REVIEW OF RED BULL TOTAL ZERO

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 80 MILLIGRAMS PER 8.4 OUNCE CAN. 

RATING: 6.6 OUT OF 10. 


     Although I am completely aware that Red Bull has recently released three new flavors, I haven't been able to locate any of them. Fortunately, I did manage to find Red Bull Total Zero, which is essentially just a modified version of Red Bull Sugar Free. Nonetheless, I've never reviewed sugar free Red Bull, so I figured this would be an appropriate substitute. So without further ado, here's Red Bull Total Zero.

     It doesn't take an energy drink connoisseur to spot the original Red Bull from a mile away, with its signature blue and silver can design. However, Total Zero could be accurately described as dull and boring, with its gray and silver scheme. Packaging aside, I was eager to take my first sip of this somewhat new beverage. A friend of mine described the taste as a watered down Red Bull, and as soon as the liquid hit my palate, I had no choice but to agree with him. Red Bull Total Zero does remind me of a watered down Red Bull, but I also noticed the flavor from three artificial sweeteners. All in all, this concoction isn't terrible, but I will take the original Red Bull nine times out of ten.

     The Red Bull energy blend is something that has been duplicated by other energy drink companies for several years. Inside each can, you'll find 100 percent daily value of niacin, 250 percent daily value of vitamin b6, 80 percent daily value of vitamin b12, and 50 percent daily value of pantothenic acid. You also get 80 milligrams of caffeine, 1,000 milligrams of taurine, and an undisclosed amount of glucuronolactone and inositol. Although this energy blend is the epitome of average, you still can't go wrong with the Red Bull formula.

     With 80 milligrams of caffeine, you should expect the effectiveness to be identical to any other Red Bull flavor. I personally happened to notice a slight, yet adequate uplift in my wakefulness and alertness that lasted for a couple hours. It's nothing too spectacular, but I don't expect much effectiveness from a Red Bull.

     I have spoken with a plethora of individuals regarding their favorite energy drink, and they will always say Red Bull or Monster. I am perfectly content with those energy drinks as your favorites, but I  implore you to explore other energy drinks within your area and tell me what you think. Red Bull Total Zero is simply not a fabulous energy drink. It's just your basic, standard calorie free energy drink from the most successful energy drink company in the world. Their energy drinks may only be average in my opinion, but I must admit, their formula one team is immaculate. 

REVIEW OF LOADED

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 160 MILLIGRAMS PER 16 OUNCE CAN. 

RATING: 7.9 OUT OF 10. 

     Any time I arrive at the grocery store, the first place I check is the energy drink isle. Typically, I will find an inordinate amount of Monster and Red Bull along with a few other high end brands. This time, however, I was lucky enough to not only find a drink that I had never tried, but one that I had never even heard of. This drink is called Loaded, and it just happened to be voted the best tasting energy drink at International Beverage. With an award like that, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this drink.

     The packaging on this is simple, yet sleek. It comes in a black, 16 ounce aluminum can with a design on it that is reminiscent of the Jack Daniels label. There is no flavor written on the can, so I had no idea what I was getting into. At first I thought it would be a Monster clone, but that aforementioned award told me otherwise. When I took my first sip, I noticed a sweet lemon cherry flavor up front, then the cherry flavor faded leaving a sour lemon note at the end. It's sweet, sour, smooth, and deserving of the award it received. I enjoyed the lovely mixture of the initial cherry and the aftertaste of lemon. Overall, it's a refreshing energy drink that I would recommend to anybody.

     Now it's time to find out if Loaded energy drink is loaded with firepower. Starting with the b vitamins, we have 200 percent daily value of vitamin b3, 200 percent daily value of vitamin b5, 200 percent daily value of vitamin b6, and 10,000 percent daily value of vitamin b12. Then it has 2,000 milligrams of taurine, 200 milligrams of guarana, 50 milligrams of inositol, 50 milligrams of l-carnitine, 50 milligrams of l-glutamine, 50 milligrams of panax ginseng, and 160 milligrams of caffeine. I really enjoy the fact that they have quantifiable information on each of the energy ingredients. I really wish more companies used this approach.

