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.

   

REVIEW OF AMP BOOST CHERRY

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 160 MILLIGRAMS PER 16 OUNCE CAN.

RATING: 7.2 OUT OF 10.

     If you are currently a high school student, you will most likely remember Amp Energy Drink as a product of Mountain Dew. It was essentially Mountain Dew on "steroids" with added caffeine and taurine, as well as a plethora of other energy enhancing ingredients. You might also recall that their were flavors such as Amp Traction, Amp Elevate, Amp Overdrive, Amp Relaunch and later on Amp Lightning. This was fine and dandy, but recently the Amp I came to know and love basically disappeared. Now we have the Amp Boost variety, which contains original, cherry, grape, and sugar free. Focus is the mixed berry flavor, and Active is the lemonade version. I decided to try the Amp Boost Cherry variety which is, more or less, a modernized version of Amp Overdrive.

     When I reviewed the original cherry flavored Amp, I concluded that it was the most delicious energy drink I have ever had the pleasure of consuming. That was back in July 2009, so I'm hoping that this new version called Amp Boost Cherry can be just as satisfying. First off, the can is a lot sleeker and more sophisticated than the Amps of yesteryear. That being said, I proceeded to crack open the can and take a few gulps. Surprise! Amp Boost Cherry has a distinctive cherry flavor. It's not exactly a shocker, is it? Nevertheless, the flavor is quite pleasing and it isn't too thick and syrupy, despite being laced with high fructose corn syrup. And that isn't the only thing it's laced with.

     Lurking inside each can of Amp Boost Cherry, you will find 200 percent daily value of riboflavin, 200 percent daily value of niacin, 200 percent daily value of pantothenic acid, 6 percent daily value of phosphorous, 295 milligrams of taurine, 264 milligrams of guarana extract, 160 milligrams of caffeine, 33 milligrams of ginseng extract, and 16 milligrams of yerba mate. Looking back at my review of Amp Overdrive, it appears that the blend has pretty much stayed the same. I'm certainly not going to call it a great blend, as it appears to be rather basic and low on taurine (the average is 2,000 milligrams per can).

     Amp Boost Cherry contains 160 milligrams of caffeine, which is the industry average for 16 ounce cans. Why? The answer is that Rockstar Energy created the first 16 ounce energy drink, that was double the size of Red Bull, making it have double the caffeine content. And pretty much every 16 ounce drink followed this trend. Baring that in mind, this energy drink did provide an adequate increase in alertness and overall energy. This should be satisfactory for the majority of consumers.

     Despite being pretty much a modernized version of Amp Overdrive, I was generally impressed with the performance of Amp Boost Cherry. The flavor is very palatable and could potentially be refreshing when poured over ice. The energy blend is probably the drinks weakest point, as it uses lackluster amounts of critical ingredients. And while it doesn't kick like a stubborn mule, it can still provide an AMPle increase in energy. You should have no trouble locating these where the original Amps used to be. Man, I really miss those original Amps.

REVIEW OF B63 (THE SODA JERKS)

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 80 MILLIGRAMS PER 8 OUNCE CAN. 

     Recently, I was given another opportunity to post a review on The Soda Jerks. Of course, I seized the opportunity and decided to review a drink from Switzerland. Here's a small sample for you to enjoy:

     I seldom receive the opportunity to review an energy drink from outside the United States. Off the top of my head, I can only recall Ubershot and Hype Energy Drink as the only foreign beverages I have had the pleasure of consuming. I am pleased to announce that they both did well, especially Ubershot, which is probably the 2^nd or 3^rd greatest energy shot I have tried. Now, the opportunity to review a foreign drink has presented itself yet again. This number comes from Switzerland, a beautiful country 4,000 miles from where I reside. Thankfully, the shipment was successful and I found it on my doorstep within a week or so....

Read the full review at The Soda Jerks website. 

REVIEW OF I AM HAPPY

CAFFEINE CONTENT: NONE.

RATING: 6.1 OUT OF 10.

     The mood-boosting beverage has always been one of the most unique beverage genres on the market. If you must, you could consider it to be a sub-genre to the functional beverage, since it utilizes non-traditional ingredients to enhance emotional well-being and happiness. Sure, these little drinks are very intriguing from a reviewer's standpoint, but unfortunately their performance can be a bit lackluster sometimes. Just ask the people who created Be Happy. Hopefully I Am's attempt at making a mood-boosting drink doesn't end up in a deplorable result. 

