REVIEW OF MONSTER ZERO ULTRA

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 140 MILLIGRAMS PER 16 OUNCE CAN.

RATING: 7.6 OUT OF 10. 

     Monster is just one of those companies that is constantly coming out with new drinks. Unfortunately, about 50 of those are variants of Monster Lo-Carb, just like this one here. It's called Zero Ultra and I'm sure you've tried it before, or at least heard of it. It has one of the most unique can designs I've seen in awhile, so let's see how it performs.

     As I said, the can design is incredible. It's a white can with an intricate silver design on it. The design gives the can a rough texture, which I found to be very unique. What's even more impressive is that it tastes as good as it looks. As soon as I took a sip, the flavor instantly reminded me of Sprite. Not in the sense that it is lemon-lime flavored, but it has that same refreshing crispness that Sprite has. Not even artificial sweeteners can hinder the flavor of this beverage. Once again, Monster delivers well on flavor.

     One of the other categories that Monster seems to always deliver on is energy blend. Let's see how they do this time. We have 200 percent daily value of vitamin b3, 200 percent daily value of vitamin b6. 200 percent daily value of vitamin b12, and an undisclosed amount of taurine, panax ginseng extract, l-carnitine, glucuronolactone, inositol, and guarana extract. There are 140 milligrams of caffeine inside each can of Monster Zero Ultra. Overall, it's not a bad blend but I've seen better from Monster Energy.

     This does have slightly less caffeine than your standard Monster, so naturally you should expect a slightly weaker effect. I noticed an adequate increase in alertness and focus that lasted for a few hours. Not bad considering my high tolerance to caffeine.

     Despite the fact that this is yet another variation of Monster Lo-Carb, I am very impressed with Zero Ultra. The smooth, crisp flavor is definitely the drink's strong point, and the effect isn't too far behind. The energy blend could use a very slight bit of work however, but it's nothing major. Oh, and let's not forget about that intricately designed can!

REVIEW OF XYIENCE XENERGY + TEA HONEY GINSENG

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 155 MILLIGRAMS PER 15.5 OUNCE CAN. 

RATING: 7.5 OUT OF 10. 

     I'm not a very excitable person. That's just the way I am. But when Xyience gave me the opportunity to be one of the first people to try their new Xenergy+ products, I jumped out of my chair. Being one of the first to try any product is a humbling experience in itself, and being able to review it is even more spectacular. Being an avid fan of tea, I decided to consume the Xenergy + tea with honey ginseng first.

     The can design and labels are just about identical to any other Xyience beverage. The only notable difference is the lengthier warning label that explicitly states that individuals under 18 should not consume this beverage. This drink is also non carbonated, so expect a smooth texture when you're drinking this. You should also be aware that this drink is very tasty. The base flavor is a sweet green tea, with compliments of honey. The honey brings sweetness and life into the beverage, while the tea adds a hint of bitterness. It's a flavor profile that is too easy to pass up, so I recommend you give this a try.

     It's time to find out what energy ingredients Xyience put into this drink. First of all, we have 193.75 percent daily value of niacin, 484.375 percent daily value of vitamin b6, 155 percent daily value of vitamin b12, and 968.75 percent daily value of pantothenic acid. It also contains 155 milligrams of caffeine, and undisclosed amounts of taurine, guarana, ginseng, l-carnitine, and inositol.

     This drink does have less caffeine than a carbonated Xyience, by about 45 milligrams, so you should expect the effects to equivalent to that of a Monster. I personally received an adequate increase in my energy levels, which I definitely needed after only 4 hours of sleep. If you're looking for a decent pick-me-up, this drink should do the trick.

     I still have yet to try the other Xenergy+ flavors, but so far I like where Xyience is headed. I've always been a sucker for non-carbonated drinks, and this one lived up to my expectations. The honey compliments the green tea very nicely and the whole package looks very professional. If you like, you can currently purchase these drinks at Xyience's website.

REVIEW OF MOUNTAIN DEW KICKSTART FRUIT PUNCH

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 92 MILLIGRAMS PER 16 OUNCE CAN.

RATING: 6.4 OUT OF 10.

     If you have so much as glanced through an article on this website, you're probably familiar with a brand of soda called Mountain Dew. Mountain Dew has almost always been marketed to be somewhat of a cross between a soda and an energy drink. Personally, I have never been the greatest fan of the beverage and prefer a smooth root beer for a soda. So what has Mountain Dew crafted in their laboratories? It's basically Mountain Dew in a 16 ounce can with some added caffeine, vitamin c, and different flavors.

     Right off the bat, you will notice the large "Kickstart" text running vertically along the can. This particular flavor is fruit punch, so naturally the can is colored a vibrant red. Being a fan of sweet flavors such as fruit punch, I eagerly cracked open the can and took a few sips. My taste buds were  immediately hit with a sweet and sticky fruit punch flavor. Since this drink has 5 percent juice and only 19 grams of sugar, the flavor didn't seem as artificial as other fruit punch drinks. On the whole, this beverage has a solid flavor profile.

     Inside each can of Mountain Dew Kickstart we have 80 percent daily value of niacin, 80 percent daily value of vitamin b6, 60 percent daily value of pantothenic acid, and 92 milligrams of caffeine. It also contains 100 percent daily value of vitamin c for some added health benefits. For what it is, this isn't a bad blend by any means. The addition of vitamin c is why this is marketed to be a breakfast drink.

     Kickstart actually has the same caffeine content as a 20 ounce Mountain Dew, so it would be logical to expect the same amount of effectiveness. I happened to notice a mediocre boost in my alertness levels, but it was nothing too spectacular. If you're really searching for a powerful drink, look elsewhere.

