeine, as well as guarana, taurine, and the other usual blend. It stands well amongst the energy elite, but it doesn't ascend to a higher level. If you are looking for a quick buzz, I'd say Speed would be worthy of your dollar, however.

     I will say that Speed is a worthy drink, but isn't mind blowing. With a solid buzz, it meets expectations, despite its odd flavor. Ethanol is a reasonable purchase for any energy drink consumer that may come across it.

Reviewed By Dylan

REVIEW OF AWAKE

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 101 MILLIGRAMS PER BAR. 

RATING: 7.9 OUT OF 10.

     Let me divulge some crucial information before I get started on this review. I love chocolate. Plain and simple. I prefer dark chocolate, but a well-crafted milk chocolate bar can be just as satisfying. Needless to say, I also enjoy caffeine, as you can probably tell. What happens when you combine the two? You get Awake Chocolate. Awake Chocolate is a milk chocolate bar that uses an ample amount of caffeine to provide an increase in alertness and motor performance. Does it live up to these claims? There's only one way to find out. Onward to the review of Awake Chocolate.

     The bars are packaged in a dark brown foil, reminiscent of the color of chocolate. After opening the package, I had my first encounter with the concoction inside the plastic over wrap. The bar is approximately 4 and a half inches long and almost 1 and a half inches wide. They are also segmented which makes it easier to break the bar into multiple chunks. Eager to try it out, I broke off a piece and popped it in my mouth. I was enormously surprised by how delicious this chocolate bar was. The chocolate is smooth and creamy, and isn't as gritty as some of the other milk chocolate bars I've consumed. If you gave this chocolate bar to someone without telling them it was caffeinated, they wouldn't be able to tell the difference. It is seriously that good. I'm actually not a big fan of milk chocolate, and even this left me extremely satisfied.

     There is no energy blend associated with Awake Chocolate. There are no b vitamins either. Just 101 milligrams of good old-fashioned caffeine, and that's it. Why is that? Well, it is due to the fact that Awake Chocolate is marketed as a caffeinated chocolate bar, rather than an energy chocolate bar. That being said, 101 milligrams of caffeine is a pretty sufficient amount to cram into a solid bar of succulent milk chocolate.

     For comparison, a Hershey's Milk Chocolate bar contains 9 milligrams of caffeine, and their dark chocolate version contains twice that amount. As a matter of fact, Awake Chocolate has roughly the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee, or more accurately a can of Bawls Energy Drink. With that said, I received a decent effect from this chocolaty concoction, and the effect was comparable to a medium-strength cup of coffee. It was definitely a satisfactory result for a milk chocolate bar.

     Awake Chocolate is hands-down, one of the most interesting and unique products I've ever come across. It combines two of my favorite consumable substances, and manages to create something truly amazing. Of course, the flavor is its highlight, with that rich and velvety texture. The amount of caffeine in this product is actually a bit higher than a Red Bull, and the effect is just what you would expect from a chocolate bar with that amount of caffeine. I am extremely thankful that I still have six bars left of this wonderful product.

REVIEW OF DOUBLE KICK GRAPE

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 80 MILLIGRAMS PER PIECE. 

RATING: 7.7 OUT OF 10. 

     At the Addicted 2 Energy headquarters (also known as my home), we enjoy just about any product that is marketed to deliver a boost in energy, including candy. Yes, candy. This particular candy is called Double Kick and it manufactured by Kick A** Candy, LLC. I'm always intrigued when a new product comes to my doorstep, especially when it was the word "candy" in it. So, without further ado, let's dive in to this cavity filled review.

     The first thing I noticed about Double Kick was it's unique style of packaging. At first glance, it appears that each candy is completely separated and individually wrapped. The latter is true, but they actually glue two candies together, as you can see in the photograph. I opened both of the wrappers and placed the candies in my hand. The delicious treats are roughly the size of a dime, and are surprisingly thick. I popped one in my mouth and was expecting the bitterness from the caffeine to bust in, but it never happened. These candies are have a nice texture and artificial grape flavor that is pleasing to the palate. I had no problems with getting these into my system. As a matter of fact, it's actually difficult to discern between a normal candy, and this caffeinated one.