     This minuscule bottle of I Am Happy is packaged in a yellow and white container that uses the same design and fonts as all of the other drinks in the line-up. Once again, I had to locate the flavor by examining the ingredients section. It appears that this is marketed to be a raspberry flavored beverage, similar to I Am Focused. Eager to try out this product, I quickly cracked open the bottle and guzzled it down. As with all of the I Am products, the flavor was smooth and not overpowering or harsh on the palate. I did notice a raspberry flavor, but it wasn't as tart as you might expect. Every single offering from I Am has a wonderfully smooth flavor, and this one is no exception.

     When you take look at the active ingredients inside a bottle of I Am Happy, you begin to notice some incredibly unique ingredients. Starting out with the ordinary ones, we have 150 percent daily value of vitamin niacin, and 2,000 percent daily value of vitamin b12. Stepping into the realm of uniqueness, we find 125 milligrams of ashwagandha root and leaf extract. Furthermore, we have a Happy Blend worth 2,800 milligrams. Inside of that, we have l-tyrosine, english lavender flower, passionflower vines, lemon balm aerial parts, gamma-aminobutyric acid, chamomile flower, and l-theanine. These are definitely from very interesting and unique ingredients hiding inside this bottle. 

     After I gulped down this great-tasting shot, I was really hoping that my spirits would be uplifted and I would have a wonderful state of mind. Unfortunately, none of this actually happened. No matter how long I waited, I failed to recognize any change in mood or mind. Apparently, this drink is advertised to promote a clam, relaxed state of mind and to enhance emotional well-being. It's sad to say, but I did not receive any of those effects. It's just so unfortunate for a company that was doing so well on this site.

     Despite the fact that this drink had absolutely no noticeable effect on me, it still as its share of strong points. For instance, it still delivers a wonderful flavor, which has typically been I Am's biggest highlight. With supplements such as lemon balm and ashwagandha, the active ingredients list is quite a spectacle. I just wish that this little bugger had some effect on me, but sadly it didn't. All things considered, I must conclude that the I Am line-up gets my seal of approval.

REVIEW OF I AM FOCUSED

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 20 MILLIGRAMS PER 2.5 OUNCE BOTTLE.

RATING: 7.9 OUT OF 10.

     Functional beverages have long been a substantial part of Addicted 2 Energy's reviews, with the first review dating all the way back to June of 2009. While it is clear that I do enjoy these unique beverages, how we define them is not. Fortunately, Wikipedia has an article that attempts to define exactly what a functional beverage is. Simply put, functional beverages are non-alcoholic drinks comprised of non-traditional ingredients, generally to promote some sort of mental clarity or enhance cognitive function. As it turns out, the I Am Company manufactures its own functional beverage. They call it I Am Focused, so let's find out if I Am Satisfied.

     Of course, this company uses pretty much the same packaging style for every product they offer, and that's perfectly acceptable. Once again, a flavor is not presented on the front label, but a closer examination reveals the flavor to be raspberry. After I guzzled the shot down, I can successfully agree with that flavor. It does, in fact, have a raspberry flavor to it, but it isn't as tart as you might think. It's actually quite smooth and rather delicious. Judging by the two previous offerings of I Am, I can almost conclude that they really know how to make a tasty shot.

     The active ingredients list is always a pleasure to look at when you're dealing with functional beverages. Hiding inside each bottle of I Am Focused, there is 100 percent daily value of niacin, 2,000 percent daily value of vitamin b6, 8,000 percent daily value of vitamin b12, and 100 percent daily value of pantothenic acid. It also contains 125 milligrams of ashwagandha root and leaf extract, 200 milligrams of alpha-glycerol phosphoryl choline, and 300 milligrams of acetyl l-carnitine. Not stopping there, it also has a focused blend worth 500 milligrams. In that, it contains gingko biloba, golu kola stem, organic yerba mate leaf, organic green tea leaf, and natural caffeine. There is no question that this drink definitely epitomizes the definition of a functional beverage. They really try to use non-traditional and obscure ingredients.

     One of the biggest issues that I have with these drinks is that it is very difficult to discuss what effect they had on me. It is very easy to simply ignore the supposed effects and consider it to be a placebo. That being said, this product is designed to help the consumer reach a sense of mental clarity and balance. Whether or not I truly felt more calm and collected is an unsolvable enigma. What I can report is that I was engaged a bit more in the topics presented in my courses. Does this prove that this drink provided cognitive clarity? No. But, I still thought the effects were decent enough and it basically did its job.