     Mountain Dew Kickstart is a bit of a confusing beverage. The drink is not actually marketed to be an energy drink, despite having 92 milligrams of caffeine. I also don't fully comprehend the promotional strategy behind this. A soda for breakfast? That doesn't sound very appetizing. My advice would be to ignore what Pepsi says and just drink this like you would a soda. After all, the flavor is the highlight of this beverage.

REVIEW OF DOUBLE KICK HOT SAUCE

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 12 MILLIGRAMS PER TABLESPOON.

Courtesy of Double Kick Hot Sauce

RATING: 5.1 OUT OF 10. 

     For a while I thought I'd never see a caffeinated hot sauce. That was until I stumbled onto Doublekick. As one of the unique products that I love being able to try, I was able to crack a smile when they agreed to send me samples for our review. Lets see how my first caffeinated hot sauce fairs.

     This sauce is thicker than most of the hat sauce than I am accustomed to seeing. Pouring it onto a spoon to try it straight, it comes out in a goopy kind of mess. Putting it into my mouth, I must say I was impressed. It has some heat, though not overbearing, and the overall taste is good. It works well on various foods as well, such as tacos and pork chops. Very solid hot sauce.

     The disappointing part is the kick. 12 mgs per every tbsp is hardly worth my time to review on an energy blog. The only reason it gets to be reviewed is because the bottle claims it to be 'Energizing'. Caffeine being the only ingredient, you'd have to have around 7 tbsp to get more caffeine than the average low budget energy drink.

     Despite the weak kick, Doublekick is a solid hot sauce that works well with your meal. I would only buy it just for the purpose of eating it with my meal. Other than that, it is not worth your time. I do appreciate the caffeinated hot sauce idea though, but wish I could find some of the other things I'd like to see caffeinated, such as whipped cream and doughnuts. Maybe in the future.

Reviewed By Dylan

REVIEW OF COYOTE TAMARINDO

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 200 MILLIGRAMS PER 16 OUNCE CAN.

RATING: 7.3 OUT OF 10. 
 
     I've gotten pretty lazy lately. I've gotten my reviews stacked up. One of the ones I have put off for quite some time is the tamarind flavor in the Coyote line. My previous encounters with their flavors were good, and I can say the same for this one.

     The taste isn't like my previous encounter with tamarind flavored beverages. The sodas I had bought from my local latino grocery store had a bit more profound taste compared to this Coyote drink. This one had a good taste however, but I wasn't sure how to feel about the apple taste I got with the tamarind. My least favorite tasting out of the three.

     The 200 mgs of caffeine here were well received when I chugged it down. I was drowsy and in a rush, and the blend it hit me and kept me going long enough to get through my hectic evening. The rest of the blend consists of 1250 mgs of taurine, ginseng, inositol, l-carnitine, and glucoronolactone.

     The Coyote line as a whole was a solid one. The Jamaica drink, which sadly wont be able to be reviewed in this go round, was the best of the three, followed by the mango, and this beverage. This Tamarindo flavor was a good one, and is easily worth the buy.


Reviewed By Dylan.

REVIEW OF ROCKSTAR SUPERSOURS BUBBLEBERRY

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 240 MILLIGRAMS PER 16 OUNCE CAN. 

RATING: 8.5 OUT OF 10.
 
     If I had to choose which company makes the best energy drinks, Monster or Rockstar, I would have an extremely tough time making that decision. Currently, my favorite energy drink is Monster Rehab Original, but the Rockstar variant of that drink received the  Addicted 2 Energy award for energy drink of the year. For every drink one company creates, the other company feels the need to create a rival product. However, I would be surprised to see Monster replicate a drink like Rockstar SuperSours. When I first laid eyes on this drink in the supermarket, I had more questions than answers.

     My first question was, "is this drink marketed toward kids?" The packaging would have me saying "yes", but the caffeine content wouldn't. Let's just hope that Rockstar isn't irresponsible enough to market a highly-caffeinated energy drink towards children. My next question focuses on the flavor profile. They call it SuperSours, so does that mean the drink is sour? As it turns out, it isn't sour at all. Thankfully. The flavor is described as bubbleberry, or rather a mixture of bubblegum and berry. That kind of combination just screams "too sweet", but that just wasn't the case. This drink is smooth and sweet, and the bubblegum flavor is noticeable, yet subtle enough to let the berry flavor come through. All things considered, I think Rockstar did a fantastic job with such a unique flavor profile.

     Similar to their energy drink rival, Rockstar is also known for their potent energy blends. For this drink, we have 200 percent daily value of niacin, 200 percent daily value of vitamin b6, 200 percent daily value of vitamin b12, 200 percent daily value of pantothenic acid, 2,000 milligrams of taurine, 240 milligrams of caffeine, 50 milligrams of panax ginseng root extract, 50 milligrams of guarana seed extract, 50 milligrams of l-carnitine, 50 milligrams of inositol, and 40 milligrams of milk thistle extract. Your classic Rockstar blend with 50 percent more caffeine. Can't go wrong with that.

     I may have a high tolerance for caffeine, but even 240 milligrams is enough to get me moving. This drink actually gave me a noticeable increase in energy, which is always wonderful. This is equivalent to drinking 3 Red Bulls, so make sure you drink this responsibly.

     This energy drink would easily get the award for "Surprise Energy Drink of the Year" if such a thing existed. I honestly thought that the flavor of this drink was going to be completely unpalatable and overly sweet. It still has 260 calories and 64 grams of sugar, so don't expect this to be too kind on your waistline. In any case, just make sure you don't feed your children this drink. Regardless if it is marketed to them or not.