     Double Kick goes one step beyond and adds a bit more than just caffeine to the mix. They also add taurine, glucuronolactone, vitamin b6, and vitamin b12 which are all part of an energy blend totaling 1,740 milligrams. Each candy contains 80 milligrams of caffeine, and 160 milligrams for a pack. Adding those extra ingredients further accentuates the fact that this is really like an energy drink in your pocket. But, does it have the same effect?

     We know that two of these tasty concoctions have the same amount of caffeine as a Monster. Couple that with all of the other aforementioned ingredients and you've got yourself a pretty decent effect. I noticed a mild to medium increase in energy and alertness that lasted for approximately a couple hours, tapering off without a crash. It's not the most powerful energy product on the market, but it should definitely have an adequate effect on most consumers.

     I do enjoy the concept that Kick A** Candy, LLC. has developed. It's difficult to find anyone who dislikes candy, especially when actually has a pleasant flavor. The energy blend is another strong point in this product, since they throw in multiple ingredients and do not simply rely on caffeine. It can also provide an adequate boost in energy and alertness. All things considered, I have no choice but to give this candy the Addicted 2 Energy seal of approval.

REVIEW OF BATTERY HYDRO

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 128 MILLIGRAMS PER 13.5 OUNCE BOTTLE.

RATING: 6.3 OUT OF 10.

     Yesterday, we took a closer look at the world's first Finnish energy drink, which was first put on the shelves in the ancient days of 1997. It was a decent energy drink, but it left a lot to be desired. So in light of that, I have decided to review a different flavor that will hopefully fulfill my desires. Just what were those desires? I thought that the flavor was too harsh and really grabbed hold of my tongue. I also thought that the energy blend was mediocre, and the effect wasn't anything special. I'm hoping at least one of these qualities can be improved with a flavor they call Battery Hydro.

     Battery Hydro utilizes the exact same black, 13.5 ounce plastic bottle, except this version has the word "hydro" written along side the drinks name. 99% of the text on the bottle is in Finnish, but I did manage to translate the text to determine the advertised flavor. It turns out that Battery is going for a lemon flavored drink, which could indicate another harsh flavor. To my displeasure, my prediction turned out to be accurate. Sure, the lemon flavor is palatable, and done well. I didn't dislike the flavor, in fact I actually found it to be rather nice. The issue lies in the sheer acidity of the beverage. I feel like the acidity is simply manhandling my tongue, and that takes away from the experience.

     That left one desire unfulfilled, so let's see what's in the blend for this version. Battery Hydro is an energy drink, with added sports drink benefits, so it should bring something new to the table. To begin, we have the usual 1,600 milligrams of taurine, and 128 milligrams of caffeine. The added electrolyte benefits come in the form of magnesium sulfate. Once again, this blend is about as basic as they come. That leaves two desires unfulfilled.

     I wasn't expecting the effect to be out of this world, and I wasn't mistaken. It has the same caffeine content as the original flavor, so the effect is pretty much identical. I felt a decent increase in wakefulness and alertness, just enough to satisfy my caffeine craving.

     If you happen to be going to Finland soon, purchase this drink while you're there, just to say you tried the world's first Finnish energy drink while you were in Finland. Other than that, there's really nothing that stands out in this drink, besides the packaging. The flavor is pleasant, yet acidic and unforgiving, the energy blend is still sub-par, and the effect is at a medium level. I highly encourage you to try other energy drinks during your trip to Finland. I can almost guarantee that you will find a better energy drink than Battery. Unless, Battery is the only energy drink available in Finland. Gosh, I hope not.