     Yes, it is true that functional beverages are extremely unique and perhaps even frustrating and confusing for us reviewers. However, there is nothing confusing about this drinks performance. For being a small shot, the flavor is palatable and certainly did not require any sort of chaser. Also, the ingredient list is one of the most unique that I can remember witnessing. I Am really went head over heels to locate some very interesting ingredients to try and increase mental clarity. Of course, I cannot prove that it does in fact do what it is advertised to do, but I can tell you that I enjoyed this tiny shot.

REVIEW OF I AM SLEEPY

CAFFEINE CONTENT: NONE.

RATING: 8.6 OUT OF 10.

     Yesterday, we took a drive down I Am lane to focus on the energy shot that the company offers. Today, we are going to take a closer look at their attempt to formulate a relaxation beverage. As always, I greatly looked forward to guzzling this little shot down and hoped that it would cause some serious sluggishness. Did it succeed in doing so? It's time for you to find out.

     I Am Sleepy is packaged in a very similar fashion to its energy counterpart, utilizing the same fonts and style. Although there is no flavor listed on the label, a closer examination will determine that the last ingredient is natural lemon flavor. Despite this, I did not detect any lemon flavor. Then again, taste is subjective, so you may happen to notice a substantial amount of lemon. As for me, I received a delightful amalgamation of various fruits and berries. What's interesting is that most of these relaxation shots actually have a relaxing flavor, and this is another example. The flavor feels calm and collected, not superfluously sweet and overpowering. All things considered, I Am Sleepy is a delectable concoction that was pleasing to the palate.

     The main ingredient in just about every relaxation beverage is melatonin. Each bottle of I Am Sleepy contains 3 milligrams of melatonin, but it also includes a plethora of other ingredients designed to promote relaxation. As a matter of fact, there are 2,420 milligrams worth of other ingredients. This includes chamomile flower, l-tryptophan, lemon balm aerial parts, passionflower vines, gamma-aminobutyric acid, hops flower, and l-theanine. As soon as I was finished perusing the ingredients that were listed, I instantaneously knew that this formulation would certainly do the trick.

     As it turns out, my prediction proved to be accurate. Within the initial thirty minutes after consuming the beverage, I was slowly hit with the feeling of relaxation and tiredness. The next hour, I became even more sluggish and decided to call it quits. The very instant my head came in contact with the soft cotton pillow, I immediately fell into a deep and restful sleep. I woke up about as refreshed as any college freshman could possibly be. As a matter of fact, I actually ended up rising before my alarm went off. As I predicted earlier, this little shot certainly put me in a relaxed state of mind.

     When I take a step back and soak in all of the great qualities of I Am Sleepy, I begin to realize just how fantastic this product is. It successfully hits all the right notes of a fabulous relaxation shot. The flavor is sweet and subtle, with hints of berry and fruit. Its relaxation blend provides an adequate amount of melatonin, as well as a plethora of other ingredients. Not to mention, this shot provides a phenomenal effect. If you happen to locate one of these fine specimens at any convenience store, please do me a favor and purchase it. Just don't consume it before you drive a vehicle or operate machinery. Imagine trying to explain that one after an accident.

REVIEW OF I AM ENERGIZED

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 150 MILLIGRAMS PER 2.5 OUNCE BOTTLE.

RATING: 7.4 OUT OF 10. 


     Due to the fact that this site currently has upwards of 300 reviews, it becomes a difficult task to try and locate new products to try. Simply Google searching "new energy drinks" won't bring much success. Thankfully, there are review sites like Possessed By Caffeine, which have over 850 reviews. While I was browsing the site, I happened to notice a product called I Am Sleepy. I instantaneously headed over to the manufacturer's site and sent them a quick email. After a couple more emails were passed, I was fortunate enough to receive samples of all 4 I Am varieties. Obviously, I went for the I Am Energized version first.

     Each variation of I Am comes in a white, 2.5 ounce bottle that is clean and clutter free. The shots were at room temperature so I popped one in the freezer. After waiting about 40 minutes, I took it out and I realized I may have put it in there too long, since there were some noticeable ice chunks. Of course, these melted away and I poured the shot into a glass. After gazing at the brown-ish liquid for a few moments, I proceeded to chug away. This energy shot has a very unique flavor, yet it is pleasing to the palate and a chaser is not required. It is listed as a berry flavored drink, but I even detected some hints of tea. It is certainly unique, but it still managed to please my taste buds.

