Drinks Needed

Hey, this is Jeff and Chan asking you...

If you see or have heard of an energy drink out there that we haven't tried but would like us to review, feel free to notify us by leaving a comment or by emailing us at cannedreviews@gmail.com

Here is the list of drinks we are still looking for and would like to try. Of course there are more energy drinks out there that aren't on our list, but these are just ones that came to our mind and that we are interested in reviewing. We'll be updating this list quite often.

Also, make sure to check our Twitter page, for updates on new drinks, at http://www.twitter.com/Canned_Reviews and befriend us on our Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/cannedreviews

180 Blue Acai
180 Red Goji
180 Sugar Free Orange Citrus
All In Root Beer
Any new Monster flavor
Bawls Cherry
Blox Black Cherry
Blox Original
Bomba Berry
Bomba Black Current
BooKoo Burner Dangerine
BooKoo Burner Main Lime
BooKoo Burner Pummelgranate
Brawndo
Cocaine Free
Cocaine Mild
Daredevil Lighter Fluid
Diesel Low Carb
Freek Thrill Her
Freek Maniac
Freek Scream
Freek Skitzo
Hansens Deuce
Hansens Energy Pro
Hydrive V
Hydrive X
Hydrive S
Hydrive E
Inked Maori
Jack Herer 420 Hemp Infusion Orange
Jolt Cherry Bomb
Jolt Orange Blast
Jolt Wild Grape
Kronik Grind
Mad Croc
Mad Croc Sugar Free
NOS Fruit Punch
NOS Sugar Free
NOS Power Shot
Red Jak Low Carb
Rip It Lime Wrecker
Rush!
Semtex
Semtex Forte
Semtex Light
Slap Black Energy + Coffee
Sobe No Fear Sugar-Free
SourceBurn
SourceBurn2
SourceBurn Sugar Free

FRS Lemon Lime

Today, while I wandered around the shopping center, I came across a 99 cent store and couldn't resist taking a look. It turns out they had the FRS lemon lime, part of the FRS "health drink" series, which I recently got into with the FRS low calorie. That one wasn't as good as I thought it'd be, but I"m sure the lemon lime will be able to make up for it. This line of drinks is special because of the powerful antioxidants that are equal to 3 servings of blueberries, 8 servings of red onions, or 10 servings of raspberries. This thing is so healthy, they actually recommend you drink a can a day. And it is supposed to aid your recovery from and improve your energy during a work out. I'm drinking this thirty minutes or so before I do some work. I'll see how it does.

I opened the can and grimaced. Chan put the smell as being "lemon lime and barf." I agreed with him, and his statement was reinforced after a big sip. The drink starts out smooth, with a refreshing lemon taste, and then -BOOM!- you're hit with a devastating vitamin and rather nasty onion-like aftertaste. I didn't expect that at all. The bigger the drink you take, the stronger and more disgusting the aftertaste, yet, even with a small sip, there is still some. This isn't one I want to chug or nurse. I can hardly bear to finish the can, but I will for the sake of health. I'm hoping I am really as protected from free radicals as the can claims, or I will have just stomached this brutally unpleasant concoction for nothing.

The kick: Well, that was pretty basic. It was like eating a fruit or vegetable, I suppose, with all the vitamins. Except it tasted much worse. I found that the agents acting as antioxidants in this drink are Quercetin (325mg) and Catechins (110mg). I'm not able to notice the antioxidant effects, but that doesn't matter, really. If it does it's job, I'm happy. The thing is, I'm wondering what would make somebody favor this over those 3 servings of blueberries, 8 servings of red onions, or 10 servings of raspberries. If this thing isn't substantially better at fighting free radicals than something reasonably easier to find and eat, I don't see why you must have it. Maybe the price had something to do with the quality. This 12oz can I got for less than 70 cents. Anyway, I'm not really looking forward to the next FRS review. For now, I'll stick to my standard energy drinks.

Taste: 2 - "ZOMG"
Kick: 4 - Well, I guess it's not meant to deliver energy...
Overall: 2 - Then why is it in the same section?

