Hype

Well, the original Hype. I've always admired Hype, but so far, they haven't impressed me, to be honest. I'm hoping the regular Hype can make up for the mediocre Enlite. I love the sleek and elegant can design with the vertical blue "HYPE" going up the side and the stylish metallic background. I haven't had a full-on energy drink in a while, and this one will surely get me going. I don't know what else to say; I'm eager to open this can.

Ooh, it smells a bit like a Crunk, when I think about it. The vitamins are prominent in the aroma, with some sort of herbal quality to it. The color, I found, is a bit similar to apple juice with red and brown mixed in. The taste didn't wow me immediately, but it's okay, I guess. It's a more complex and intricate flavor than I've found in many drinks. It starts out tasting sweet on your tongue and turns into an acidic sourness that resembles the tartness of a raspberry. Halfway through the acidity come the vitamins. Vitamin B is prominent as well as Vitamin C in this drink. The aftertaste left is sour and yes, a bit nutty. I'm sure if it were cold, the vitamin taste would be gone and it would be very refreshing, that's for sure. However, I don't find this to be an addicting and really tasty drink. The MFP was far more flavorful, I believe, with that very pleasant flavor, reminding me of caramel and having a delightful sourness to it that went well with the sugar. I'm very sad and disappointed about the regular Hype because the flavor didn't really grab me and I no longer believe in the saying that recommends you buy Hypes in twos.

The thing I like about the packaging is that the whole design is sideways on the can; very stylish. The first thing I look for in the labelling, usually, is the amount of sugar. The Hype has 27g of sugar, the same as a Monster, less than an Amp, more than the Java Monsters. Knowing the grams of sugar in a drink is a good guage telling how sweet the drink is going to be. When I drank this, I thought it actually tasted not as sweet as a Monster. I'm not sure what caused that. Now, the energy ingredients: taurine (amount undisclosed), ginseng and guarana extracts (amount undisclosed), Caffeine (amount undisclosed). I wish Hype would give us the amount of these ingredients, because it's always fun to compare the amount of ingredients in different drinks. If you want to do it another way, you could say taurine is number 5 in the list, ginseng and guarana are number 6, and caffeine is number 9. I can't be sure, but I have the feeling there isn't very much of any of these supplements in here. However much is in here, it did give me an adequate boost, but I noticed a nasty crash at the end of about two hours. This isn't my favorite drink, but I can tell many other people would probably like it. I didn't think it would be so, but I have to say, Monster still remains my favorite energy drink.

Taste: 7 - Complex; perhaps too complex for me
Kick: 7 - Crashes aren't good
Overall: 7 - Not my favorite, but you have to try it for yourself

Reviewed by: Jeff

Max Life Green Tea

Although on vacation, I still head over to a casino in Las Vegas to check out their inventory. While browsing, I found an Italian fast-food restaurant called Psarro's, where I surprisingly find an energy drink company called Max Life. I haven't reviewed a tea-like energy drink in so long, so you can bet this one will be pretty interesting. Also, this has acai berry, green tea, and is non-carbonated, I think it'll pretty refreshing, in my terms. Max Life Green Tea has a light green background with some green tea leaves. In front of it is the word Max in large letters and the word life in small font. I see at the bottom Max Life Green Tea contains ginseng, and like I mentioned earlier, acai. Oh, and by the way, I see that this drink isn't 16 ounces, but only 15.5 fl oz, not much less, but you know, thought I'd point that out. On the sides of the can, I see phrases about tea such as, "Acai promotes greater energy and stamina" and, " Tea increases your metabolism." You know, weird, odd phrases like that... Okay, let's get reviewing!

Ha, I didn't forget to shake it this time, but I opened it up to get a smooth green tea aroma, like the Arizona Green Tea. It comes out of the can a frothy amber color like Monster, but a bit darker and more organic, like the Hype. It's taste caught me a bit off guard. I had predicted a sweet mainstream green tea flavor; instead, I got a genuine green tea, as if it were pulled from the plant and put into the drink. I also noticed little sweetness, but there is some. It comes from the honey and pear juices from concentrate, though. This drink doesn't really appeal to me, it's sorta like drinking water because it has no apparent flavor, besides some pear and green tea. It's like the unsweetened iced tea from restaurants and fast-food places, no real flavor to it, just like drinking water. Obviously, this drink isn't carbonated, but it is 10% juice, so that'll make up for it's carbonation disappearance. As well as that, I noticed no gumminess at all that pleases you in the middle of drinking. I just think this drink should be downed only because the flavor is really nothing, but it's pretty organic that'll give you some nice stuff inside your body.

Max Life energy has ingredients that differ from many other energy drink ingredients. Instead of using carbonated water, this drink uses brewed green tea using filtered water, which is basically green tea. It also uses an alternative sugar called organic evaporated cane juice, which gives it its distinct organic sweetness. I see acai and pear juices from concentrate. Unlike many drinks out there, I did notice some acai and pear in that mix. Max Life uses honey as another sweetener, as I glance over at it, listed on the ingredients list. After those ingredients, I see basic energy drink ingredients like natural flavors, citric acid, ascorbic acid, guarana, panax ginseng, and vitamin B12. Per can, you get only a low 120 calories that could be counted as half a regular energy drink calorie count. It's also low on sugar, bearing only 30g. That could explain its extremely low sweetness. By the way, it's 10% juice, but it really is not noticeable while consumine. Overall, I felt a bit let down by Max Life, I really thought I'd get a nice flavor, instead of a plain flavor.

Taste: 6.8 - It had just a bit more flavor than unsweetned iced tea
Kick: 7 - I really didn't get much, I crashed 1 hour later
Overall: 6.9 - It had barely any energy drink qualities

Reviewed by: Chan

Hype Enlite

Hooray! The Hypes came in yesterday and Chan and I were totally excited to try them. Hype, if you don't know, is a Canadian brand and I would consider it sort of a 'gourmet' drink, because of its refined appearance. This exact drink, the Hype Enlite, is the low calorie version of the drink. There are only 10 calories per serving, which I consider to be pretty good. I don't want to waste time on the intro; I want to tear into this thing.

I tore the can open and poured it out. It didn't surprise me to see that the color was like transparent rosy pink. The smell is very reminiscent of aromatic flowers. From the smell, I think this drink is very feminine-friendly. However, the taste differs. The taste is quite similar to the Jones energy and many other budget energy drinks I've tried. It's like that artificial berry-apple-pear bubble gum you hear about so often. Actually, it's like a slightly better version of that and it must be all right because I've already finished it. The aftertaste leaves just a bit of artificial sweetness. It could be due to the acesulfame potassium, or acesulfame k, a common artificial sweetener. That's what's giving it a sort of metallic aftertaste. I couldn't pin down the flavor before I finished the can, sadly, so I'll just sum it up as a sweet, flowery taste with mildly artificial and subtle sweetness. In this small 8oz can, there's no gumminess, which is very good, and the carbonation, I think, is just a little too much, but okay. It isn't the best energy drink, but it beats mediocre drinks like Red Bull and Rockstar by far. I'm hoping the regular Hype is at least as good as this.

In the can, I found a respectable blend of energy ingredients. I haven't seen Taurine in a drink in a while, so it took me by surprise just a bit when I saw that there are 1000mg in the drink. It's the standard dose per one 8oz serving, so it's all right in this 8.4oz can. Caffeine comes next, in an 80mg dose, which is the average. Following those two energy ingredients is an array of B vitamins, which you can expect to see in every drink. I believe B vitamins are supposed to help with absorbtion and metabolism. Now, in the Non-Medicinal category, I see sugar and/or HFCS after carbonated water. That's what you'll see stated in many sodas as well, instead of plain sugar or HFCS. The reason is because some bottlers might choose to sweeten the drink with sugar instead of HFCS, giving a drink that crisp, brighter taste. I have no way of knowing which one was used in this drink. After that, it reads "citric acid" and "natural flavours." I caught that right when I saw it. "Flavours" is the English or Canadian spelling of what we spell in America "flavors." That tells you right there that this drink truly comes from Canada, as well as the reprinting of the nutrition facts in French, which I find below. The list continutes: "sodium citrate, ginseng root extract, guarana (flavours), sucralose, acesulfame k, inositol, colour." The amounts of ginseng, guarana, and inositol appear to be nondisclosed, which I take as a sign that they're quite minute. I enjoyed reading the label of this can because I'm used to the cans here in America, and it's cool to see something from another country. From now on, I'm on the lookout for foreign and exotic drinks.