REVIEW OF BATTERY

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 128 MILLIGRAMS PER 13.5 OUNCE BOTTLE.

RATING: 6.2 OUT OF 10.

     Quickly, what was the first Finnish energy drink? If you said Battery Energy, you would be correct! Battery Energy was the first energy drink to be sold in Finland, dating all the way back to 1997. In energy drink years, that might as well be 1865. Consider that Rockstar, the first 16 ounce energy drink, was introduced in 2001 and Monster came a year later. Red Bull wasn't introduced in the United States until 1997. So what we have here is truly an original energy drink. I can't wait to see what's in store.

     Battery Energy is packaged in a black, 13.5 ounce plastic bottle. It is very unique and brings something new to the table in an industry filled with 16 ounce cans. There is no indication of what the flavor is, but after taking a couple swigs it wasn't a mystery for long. I can't say it's a Red Bull clone, but it does have an extremely tart and pungent flavor that will remind people of that traditional energy drink flavor. It's a taste experience that satisfies the taste buds, but is a nightmare for the tongue. All things considered, I would put the taste right in the middle.

     As much as I enjoy receiving energy drinks from overseas, they do come with their challenges. This entire bottle is in Finnish, so I had to Google Translate the heck out of it in order to figure out what's in it. Unfortunately, Google Translate isn't the most accurate translator in the world, but nevertheless I was still able to determine what the energy blend consisted of. As far as I can tell, this blend is compiled of 1,600 milligrams of taurine and 128 milligrams of caffeine (from guarana), along with vitamin b2, vitamin b6, and vitamin b12. This blend is about as basic as they come. Throw a little caffeine and taurine in there, add some b vitamins and you're golden.

     128 milligrams of caffeine is also pretty basic, and it shows. After consuming the 13.5 ounce beverage, I was hit with a decent uplift in energy and alertness. The caffeine concentration is approximately 9.5 milligrams per ounce, which puts it right on par with the industry average. It's nothing too spectacular, but it still manages to get the job done.

     Being the first Finnish energy drink that I have reviewed, I must say this drink leaves something to be desired. It's not just the flavor, or the overly simplified energy blend. It is a combination of all three categories that left me wanting a bit more. Granted, this drink does nothing wrong, but it doesn't hit any home runs. I'm incredibly grateful to have another flavor to test out. Perhaps that will be able to fulfill my desires.

REVIEW OF AMARA

CAFFEINE CONTENT: UNKNOWN.

RATING: 7.5 OUT OF 10.

     We have the energy drink and the anti-energy drink. The functional beverage and the mood-boosting beverage. Now, we have the super drink. Yes, in this review I will take a closer look at Amara, the world's first "super drink." What is a super drink, you might ask? It combines qualities of an energy drink, functional beverage, and sports drink to create a whole new species. You can think of it as the Frankenstein of energy drinks. A little energy here, a little electrolytes there, and presto. I'm always eager to try a new drink, especially one that doesn't fall into a normal category. So, without further ado, let's sink our teeth into Amara.

     The can design is definitely something to behold, utilizing a light blue aluminum can with a neat and intricately drawn graphic of a sun and a bird. Although judging by the tail, this creature might resemble a flying seahorse. I really hope it's a flying seahorse. There is no indication of the flavor, and yet I was not expecting another Red Bull clone. I knew that Amara was capable of formulating a unique flavor, and my prediction was accurate. Amara has a very light, crisp citrus flavor accompanied with the unmistakable taste of stevia. I found Amara to be extremely enjoyable and very light on flavor. I can see this being used in a workout environment, since it doesn't have that heavy syrup flavor associated with energy drinks.