REVIEW OF RED BULL RED EDITION

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 80 MILLIGRAMS PER 8.4 OUNCE CAN. 

RATING: 7.2 OUT OF 10. 

     Finally, my homework is completed and ready to be turned in on Monday, and what better way than to reward myself than to compose a review of another Red Bull flavor. Yesterday, I reviewed the Blue Edition, which I found to be very pleasing on the taste buds. The Red Edition is cranberry flavored, and I am certainly not the biggest fan of cranberry flavored drinks. Can Red Bull change my mind?

     Once again, we have the sleek and sophisticate packaging that we saw in the Blue Edition, expect this one is obviously red. As I mentioned previously, this edition boasts a cranberry flavor, so naturally I was curious to see how well they pulled it off. Pouring some out in a glass, this beverage has a vibrant and deep red color, just what I would expect. When I took my first sip, I realized that Red Bull had done it again. This cranberry flavored beverage has the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, mixed with an adequate level of carbonation. Despite not being a big fan of cranberry, I have to admit that this one is just as good if not better than the Blue Edition. So far, Red Bull is 2 for 2 on the flavor aspect of these drinks.

     There is nothing new here in terms of the energy blend. You still have 100 percent daily value of niacin, 250 percent daily value of vitamin b6, 80 percent daily value of vitamin b12, 50 percent daily value of pantothenic acid, 80 milligrams of caffeine, and an undisclosed amount of taurine, glucuronolactone, and inositol.

     As I mentioned in my previous review, you should expect the exact same effect as you would get from any other Red Bull flavor. For most consumers, 80 milligrams of caffeine is enough to get them going, but for me it just doesn't cut the mustard. But I wouldn't drink these for the effect. The taste alone can satisfy me.

     In that case, what do I think is better, the Red Edition or the Blue Edition? This is an extremely tough call as both flavors are immaculate and very well-made. On one hand, the blueberry flavor is fruity and smooth. On the other hand, the cranberry edition has that perfect balance of tart and sweet. While the Blue Edition is very excellent indeed, I would have to give the edge to the Red Edition for being such an impeccable cranberry drink. I truly cannot wait to give the Silver Edition a try.

REVIEW OF RED BULL BLUE EDITION

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 80 MILLIGRAMS PER 16 OUNCE CAN.

RATING: 7 OUT OF 10.

     Red Bull. It's the most popular energy drink in the world, selling 5.2 billion cans in 2012. Its main rivals try to keep up, but it is almost impossible to surpass Red Bull's sales. No matter where you are, even if you're in a place that shouldn't sell beverages, you'll find Red Bull. What's even more miraculous is that they have stayed at the top with only three flavors: Original, Sugar Free, and Total Zero. A few months ago, that all changed. Red Bull introduced three new flavors, named Blue Edition, Red Edition, and Silver Edition. I decided to go with the Blue Edition first. 

     Red Bull Blue Edition comes in a sleek, blue 8.4 ounce aluminum can. I found the packaging to have a simple, yet sophisticated design, and the rich blue will capture the eyes of the consumer. As indicated by the back of the can, the Blue Edition is supposed to be blueberry flavored. I poured some in a glass and out came a deep, blueish purple colored liquid. I took a sip and was instantaneously surprised at how delicious this tasted. The blueberry flavor is smooth and easy on the palate, and there is absolutely no hint of the old Red Bull flavor. The fruitiness is so present in this that I am surprised it doesn't have any juice in it. In any case, the Blue Edition is a lovely start to the new Red Bull line-up. 

     Ah, the classic Red Bull energy blend. It's what started it all. Once again, here's the list: 100 percent daily value of niacin, 250 percent daily value of vitamin b6, 80 percent daily value of vitamin b12, 50 percent daily value of pantothenic acid, 80 milligrams of caffeine, and an undisclosed amount of taurine, glucuronolactone, and inositol. What can I say, this energy blend is the epitome of average. 

     In my opinion, Red Bull isn't an energy drink you would reach for if you want a massive increase in energy. However, it should provide you an adequate increase in alertness and focus, just don't expect to be bouncing off the walls. Personally, I didn't feel much of an effect from this drink, but that didn't surprise me. 

     Red Bull really, really took their time in developing new flavors, and judging by this Blue Edition our patience has been well-awarded. I'm also quite pleased that they didn't mess with the drink's energy formula. As the saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. With that said, I am greatly looking forward to reviewing the other two flavors on Addicted 2 Energy.

REVIEW OF +RED POWER ELIXIR

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 150 MILLIGRAMS PER 12 OUNCE CAN.

RATING: 7.4 OUT OF 10. 

     The energy variant of +Red comes in the same shrink wrapped matte black bullet can with the plastic lid like the Resuce Elixir, and like the Rescue Elixir, the shrink wrap makes it look more generic, and the plastic ring makes it frustrating to open. Other than that, at least they listed the caffeine content on this one.

     Tasting identical to the sister product is well received, considering I loved the taste of the sister product. That being said, there is really nothing to write about this flavor that wasn't covered in my review of +Red Rescue Elixir. Find it, and our other reviews in the link list on the side of your screen.

     Listing the caffeine for this drink makes it so much easier to review than the previous. 150 mgs of caffeine is on par with the standard, though coming up short of reaching the average. The overall blend consists of 1034 mgs of taurine, caffeine, l-carnitine, inositol, and the mysterious red superfood, which I assume is the name sake of this drink. Overall, I received a decent 2 and a half hour kick from this drink, which is pretty good.