Reviewed by: Jeff

Steven Seagal's Lightning Bolt Cherry Charge

Hey, I just wanted to give you all a heads up that we will be having many reviews coming in for the next few weeks, so get ready. This time, I found one of Steven Seagal's drink, the Cherry Charge. If you read the review before this one, you see that Jeff reviewed the Steven Seagal's Asian Experience. I, myself, tried it, and thought that it wasn't so good, so did Jeff. This drink has an unfamiliar Chinese word, surrounded by red lightning bolts red abstract stripes. The background is pitch black and at the bottom, I see Steven Seagal himself, next to a quote said by him. I am predicting a mild cherry taste, with possibly a hint of cane sugar or molasses. I, personally love cherry, so I hope this one will be good, tasty, energizing, and a winner.

Cherry Charge has a strong cherry scent, with some cane sugar aroma mixed in with it. This Cherry drink comes out of the can a dark pink, or light red color, almost like maraschino cherries. The color reminds me of pomegranate, or possibly even strawberry. It's flavor seems to be that of a maraschino cherry and molasses, or cane sugar. As it first hits the tongue, you get a sweet molasses taste. It then fades away with a warm maraschino taste that wants you to come back for more. I can taste trace amounts of green tea, yerba mate, and some goji berry, which is probably found in the drink to make it more natural tasting. The aftertaste is similar to cane sugar, you know, the ones that you can pick and eat. It's very mild and smooth, so it doesn't bug me at all. Luckily, there is no gumminess whatsoever, so I think this is one drink that is most try because of its unique taste. The Cherry Charge calls for extremely light carbonation that compliments the cherry flavor and gives it a boost, or a sharp bite. Overall, this is one drink you must try, although by the end of the drink, the flavor kinda overwhelmed me and forced me to take smaller sips, less frequently.

Now for the ingredients. Evaporated organic cane juice is not common in most energy drinks. However, Steven Seagal's drinks and FRS Energy drinks contain them. Basically, it's organic sugar, or cane sugar, which is found growing in tropical areas. Next, I see tonic blend which is natural caffeine, guarana extract, green tea extract, goji berry extract, cordyceps, yerba mate, American ginseng, and ginkgo biloba. I don't know, but to me, that is a true blend that should only be placed in certain drinks, only natural. Following that, I see natural flavors, not artificial flavors. Per can, you get 240 calories and 58g of sugar. The calorie count is about average for you every day energy drink out on the market, and 58g of sugar isn't too bad for an energy drink either. Steven Seagal sure knows what to put in an energy drink, but does he know how to make it right?

Taste: 7.5 - It had a great taste, but it was too much and too sweet for me
Kick: 8 - It has an average kick, I'd say
Overall: 7.5 - A unique drink, but barely passable

Reviewed by: Chan

Steven Seagal's Lightning Bolt Asian Experience

Steven Seagal, actor, writer, director, producer, etc, etc... I suppose decided to create his own brand of energy drink. He calls it Steven Seagal Lightning Bolt. I've heard that this drink is totally natural and has some really great ingredients. I'd say, in fact, that it could be my dream drink. It's got Yerba Mate, Ginkgo Biloba, for focus, and Green Tea. Also, the drink makes the claim of containing Cordyceps, some sort of fungus that the effects of I am uncertain. It seems like my kind of drink, being organic and full of natural ingredients. Now, I'm wondering about the flavor. I'm supposing it'll be blue, but I'm not quite sure just what kind of Asian fruit is blue, or how the two have a correlation. I guess I'll find out. Perhaps it is Goji Berry.

The smell threw me back. That is a strong molasses smell. Or what smells like molasses. The taste is like molasses with some very noticeable Green Tea and Yerba Mate. The color is a soft yellowy-orange, and it's truly lightly carbonated, something I like to see in a drink. All of the exotic and unusual flavors meld together into a unique, and very odd beverage. I want to keep on taking sips to further explore the flavor. Now that I think about it, it actually tastes saltier than sweet. Perhaps the reason for that is the organic evaporated cane juice, which I have a hunch is related to molasses, because it is unrefined. It's a good thing that there's little carbonation and absolutely no gumminess. Not even that feeling of acid eating away at your teeth's enamel. I think it's interesting, but not particularly tasty. I would be disappointed if I weren't expecting an incredible boost.