     Being a super drink, I was curious to find out what makes Amara tick. To start off, we have 340 percent daily value of vitamin b6, 12 percent daily value of folic acid, and 140 percent daily value of vitamin b12. Then we have a proprietary blend worth 280 milligrams. That includes macqui berry extract, milk thistle extract, caffeine, calcium d glucarate, d-ribose, n acetyl l cysteine, and prickly pear extract. As you can see, this is not your typical energy blend. Amara backes up their claim of being a super drink by adding ingredients such as macqui berry and calcium d glucarate. It definitely gets a plus on the unique scale.

     Unfortunately, the caffeine content is hidden in the energy blend, and they give absolutely no hints as to what it might be. Nevertheless, I noticed a mild increase in wakefulness and alertness after consuming the 16 ounce beverage. It isn't anything to boast about, but it should get the job done for the average consumer. As for me, I'm still wondering how much caffeine is in it.

     For the world's first super drink, Amara does a pretty respectable job. The flavor is its strong point, being light, delicate, and refreshing. The proprietary blend utilizes a few ingredients that I have never heard of (I've been reviewing for 3.5 years) which further adds to the drinks uniqueness. The effect is just a bit under par, but the results will vary based on the individual. I can't say if super drinks are going to become a multi-million dollar industry, but Amara is a nice place to start.

REVIEW OF HONEY STINGER GINSTING

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 32 MILLIGRAMS PER 1.3 OUNCE PACKET.

RATING: 5.8 OUT OF 10. 


     Walking, or rather flying up to the review platform is a unique product called Honey Stinger Ginsting. At first glance, it appears to be just another energy gel, but look closer and you'll find that it's actually a packet of honey with some added ingredients. I must admit, the concept does seem a little odd. After all, I've never had the pleasure of consuming a 1 ounce packet of honey. Well, there's always a first time for everything, so let's dive into this sweet review.

     The packaging for Honey Stinger Ginsting is very reminiscent of the Clif Energy Gel I reviewed two years earlier. Without hesitation, I ripped off the top and inhaled the fumes. It certainly smelled like honey, so I proceeded to squirt the contents of the packet into my mouth. Yep, it's honey all right. It's golden and sweet, yet it's not too sweet and overpowering. It truly is a very unique palate experience, and the flavor is certainly a lot tastier than that Clif Gel. I definitely enjoyed it, and if you like honey, you'll probably enjoy it too.

     Within each packet of Honey Stinger Ginsting, you will find a small energy blend. The full list includes 20 percent daily value of thiamin, 19 percent daily value of riboflavin, 2 percent daily value of niacin, 16 percent daily value of vitamin b6, 4 percent daily value of vitamin b12, and 11 percent daily value of pantothenic acid. It also includes ginseng extract and 32 milligrams of caffeine. As you can see, this blend of energy inducing ingredients looks to be pretty lackluster. However, there is a good reason for that. Honey Stinger relies on ginseng (hence the name Ginsting) instead of caffeine to provide its energy.

     Despite only having a Coca-Cola's worth of caffeine, I was hoping that it would give me a little boost for an essay I had to write. Since the caffeine content was so low, I decided to consume another packet approximately 45 minutes after I consumed the first one. To be completely honest, this didn't really help at all. I felt a mild increase in alertness and concentration, and I managed to complete my essay that I had been procrastinating on. I have tried a few products that focus on an alternative to caffeine and they almost never work. The honest truth is, caffeine still overshadows all of those ingredients.

     Honey Stinger Ginsting is probably one of the most unique energy products I've ever had the pleasure of reviewing. Until yesterday, I had absolutely no idea that you could essentially purchase consumable packets of honey. I'm glad you can, because, no arguments please, honey is downright delicious. After the flavor, things start to fall a bit short. I have to give the blend a little bit of leniency, since it's only a small packet. You simply cannot cram caffeine, taurine, guarana, etc. into a packet without having it taste funny. Nevertheless, I still think that they could have increased the caffeine content to around 50 milligrams. That way two packets would be 100, and that's roughly the same as an average cup of piping hot coffee. All things considered, I am more impressed with the flavor of Honey Stinger Ginsting than I am its performance.