     +Red's second beverage slightly outshines the second, by being tasty and delivering a decent buzz. I would spend a dollar or two if I found this in the cooler on at the gas station. I recommend for all to buy this if seen, namely for the impressive flavor.

Reviewed By Dylan 

REVIEW OF CANNABIS

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 80 MILLIGRAMS PER 8.4 OUNCE CAN.

RATING: 6.5 OUT OF 10.

     Should we legalize marijuana or should we not legalize marijuana? That question has been circling around for the past several years and it looks as though it may get legalized eventually. In the mean time, I am here to bring you my thoughts on a marijuana-themed energy drink. Of course, this is just an energy drink and it contains no tetrahydrocannabinol or THC for short. It does contain hemp seed extract, which is actually quite beneficial to one's health. So without further ado, let's light this bad boy up.

     Cannabis energy drink, as it is called, comes in a vivid green 8.4 ounce can with a marijuana leaf on the front. The only hint of what the flavor might be is a small label that says "hemp energy beverage." Can this drink really have a "hemp" flavor? It may, but when I took my first sip I noticed that unmistakable flavor of Red Bull. However, Cannabis is smoother and not as harsh on the palate. Nevertheless, I was still disappointed that this was yet another energy drink that tastes similar to Red Bull.

     You obviously won't find anything that will make you intoxicated in this can, but what exactly is in it? First off, it has 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. It also contains taurine, glucuronolactone, inositol, and 80 milligrams of caffeine. This is a fairly modest blend but it will receive a few bonus points due to the addition of hemp seed extract.

     If you're used to drinking Red Bull, you will pretty much receive the exact same effect from this drink. If you're anything like me, you'll know that 80 milligrams of caffeine won't exactly give you a healthy kick in the pants. I noticed a very mild increase in energy, but that was it.

     Cannabis Energy is a very unique beverage in my opinion. Some may think that the name is controversial, but I disagree. The way I see it, this is simply an energy drink that tastes similar to Red Bull and has hemp seed extract added to it. If you're looking to get high off of it, why don't you roll up a joint instead.

REVIEW OF XYIENCE XENERGY TANGERINE TWISTER

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 184 MILLIGRAMS PER 16 OUNCE CAN. 

RATING: 6.8 OUT OF 10.

     Over the course of this site's lifetime, I have received a multitude of samples from a plethora of different companies. As expected, the vast majority of samples Addicted 2 Energy receives are from small companies looking for some extra publicity. It is seldom that I receive free product from a large energy drink manufacturer, but that rare occurrence has recently happened. Yesterday, I received some samples of Xyience Xenergy, and I am honored to share my thoughts on their Tangerine Twister flavor.

     If you're reading this, you probably already know what a can of Xyience Xenergy looks like. This particular one is silver with overlapping red and yellow circles. Since the flavor is advertised as Tangerine Twister, I was expecting a flavor that was roughly similar to an orange soda. I suppose you could say my prediction was slightly accurate. There was in fact a presence of orange-soda, but it was tainted by sucralose and acesulfame potassium, two artificial sweeteners. You see, some flavors are great as masking the flavor of artificial sweeteners. Orange is not one of them, in my opinion. This is not my favorite Xyience flavor, but overall it was all right.

     As the official energy drink of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, it is natural to expect a potent blend from the folks at Xyience. Inside each can, there's 200 percent daily value of niacin, 500 percent daily value of vitamin b6, 160 percent daily value of vitamin b12, and 1,000 percent daily value of pantothenic acid. There is also some taurine, glucuronolactone, caffeine, guarana extract, ginseng extract, l-carnitine, and inositol. With pretty much all of the energy drink staples, it's not a bad blend by any means.

     A can of Xyience Xenergy Tangerine Twister will fill your body with 184 milligrams of caffeine, putting it just slightly above the industry standard. You can expect an effect that is similar to Monster Energy. As for me, I received a modest boost in my alertness and wakefulness that lasted for a couple hours.

     If I'm not mistaken, every Xyience flavor is sugar-free, which means that they need to utilize artificial sweeteners, which could hinder the flavor experience. This is exactly what happened with Tangerine Twister, but they still managed to create a decent drink. The question of whether or not it is healthier to add artificial sweeteners than it is to add actual sugar is a question for a different day.

REVIEW OF SOLIXIR RELAX

CAFFEINE CONTENT: NONE.

RATING: 4.1 OUT OF 10. 

     Solixir is a line of functional drinks that come in four functions, think, awaken, restore, and relax. The latter will be the subject of today's review. As stated in my review of Lanilai, I don't often review relaxation beverages. I figured I'd start here with the Solixir line, based on the assumption I wouldn't enjoy reviewing this product.

     I don't know what to say about the taste. Just like water, with some nasty berry taste thrown in. It isn't really something I enjoy, and it is hard for me to describe in detail. It lacks some personality, but at least it isn't a pungent flavor. It is still slightly below average.

     1.7 gs of chamomile flower, lemon balm leaf, jujube berry, passionflower herb, and hibiscus flower highlight this anti-buzz. After downing this beverage, I waited for it to take affect. I felt it, but it wasn't much. It lasted for around an hour and a half. When compared to Lanilai, I'd rather grab the Lanilai for my relaxation needs.

     The first drink you try in a line is the one that sets the stage for what is to come. Solixir Relax set a low bar early, and has made me not want to try the others for fear of a disappointment. I may be wrong, but I believe that this drink has the lowest overall score I've ever give on A2E. What a disappointment.