     Lurking inside each bottle of I Am Energized, you will find an amalgamation of ingredients that make up the so-called energy blend. This one has 200 percent daily value of niacin, 2,000 percent daily value of vitamin b6, 8,000 percent daily value of vitamin b12, and 100 percent daily value of pantothenic acid. It also contains an energy blend worth 1,150 milligrams. This includes black tea leaf, yerba mate leaf, natural caffeine, and guarana seed. Each bottle contains 150 milligrams of caffeine. This blend is decent, but it could use a bit more ingredients such as ginseng or gingko biloba.

     Whether or not this energy shot does need a few more energy enhancing ingredients under its belt, the effect I received from it was definitely adequate. With roughly a large coffee's amount of caffeine running through my veins, this has enough to increase my alertness and get me out of my morning slumber (which happens to be around 12 to 1 PM). Defintely a solid performance from the I Am Company.

     The first version of I Am that I have tried is turning out to be a pretty solid drink. The flavor is very unique, being a berry-based beverage with subtle hints of tea. The energy blend could use some touching up, but the caffeine content is definitely adequate. And this energy shot also provides a decent amount of effectiveness. While I cannot tell you whether or not this will be in convenience stores across the United States in a few years, I can report that I Am knows how to make a well-rounded energy shot.

REVIEW OF BLACK BLACK

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 5 MILLIGRAMS PER PIECE.

Courtesy of Review Busters

RATING: 3.1 OUT OF 10.

     It may have been apparent to you that my reviews of slackened off. I've been reviewing them through notes, so I can just slap it together anytime I want. My notebook is kind of full, so I'm making room by knocking out some of these older reviews. Black Black isn't a hardcore product, but I have expressed interest in it for a while. ChemEvo finally allowed me to try it, so I was pretty happy. Let's see if it impresses me.

    The taste is a very strong mint of some sort. It is really just a common gum in its flavor, nothing more. My favorite aspect of this is that it clears up my sinuses when I chew it. It really is a miracle worker on that front, but is hardly outstanding in taste. I do have to commend it for what it does for me, however. It is a great product to carry when you have nasal congestion.

     Not really hardcore with mere 5 mgs of caffeine in a stick. I didn't expect it to be though. Not really much more I can say on its behalf, as I am not one to sugar coat a review. A simple overview: It is weak.

     To be honest, it is a bit of a letdown. I only had high aspirations for the taste, but that fell a bit short, unfortunately. I do recommend it for its sinus clearing abilities, though. If any reason stands out to spend money on this, that would be it.

Reviewed By Dylan

REVIEW OF RELAX AND SLEEP

CAFFEINE CONTENT: NONE.

RATING: 7.4 OUT OF 10.

     Although this site's main focus to provide reviews of various caffeinated products, relaxation beverages still remain one of my favorite products to review. And despite only reviewing about seven or eight of these products, I can safely say that Better Life Beverages is taking a new approach to the world of anti-energy drinks. Unlike most of these drinks, Relax and Sleep utilizes an herbal blend, rather than hiding behind a few milligrams of melatonin. It's time to find out if their new approach works, or if it falls flat on the floor.

     Relax and Sleep utilizes the same bottle shape that made 5 Hour Energy so popular. It's the easily recognizable 2 ounce container. On the front, I noticed that the flavor was listed as "lemon drop." After giving it a few shakes, I popped the top and inhaled the fumes that escaped the beverage. I was hit with a calming herbal scent. Intrigued, I guzzled down the contents of the bottle with ease. While I am not disappoint with the overall flavor, I do believe that the flavor is incorrectly labeled. Relax and Sleep had more of a herbal flavor than a lemon drop flavor. Of course, the herbal-ness was expected, especially when you take a closer look at the relaxation blend.

     As I stated previously, Relax and Sleep uses a special botanical blend to promote relaxation and calmness. In all, the blend totals a whopping 4,640 milligrams. In that blend, we have organic violet leaves, organic English lavender flowers, organic rose buds, organic nepeta cataria, blue lotus leaf, organic California poppy seed, organic passion flower leaf, and organic hops flower. There is absolutely no question that these are some interesting ingredients.