That was a solid kick. Unlike many drinks, I was focused, and felt overall pretty good. It didn't give me a stomach ache, nor did it make me jittery. The unlisted amount of Ginkgo Biloba is what got me so focused. And the Yerba Mate and Green Tea had to be good for me. But what of the Cordyceps? It's a genus of fungus that is a parasite on insects and other fungi. From what I've read, it lowers cholesterol and increases blood flow and vitality. Not what I'm used to seeing in an energy drink, but I guess it's a nice addition. It's not a drink you have for the taste, but rather, for the kick.

Taste: 4 - A salty energy drink... Not my thing
Kick: 8 - Liked the ingredients, and got a good kick
Overall: 6 - Unique

Reviewed by: Jeff

Rip It A'tomic Pom

I received this drink as sort of a gift, if you will, from my uncle. I have heard great praise from this drink and I thought I would never, ever get my hands on one of them. If you have seen my Rip It Citrus X review, you know that Rip It has the capability to blow my mind with some great drinks, so I know that this will be pretty good. A'tomic Pom has a dark cranberry red color background, or a glossy pomegranate color. In front of that, I see the words "Rip It Energy Fuel" with white stakes spreading out from the words. Odd enough, I see the words "A'tomic Pom" in very small font at the way bottom of the can. I am predicting a smooth pomegranate flavor, with some natural sweetness added in. I am so curious about this drink, I just can't write anymore, so here it goes.

Rip It A'tomic Pom has a deep, pomegranate aroma, with a bit of floweriness mixed in. However, it seems somewhat familiar. Oh, I remember now, the Rockstar Juiced Pomegranate; I haven't had it in awhile, but I remember it. This Rip It has a dark rosy-red color, similar to wine, but a bit darker. As I poured it in, I didn't notice a lot of fizziness, so I'm pretty pleased about that. Wow, what a drink. First, as it hits my mouth, I get a light pomegranate flavor, with hardly any carbonation. As it fades away, I get a sweet grenadine-like taste. Grenadine is a thick, syrupy substance made from pomegranate and sugar. Unlike many other drinks, this one goes from just okay, to really tasty. The pomegranate, as many would say, is a bit artificial and doesn't really appeal to me, but it's acceptable. The aftertaste, is a genuine grenadine flavor, that's pretty tasty and leaves me holding the can to my mouth. Like I mentioned earlier, this drink contains minimal carbonation, and makes it easier to drink and enjoy. As well as minimal carbonation, I get minimal gumminess, which I am pleased about, and just makes this drink a lot better. Overall, this drink is worthy of the Best Taste List because of its genuine taste and unique flavor.

Rip It is known to have some weird ingredients, just like Amp does. This one has carbonated water, and then high fructose corn syrup. Surprisingly, this drink is not that gummy at all, so maybe the HFCS doesn't contribute to the gumminess in this one. Other than that, this drink has pretty basic ingredients: natural flavors, citric acid, maltodextrin, sodium benzoate, gum acacia. Per can, you get 260 calories, most likely due to the sugary grenadine aftertaste. You also get about 66g of sugar, pretty much above average, but it's worth it in this drink. You get 2,000mg of taurine, per can, as well as 204mg of caffeine, that should keep anyone awake for awhile! I really enjoyed this drink; it's probably the best drink I've had in many weeks, and most likely the best I will have for awhile.

Taste: 9.2 - It had an amazing taste, almost too good for me
Kick: 9.5 - with that much caffeine, I get a large kick
Overall: 9.4 - It was just...incredible

Reviewed by: Chan

Hansen's Diet Red

This one I got earlier. I had supposed Trader Joe's would have some unique energy drinks, but I was wrong. All they had was the regular and Lo-Carb Monster, their own brand, which looked weak, and this. I'm not quite sure what to expect, but I'm hoping for something good. I read on the description at Trader Joe's that this drink is fast-acting and potent, but I'm not ready to believe it until I experience it. As for the flavor, I'm not sure what to expect. I'm guessing it'll be the common bubble-gum flavor found in energy drinks, with either a red or amber color. The can makes it look powerful, and I'm hoping that's true.