Reviewed By Dylan.

REVIEW OF POPEYE CLOBBERIN' CLEMENTINE

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 160 MILLIGRAMS PER 16 OUNCE CAN. 

RATING: 5.2 OUT OF 10. 

     Popeye was never one of those things I really got into when I was younger. I always found his voice and his disproportioned arms unappealing. I was happy to try an energy drink bearing his likeness, though. The flavors are Bruiser Blackberry and Clobberin' Clementine, the latter of which I would be trying today.

     Clementine isn't exactly a flavor I see often in my energy drinks, so I was eager to try this in hopes of trying something really unique. Upon tasting the liquid, it is unique for an energy drink, though it isn't that profound and lacks a certain amount of personality. The flavor just doesn't 'pop'. It is a blend of white grape, apple, and clementine juices, which I figured would taste a lot better than it did, but I am still pleased with it overall.

     160 mgs of caffeine and B vitamins is about all this drink has to offer. The B vitamins are negligible, as that leaves caffeine as the only energy ingredient. 160 mgs is on par with the major contenders in the energy drink game, but the lack of other key players holds Popeye's blend back from impressing me. Overall, I felt a slight kick, but noting to amazing.

     I am pretty disappointed with Popeye so far. The taste is acceptable, but the kick it provides is pathetic. The only thing it is worth is a collector’s item for people who collect energy drinks or Popeye collectibles. I suggest you hold on to your money unless you fit those categories.

Reviewed By Dylan

REVIEW OF CHAMANE COFFEE

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 80 MILLIGRAMS PER 8.4 OUNCE BOTTLE. 

RATING: 5.7 OUT OF 10. 

     Despite the fact that Addicted 2 Energy has received hundreds of different samples from companies, it has always been a challenge to obtain overseas drinks. Due to our recent success, this has become less of an issue. In these next two reviews, I'll be taking a closer look at a few drinks from Europe. This particular drink is called Chamane, and it hails all the way from France.

     Chamane comes in a solid aluminum, 8.4 ounce bottle with quirky cartoon-like labels. I received two flavors of Chamane: pomegranate and coffee. Being a coffee fan, I decided to test out the coffee flavor. I was a bit skeptical about the flavor profile, since this drink uses carbonated water. Something about a carbonated coffee flavor just doesn't sound very appetizing. Thankfully, I was completely mislead. The carbonation is light and doesn't burn your throat. The coffee flavor is noticeable, yet not too pronounced, and there is no hint of coffee bitterness. This is, by far, one of the most unique flavor profiles I've ever come across.

     Is the energy blend as unique as the flavor profile? Time to find out. First of all, it has 80 percent daily value of niacin, 70 percent daily value of vitamin b6, 40 percent daily value of vitamin b12, 50 percent daily value of folate, and 60 percent daily value of pantothenic acid. It also contains coffee extract and guarana extract. The total caffeine content is 80 milligrams per bottle, putting it right on par with Red Bull. I realize that this energy drink is marketed as being all natural, but in my opinion this energy blend is still lackluster.

     You can expect Chamane energy drink to provide a modest increase in your alertness levels, perhaps slightly less than Red Bull. For me personally, I did not notice much of an effect from this beverage. However, if you do not have a strong caffeine tolerance, this drink might be worth your while.

     It has become quite clear to me that Chamane Coffee's strong suit is its unique flavor profile. I was pleased, yet surprised to find that carbonated water and coffee can actually join together in harmony. The biggest improvement that this drink needs to make is the energy blend, in my opinion. As always, the effectiveness of this beverage depends on a number of factors, but it didn't have much of an effect on me. That being said, a unique flavor profile cannot save what is nothing more than a mediocre energy drink overall.

REVIEW OF ANGELS APHRO

CAFFEINE CONTENT: UNKNOWN. 

RATING: 6 OUT OF 10. 

     Today is Valentine's Day. What drink might be perfect for today? How about an aphrodisiac energy drink? Angels Aphroenergy is today's review, to represent the occasion. I've never had to many aphrodisiac drinks before, so this one is a rare treat, so let's see how it fairs.

     I really like this tart apple taste. I wasn't sure how it'd be after I was hit with the scent, but then I began drinking and it was highly enjoyable. It goes down solidly, with no bitterness, and follows up without having an aftertaste. While I don't have any problems with the taste itself, it just doesn't fit the premium image the drink goes for, in my opinion, but that is not a big deal. While not the best apple-like drink I've ever had the opportunity to try, Angels certainly is solid.

     Obviously, this drink has two main functions, the first is serving as an energy drink, the second is serving as an aphrodisiac. As far as the ingredients for both of those functions go, they are combined in one listing, stating that there is 1885 mgs of blend. There is no individual amounts provided. After drinking, I could assume that the caffeine content isn't as high as I am used to, as my buzz lasted around 2 hours, give or take. Ginseng, guarana, taurine, l-arginine, and ginkgo are the other main energy ingredients provided to accompany the caffeine. As an aphrodisiac, I got some stimulation, but not much. I was only slightly impressed by the combination of horny goat weed, yohimbine, and damiana. Overall, this drink was sub-par.

     You might need to pick up a couple cans of Angels Aphroenergy to get the most out of your Valentine's Day. While the flavor is there, the energy and aphrodisiac combination provides a relatively below average kick. It reaches a pinnacle at what I consider to be nothing more than average, and doesn't really help you reach a pinnacle for your big night.

Reviewed By Dylan.

REVIEW OF LANILAI

CAFFEINE CONTENT: NONE. 

RATING: 6.4 OUT OF 10. 