Taste: 7.4 - A bit plain, but it sure beats a Rockstar
Kick: 8 - Hype gave a very good kick
Overall: 7.5 - Nice light beverage

Reviewed by: Jeff

Hype MFP

We got the Hype! After a long time of admiring the Hype energy drink, Jeff and I finally got all three flavors of Hype. I heard that Hype is an incredible drink worthy of any Best Taste List because of its refreshing vanilla taste.I don't want to spend much time on this paragraph, so I'll make this really quick. Hype has a black background with somewhat trippy gray zigzags. Over that, Hype is printed in large metallic letters as well as the phrase "MFP." I'm predicting a bold vanilla flavor, with a bit of original Monster mix, and possibly some fruit mixed in.This came out after the original Hype, which means it's a sequel, so I'm expecting a more powerful flavor, with a bigger kick and a bolder flavor. I think that this one will be a major winner in my book, so I'm done here; let's get this one reviewed!

I couldn't help but put a smile on my face at the time of breaking this one open. After I did, I went in for a smell to get a vanilla and Monster aroma. Out of the can, Hype MFP is a surprisingly darker amber color than your average Monster. Oh man! What a flavor! Right when it hits your tongue, you get a strong caramel and sweet Red Bull taste. It then fades away with a light vanilla flavor, nothing really else, but just straight vanilla. It's aftertaste seems to be that of a Monster, artificial raspberry and apple, although it isn't too bad. I had heard this saying once about Hype and now I too believe it: "If you ever get Hype, get two cans!" Now to the bad parts of this drink. First off, the amount of carbonation really held me back from taking large sips and chugging. In fact, I think that this one was a bit too carbonated for my liking. As well as that, Hype MFP donated way too much gumminess for a taste this incredible. It really is too bad Hype put a few noticeable bugs in this drink, or it would be almost perfect. This is just one amazing tasting drink, but the amount of carbonation and gumminess really threw me off, which prevents me from placing this drink on the Best Taste List.

Now for the ingredients. When I got this drink earlier, I went over to the back of the can to take a peek. As far as energy drink ingredients, this one is pretty basic. It's got carbonated water, 'sugars' (Sucrose?Glucose?HFCS?), sodium citrate, citric acid, taurine, caffeine, ginseng, colours (caramel, riboflavin), and guarana. Pretty decent blend, except the fact that I'm curious to know what type of sugar they use, I mean, it could be anything. Per can, you only get 100 calories, which is the same amount as a regular Monster. A good difference between this drink and a Monster, or say Rockstar is that this Hype has only 25g of sugar per can (Remember: one can=8 ounces!). I trust Hype is a good company, but this one didn't impress me as I thought it would. It has a taste anyone would love, but the carbonation tackles you and the gumminess starts the dog-pile. I tried the Hype Enlite that Jeff reviewed and it, too, wasn't the best, so I hope the original Hype will please me. Until then, check daily for new reviews!

Taste: 8.5 - Not a bad one, like I said, too much carbonation and gumminess
Kick: 9 - Hype promised some insane kick
Overall: - 8.7 - I can't say it made the Best Taste List

Reviewed by: Chan

FRS Orange

It has been awhile since I've touched this drink. I got it maybe a few weeks ago and didn't bother to review it till now, only because I heard they weren't that great of energy drink company. Although they won't give you the best taste, FRS (Free Radical Scavenger) is designed to deliver sustained energy, enhance mental focus, and protect your cells from free radicals. Many consumers use this drink as an exercising aid, because it does say to drink 30-60 minutes before workouts. This drink is one powerful drink-it supplies essential vitamins, patented flavonoids, and metabolic enhancers. This can has the same amount of antioxidants as 3 servings of blueberries, 8 servings of red onions, and 10 servings of raspberries, pretty intense, huh? However, it says to drink 1-2 cans per day, I really couldn't imagine that, but there are some people who really want good health, I guess. Besides ingredients, FRS comes in an 11.5 fl oz can, and has an orange outline, with some hexagonal orange shapes, connected.

As I open up the drink, I get a silent sound, being that this drink is non-carbonated. I smell an odd orange vitaminy odor, with some bitterness. Out of the can FRS Orange reveals a milky orange-yellow color, with obviously no fizziness. First sip going in was a welcoming sour orange, getting sweeter as it fades away. The second sip, however, I get the same taste, except-what is that?-I got a chunk of something...Perhaps it's the flavonoids. As you take more and more sips, you start think about it's taste: light, bittersweet, oniony, and a bit nasty. Once again, FRS is made to give you some great energy, forget about its taste and down it. FRS has no long-term aftertaste, but its short-term hits you with a strong onion-like flavor. As I mentioned earlier, FRS has no carbonation, great because this one is long chugged by me, and almost all other consumers willing to break one of these open. As well as that, this drink is low on gumminess, which it better be. Overall, FRS Orange is pretty unpleasant going down and I did not enjoy it much, but it does pay off an hour later.

As for the ingredients, this one has just plain water and then that magical natural sweetener: organic evaporated cane juice, found in the Steven Seagal drinks. Next, I see white grape juice from concentrate and orange juice from concentrate, as well as an odd ingredient, inulin. Next comes natural orange flavors, quercetin, gum Arabic, locust bean gum, green tea extract, caffeine, natural lemon flavor, beta carotene, and riboflavin. Per can (Remember: 11.5 fl oz), you get a decent amount of calories, 140 and only a low amount of about 31g of sugar. As for caffeine, you get about 48mg, which is equal to about a half cup of coffee. Although the caffeine count is low, all the other energy ingredients in the FRS formula balance it out to make it a solid kick. You may have been wondered where taurine was in this one, my theory is that taurine is an unnecessary ingredient, because the surplus of other energy ingredients. Okay, I'm glad this one is reviewed and packed away, keep visiting daily to see what our next energy drink has in store for us, here on Canned Reviews.

Taste: 4 - I continue to say: not meant for taste!
Kick: 7 - Not a bad kick, especially for a 12 ounce drink
Overall: 5.5 - This one will not make our Worst Taste list only because its dubious ingredients

Reviewed by: Chan

Sobe Energy

I was just browsing at Albertson's, not really interested in getting any energy drinks when I saw the Sobe Energy. I figured that it qualifies as an energy drink because it contains guarana, ginseng, and taurine, so I just decided, "Why not?" I'm pretty interested in reviewing this for a few reasons. First, I really haven't reviewed a drink that's made out of glass, nor one without a pop tab. Next, I have really enjoyed Sobe's energy drinks, and I hope they will continue to impress and amaze me. I think Sobe does a great job on their taste but I've realized one thing about it: most have a base flavor of citrus. This bottle is obviously transparent, revealing a dark, opaque citrus color, as well as waves and dots carved into the glass. Sobe slapped a sticker on the glass showing a dark logo that is the two lizards and the default word, "Sobe." In smaller print the words, "Citrus Flavored Beverage" is printed at the bottom, which helps me out explaining the taste. Okay, here it goes...

Unlike many drinks, this one twisted off with the sound of metal separating, or the cracking sound you get when you open up a water bottle. Anyway, I go in for a smell to get a tropical orange-citrus aroma. Just like I mentioned earlier, Sobe Energy has a dark orange color, like a citrus fruit. This drink has an extremely light citrus-orange flavor immediately going into the mouth and touching the tongue. Odd enough, I can feel a chalky, or vitaminy taste as it goes into the mouth as well. I peek over to the ingredients and I don't seem to find anything explaining this odd taste. Okay, I let the ingredients settle, and it tastes about normal; maybe I shouldn't have shaken it. It fades away with some odd various berries, and maybe a bit of cherry, perhaps. This one reminds me of the Vitamin Water Energy, because it has the same mild and light taste; maybe it's Sobe's answer to Vitamin Water's energy drinks. In case you didn't know, this is not carbonated, which leaves me caught chugging its light taste enjoyably. As well as that, I'm pleased to delcare that it has no gumminess whatsoever. Overall, this drink wasn't bad, I really enjoyed its various tropical flavor, but I think it was just too light for me.