     160 milligrams of caffeine is identical to what you may find in a can of Monster, and you can expect the effects to be very similar. I noticed an adequate increase in wakefulness that lasted a few hours. If you're looking for a solid uplift, this drink should be sufficient.

     While it is seldom that I locate a drink that I have never heard of, there is usually a reason for it. Either the drink is so awful that their sales are atrocious, or they haven't been able to market the drink properly. This is clearly not the case for Loaded energy drink. This beverage has a lovely mix of sweet and sour flavors, accompanied by a solid energy blend. The effects are also well received. If you happen to find this drink in your area, put down the Monster you were looking at earlier and purchase this instead. Unless that Monster you were holding was Monster Rehab.

REVIEW OF WIRED WAFFLES

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 200 MILLIGRAMS PER WAFFLE. 

RATING: 7.6 OUT OF 10.

     Since its installation in 2009, Addicted 2 Energy has reviewed some very unique products. We've tried caffeinated almonds, caffeinated cookies, caffeinated gum, and a plethora of other miscellaneous caffeinated goods. However, we have never had the pleasure of consuming a caffeinated waffle. That is all about to change today with this review of Wired Waffles. Wired Waffles are waffles that are laced with 200 milligrams of caffeine, perfect for someone like myself. So without further ado, let's check out this sugary treat.

     These waffles are about the size of a coaster and are individually wrapped in plastic. After speaking with someone from Wired Waffles, I was notified that these waffles taste best when microwaved. Therefore, I stuck one of these in the microwave for 45 seconds and it came out very warm and moist. After wiping off the excess moisture from being frozen, I was ready to take my first bite. First of all, these waffles aren't like ordinary waffles. They actually have maple flavor and bacon salt baked right in. This sounds fantastic on paper, but when I took my first bite I found that the waffle was much too dense. It did taste good and was easily palatable, but the density level was just too great. They would be better off making a caffeinated pancake/waffle batter so that the consumer could create their own waffle. If you're going to eat this waffle purely for its taste, you might want to grab an Eggo instead.

     Of course, and Eggo waffle isn't packed with 200 milligrams of good ol' caffeine. Not to mention, it also has 2,000 percent daily value of vitamin b6, and 5,000 percent daily value of vitamin b12. With b vitamins, and as much caffeine as 5 Hour Energy Extra Strength, you really are getting an energy shot in a waffle. And in case your wondering, each waffle contains 200 calories, 5 grams of total fat, and 17 grams of sugar.

     While it may not taste all that great and be extremely dense for a waffle, it certainly does work. After consuming this coaster sized waffle, I noticed a medium increase in alertness and wakefulness. I suppose if you really want to eat a waffle to get your caffeine fix, Wired Waffles are the best (and only) way to go.

     Wired Waffles is a product that has its highlights and downfalls. I admire their fortitude to create a waffle with maple flavor baked in, but it isn't great. No, it isn't disgusting and unpalatable, but the density of the waffle is much too high for my taste. The caffeine content is beyond acceptable, and they even throw in a large amount of b vitamins. If you really want to try a caffeinated waffle, please try this product. It's actually the only caffeinated waffle that exists. Go figure.

REVIEW OF ETERNAL ENERGY BERRY

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 222 MILLIGRAMS PER 1.93 OUNCE BOTTLE.

RATING: 8.4 OUT OF 10. 

     Two days ago, I took a closer examination of the Michigan-based company, Eternal Energy. In that review, I decided to test out the grape variety and was not disappointed with the results. Today, I'm going to put the berry flavor under the reviewing microscope. It seems as if every energy shot company has a berry flavored drink, so let's see if Eternal Energy can pull it off.

     This particular flavor of Eternal Energy comes in a blue and black 1.93 ounce plastic bottle that is identical to just about every single energy shot on the market. I must admit, I do prefer this color combination over the grape flavor I recently reviewed. After I gave it a few shakes, I twisted the bottle open and gulped down the contents inside. The flavor is a sweet and smooth amalgamation of berries, and as always, it was impossible to discern which berries I was tasting. I will say that this flavor isn't nearly as harsh on the palate as the grape version. Overall, this is a solid berry flavored energy shot from Eternal Energy.