     Very seldom do I review relaxation products. As it stands, I have two I need to do a write up on, Solixir Relax and this drink, Lanilai. Hailing from the land of Hawai'i, this drink drink's flavor is labeled as Maui mango passion. Certainly sounds good, and sounds relaxation-like, but will it deliver?

     The taste is good, but there is one problem. The flavor is timid, and not prominent enough, though refreshing. It is a bit of an annoyance. When you get to taste the beverage at the peak of the flavor's strength, it certainly holds strong to the described flavor, and is easily enjoyable. It takes a larger gulp to get to that point with non-carbonated beverage.

     On the opposite end of the energy spectrum from what I am accustomed to, relaxation drinks often irritate me when I attempt to review them. As of my last few times trying these drinks, it has become easier for me to appreciate them, as I have gotten used to the feeling, though I still don't enjoy them. A calming blend of 215 mgs, consisting of passionflower extract, l-theanine, l-threanine, 5-HTP, and resveratrol is the highlight here. Unlike most of the previous drinks of this nature, I find it interesting that there is no chamomile, which I am used to finding amongst the ingredients on these beverages. After waiting for a while, I felt the 'anti-kick'. It's effects were present, and they were pleasant. I usually don't feel quite like this as a result of these drinks, but I have some drowsiness, and I feel quite mellow. Impressive. It's been a few hours, and I still feel good. I would say good job, but it could be the fact that today has been a long day helping it out.

     A taste is that is merely alright, and a calming factor that is seemingly good, but may not be as good as advertised score average marks. The reason I am holding it back despite it's 'effect' is taking into account the possibility that it was this terrible day taking a toll on me boosting the drowsiness I am experiencing, and not just the Lanilai. I still recommend you pick it up if you see it in a store.

Reviewed By Dylan

REVIEW OF FEEL RASPBERRY LEMONADE

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 85 MILLIGRAMS PER 10.5 OUNCE CAN. 

RATING: 6.9 OUT OF 10.

     A few weeks ago, I noticed that I was running low on reviewable products, so I decided to engage in a mass contacting spree to gather as many samples as possible. Over the course of an hour or so, I managed to contact over fifty companies. Unfortunately, my co-writer pointed out a very important factor that I failed to think of. Most of the companies I contacted are probably out of business. That seems to be the case, since only a few companies have actually responded. One of those companies is Feel Natural Energy, and I am here to give you my take on their raspberry lemonade flavor.

     Most energy drinks either come in 8.4 ounce or 16 ounce containers. Feel Energy decided to take a unique step and package their product in 10.5 ounce cans. I'm not entirely certain of the reasoning behind this, but it is certainly unique. Taking a sip, I noticed a refreshing and welcoming raspberry flavor accompanied by the sourness of lemon. There is no doubt that the lemonade takes a back seat in this one while the raspberry is the one driving the bus. The ingredients list indicates that they use carbonated water, but this has to be the least carbonated drink I have ever consumed. This is usually seen as a negative, but this drink is less viscous than most sodas, therefore the lack of carbonation doesn't hinder the experience. In short, it's a refreshing combination and would be perfect for a summer's day.

     Since this is labeled as a natural energy drink, I was expecting the energy blend to have all natural ingredients, and perhaps even some unique stuff thrown in. First off, we have 100 percent daily value of riboflavin, 100 percent daily value of niacin, 100 percent daily value of vitamin b6, 100 percent daily value of vitamin b12, and 100 percent daily value of pantothenic acid. You also have undisclosed amounts of guarana extract and ginseng root extract. The total amount of caffeine is 85 milligrams per can, placing it right at Red Bull territory.

     With that said, this drink should provide you with an adequate increase in alertness. If you find yourself consuming two or three cups of coffee because one of them doesn't cut it, then this might not work for you. As for myself, I received a mediocre increase in my alertness levels. It was noticeable, but nothing to run home and tell your mother about.

     Despite the lack of effectiveness, I actually like this product. The refreshing combination of tart raspberry and sour lemonade is the clear highlight in this beverage. Also, this drink has 100 percent of your daily value of vitamin c to boost your immune system, and 10 percent of your daily value of calcium to help build strong bones. It's even sweetened with stevia and pure cane sugar. So yes, it may not knock your socks off in terms of energy, but the flavor alone should make up for that.

REVIEW OF TOPPLEZ 125 VANILLA

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 125 MILLIGRAMS PER 8 OUNCE BOTTLE. 

RATING: 8 OUT OF 10. 

     The vanilla flavored sister product of the previously reviewed ToppLez 125 comes in an inverse bottle of the same design, but it is more attractive in my opinion. I was looking forward to this one after the my first foray into ToppLez. I am really hoping it delivers as much as the original.

     It delivered more than the other flavor. The sweetness is still there, but the vanilla flavor goes well with it, and makes it less noticeable. Like the other, I'm still gonna say that the sweetness can be taken down a notch, but it is still good either way. Another solid product from these guys.

     Once again, identical blend. 125 mgs of caffeine highlights this RTD coffee/energy drink, which is not much, but is still fairly impressive. The 13 gs of protein are still here, helping fuel your next workout, which I like, actually. Not overly impressive, but it does the trick.

     I feel this review was a bit more to the point than usual. Seems incredibly short in comparison to the previous ToppLez 125. Its vanilla counterpart is literally the twin of the original, and it is clearly the more attractive of the 2 siblings. If you see this, pick it up, along with its sister drink.

Reviewed By Dylan 

REVIEW OF TOPPLEZ 125

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 125 MILLIGRAMS PER 8 OUNCE BOTTLE. 