Here comes an ingredient list you won't see in just any energy drink. I first see filtered water, which is basically an alternative to carbonated water. Next, I see just plain sugar, or sucrose as well as orange juice from concentrate. Following citric acid, there's some lemon juice from concentrate and natural flavors. There's vitamin C and caffeine with some cherry juice from concentrate (I knew it). After that, taurine finally shows up in this list as well as elderberry juice from concentrate. Per can, you get 270 calories, which isn't bad, considering that it's a 20 ounce bottle. there's also 66g of sugar, isn't that a nice amount for this size? In hardly noticeable small font at the bottom, I see the caffeine content, which is a weak 81mg. For a 20oz bottle, I was expecting a bolder buzz and taste, I guess this is one Sobe didn't do their best on. Compared to all the other citrus energy drinks out there, this one was an easy fail. I think that this one didn't have enough flavor to wow someone, but just enough to down in about 5 minutes or less.

Taste: 6.5 - It wasn't gross at all, but the ingredients in the drink didn't settle
Kick: 5 - 81mg?
Overall: 6- Nothing great, there are many better citrus drinks to choose from

Reviewed by: Chan

Vitamin Water Energy

I haven't had very many Vitamin Waters in my days, so I guess it's time I had one. And what do you know, Vitamin Water has a drink that claims to provide energy. Not surprisingly, they called it the Vitamin Water Energy. Since I'm just recovering from a bit of a cold, I went for this instead of a more sugary energy drink. Hopefully this can deliver the energy without the large amount of sugar. The energy components in this drink are simple: Natural Caffeine (50mg), Guarana (25mg), and B vitamins. It's weak compared to other energy drinks, so it's definitely not going to have as much of an effect. However, I'm still up to try it, in the name of Canned Reviews. The flavor is written on the side, which is something I think other drinks should adopt... maybe. It's helpful in telling you just what flavor your drink is gonna be. This Vitamin Water says "tropical citrus," and it's the same yellow as the yellow Vitamin Energy. I bet it's the same flavor.

The smell is hardly sweet, and it isn't easy to distinct the flavors within. I'm trying my very hardest, and the best guess I can get is melon, I think. Aww, the flavor disappointed me a bit. It surely doesn't taste like your average energy drink. It's the same flavor as the Vitamin Energy Tropical Citrus, but is toned down and watered down. That is to be expected, since there's only 13g of sugar. Fans of light drinks will find this more appealing than others. I'm the type of person who enjoys more overpowering, flavorful drinks than light ones, so this isn't my favorite drink. After a long, long time of tasting and analyzing the flavor, the best I can come up with is a subdued and rounded-out lemon with orange. There really isn't much more. It doesn't do well on taste for an energy drink, but I suppose it's just fine as a Vitamin Water. And the good thing about Vitamin Waters is that they come without carbonation and impart no gumminess to the mouth. In the end, the drink is very refreshing, something rarely seen in an energy drink, and something I like and need right now.

This 20oz bottle took a while to finish, as I was taking sips not very frequently, but only when I got rather thirsty. And since I drank it after I'd eaten, it didn't have as much of an effect as it would have. Still, this was a great pick me up, I have to admit. It did deliver some great energy, but I think that was because I hadn't had a drink in a while with these energy ingredients. It has 100% of your daily allowance of Vitamin C and half as much of an assortment of B Vitamins. The only ingredients present here are Caffeine and Guarana, which you find in very small amounts. Caffeine, you would usually find in amount of 100mg or so and Guarana would usually be aroun 50mg, I believe, though it varies per drink. If you're looking for a refreshing, light, tasty pick me up, this is a great choice. But if you've been drinking some energy drinks in the past week or so, this isn't going to do a thing.

Taste: 7.8 - Though it was light, I enjoyed it
Kick: 5 - Fine for a Vitamin Water; doesn't compete with other energy drinks
Overall: 6 - Great drink overall, not the best energy drink

Reviewed by: Jeff

Deton 8

While on vacation, I went over to a market called Smith's. It's owned by Kroger and just another version of Ralph's. I was disappointed to see that they didn't have a great selection, but then I saw an energy drink called Deton 8. As well as this one, I got the Deton 8 Sugar Free, pretty excited to review that too. After quite awhile of research, I found out that Deton 8 is Smith's brand of energy drinks, like Albertson's brand, Max Velocity. It really caught my eye because it has an odd, high-tech can design, like something from the future. It has a glossy, metallic lime green background, with some silver patches and random black areas of spikes. In front of it is the word Deton, in computer-like print, and the larger number 8, right in the middle. I think this one will probably be a Red Bull or Monster clone, because isn't that how all brand energy drinks are? Having said that, I'm predicting a apple and subtle raspberry flavor and a mild aftertaste, with little gumminess. Okay, here it goes.

As it opens with some steam, I am not surprised to smell an exact Red Bull aroma. Red Bull has a green apple scent, with some sweetness and raspberry. Out of the can, it's an amber color, but just a bit darker than other Red Bull or Monster clones, with minimal fizziness. Deton 8 really tastes no different than a Red Bull, and sort of like a Monster. I always say that Red Bull clones are only better than Red Bull because they are a few dollars cheaper than one. This drink has a tasty bittersweet green apple taste, which tastes a bit artificial. It fades away with a mild, sweet raspberry flavor that's pretty likeable. It has no noticeable aftertaste, maybe just a sour a green apple flavor that faded away previously, but really nothing. Deton 8 doesn't really have anything that stands out between the brand name drinks, but I really enjoy a basic drink, like Monster. This drink is pretty light on carbonation, just like a Monster or Red Bull, which makes it pretty refreshing. I notice one difference in this drink, the amount of gumminess. It absolutely no gumminess, which, as you might know, makes the drink way better. Overall, Deton 8 had no bad taste to it, but nothing really impressed me about it.

Now for the ingredients. I see carbonated water and HFCS. Oh, well that's another difference between a Red Bull. If you noticed, Red Bull and Monster are sweetened with sucrose and glucose. Taurine comes in at number four, another slight difference. Other than that, this drink's got natural and artificial flavors, caffeine, inositol, niacinamide, and vitamin B. This is odd because I know that Monsters have way more ingredients than that... Per can, you get about an average count of 240 calories, not bad, and about 62g of sugar. I believe Monsters have around 56 or 57g of sugar and Red Buls have around 65g, about the average of both. You also get 1920mg of taurine, just a bit less than a regular 2,000mg found in most energy drinks. I see about 76mg of caffeine per serving, which is about...eh...152mg per can. Deton 8 had a "mainstream" taste, nothing that would 'wow' you, but I'd recommend it, if it came down to that and a Red Bull. Although it's recommendable, I'd say that if you saw a Monster in the same place, you're better off with a Monster.

Taste: 8 - I savored every drop, it's been a long time since I've had a Monster-like drink
Kick: 8 - Deton 8 gave me a solid and steady kick
Overall: 8 - No need to repeat myself, just read the Monster and Red Bull reviews

Reviewed by: Chan

BooKoo Wet Pomegranate Plus

Ah, the third and final BooKoo Wet. Pomegranate Plus is its name and I'm pretty sure it's gonna be a good one, much better than the first two probably more kick-wise than taste-wise. I haven't been quite satisfied with the taste of these BooKoo Wets, so my expectations aren't too high. In terms of ingredients, this drink excels, with supplements including Zinc, Chromium, Ginseng, Gotu Kola, and Ginkgo Biloba. As the readers of this site should know, Gingko Biloba is a tree leaf that Chan and I have come to love for it's focus-giving effects. The only thing that bugs me is the color, which I can see without opening the drink. It gives the impression of a weak pomegranate flavor, being a cloudy and not very dark rose-red. That makes me think it's going to be lame, since I know firsthand that pomegranate juice is really an extremely dark purple-red. Anyway, I'll see how this goes.