     After I consumed the contains of the minuscule container, I waited patiently for the effects to kick in. After approximately 20 minutes of waiting, I was struck with an adequate amount of calmness. Keep in mind, Relax and Sleep is designed to give you a relaxed feeling, with an added benefit of lulling you to sleep. That being said, I managed to feel more relaxed, but I had no trouble keeping my eyes open.

     Relax and Sleep's unique approach to relaxation is a tad risky, but it actually works. Yes, the flavor is incorrectly labeled, but it is still palatable and easy to consume. The ingredient list is filled with several organic herbs, which all promote serenity and tranquility of the mind. And while the effect isn't perfect, it does do an ample job at putting me in a calm state of mind. All things considered, I believe Better Life Beverages has created a solid product.

REVIEW OF 8 HOUR ALERT

CAFFEINE CONTENT: UNKNOWN.

RATING: 4.5 OUT OF 10.

     Typically, when I am asked to review a product that comes in a pill format I kindly turn them down and accept the energy drink instead. However, I have over 3 years of experience and reviewing a caffeine pill is about as dangerous as your favorite No-Doz. While it is easier to overdose on caffeine this way, you know what the golden rule is: Everything in moderation. That being said, let's check out the first pill ever reviewed on this site, the MHP 8 Hour Alert.

     Inside each small, blue bottle of 8 Hour Alert, you will find just 14 bi-layer tablets in a bottle that could probably fit 40. Why they choose to leave so much air space is beyond me. I opened up the container and shook a pill into my hand. The tablets are elliptical in shape, with a white and yellow hue. Each pill is two-thirds of an inch long and a quarter of an inch wide. That being said, these are some adequately sized tablets. I popped one in my mouth, and the flavorless pill was effortlessly washed down with a glass of orange juice.

     8 Hour Alert is not identical to your standard No-Doz, because it has a lot more energy enhancing ingredients. Starting off, it contains 150 percent daily value of niacin, 2,000 percent daily value of vitamin b6, 100 percent daily value of folic acid, and 8,333 percent daily value of vitamin b12. It also contains an energy blend worth 655 milligrams. In that, we find taurine, glucuronolactone, caffeine, l-theanine, malic acid, n-acetyl-l-tyrosine, l-phenylalanine, and phosphatidylcholine. Of course, they hide the caffeine content under this statement: Contains caffeine comparable to a 12 ounce cup of the leading premium coffee.

     Even with that statement, I still have absolutely no idea how much caffeine is contained in one of these pills. My best guess is somewhere around 200 milligrams, although I could be off by a substantial amount. And it does seem like this is the case, because after I consumed the bi-layer tablet, I felt little to no effects from it. That's right, this failed to lift me out of my lackadaisical spirit. I must say, my first caffeine pill didn't have the same effectiveness that I predicted.

     Taking everything into consideration, I must conclude that 8 Hour Alert is a mediocre energy pill. They use your basic laundry list of ingredients, an undisclosed amount of caffeine, and cram it into a medium-sized pill. It all sounds fine and dandy, but I just wish it worked on me.

REVIEW OF MONSTER REHAB GREEN TEA

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 170 MILLIGRAMS PER 16 OUNCE CAN.

Courtesy of What I Drink at Work

RATING: 8.4 OUT OF 10.

   During my college orientation program, I didn't think I would get the chance to compose any reviews for quite awhile. After all, I live on campus now, and getting energy drinks is a difficult task. Thankfully, my mother was kind enough to pack me with not only an energy drink, but one I have never tried before. It comes from my favorite energy drink line-up: Monster Rehab. This happens to be the green tea version, so let's dive right in this refreshing review.

     Based on the performances of the previous Rehabs, I had very high expectations for green tea. Thankfully, it did not disappoint. Rehab Green Tea struck my palate with a refreshing blend of juices and the unmistakable flavor of green tea. As usual, it was non-carbonated so the contents went down smoothly. While the original Rehab still remains my favorite, this version still has an immaculate flavor.

     Of course, with a Monster Rehab, you're going to receive a laundry list of energy ingredients. Here they are, in full: 200 percent daily value of vitamin b3, 200 percent daily value of vitamin b5, 200 percent daily value of vitamin b6, 200 percent daily value of vitamin b12, 2,000 milligrams of taurine, 400 milligrams of panax ginseng, and 6,400 milligrams worth of glucose, black tea extract, green tea extract, maltodextrin, caffeine, concentrated coconut water, prickly pear extract, quercetin, l-carnitine, inositol, glucuronolactone, guarana, goji berry extract, and acai extract. Once again, Monster goes the extra mile to create an outstanding list of ingredients.