RATING: 7.7 OUT OF 10. 

I have a few days in a row that I will be reviewing coffee drinks, starting today with ToppLez 125 and continuing with their other drink as well as the CafFusion drinks. Turning my attention back to ToppLez, it comes in an 8 oz glass bottle with a black wrap on it. It looks alright, but the way they logo is placed, and the drawing on the front detract from it. The drawing is confusing until you see the paragraph at the bottom explaining it, and telling you that it is a Sei HeKi. I spent a long time trying to decipher the drawing before I noticed it, so I feel like the informative verse could use more prominence.

The flavor is their original variety. Opening the lid, I get a nice coffee scent, but it smells pretty sweet. And it tastes the same. Not to say that is a bad thing, I really like it. I do think it could have the sweetness level toned down a bit and still taste well. Other than being sweet, the coffee flavor is prominent, and tastes excellent. This takes the cake for the best tasting coffee drink I've tried on the year. I haven't had many, but that is saying something.

The way ToppLez looks, it suggests just a regular RTD coffee. When one looks at the back, it begins putting out text saying such things as 'Increases stamina', 'Increases mental clarity', and 'Enhances physical performance', giving it the persona of energy drinks. The 125 in the name of the drink represents the caffeine content, at 125 mgs. It is more than a Red Bull, but not that much after that. Another thing it contains is 13 g of protein, which I assume is the reason behind the 'Enhances physical performance' text. I had a nice 2 and half hour buzz, maybe 3, from this drink. Overall, it is pretty solid.

ToppLez 125 left me pretty impressed, and eager for trying the next drink. The taste was good and the buzz solid, everything one could ask for in an energy drink. It is one of the better coffee drinks I've had in a long time, and I kind of wish they were available around me. I would buy this if I came across it.

Reviewed By Dylan

REVIEW OF GUAYAKI CLASSIC GOLD

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 80 MILLIGRAMS PER 12 OUNCE CAN.

RATING: 7.6 OUT OF 10. 

     Now we step back into the realm of organic energy drinks, with Guayaki Yerba Mate, and its Classic Gold variety. Yerba mate drinks don't come into my possession often, so I am happy to have the chance to try the Guayaki line. Well, let’s begin, shall we?

     I do not like the smell of this drink very much. Despite being pushed away by the smell, the taste redeems the drink well. A classic yerba mate flavor, with a little citrus and a few other flavor hints pushing through. It is a very enjoyable drink, I think. The lack of an aftertaste helps its cause, and solidifies its impressive showing.

     The obvious main focus here is the yerba mate, but for me, it is the caffeine. 80 mgs isn't much; just on par with Red Bull, but this hit me much better. One problem that I had with this drink was the research linking yerba mate to cancer, as I was a bit hesitant to consume these as a result. That being said, mate makes a nice fuel, and I'm hoping the cancer accusations are nothing more than bull crap.

     For my first real yerba mate beverage, I was left impressed. While not having a kick that is going to blow you away, it does have a great taste. It also hits you better than a common energy drink with 80 mgs of caffeine. I'm looking forward to trying the other 2 drinks and their shots. If they are anything like this, I'm in for a treat.

Reviewed By Dylan

REVIEW OF COYOTE MANGO

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 200 MILLIGRAMS PER 16 OUNCE CAN. 

RATING: 7.2 OUT OF 10. 


     As much as I enjoy reviewing organic energy drinks with multitudes of healthy ingredients, it's always nice to go back to the basics and review a large energy drink with gratuitous amounts of sugar. As it turns out, that's exactly what I have in store for today's review. This particular energy drink comes from a company called Coyote Energy, which comes in seven distinct flavors including Mango, Jamaica, and Tamarindo. I decided to grab the mango flavor first.

     Coyote Mango comes in a black and orange 16 ounce aluminum can that is reminiscent to drinks such as Monster, Rockstar, etc. Curious to see how it tasted, I cracked open the can and took a few gulps. I was immediately hit with a rush of refreshing mango flavor that pleased my taste buds. I believe that mango is an overlooked flavor, and this is an example of mango done right. The flavor is not too strong, and it's even a bit refreshing. Even though I have two more Coyote flavors left to review, it will be tough to defeat this sweet concoction.

     This energy drink looks to be pretty standard so I am expecting a standard energy blend. First of all, you have 200 percent daily value of vitamin b2, 200 percent daily value of vitamin b3, 200 percent daily value of vitamin b6, 200 percent daily value of vitamin b12, and 200 percent daily value of vitamin b12. Then you have an energy blend worth 2,900 milligrams. This consists of taurine, caffeine, glucuronolactone, inositol, l-carnitine, and ginseng root extract. The total caffeine content is 200 milligrams per can.

     With that amount of caffeine, this should have no trouble getting you into high gear. With its smooth mango flavor, the contents were emptied in a hurry. I noticed a modest uplift in my energy levels that lasted for a few hours and tapered off without a crash. If drinks like Monster or Rockstar get you up and running, you should also check out this drink.

     Unfortunately, Coyote will never be able to compete with Monster or Rockstar due to its market share, and that's okay. Here at Addicted 2 Energy, we rate drinks based on performance, not popularity. And I believe that this mango flavored drink is better than any of the original Monster flavors. I have two other flavors of Coyote to review, and so far they are one for one.

REVIEW OF +RED RESCUE ELIXIR

CAFFEINE CONTENT: UNKNOWN.

RATING: 6.4 OUT OF 10. 