Aww, no crack noise. I'd been wanting to hear that noise since my last canned drink, and I didn't get it. But it was an absolute killer to open; my hand is aching! Oh, and like the other BooKoo Wets, it's filled absolutely to the brim. I like that; other drinks should follow suit. I tasted it and, and- Meh. I knew this was coming. It's a very faint pomegranate; so faint, I can't truthfully tell whether it actually is pomegranate. But it sure is refreshing. I like that; this is one of those rare drinks that actually refreshes you, aside from Gatorade. I think it's because the sweetness isn't very much with 12g of sugar per serving. Some might think it tastes watered down, but those people don't appreciate a light drink. It'd be great for a plain, refreshing drink at the beach, or somewhere, I'm thinking because it's just a little bit sour. So mild that you don't really notice it. There is that feeling of something eating away at your teeth, but it isn't as bad as soda and there's minimal gumminess or carbonation. On taste, it's just a smidge better than the Berry.

While I was about half-finished with the drink, I was feeling some great focus. And now, I'm totally dialed in and feel really concentrated. Those are the effects of Ginko Biloba, all right. This drink gets you focused and quite energetic, rather than giving you gratuitous energy with the jitters and a crash later. What gives the BooKoo Wet Pomegranate Plus these properties? around 40% of your daily value of Vitamin A, C, E B6, B12, Zinc, and Chromium. I learned that Chromium is needed in trace amounts helps sugar metabolism. Interesting. The drink is sweetened by 12g per serving and 24g total of good ol' crystalline fructose, HFCS in disguise. Also, there are the two addatives of Panax Ginseng and Gotu Kola Extract, present in the drink in 50mg amounts. Wikipedia was handy in teaching me that Gotu Kola is native to Sri Lanka and is thought to maintain youthfulness. In Thailand, a cup of Gotu Kola leaves is common as an afternoon pick me up. That is something interesting I didn't know. I guess it's something good to have in a drink, and I'm adding it to my imaginary list of energy drink additives. Overall, I'm very satisfied with the kick, but the taste was just all right.

Taste: 7.2 - Subtle pomegranate; very refreshing
Kick: 8 - Great concentration, brought to you by Ginkgo Biloba
Overall: 7.7 - Above average non-carbonated pick-me-up

Reviewed by: Jeff

Sobe Adrenaline Rush Sugar Free

Ahh, here again with yet another classic Sobe energy drink. I'm really glad that Sobe started making energy drinks because they make some quality juice-like regular drinks. Although Sobe can make a good energy drink, they have some adjustments to make as well. This one is the Sugar Free Adrenaline Rush, and I've heard it is better than the original Adrenaline Rush. I've never tried the original, but I get a good picture of what it tastes like. I think that this Sugar Free will have like a citrus-tangerine flavor, but lacking that boost of flavor regular energy drinks have. This new can design is pretty simple, blue and silver blended background with the large silver two lizards smack, in the middle. I really like the older can design because this one is a bit too glossy, but it's fine. Okay, I think I'm ready to start reviewing.

As I open up the can, I smell a surprisingly strong grapefruit aroma. That totally caught me off guard, I never would have expected a grapefruit scent. Out of the can, Adrenaline Rush Sugar Free gives a yellow-orange color, similar to orange juice, almost exactly. This Sobe drink has a natural orange juice flavor right as it hits your tongue. As it fades away, you get an odd artificial grapefruit taste and a bit of some unappetizing papaya flavor. Luckily, sugar free energy drinks usually have no aftertaste, but their taste 'fades' away artificially. I think this drink is really well made, for an energy drink because the artificial taste is hardly noticeable. I can't stop thinking how much this drink resembles orange juice, but carbonated and a bit less flavor. It also tastes like the Rip It Citrus X and the Sobe Essential Energy Orange. As for carbonation, this drink, you can bet, has very little carbonation, which I and many others enjoy. One error I notice in this drink is the amount of gumminess, which is surprisingly a lot. I have reviewed quite a few sugar free drinks to know that they shouldn't have much gumminess at all. Overall, this was one powerful sugar free energy drink, but it got a bit bland after 3 seconds in your mouth, like fake fruit.

Now for the ingredients. After carbonated water, I see citric acid, taurine, and natural flavors. If you do the math, you see that taurine comes in at number three, not too bad. A few ingredients after that, I see a threatening sucralose, which is number 7. As you might know, too much sucralose can ruin a drink, like the Rockstar Sugar Free. Which reminds me to tell that before you purchase a sugar free drink, make sure and check how high sucralose is in the ingredients list. Make sure that it is not higher than 6 or 7. Adrenaline Rush Sugar Free also has the same ingredients in it, in terms of giving you energy, as your every day Monster or Rockstar. Per can, you get about 20 calories, which is about the same amount as the Lo-Carb Monster. You obviously get no sugar, but 1g of carbohydrates. As for caffeine, I see 152mg, which is about average, maybe a bit more, but no a lot. You also get 1,920mg of taurine; that leaves me wondering, "Why not just round to 2,000?" This beverage wasn't anything great, it had too much sucralose, which is now upsetting my stomach. It also had a pretty mild and weak flavor that kind of disappointed me, but definitely one of the better sugar free drinks out there.

Taste: 7 - Just a decent drink, nothing too special
Kick: 8 - Pretty nice kick, Sobe does a good job of that
Overall: 7.5 - It's pretty much what I expected it to be like

Reviewed by: Chan

Rockstar Juiced Guava

I know this review is a bit late, being that I've been putting it off for a long time now. After this one, I think Jeff and I will have all the basic energy drinks reviewed. Rockstars really haven't pleased me so far, with the exception of the Roasted line, but maybe this one will be good. The Rockstar Juiced and the Rockstar Juiced Pomegranate were just okay, and perhaps this one will be just okay as well, but who doesn't like guava, right? Guava, as far as I know, is a fruit that is originated from Mexico, South America, the Caribbeans, and other tropical places around the world. It has a flavor that is similar to apples, passionfruit, and strawberries, blended together. Having said that, I glance over at the can to see 50% juice at the bottom, which probably means that it will have a natural blend of the fruits I just mentioned.The only thing different about the can design from all the other Rockstars is the purple diamond plating background. Like the original Rockstar, I noticed it has a black tab, rather than a purple tab. Okay, I've said enough here, let's open up the can!

Rockstar Juiced Guava has a strong aroma of exactly apple, passionfruit and strawberry. It reminds me of being Hawaii, most likely because the only other time I've tried guava was in Hawaii. Out of the can, this Juiced has an odd dark pink, almost purple color. I had no clue what color to expect because I thought guava was yellow, or orange... Shows what I know. My first reaction to trying this drink is, "Woah, that's strong!" Not really what I expected, an almost unbearable taste. It has a unique flavor, like weak passionfruit, with a strong mango flavor, and some strawberries, but just strong. Besides that, it has a sour taste, after going down your throat that instinctively throws your head back. It really has no long-term aftertaste, only a mellow echo of passionfruit and some mango. This taste is actually pretty interesting; to me, I think of it as sort of a juice, rather than an energy drink only because it has very little energy drink qualities. After a few sips, this drink actually isn't half bad; it gets easier to drink and has more of a taste to it. Because it is 50% juice, this Juiced has very little carbonation, which allows for pleasurable drinking. It does have some gumminess, which is pretty common in most juice-like beverages out there, but it's not too bad. Overall, this drink takes awhile to get into, but after you do, it's not half bad. I do think Rockstar could make some taste adjustments though.