     I don't think I could have consumed this drink at a better time. I had received very little sleep the previous night, and I needed the extra boost to get me through the rest of the day. Therefore, I took one out of the refrigerator and guzzled it down. In approximately 15 minutes I was hit with a medium level of effectiveness, common for drinks with this amount of caffeine. It was just enough to get me through the rest of an exhausting day.

     In an aforementioned statement, I said that I still preferred the original Monster Rehab over this green tea version, and I will stand by that. While Rehab Green Tea does provide a solid level of effectiveness and an impeccable energy blend, I still enjoy the classic lemonade and iced tea flavor just slightly more than this one. But by all means, don't hesitate to purchase any Rehab flavor. I can almost guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

REVIEW OF ZOMBIE BLAST

CAFFEINE CONTENT: UNKNOWN.

RATING: 6.5 OUT OF 10.

     A few of my fellow reviewers are suckers for themed products, which are generally made by Harcos. After all, they did manage to extract Charlie Sheen's Tiger Blood and sell it for a decent price. However, this themed product doesn't come from the folks at Harcos, it comes from Zombie Blast LLC, and as you may have guessed, it's zombie themed. Oh, and the bottle looks like a shotgun shell. If you aren't intrigued yet, you probably don't like Zombies. Or shotguns.

     After a brief struggle I managed to rip off the entire label to reveal the plastic shotgun shell container. I thought the packaging was a great homage to one of the best zombie killing weapons. I found a shot glass and began to pour in the contents. It surprisingly came out a deep red color, as opposed to the faint pink I'm used to. I expediently guzzled it down and was hit with a sweet berry flavor with a bite at the finish. Once again, the cornucopia of berry flavors halted me from discerning which berries I was actually tasting. Nevertheless, it was easy to drink and it didn't require a chaser.

     Inside every bottle of Zombie Blast, you get 100 percent daily value of riboflavin, 150 percent daily value of niacin, 2,000 percent daily value of vitamin b6, 100 percent daily value of folic acid, 8,333 percent of vitamin b12, and 100 percent daily value of pantothenic acid. Of course there is also 2,620 milligrams worth of taurine, d-glucuronolactone, malic acid, n-acetlyl l-tyrosine, l-phenylalanine, d-ribose, caffeine, yerba mate extract, cognizin, citicoline, ginseng extract, and guarana extract. The only caffeine content information provided is the cup of coffee nonsense, but despite this downfall it is still a respectable blend with plenty of herbal stimulants.

     Each time I had Zombie Blast, I wasn't necessarily blasted in any way. The effect it provided was decent at best, probably due to a low caffeine amount. After all, an employee did say that they were shying away from caffeine and leaning toward vitamins and herbs. Still, caffeine is what really makes energy drinks work, and it doesn't seem like their is a lot of it in this drink.

     This is one of only two zombie themed products that I have had the pleasure of reviewing, and while Zombie Blood is more authentic, I thought that Zombie Blast stepped up nicely to the plate and delivered a unique and tasty energy shot. Pick this up if your into the whole zombie thing or if you just want a decent energy shot.

REVIEW OF FACEDRINK

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 140 MILLIGRAMS PER 2.5 OUNCE SHOT.

Courtesy of Vocus PRW Holdings

RATING: 4.9 OUT OF 10.

     Harcos puts out a bunch of cool novelty items, generally enjoyed by the reviewing community. I really haven't been to impressed with their tastes, even though they do have nice appeal. Facedrink is an attempt to mimick Facebook, an attempt I'd prefer for them not to have released. They should stick with their potions and powders. This idea is rather silly, and in no way do I like it.

     The taste is merely ok. It is a sloppy fruit flavor, but more like a generic energy drink minus carbonation. I was hoping it'd be

more on level with the Love Potion, but I am very disappointed. I would not add this as a friend of tastebuds.

     140 mgs of the ever so wonderful caffeine is pretty good. While it isn't blow me away good, it is on par with what I expect out of a novelty item. Of course, most people who buy this would probably buy it for its novelty status, so this caffeine level is very adequate.