     As I explained in my last review of Eternal Energy, this is one of the best energy blends I've seen on an energy shot. To begin, it has 166.67 percent daily value of vitamin b3, 2,020 percent daily value of vitamin b6, 101 percent daily value of folic acid, and 8,416 percent daily value of vitamin b12. Then you have this massive energy blend worth 2,100 milligrams. This consists of taurine, caffeine, l-theanine, quercetin, maltodextrin, green tea extract, d-glucuronolactone, guarana extract, elderberry extract, d-calcium pantothenate, n-acetyl l-tyrosine, garcinia combogia, grape seed extract, yerba mate extract, beta alanine, dl-phenylalanine, l-phenylalanine, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid. My only complaint, and it is an infinitesimally small one, is that they don't give the amounts on every ingredient. Other than that, this is an impeccable energy blend.

     Each bottle of Eternal Energy contains 222 milligrams of caffeine, which is approximately the same as putting 2.75 Red Bull's worth of caffeine into a bottle less than 2 ounces. This indicates that this product should definitely provide you with a solid increase in energy and alertness. When I tried the grape flavor, I didn't receive much of a boost, but thankfully this flavor had a better result. I noticed an adequate increase in focus and alertness that lasted for a few hours and tapered off without a crash.

     Even though I still have 3 more flavors of Eternal Energy left to review, this version definitely takes the top spot of my favorite flavor. The berry flavor is sweet, smooth, and easy on the palate and throat. The energy blend, as I have already mentioned, is one of the best I have seen on an energy shot, and the hefty amount of caffeine provides a nice amount of energy. I must admit, I am extremely eager to review those other 3 flavors.

REVIEW OF SLAP CRISP APPLE

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 220 MILLIGRAMS PER 16 OUNCE CAN.

RATING: 7.8 OUT OF 10. 

     As Addicted 2 Energy closes in on 350 product reviews, It's always nice to take a break from the uncommon items and take a closer examination of a mainstream product. This product I'm reviewing today, called Slap, can accurately be considered mainstream, since it is readily available at the largest retail outlet in the world: Walmart. I located Slap while I was desperately trying to locate one of the new Red Bull flavors, but to no avail. Fortunately, I managed to purchase the Crisp Apple version of Slap Energy, and I was eager to test it out.

     This particular flavor comes in a green and silver sixteen ounce aluminum can. The design is simple, yet clean and free of superfluous text. I have had the pleasure of reviewing two other flavors of Slap, which are named Frost and Lemon Ice. Both of those flavors were well received, so I had high expectations for this Crisp Apple version. With that said, I cracked open the can and took my first gulps. I noticed a smooth and crisp apple flavor that was unlike any other energy drink I've tasted. As a matter of fact, this is probably the only apple flavored energy drink I have tried, and it is quite satisfying. As you would expect, it doesn't taste like carbonated apple juice, but instead it is an artificially flavored green apple beverage. In summary, Crisp Apple is a fine addition to the Slap line-up.

     Slap markets itself as a multi-stage energy supplement, so does that indicate that we will see some unique ingredients? Well, for starters there's 200 percent daily value of vitamin b3, 200 percent daily value of vitamin b6, and 200 percent daily value of vitamin b12. It also has an energy blend worth 3,138 milligrams. This contains maltodextrin, taurine, fructose, caffeine, isomaltulose, vitamin b3, vitamin b6, and vitamin b12. The only unique ingredient I notice is isomaltulose, which is essentially a sugar substitute. Other than that, this is quite an ordinary energy blend.

     Slap also indicates on their label that their products have 25 percent more caffeine than other energy drinks. Based on the fact that a can of Monster Energy contains 160 milligrams of caffeine, Slap must contain  200 milligrams. Yet, if you take a closer look at the label, it clearly states that the caffeine content is 220 milligrams of caffeine. This means that Slap Crisp Apple has about 37 percent more caffeine than a standard Monster. That being said, this energy drink should provide a high level of effectiveness. Even for somebody such as myself, this beverage provided a solid uplift in alertness and wakefulness that lasted a few hours.