Now for the ingredients. After carbonated water, this drink has fruit juice concentrates, which are a blend of apple, pear, and guava juices. Hm, yeah, I did notice trace amounts of pear. After that I see sucrose, which is its primary sweetener, and taurine, which happens to be number five. The Rockstar Juiced also has natural flavors, pectin (thickener), caffeine, acesulfame, sucralose, milk thistle, and ginkgo biloba leaf extract. I really wonder why only Rockstar, out of all the major brands of energy drinks, would put ginkgo biloba in their products; I'm yet to see Monster or Amp do this. Per can, you get only 180 calories, due to the juice content and only 40g of sugar. I'm real happy to see Rockstar make a low sugar/calorie drink without it being totally gross. You also get 2,000mg of taurine (average) and 300mg of ginkgo biloba. It's also nice to see this Rockstar having a decent caffeine content, 160mg. Overall, it was just another Rockstar Juiced, like I predicted. Nothing too special about it, but then again, nothing too terrible about it. I'd have to say Monster wins in their lineup of Juiced products (Khaos, M-80, Mixxd).

Taste: 7 - It'll take awhile to finish, just too much
Kick: 8 - Ginkgo is helping the kick here
Overall: 7.5 - I want to see Rockstar exceed Monster and Amp, for once...

Reviewed by: Chan

CRUNK Sugar Free

Wow! I cannot believe I actually have a CRUNK!!! Sugar Free in my hands right now. I have admired CRUNK!!! for as long as I have known them, and I cannot believe I found one. Jeff reviewed the regular CRUNK!!! so don't miss that review either. Well, CRUNKS!!! are known for their amazing kick and natural taste, so this good be the 'ultimate' drink, in my terms. I'm predicting a hopefully natural sweet pomegranate, with a bit of tart strawberry, possibly. This drink is crazy; its got Ashwaganda, green tea, ginkgo biloba, milk thistle, and white willow. On top of that, this drink only has 5 calories, pretty amazing. It has a metallic silver background as well as red bubbles on the sides of the can. You then the words "Sugar Free CRUNK!!! Energy Drink" going diagonally across the can. I'm ecstatic to actually drink this one, and I do hope that it'll be as good as the original CRUNK!!! I tried earlier.

It disperses a pomegranate aroma, with little sweetness, almost the same as a real pomegranate. I also notice a bit of grape and strawberry behind it, somewhere. Out of the can, it has a faded pink color, with some red hues, but it's pink for the most part. It has the same base CRUNK!!! taste, but is a bit original. CRUNK!!! will give you a sour pomegranate flavor, with a bit strawberry. It'll then fade away with an artificial grape flavor, most likely due to the amount of sucralose in the drink. Luckily, it has no apparent aftertaste, which allows you to not be hesitant to go in for more. It has a pretty solid taste, but gets a bit old and somewhat plain after about 4 ounces in. It's unique, and I like it. All in all, I can conclude that it has a mild fruity flavor, with noticeable artificial sweetener. The carbonation in this drink isn't actually too bad as it hits your tongue, but tends to be a bit painful going down your throat. Overall, this one wasn't too far from its original flavor, but it could use some fixing up because the flavor got a bit plain. The fellas at CRUNK!!! could make this sugar free drink have a bolder pomegranate taste, and less tartness.

Now for the ingredients. On the back of the can, the ingredients list are listed into two categories: proprietary blend and other ingredients. In the proprietary blend, we see 100mg of caffeine added into the can, inositol, green tea leaf, damiana, L-Carnitine, licorice, guarana seed, Horny Goat Weed, Ginkgo biloba, panax ginseng, grape seed extract, white willow, Ashwaganda, and milk thistle. In the other ingredients, we have carbonated water, citric acid, natural flavors, black carrot extract, pomegranate juice, sucralose, acesulfame, and riboflavin. Now that's a true energy drink blend, if you ask me. Per can (8oz.), you get only 5 calories, not bad for all you dieters out there. You obviously get no sugar, but you get all that artificial sweetener. Odd enough, I haven't seen taurine in this mix, but I'm still getting a gnarly kick. I guess they're right, taurine really doesn't do much. For an 8oz can, this drink packs one huge punch, so beware if you are getting ready to crack one of these beasts open. If you had to choose between this one and the regular CRUNK!!!, I'd advise you get the regular.

Taste: 8 - I enjoyed its natural flavor, but it just didn't have enough for me to thoroughly be pleased with it
Kick: 9 - Major kick on these beasts, but it results in a pretty sick crash
Overall: 8.5 - Not too shabby...

Reviewed by: Chan

CRUNK

Nice! I got the Crunks today and I have been so excited to try them all day long. I heard about these online at http://www.crunkenergydrink.com, and thought they were quite unique, being very herbal and different than most energy drinks. It's not only an energy drink that will give you energy, but also one that increases libido. With ingredients like Ashwaganda and Horny Goat Weed, this should have some effect other than energy-giving. The can design is pretty wicked and sleek, the background being black with red on the top and bottom and a nice, modern transition to red. The top of the can includes many adjectives to describe the kick: Replenish, Stimulate, Refresh, Invigorate, Arouse, Energize. I like the drink's look and theme. I'm really eager to pop this one open, after hearing Chan tell me how good it is.

My first words after opening the can: "Mmm... This smells good." I really like the smell. It's like pomegranate juice with the seeds included and some definite herbalness. It tastes much less herbal than the Sugar Free CRUNK!!! I tasted earlier today. And it seems also not as sweet, containing HFCS. At first, your tongue is met with sour and slightly sweet pomegranate juice. That same taste follows through and then the herbs kick in. It tastes almost minty and like eucalyptus and it's very pleasant, I think. It doesn't take as much of a trained and acquired taste to enjoy as the sugar free version, which I, frankly, liked more than the regular. I think I do for a few reasons: The Sugar Free has a stronger herbal taste, which I liked, and the sweetness was actually not bad and very nice for a sugar free drink. There's very little carbonation in this one, and for the first time ever as well, I wish there were more. It's not my favorite drink, and I think it could be improved with Glucose and Sucrose instead of HFCS. It's not that there's any gumminess, which is very good, but I just believe it could taste crisper and more refreshing than it is. Overall, it's a decent drink, but I thought it would be better. It's not often that I prefer a sugar free version of a drink over the regular. Now, I'm waiting for the kick.

Well, after really trying hard to feel the kick, I admit, I don't really feel what the can promised. I know, though, that I am feeling a bit more sensitive. I feel like mingling with a group of guys and girls and having some fun chatting. It sounds like a lot of fun right now. It's due to the proprietary blend, which consists of Caffeine, Inositol, Green Tea Leaf, Damiana, L-Carnitine, Licorice, Guarana, L-Tyrosine, Horny Goat Weed, N Acetyl L-Cytesine, Ginkgo Biloba, Panax Ginseng, Grape Seed Extract, Skull Cap, White Willow Bark, Ashwaganda, and Milk Thistle. Quite an extensive ingredients list! Though there are a lot of very unique energy supplements, I have to admit, it didn't do much in terms of libido or arousal. It did, however, absolutely glue my eyes open and give me intense focus. It's a great one to have if you're pulling an all-nighter. Even 8oz had a large effect. I would not count on it so much for its promised effects, but rather for a powerful pick-me-up or a drink to share with friends.

Taste: 7.2 - An okay herbal pomegranate
Kick: 8.5 - Intense focus and alertness
Overall: 7.5 - A good one for mingling with friends

Reviewed by: Jeff

Xtazy Cranberry Blast

Well, lookie here. I've got the Xtazy Cranberry Blast. Chandler and I have heard great things about this line of drinks, and we were, for a long time, easily able to find them. I finally couldn't resist and had to get this. It has a simple and very nice can design, with a black can and the top and bottom being the color of the flavor. For some reason, it calls itself a Guarana-based Energy Drink, which I don't fully understand at he moment. I'm not sure just what makes a drink based on Guarana. I took a quick look at the ingredients in order to see whether Guarana is high in the list, and it is. It goes: Filtered Carbonated Water, HFCS, Taurine, and then Guarana. That's a good thing to see, meaning it's going to have a large amount of that potent, energy-giving berry, Guarana. In fact, it has 900 whopping mg per serving, 1200 total. Dang! That is absolutely the largest amount of Guarana I have ever seen in an energy drink. Now I'm convinced this is going to pack a major punch.