     3 reviews that I had planned on posting during the week disappeared (Xenergy Twisted Tangerine, Joe Buzz, and Rip It Red Zone), so now I have to redo them. One drink, which I had reviewed, that didn't disappear was +Red Rescue. It comes in 12 oz. bullet can, with a reseal-able plastic lid on the top, which is pretty cool despite the red plastic ring making it somewhat irritating to open. On the front of the can it says it is powered with Red Super Food. What is that? Who knows, lets get on with this review.

     The main reason I contacted them was for the positive thing I've heard about their taste, and it certainly lives up to it. This is a nice cranberry citrus taste, and one of the more unique drinks I've had recently. It has a nice tartness to it, and I find it refreshing. It is stellar when cold, but as it warms the taste isn't nearly as enjoyable. The beverage has no real aftertaste.

     With no caffeine listed, all it says is 1007 mgs of proprietary blend, consisting of natural caffeine, taurine, L-carnitine, inositol, and Red Super Food. I probably should have done some research on Red Super Food before starting this review, but I didn't unfortunately. I got lifted for a little over 2 hours, a period of time that doesn't reach as high as others. It is a little disappointing, but the taste makes up for it.

     While I don't feel like I'd buy this for a lift, the taste is wonderful. It makes it a very worthy buy, and if this drink ever gets reformulated to have more kick, it might be a good contender. That is if they drop the shrink-wrap, and edit the plastic ring to make it friendlier with opening. That being said, overall a nice tasting beverage.

Reviewed By Dylan

REVIEW OF PYURE OEO

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 100 MILLIGRAMS PER 2 OUNCE BOTTLE. 

RATING: 6.7 OUT OF 10. 

     Here on Addicted 2 Energy, I have had the opportunity to evaluate several different energy shots. Some did well, and others, not so much. But I began to realize that I was lacking an organic energy shot review. I'm sure I've reviewed one somewhere down the road, but I can't seem to remember it. That's where Pyure Organic Energy Optimization comes in, or OEO for short. Pyure is an organic energy shot made from green tea, yerba mate, and guarana extracts. Needless to say, I was eager to try this puppy out.

     The first thing I noticed is the wonderful packaging. Instead of just re-labeling a 5 Hour Energy bottle,  Pyure Brands decided that glass bottles were the way to go, and they certainly hit the mark. Keep in mind, I do not grade packaging, but this one definitely gets high marks from me. Then it went slightly downhill from there. The label says that the flavor is mixed berry, so naturally I was expecting a nice assortment of berry flavors frolicking around on my palate. What I actually got was an indescribable, slightly bitter and sweet concoction. You have every right to call me insane, but in my humble opinion, this does not taste like mixed berries. It's not bad, apart from the slight, yet tolerable, bitterness. If you've ever tried this drink before, share your thoughts down below of what you think it tastes like. Because right now, I am at a complete loss for words.

     Unlike Scheckter's Organic Energy that I reviewed a few days ago, Pyure actually has a heftier energy blend. Each bottle provides 100 percent daily value of vitamin b3, 100 percent daily value of vitamin b6, 100 percent daily value of vitamin b12, and 100 percent daily value of pantothenic acid. It also has an energy blend measured at 1,140 milligrams. This contains organic yerba mate leaf extract, organic guarana sees extract, organic green tea leaf extract, organic hibiscus flower extract, and organic blueberry whole berry extract. The caffeine content is rated at 100 milligrams per 2 ounce bottle. With the all-organic energy blend as well as some unique ingredients like hibiscus and blueberry extract, this blend gets a thumbs up from me.

     While it does have a unique and organic energy blend, the caffeine content is slightly on the low side. However, 100 milligrams should have no problem getting you out of your morning slumber so you can move on with your productive life. As for me, I received a mild increase in my alertness levels, but nothing too spectacular.

     This organic energy shot isn't perfect by any means, but it does have some high notes. On a positive note, the energy blend is this the highlight of this beverage, with organic ingredients galore. The flavor is this drink's Achilles heel, which I believe does not resemble mixed berry in any way. Other than that, this energy shot is not too shabby.

REVIEW OF RED ROCK

CAFFEINE CONTENT: UNKNOWN. 

RATING: 9.3 OUT OF 10. 

     This 99-cent drink has been lurking around in the ghetto gas stations for a while now. It seems that it is pretty rare, as there is really nothing written about it. Out of the line of 3, this original flavor is my favorite, and one of my favorite energy drinks. Not much more to be said here, so lets begin this review.

     This drink is confusing to pin a flavor to. The color of the drink itself suggests Red Bull clone; however, this is deceiving. Sometimes I do get Red Bull, sometimes cola, but the most prominent is banana. My friend has described this as a banana-cream soda type drink, and to be honest I can see that. It has a smooth, almost candy like feel to it. It is really a pleasurable taste, and on top of that there is no aftertaste. Best value drink I've ever had.

     With no amounts outside that of the taurine content, it is all about what I feel. The total blend is 3500 mgs. 1000 mgs of taurine, and then caffeine, guarana, ginseng, l-carnitine, inositol, and then some B vitamins. After consumption, I felt a kick within 15 minutes. The uplift lasted for just over 4 hours. Impressive. Of course, sometimes feeling can be deceptive. But based on this, I'm going to assume this has a pretty good and effective blend.

     If not for the lack of caffeine content on the can, this drink may have scored a bit higher. It tastes good, and had a good kick. At a price of only 99 cents, this is the best bang for your buck you'll ever find. I look forward to reviewing their other 2 varieties in the coming weeks. If you ever come across this drink, I recommend you buy it.

Reviewed By Dylan