     This flavor of Slap is probably my favorite out of the three I've reviewed, simply due to its uniqueness. I cannot recall ever seeing an apple flavored energy drink, let alone a green apple flavor. Not to mention, they manage to do it correctly and avoid unnecessary tartness and sourness. The effectiveness is also high, with its 220 milligrams of caffeine. The energy blend is the only sour note in this otherwise great product. I recommend you stop by your local Walmart and purchase a can or two. I think you'll be quite satisfied.

REVIEW OF ETERNAL ENERGY GRAPE

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 222 MILLIGRAMS PER 1.93 OUNCE BOTTLE. 

RATING: 7.7 OUT OF 10.

     Addicted 2 Energy is a pretty neat website. However, it only receives approximately 350-400 page views per day, which means that I seldom receive requests to review new products. This next review marks one of those requests. I have received a few comments on this site asking for a review of Eternal Energy, and I kept telling them that I had already reviewed it right here. However, when I checked their website I noticed a completely different looking product. I contacted the company and they clarified that Eternal Energy Inked is what I had reviewed previously, and this other version has a different formula. That indicated that it was good enough to review, so without further ado, let's check out Eternal Energy.

     Eternal Energy comes in 4 distinct flavors: grape, pomegranate, berry, and tropical punch. I decided to try out the grape flavor first. This particular flavor comes in a purple 2 ounce bottle that looks very professional and clutter free. It is not uncommon to find an energy shot that is absolutely impossible to open, due to its incomprehensibly stubborn shrink wrap. This was certainly not the case for Eternal Energy. With one hard twist, I screwed off the top and chugged the liquid inside. The flavor is respectable for an energy shot, with a sweet grape flavor and a bitter aftertaste. The aftertaste is actually the worst part of the flavor experience, but it still didn't require a chaser, as some energy shots do.

     This company manages to pack quite a plethora of ingredients in this minuscule bottle. Starting with the vitamins we have 2,020 percent daily value of niacin, 101 percent daily value of folic acid, and 8,416 percent daily value of vitamin b12. Then we have an energy blend with a combined 2,100 milligrams of taurine, caffeine, l-theanine, quercetin, maltodextrin, green tea extract, d-glucuronolactone, guarana extract, elderberry extract, d-calcium pantothenate, n-acetyl l-tyrosine, garcina cambogia, grape seed extract, yerba mate, beta-alanine, dl-phenylalanine, l-phenylalanine, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid. That is an absolutely unfathomable amount of ingredients to cram into a bottle less than 2 ounces. There aren't many energy shots out there that have more than 20 ingredients in their energy blend.

     Yes, 20 ingredients is quite a substantial amount, but its no secret which ingredient is the most important. Caffeine. Inside each bottle of Eternal Energy, you can expect to find 222 milligrams of caffeine. This would put it in the top 3 most caffeinated 2 ounce energy shots on the market. With that said, you can expect a lot of effectiveness from this product. As for myself, I received a decent increase in wakefulness and alertness that lasted for a few hours. As I have mentioned several times before on this site, my caffeine tolerance is rather high. That being said, this should have no trouble giving you a solid kick in the pants.

     It is only natural to conclude this review by comparing Eternal Energy Grape to 5 Hour Energy Extra Strength Grape. First of all, both products are manufactured in my home state of Michigan, which is something I am quite proud of. Second, this flavor experience of this product is actually a notch below 5 Hour Energy Grape. As for ingredients, Eternal Energy absolutely destroys 5 Hour Energy, and just about every other shot on the market. Finally, with 222 milligrams of caffeine compared to 5 Hour's 207 for the extra strength, this should be more effective. Taking everything into consideration, I would put Eternal Energy Grape just slightly above 5 Hour Energy Extra Strength Grape. But do not be disconcerted if you just bought that 5 Hour Energy. Both Eternal Energy and 5 Hour Energy are solid energy shots.

REVIEW OF MONSTER IMPORT LIGHT

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 186 MILLIGRAMS PER 18.6 OUNCE CAN. 

RATING: 7.7 OUT OF 10. 