The drink comes out of the can a very bright and saturated red. I mean, it's really, really red. The smell goes along with the color, smelling like grape juice and cranberry. I'm liking it so far. I took a sip and I sort of felt disappointed. Instead of the kind of rich, crisp sweetness you'd get from Glucose and Sucrose, you end up tasting dull HFCS. It is by no means terrible, just not as good as it could be, in my opinion. If you're used to regular soda that uses HFCS, you'd probably be fine. Anyway, there definitely is the presence of cranberry in this drink and not so much grape. The aftertaste is more bitter and earthy like cranberry, and I'm not saying that's a bad thing. It is quite lovely, actually, adding richness and depth. But now that I think about it, it might not be the cranberry so much as the Guarana. After all, it is the number 4 ingredient. Perhaps the Guarana Seed Extract is the cause of the earthiness, and I like that. The carbonation is truly light and pleasant, adding texture. I don't like carbonation that gets in your face and ruins the flavor. This isn't the case here. As for gumminess, I don't detect much, and what is there isn't a big deal. Overall, it's not a bad drink at all, it just could do better on the taste department. Now I'm waiting to find out what kind of boost I'll feel. Time to buckle my seatbelt.

Woah, I hadn't even noticed I was already affected, after I was about halfway through. I was, just earlier, so sleepy I wanted to take a nap, but now, I'm totally hyped. I noticed the kick even as I was walking around after finishing the last paragraph. It's like a total rejuvination, giving you energy so suddenly and so much. My quick workout was fast and didn't leave me breathless. This thing is just energy and more energy. And that figures. The energy ingredients in this drink include Guarana (900mg per serving), Panax Ginseng (25mg), Inositol (50mg), Milk Thistle (25mg), Ginkgo Biloba (15mg), L-Carnitine (50mg), and Taurine (1000mg). Quite a potent and diverse mix of supplements. I really like the use of Ginkgo Biloba because of its focus-giving effect. However, I'm quite sure it won't affect me as much as other drinks with the ingredient, because there are only around 22mg of it. Chan and I are definitely getting more of these.

Taste: 7.5 - Very nice above-par cranberry
Kick: 8.5 - Agressive and above average kick
Overall: 8 - Great one to slam down anytime

Reviewed by: Jeff

Monster Java Big Black

Since I haven't had an energy drink since Monday, and a good one since long before that, I think it was time to review a beverage I knew was going to be quality. This is a re-review of the Monster Java Big Black. I'm not quite sure what sets this apart from the rest of the Java Monsters. The only difference, I am guessing, will have to do with the amount of sugar and cream in the coffee, no doubt. The side of this beautiful woodgrain-textured can doesn't really tell whether it's gonna turn out black or not. I'll just have to crack it open to find out. I know I'm going to feel a real great boost, after energy drink fasting for almost a week.

So, was I right? Is the color black like black coffee? No, how puzzling... It's the same brown of the Mean Bean and all the others. The smell is of weak coffee, but I'm not disappointed. Non-hardcore coffee drinkers would enjoy this, along with all Java Monsters. They're not too bitter or strong, like real coffee. Chilled, this is an incredibly addicting concoction. It enters your mouth tasting very creamy and wonderful. I'd say this is not so much like sweetened coffee, but more like a sweet, milky drink with a coffee base. That said, this is, I believe, the strongest of the Java Monsters, which goes to show how weak this line of drinks is. It's more for non-coffee lovers, like me, and I'm absolutely loving it. It does taste a tad too sweet, which surprised me because I thought this was supposed to be the stronger Java. In fact, it has 19g of sugar per serving; more than most of the others. Despite this, there's no troublesome gumminess, which I like. It's undoubtedly a great drink, but it makes me think that Monster could have toned down the sugar and cream to make this a truly strong drink, instead of making it almost a clone of the Mean Bean. I hope they think about it, in order to appeal to the more hardcore coffee crowd. That's my suggestion to Monster.

Now, on the kick, we all know that Monster never fails to pack a punch, not even in their coffees. I reckon the energy ingredients are identical to those used in all of their 14 varieties: 2500mg per serving, or 5000mg total of the Monster energy blend, which includes L-Carnitine, Glucose, Caffeine, Guarana, Inositol, Glucuronolactone, and Maltodextrin. Along with that potent mix of energy supplements comes 2000mg total of Taurine, which is the standard for a 16oz can. And with all of this, you get a whole array of vitamins like A, C, D, Potassium, Riboflavin, Niacin, B, and Phosphorus. It's enough to really get you up and totally energized. Monsters are good at that. This will likely give me a pretty sick boost, because it's been a while since I've had an energy drink. With the great can design, great taste, great ingredients and great boost, this is definitely a pass, but I still wonder why it was not darker and less sugary that it was. I'm hoping Monster thinks about that.

Taste: 8.5 - You will love it from the first sip
Kick: 8.5 - A great buzz, brought to you by Monster
Overall: 8.5 - A must try

Reviewed by: Jeff

Amp Traction

Okay, I'm so excited to review yet another Amp Product. After this review, we will have all the Amps covered, until they decide to come out with another product. I've saved the best for last, if you will. This one is called the Amp Traction because it's supposed to give you sustain, due to the maltodextrin and D-Ribose in the drink. It also notes at the bottom "Charge of Grape;" so I'm expecting a sharp grape flavor, with some original Amp mixed in, which is lime-orange. This can has an intense dark purple background, with black spikes sticking out from the top and bottom of the can. In front of it is the usual disfigured "A" and the words Amp in lowercase letters. The only difference is the word "Traction" that is stenciled in at the middle of the can in bold, spongy letters. I know that Amp makes a bold-tasting energy drink, but the newer ones just didn't appeal to me as much as the older ones did. So, I'll give this one a shot...

As I crack open the can, the Amp Traction reveals a deep purple aroma with a noticeable Amp flavor behind it. Out of the can, this Amp gives a crazy dark purple color, so dark, it could possibly be mistaken for black. Oh, yeah, I was right, I did save the best for last. Amp Traction brilliantly enters the mouth with a strong grape taste, similar to grape medicine, but it's tolerable and much sweeter. As it fades away, you get a sweet original Amp flavor that impressively compliments the main grape flavor. However, like most Amps, the aftertaste ruins almost the whole drink. Just like the Elevate, Overdrive, and Relaunch, the Traction has a bitter artificial aftertaste that just makes you feel like walking away. If you can imagine taking grape flavoring, adding some Splenda, or Sweet N' Low, and drinking it, you know what this aftertaste is like. This drink somewhat reminds me of grape juice, except carbonated, and with a bit more depth to it. Other than that, this is one unique Amp you cannot afford to miss out on. Because I've never seen an energy drink that has a grape flavor- or perhaps I should say a main grape flavor- I think that this drink deserves some good recognition. One thing I noticed about this drink is that I don't notice as much carbonation as the other Amps. Many avid energy drink aficionados prefer their energy drinks lightly carbonated, for full enjoyment of their beverage, so I believe this a great drink for energy drink lovers. Same old gumminess is found in this energy drink, a disappointing act of Amp to keep up with the amount of gumminess in their products. Overall, I was very pleased with this drink's structural flavor, but beginners to energy drinks beware, this is one intensely strong beverage.

Now for the ingredients. I see carbonated water (obviously), then HFCS, no surprise. I would really like to see Amp make a product that is sweetened with sucrose and glucose, instead of HFCS. Taurine then comes in at number 5, packing an immense kick. Following that is maltodextrin, to improve your sustain and "Traction." It also has guarana seed extract, sodium benzoate, sodium hexametaphosphate, caffeine, D-Ribose, gum arabic, niacinamide, panax ginseng root extract, and brominated vegetable oil. I did mention, however, that the aftertaste is similar to Splenda, I must be mistaken because I don't see sucralose, the 'code' word from Spenda, in this mix. I was ecstatic when I got this drink and ecstatic when I opened it up to find an insane taste, and I'm honored to be reviewing it now. I do understand why many people acclaimed this drink to be nasty because I understand that not a lot of people can tolerate a strong grape taste, but to a trained taste bud, this drink is actually not bad at all. I strongly advise you get this drink when you can, and when you do, leave me a comment on this review explaining what you thought about it.