     Facedrink surely isn't on my friends list, but I think others will enjoy the idea. It doesn't accomplish as much in terms of energy, but it just another silly concept from Harcos, one that I'm sure will sell.

Reviewed by Dylan.

REVIEW OF XYIENCE XENERGY MELON MAYHEM

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 184 MILLIGRAMS PER 16 OUNCE CAN.

RATING: 7.9 OUT OF 10.


     It isn't too often that I receive an offer to try a brand new energy drink from a large company, but when I do, I never turn it down. In this case, it's two Xyience flavors: Melon Mayhem and Tangerine Twister. Today I will be focusing on Melon Mayhem, so without any further time to waste, let's head right into this one.

     As you probably know by now, Xyience is the official energy drink of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. When I cracked the seal and took my first gulp, I had a very tough time describing the flavor. Obviously, it's just one big amalgamation of melons, and there is a lack of caffeine bitterness, which is always nice. And despite having Sucralose and acesulfame potassium, it still doesn't have that unpleasant artificial flavor.  While I can't tell you exactly what melons I was tasting, I still found this flavor of Xyience to be pleasing to my palate.

     What powers the official energy drink of the Ultimate Fighting Club? Well, it has 200 percent daily value of niacin, 500 percent daily value of vitamin b6, 160 percent daily value of vitamin b12, 1,000 percent daily value of pantothenic acid, and a mixture of taurine, glucuronolactone, caffeine, guarana extract, ginseng extract, l-carnitine, and inositol. That's a solid blend, but I wish they gave amounts on everything.

     With 184 milligrams of caffeine along with a host of other ingredients, Xyience does deliver nicely in the kick department. I drank this after an early dentist appointment and it got me out of my morning state. This drink also has no sugar, so that means a crash is non-existent. I would put it's effectiveness at just above average.

     As I previously mentioned, it isn't too often that I get an opportunity to try a brand new energy drink from a major company, and this one didn't disappoint. The only real downfall is a slightly unpleasant aftertaste, but other that that it's a very solid drink. I am looking forward to trying the other flavor.

REVIEW OF STACKER 2 XTRA

CAFFEINE CONTENT: UNKNOWN.

RATING: 7.8 OUT OF 10.

     Yesterday evening, I strolled into Meijer in search of some new energy drinks. But instead of hauling over to the beverage isle, I popped over to the health food section. Here, I found some of the most powerful energy drinks you can find. I noticed Endorush, and the infamous Redline. So what did I settle for? A 1 dollar energy shot from Stacker 2. I decided that eventually I would review Endorush, but that will be at a different date.

     From what I've heard, Stacker 2 does not make any tasty energy shots. Thankfully, it appears that I purchased one that doesn't taste like rat urine. When I twisted off the cap I noticed that it had the same pinkish hue as 5 Hour Energy. I checked the bottle and discovered that it was indeed a berry flavor. I was suspecting another 5 Hour clone. Was I correct? No. Stacker 2 is sweeter than 5 Hour Energy, and it tastes better too. It still utilizes that same artificial berry flavor, which tastes nothing like berries, but nevertheless it is still a palatable drink.

     Hiding inside this energy shot are several energy enhancing ingredients. Here's the full list: 100 percent daily value of niacin, 2,000% daily value of vitamin b6, 100 percent daily value of folic acid, 8,333 percent daily value of vitamin b12, and an energy blend worth 2,125 milligrams. That includes taurine, malic acid, caffeine, glucuronolactone, n-acetyl-l-tyrosine, and l-phenylalanine. They also managed to throw in a small enzyme blend totaling 1 milligram. That has amylase, protease, lipase, cellulase, and lactase. Not bad, Stacker 2. Not bad at all.

     Since Stacker 2 decided to hide their caffeine content in an energy blend, I truly have no idea how much caffeine this thing has. That being said, I would say it does pack a decent punch. I would put the effectiveness at a medium-high level that tapered off without a crash, thanks to the absence of sugar.

     For just 1 dollar, Stacker 2 Xtra is truly a bargain. It tastes good enough to not require a chaser, and it kicks just as hard as some of the other energy shots that cost almost 3 times as much. I say, if you can find this anywhere, don't be afraid to pick it up. You'll probably enjoy it more than the 3 dollar shot you were looking at earlier (5 Hour Energy).