     With a whopping 35% market share, Monster Energy is the most popular energy drink in the United States of America. Of course, the nine billion dollar company cannot keep up with the worldwide sales of Red Bull, which sold an astronomical 4.6 billion cans in 2011. I've always preferred Monster because they have the audacity to add new flavors to their lineup. Just recently, they have added Zero Ultra and Cuba Lima to their expanding product line. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to track down either of them. However, I did manage to find Monster Import Light, and I didn't hesitate to purchase it. I reviewed the original Import back in 2010 and enjoyed it, so I was interested to see how this one would perform.

     Monster Import Light comes in a unique 18.6 ounce aluminum black can with a giant crest on the front. Even the tab is unique on this can, and it sort of reminds me of the top of a coffee mug. After gazing at the can for a more seconds, I took my first sip. I've always liked Monster Light better than Monster Original, and this is no exception. The flavor is smooth, sweet, and pleasing to the palate. Monster successfully masks that bitter, exceedingly sweet flavor of artificial sweeteners. Although this is not as phenomenal as Monster Rehab, this flavor still receives a solid thumbs up from me.

     The ammunition for Monster Import Light is basically the same as the original Monster flavors. Each can contains 232.5 percent daily value of vitamin b2, 232.5 percent daily value of vitamin b3, 232.5 percent daily value of vitamin b6, 232.5 percent daily value of vitamin b12, 2,325 milligrams of taurine, and 465 milligrams of panax ginseng. There is also Monster's Energy Blend, which is measured at 5,812.5 milligrams. This blend contains l-carnitine, glucose, caffeine, guarana, inositol, glucuronolactone, and maltodextrin. This isn't the best energy blend that Monster can offer, but it still gets my seal of approval.

     Although the caffeine content is undisclosed, the fine folks at Energy Fiend tell us that it has 186 milligrams per 18.6 ounce can. That's only slightly higher than the original, and the effectiveness is basically identical. You can expect an adequate increase in wakefulness and alertness that lasts for a few hours and tapers off without a crash.

     With a staggering nineteen reviews including this one, Monster Energy drinks are the most reviewed products on Addicted 2 Energy. Sometimes they produce immaculate drinks, like Monster Rehab, and sometimes they fail to hit the mark, like Monster Assault. Monster Import Light is definitely on the positive side of the fence, with its smooth and sweet flavor profile. The energy blend is just typical Monster, bold and in your face. Unfortunately, the don't add any extra ingredients like yerba mate. All things considered, I would recommend this over Import Original. Let me know if your agree or disagree in the comment section below.

REVIEW OF HERBAL MIST GREEN TEA

CAFFEINE CONTENT: UNKNOWN.

RATING: 5.7 OUT OF 10. 

     In our last review, we took a closer look at the Liquid Lightning energy drink. Today, we're going to examine a product called Herbal Mist, which is manufactured for Liquid Lightning, Limited Liability Company. This neat looking product is actually bottled tea, and it comes in six different flavors including diet.  For this review, we're going to put their green tea flavor under the microscope. Each Herbal Mist flavor is powered by yerba mate, which is an herbal stimulant found in several energy drinks. As a fan of sweet tea, I was excited to see what was in store.

     Herbal Mist Green Tea comes in a white, 20 ounce plastic bottle reminiscent to a Vitamin Water. The packaging on Herbal Mist is astronomically better than Liquid Lightning. It actually makes me wonder if this is really their forte and energy drinks are just another product for them. In any case, I proceeded to twist off the cap and take my first sips. With an astonishing 50 grams of sugar per bottle, expect the tea to be almost exorbitantly sweet. Herbal Mist was also gracious enough to add delicious honey to their green tea, which is like sweet nectar going down my esophagus. I am an avid fan of sweet teas, and this one is definitely a winner in my book.

     As far as energy inducing ingredients are concerned, there's really only a couple ingredients that can be mentioned. The first and foremost is yerba mate, which is the fourth ingredient in this bottle. Yerba Mate is an herbal stimulant that can supposedly relieve fatigue, promote weight loss, ease depression and headaches, and help treat various other conditions. Yerba Mate does contain caffeine, although the amount of caffeine in this beverage is completely unknown. The other ingredient worth mentioning is panax ginseng. This is also an herbal stimulant that is used for improving thinking, concentration, memory and work efficiency, physical stamina, and athletic endurance. And last but certainly not least, each bottle contains a staggering 775 percent daily value of vitamin c.