Taste: 8 - It was good in my terms, but I'm a bit iffy on what others may think of it
Kick: 8 - A steady, solid kick so far
Overall: 8 - A great drink to have while just kicking back, (especially after a hot day over here!)

Reviewed by: Chan

No Fear Sugar Free

Right after I ran out of energy drinks, I got another one while in town with Chan. This is the No Fear Sugar Free, and I thought it was worth a try. Back when we started Canned Reviews, Chan reviewed the original No Fear, and I think he really liked it. It gave him a seriously sick boost and he told me it tasted of grapefruit. Hopefully, the sugar free version doesn't taste nasty and overly artificial. As for the ingredients, I hope it packs the same punch as the regular. The energy ingredients seem pretty strong, with the normal amount of Taurine, Ginseng, Guarana, Grape Seed Extract and Caffeine. I can't guage just how sweet this is because it claims there are 0g of sugar. That's technically true, but there's some sort of sweetener. Those sweetners, I found out after I read the ingredients, are Surcalose and Acesulfame Potassium. I've seen the two together before and I'm not too fond of either. I'll see how to goes.

Well, as was expected, the smell was bitter grapefruit. It smells natural except for the fact that I can detect some sort of artificial sweetener in there. I really like it. The taste is also pleasantly surprising. First comes the Acesulfame, tasting more bitter than sweet, and then the Surcalose meets my taste buds like granulated sugar, but much sweeter. The aftertaste leaves my mouth with that grapefruit sourness and bitterness and a strong lingering artificial taste. The color, after I poured it out was like the rind of a red grapefruit and hardly cloudy at all, which I'm sure is exactly what they were going for. The carbonation is very mild and fine and gumminess is nonexistant. I wouldn't say it's refreshing, but just good tasting. Definitely, it would be better tasting if it had real sugar, though. I haven't had great luck with many sugar free energy drinks, and this one almost isn't an exception. The aftertaste is almost bothering me, but I've put up with it so far. Although this is good for a sugar free drink, it's just not my thing. I think sugar free drinks should be left to Chan from now on.

Now, the kick. This is a No Fear, so from the start I expected something great. That's what I got; a great buzz that makes me feel like I can do anything. This is probably a potent drink that will keep me awake for hours to come. But still, truthfully, I have to admit that I still get a greater boost from a Monster. Monster is just my drink. And the amounts of energy ingredients are still more than what this No Fear has.

Taste: 6.5 - Good for a sugar-free drink
Kick: 6 - Felt it, but it wasn't insane
Overall: 7 - I wasn't that happy with it

Reviewed by: Jeff

Glaceau Vitamin Energy Tropical Citrus

After about a week of refrigerating, I decided to give the Vitamin Energy Tropical Citrus a shot. As you know, we have all the other Glaceau Energy Drink products already reviewed, so this will be the last one. I wasn't too fond with the Vitamin Energy Fruit Punch because of its weak and unappealing flavor, but I have a good feeling about this one. I'm predicted a smooth citrus flavor, maybe similar to Squirt, with a hint of some mango. Vitamin Water, itself, is actually a great drink to have, in terms of supplements, but the Vitamin Energy is lacking effort in producing a quality energy drink. Like all the other Vitamin Energy drinks, this one has a basic can design. It's half yellow, and half white, like a pill. It says Vitamin Energy 3 times vertically across the can. Ok, here it goes...

As I crack this one open, I immediately go in for a smell. I get a sweet citrus aroma, with a a bit of mango, some melon, and noticeable pineapple. It comes out of the can an opaque yellow color, similar to lemonade, or urine. Hm, I regret saying that Glaceau makes bad energy drinks because this one is quite tasty. It first goes into your mouth with a sweet lemony citrus flavor, with little carbonation. It then fades away with a natural blend of mango and sweet pineapple. Surprisingly, this drink does not have any aftertaste, which results in a pleasant drinkablility. I think this is one drink that kids, adults, seniors, and pretty much anyone else you can think of will like. I really enjoyed its natural citrus and lemon sweetness, as well as its sweet pineapple taste. Vitamin Energy Tropical Citrus is genuinely lightly carbonated and is incredibly easy to drink and/or chug. Due to the crystalline fructose, this drink has no gumminess whatsoever, just another great feature of this drink. Overall, this was one incredible and powerful drink, and it had an amazingly tasty flavor. Definitely one of the best drinks I've had in awhile, but almost worthy of the "Best Taste List."

Now for the ingredients. This drink uses the fancy "Vapor distilled deionized, and/or reverse osmosis carbonated water." It also used the fancy sugar, crystalline fructose, which is only sugar based on cornstarch, not fruit. Taurine then comes in at number three, a good set up there. Like a few other energy drinks, this one uses only natural flavor, which explains its great taste. It also has vitamin C, ribose, natural caffeine, niacin, gum acacia, ester gum, electrolytes, beta carotene, and folic acid. Per can, you get only 200 calories, which pretty sweet, considering this is an energy drink. You only get 50g of sugar, which is below average for an energy drink, but is sweet enough. You also get 150mg of natural caffeine, which should keep you alert and steady for about a few hours. And lastly, like usual, you get 2,000mg taurine, which is average. I'm surprised that Glaceau can make such a powerful energy drink, considering that the other two were pretty weak and lacked good flavor.

Taste: 8.5 - I really enjoyed its tropical flavors, it reminded me of Hawaii
Kick: 8 - Pretty steady kick so far...
Overall: 8.5 - I must recommend you get it

Reviewed by: Chan

Rip It Power Sugar Free

Remember the first Rip It Power review? I have a hunch that particular drink was old, which lent itself to the chalky taste. I'm hoping this one will taste somewhat better, being that it's fresh. True, it will taste slightly different than how the regular Power should've tasted, but it can't be that drastic. Now I will get to find out the true taste of the Rip It Power. I'm not really that excited about the fact that this one is sugar free. The Supplement Facts say 0g of sugar, but that's kind of like lying because there's, no doubt, some sort of nasty artificial sweetener in here, perhaps multiple. Oh, yes, there is Surcalose (Splenda) and Acesulfame Potassium. I recognize Acesulfame Potassium from being in many diet tea drinks, and Splenda is what always gave Chan stomachaches. We'll see how it goes.

Rip It has always pleased me and I've really enjoyed their stylish and simplistic can designs. This one gave off a sort of weak berry smell. The color, however, didn't match the smell, being a light, soft yellow. Immediately, I could tell it was artificially sweetened. It's that unnatural metallic aftertaste and that sourness that just doesn't match the addictiveness of real Sucrose and Glucose. I'm not quite sure what they meant it to taste like... Perhaps pineapple? I'm really unsure about the flavor. It's something tangy and either citrus or berry. It's almost devoid of flavor, just tasting sweet and sour, at different times. I'm the kind of person that feels obligated to always finish something, whether it be a drink or dish, but I'm finding it hard now to take another sip. The gumminess is still lingering from my first few sips and is really bothersome. My attempt to chug this thing was shut down right away by the fine, stinging carbonation, which feels like it's chemically burning the back of my tongue. A little more than halfway through, I am still completely clueless about the flavor. I'm not even sure if what I'm tasting is sweet; it's like a sweetness substitute, being close to sweet, but not the same. It's even upsetting my stomach. This drink's taste phails, big time. And I was so excited to try it...

The kick was standard of most energy drinks. The 2000mg total of Taurine and 200mg of Inositol did do something, but frankly, it doesn't compare to a Monster. The ingredients are pretty weak, with only 180mg of Caffeine total and 20mg of Guarana. It was fine that I felt a kick, but I'm not satisfied with the ingredients. They're just too tame and too little for me. And the artificial sweetners were pretty sickening. Sure, I was pretty fired up while I played with my dog, but overall, this drink is a phail. I'm not sure what else to say.