REVIEW OF TANGO

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 170 MILLIGRAMS PER 15.5 OUNCE CAN.

RATING: 8.1 OUT OF 10.



     During my Big Lots raid, I discovered two very similar energy drinks that have always amused me. The first is Tango Energy Juice, and the other is Samba Energy Juice. There is a third flavor called Rumba, but I have already had the pleasure of reviewing that. For this review, I'm going to check out the Tango version, so let's get cracking.

     At first glance, I can immediately see that this drink is made with 100% juice. Judging by the color, I assumed that this drink would be grape flavored, but my prediction proved to be inaccurate. Tango is a blend of 6 juices from concentrate: apple, orange, tangerine, acai, elberberry, and guava. As for the flavor, this drink goes down smoothly and quickly due to the lack of carbonation. As a consequence of having 6 different fruits, it was difficult to distinguish what fruits were more pronounced. However, this drink pleases the palate and I was left very satisfied.

     Powering this juice is a very familiar energy blend. How familiar? Well, Tango Energy Juice is made by Hansen Beverage Company. That's right, the same people who make Monster are making this delicious concoction. Here is that Monster blend once again: 191 percent daily value of vitamin b2, 191 percent daily value of vitamin b3, 191 percent daily value of vitamin b6, 191 percent daily value of vitamin b12, 1,910 milligrams of taurine, 382 milligrams of panax ginseng, and 4,771 milligrams worth of glucose, caffeine, guarana seed extract, l-carnitine, glucuronolactone, inositol, and maltodextrin. As you probably know by now, Hansen does know how to make a pretty nice blend.

     Inside each can of Tango, you will find 160 milligrams of good ol' caffeine. Couple that with the multitude of other ingredients, and this provided a pretty decent kick in the pants. Unfortunately, there is a drawback. This drink has 60 grams of sugar, so consequently I crashed pretty substantially. I hardly ever crash after an energy drink, but I actually felt lethargic after the effect wore off.

     With a delicious amalgamation of fruits and the same blend as the original Monster Energy, you really can't go wrong with this drink. I also really enjoy the fact that it is 100 percent juice, and not something that is 50 percent or lower. I can't find a single reason why you wouldn't want to pick this up, and at 70 cents from Big Lots, that's quite the deal.

REVIEW OF BIG JAK ORANGE

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 164 MILLIGRAMS PER 16 OUNCE CAN.

RATING: 7.2 OUT OF 10. 



Over the past day or so, I have been trying to renovate this site and update its layout. After hours of meticulous work, it has finally been completed. We sincerely hope you enjoy the new and improved layout of the site. Anyhow, I found this next drink at a place where no energy drink wants to be: Big Lots. If your drink shows up here for around 60 cents, you are either trying to get rid of old inventory or you simply didn't make it in the energy drink industry. Nevertheless, I am eager to review the orange flavor of Big Jak, which I purchased for 70 cents.

     At first glance, I thought I had purchased the original flavor of Big Jak, but with further inspection I discovered that this is actually the orange flavor. Almost instantaneously, I figured that this would taste like orange soda. Of course, my assumption proved to be accurate. I mean, what else is an orange flavored soda supposed to taste like? The drink does go down smoothly and leaves no noticeable aftertaste. The only negative aspect is that you may get cottonmouth after consuming this beverage, due to the high amounts of sugar and citric acid.

     Now it's time to find out what ingredients are powering Big Jak. It has 200 percent daily value of niacin, 500 percent daily value of vitamin b6, 160 percent daily value of vitamin b12, 100 percent daily value of pantothenic acid, 1,894 milligrams of taurine, 300 milligrams of glucuronolactone, 200 milligrams of panax ginseng root extract, 96 milligrams of inositol, and 50 milligrams of l-carnitine. It also contains 164 milligrams of caffeine, on par with the industry average. As expected, this is just an average energy drink blend. No harm done here.

     After consuming this orange flavored refreshment, I was hit with a decent boost in alertness, but certainly nothing spectacular. I would compare the effectiveness to the vast majority of 16 ounce energy drinks. If you are looking for a basic increase in energy and alertness, this drink should do the trick.

     In an aforementioned statement, I said that no energy drink wants to be at Big Lots. Needless to say, you can still find quality energy drinks that simply couldn't make it in the overly-saturated energy drink industry. The question remains, is Big Jak one of those quality drinks? I don't see why it isn't, but I'll leave you to decide that one.