     Even with these herbal stimulants, the caffeine content is probably fairly low, which is still the most effective ingredient in energy drinks. That being said, I did not feel much of an effect from this drink, and even the average consumer can expect the same result. Besides, this drink is marketed as bottled tea  and not as an energy drink.

     Herbal Mist Green Tea is just one of those products where you have to ignore the rating and focus on this conclusion right here. Why? Because that rating is an average of three categories: taste, energy blend, and effectiveness. Since Herbal Mist Green Tea didn't do so well on two of the three categories, it won't receive a high overall rating. Nevertheless, I wouldn't overlook this drink if I were you. If you can handle 50 grams of sugar and 200 calories in your tea, this is something you might want to consider.

Resources

Ginseng: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/1000.html

Yerba Mate: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/yerba-mate/AN01774

REVIEW OF LIQUID LIGHTNING

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 100 MILLIGRAMS PER 8.4 OUNCE CAN.

RATING: 6.8 OUT OF 10. 


     In the midst of triglyceride and calorie-laden dishes of turkey, stuffing, cranberry, and succulent pumpkin pie, I have come to bring you a great review while I still recover from this food coma. Unfortunately, I don't have any Thanksgiving products to share with you all, but I do have this neat little energy drink called Liquid Lightning. I first tried the sugar free version back in the prehistoric times of 2009, and was recently contacted by them. I graciously accepted the samples and was flabbergasted when I noticed the variety of products this company offers. They have teas with yerba mate, enhanced waters, and of course, energy drinks. Let's take a look at those energy drinks first.

     Liquid Lightning comes in a black, shrink-wrapped aluminum can that is exactly the same size as a Red Bull. The design on the can is extremely simplistic, perhaps even too simplistic, with a simple white lightning bolt at the top of the can. There is no flavor listed on the can, so I was eager to take my first few sips. I was expecting a Red Bull clone, and my prediction was partially accurate. Liquid Lightning is a smoother, more drinkable version of Red Bull. It's still just as sweet and it still gives you that cotton mouth you know and love. While I am ashamed that Liquid Lightning still falls into the category of Red Bull clone, they at least had the audacity to create some variation of the flavor.

     When you receive an energy drink such as this one, I am never expecting the energy blend to be off the charts. It's the same old story with this one. Inside each can of Liquid Lightning, you'll find 35 percent daily value of vitamin b2, 180 percent daily value of vitamin b3, 100 percent daily value of vitamin b5, 500 percent daily value of vitamin b6, 1,400 percent daily value of vitamin b12, and 100 milligrams of caffeine. It also contains 2,000 milligrams worth of a proprietary blend composed of taurine, glucuronolactone, ribose, inositol, panax ginseng extract, and potassium citrate. Sadly, you won't find any guarana or l-carnintine in this one, but on a positive note I do enjoy the fact that they managed to have more caffeine than a Red Bull.

     As a matter of fact, Liquid Lightning contains 20 more milligrams of caffeine than Red Bull. What difference does this make? Not much for someone such as myself. I noticed a mediocre increase in wakefulness and alertness after consuming this energy drink. For the average consumer, you should expect a slightly more potent kick than a Red Bull. Not to mention, this drink contains 200 percent of your daily value of vitamin c, so you can fight off colds this winter.

     As a whole, I admire Liquid Lightning's efforts to at least try and create some variation of the basic energy drink. They began with a generic profile, and gently tweaked each area to create something that isn't spectacular, but also isn't too generic. While I do enjoy the flavor of Liquid Lightning, I was disappointed that they couldn't come up with a flavor besides Red Bull. On the ingredients side of things, I love the fact that they have added vitamin c, and a little more caffeine than Red Bull. Other than that, it's still same old same old. If you happen to find one of these at your local convenience store, I suggest you give it at least one go. It can't be worse than that Red Bull you have next to you.

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.

   

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.