Taste: 3 - Yuck
Kick: 4 - Substandard
Overall: 3 - I'm not having it again

Reviewed by: Chan

BooKoo Wet Zen Again Lime

Here's another one of those cases in which I do not require a cup to observe the color of the beverage. This one was an incredible bargain, being two for a dollar, or just 50 cents. It differs from most energy drinks, or just drinks made by BooKoo, because it's more of a calming drink. Instead of containing things like Caffeine, Taurine, Ginseng, and Guarana, it has 25mg of Chamomile Extract and the same amount of Valerian Root Extract. I learned quickly that Valerian is an herb that acts as a mild sedative and promotes sleep. I hope I don't fall asleep after this one, but it would still be nice to feel a little bit calmer. I'll see how it goes.

This is going to be a kind of odd opening ritual, because this is a bottle, not a can. It doesn't make a loud crack, and it's resealable. Like the other BooKoo Wets, this one was filled to the brim. When I needlessly poured this out into a cup, I noticed the color being almost crystal clear, like lime juice. The smell was a little confusing, smelling like lime with some earthy herbiness. I am quite sure I can taste the Chamomile right in there with a very subtle and mild lime. It's like a lime without any sourness at all. I think that makes it more refreshing that it probably would be, but even then, it isn't quite as refreshing as I had hoped it would be. It leaves your mouth with a great chalkiness, like tea does when you drink it. Not quite the acid eating away at your enamel feel, but just a little irritating. It's not bad, but it leaves something to be desired. It doesn't really quench your thirst, but rather greaten it, with its chalky, herby texture and the mild gumminess that lingers at the back of your mouth. It truly leaves something to be desired. Some more depth like maybe some orange or tropical flavor. It's pretty bland as it is, and I don't have the same incentive to take frequent sips as something like a Monster, which is much smoother. I'd say it's pretty mediocre, not being the best lime I've had.

The kick, or should I say, the calm, was great. I am really calm and relaxed right now. I'm not sure whether 25mg was a large dose of Chamomile or not, but it certainly has affected me. Along with Chamomile and Valerian Root Extract, the drink included 40% of your daily allowance of Vitamins A, C, E, B6, and B12. Simple ingredients, compared to many other drinks. No Taurine, Ginseng, Guarana, Inositol, Glucuronolactone, Caffeine, or Maltodextrin. It isn't sweetened with HFCS, but an equivalent to HFCS, Crystalline Fructose. What that really is is just corn syrup that has been allowed to crystallize. That's not saying much about the drink's healthiness. I would rather see good ol' Glucose and Surcrose. Overall, the drink is pretty mediocre, only special because of it's calming effects, rather than energizing.

Taste: 6 - Leaves something to be desired
Kick: 5 - I grew calmer, so it did its job
Overall: 4 - I wouldn't have it again

Reviewed by: Jeff

Hansen's Energade Orange

Hey, look at what I found. As I was digging through the energy drinks at my local market, I happened to find a new one, the Hansen's Energade Orange. I've never heard of it, but I do know Hansen's makes energy drinks. This one will be the first Hansen's energy drink I've tried, so I'm pretty excited. I'm predicting a smooth orange flavor, with minimal gumminess. Oh, and by the way, did I mention that this one isn't carbonated? Well it isn't, so I'm pretty eager to see what I can find in this drink, terms of taste. And since this a 24 ounce can, I'm positive I'll get an amazing kick with this behemoth. This has a weird can design. There's a large golden star, with a small lion-like beast. Behind it is a large black diamond and two banners saying "Trade Mark." At the way bottom, I see the words "High Energy Thirst Quencher," so I'm assuming something along the lines of Gatorade, but not as sweet. So, here it goes.

As the can opens with a loud POP, I go in for a smell. I'm getting an orange Gatorade scent, but really not as sweet and with more depth to it. It goes into the cup a cloudy light orange color, like a real orange, except maybe a bit more faded. Wow, that is a thirst quencher! I think it's way tastier than a Gatorade. It first hits you with a natural orange flavor, with no bitterness or sourness whatsoever. Instead, you get a sweet flavor, seemingly all natural. I can also taste a bit of mango and some guava lurking around. It then fades away with an odd vitaminy taste, like those chalky tablets you used to take as a small child. The aftertaste is an almost nasty artificial sweetness, which makes you call for more of this sports drink. I don't know about you, but if I were seeking a sports drink that enables you to perform better, I wouldn't like it to have an aftertaste like this one. The flavor itself is right in your face, its orange-vitamin taste has so much presence and really refreshes you, after maybe a long day. I wish I had tried this one after a long day, not around noon on a weekend. As you know, this drink doesn't have any carbonation, so its easy to chug, but I would advise you not, only because it could upset your stomach, like it's upsetting mine. The Hansen's has little gumminess that doesn't get in my way, but its still there. Overall, this was one refreshing drink, chilled, but it was a bit too sweet to be a sports/energy drink, I think.

Now for the ingredients. This one has filtered water first, and then HFCS. I think that the HFCS in this drink results in a bad aftertaste, not gumminess. Oh, it does contain sucrose, glucose and glycerol (low-toxicity sugar alcohol); a smorgasbord of sugars. This Hansen's also got ginseng, gum arabic, natural flavors, caffeine, beta carotene, and sucralose. Per can (24 oz.), you only get 180 calories, that's way less than a Monster, and it's 24 ounces! Amazing. You also only get about 48g of sugar, which is also less than your average energy drink, so, a pretty interesting fact. You get 3,000mg of taurine per can, 1,500mg of glycerol, and 600mg of panax ginseng. I'm extremely shocked to see that this drink is so low in sugar and calories. I guess you could say that this is one of the healthier drinks I've reviewed here on Canned Reviews. I mean, it wasn't a bad drink, but it was just oddly sweet and had too much flavor to have if you're just sitting. Maybe I'll try this drink before a game of football or baseball, and I'll report back my discoveries here back on this review. So check daily.


Taste: 8 - It had a catchy taste, but a bit too sweet
Kick: 9 - I'm feeling a pretty steady kick
Overall: 8.5 - I think Hansen's passed on this one

Reviewed by: Chan

...Lost Cadillac

I was surprised one day to see this in my fridge, the Lost Cadillac. I absolutely love the can design, with the bold LOST and the great green textured background. I'm not sure just how they got the rights to use the name "Cadillac," but they did, and it's on the can, in fancy cursive. At the top, it reads "Cantina Cocktail," a hint, along with the explanation on the back, to it's margarita flavor. I've heard that it's quite good and am expecting a taste like alcohol, though there is none actually in the drink. I'm not sure what else to say. I'm gonna get reviewing.

I opened the can to my dramatic background music. When I smelled it, I noticed a crazy wang like rum. Wild! They really did an amazing job of recreating the margarita taste, being very lime and rum-tasting. I'm only guessing this is rum, since I've never had it, but I bet it is because I know it comes from sugar cane. It's something that makes me want to keep taking sips, really getting into the flavor. I've never had anything like it. After a while I really warmed up to this drink and it totally appealed to me. There's close to no gumminess and the carbonation is just right, being minimal and just enough to give the drink some nice texture. This isn't one to chug though. The unusual taste will restrict you to small sips, allowing you to examine and really absorb the flavor. I like it, but I wish I would warm up to it sooner, rather than towards the end of the can. I've got to shake these things.

I came back from a sort of gathering in the area and had a great time, completely energized and totally aware and capable. I felt like running around like crazy and that is just what I did. The amounts of the energy ingredients in here really surprised me and pleased me. 2500mg per serving of the Energy Blend, which includes L-Carnitine, Glucose, Panax Ginseng, Caffeine, Guarana, Inositol, Glucuronolactone, and Maltodextrin. Along with that is 2000mg total of Taurine. All of that is what gave me that insane and seemingly never-ending boost. I loved the flavor and it wasn't too sweet, with 22g of sugar per serving, and 44 total. Compare that to a Monster's 27, and Amp's 29. I loved it and it was a great and unusual energy drink to have after a period of no drinks.

Taste: 7.8 - Unusual and exotic
Kick: 8 - Really great; I was totally hyper
Overall: 7.8 - Great one to try if you're into Margaritas

Reviewed by: Jeff