At the first whiff, my notion that this would be a pretty generic drink was confirmed. But, wait. For a second, I thought it smelled like cinnamon. It's like a Monster that's been exposed to air, but not in a bad way. I'm already starting to like it just by the smell. The color's quite unique, being just a bit darker than a Monster, that is, a gold-amber. Ahh, it even tastes somewhat like a Monster. The differences are minute, being a slightly artificial aftertaste and a thinner or more one-dimensional taste. Still, it proves to be quite enjoyable. Now that I'm halfway into it, the cinnamon has faded away and the flavor is mostly that bubble-gum I was referring to. The carbonation doesn't get in the way of that, and there's not a lot of gumminess to do the same. I find it a bit comical that on the side of the can, the makers make the claim that the flavor is in fact berry, but I just don't taste it. Overall on the taste, this one is not bad. It's not one that will make you regret taking that last sip. It's one that makes you, rather, want to take another, and further explore the flavor. I might call this one a Monster clone.

On the front of the can, they go right out and tell you there is Taurine, Ginseng, L-Carnitine, and B-Vitamins in the mix. Rightly so, there's there seem to be the same energy ingredients in the Energy Blend as the Monsters: L-Carnitine, Glucose, Caffeine, Guarana, Inositol, Glucuronolactone, and Maltodextrin. And there's the same amount per serving in this as a Monster, 2500mg. But I momentarily forgot that this is a diet energy drink. And after reading the ingredients, I learn that there is Glucose within, but also Splenda and Acesulfame. I remember finding Acesulfame in diet green tea. It's not great stuff and did give this drink its artificial sweet aftertaste. The ingredients in this are mostly standard except for Grape Skin Extract, which, it claims, is for color. Whatever. As for the boost I got after this, it was great... until I started to come down. The crash is noticable. I came down without noticing it and now I feel like I do after I run a mile. I would buy this for the taste, but then, the thought of the crash may make me reconsider.

Taste: 7.5 - Pleasant, slightly cinnamony, with that energy drink taste
Kick: 6 - Good, but I crashed
Overall: 6.5 - Not bad

Reviewed by: Jeff

Amp Sugar Free

Hey, it's actually been awhile since my last review, and I've been craving to get one in. Ever since Canned Reviews started, I really wanted to review the Amp Sugar Free. So, after about 2 months, I went over to the local market and gave it a shot. I really like Amp's products, so this one will probably be just as good, except without the sugar and fewer calories. As you might know, Amp is made by Mountain Dew, a soft drink company which actually resembles Amp in flavor and color. This drink has a shiny silver background, with lime green streaks running up and down the can. In front, I get the usual disfigured "A" and the words Amp in lowercase letters. What differs from the original Amps is the bold, italicized words "Sugar Free" below the logo. I'm ready to crack this one open.

When the excess drink flies out due to the carbonation when I open it, I almost instantly get a natural aroma of tea and mango. Out of the can, it's color is sort of a light green and amber combination, similar to Monster and Amp, if it were to be mixed. Hm, what an odd flavor. If someone randomly went up to me and told me to try it, I would never believe that it's from the makers of Amp. This will take a lot of explaining to describe the taste. Let's first start off with the main taste. I first get a lime-mango taste, with cheek-pinching sourness. Following that, I get an orange-cantaloupe flavor, fading away with a light melon-berry flavor. My favorite part of this drink has to be the aftertaste. I, and many other people, prefer a drink with little to no aftertaste. So you can bet that this one will be a favorite. Another good part is that there is no gumminess whatsoever, most likely due to the fact that there is no sugar, or high fructose corn syrup. Like all the other Amps out there, however, I get a lot of carbonation, and I mean a LOT. So, although it is one light drink, it's not light enough to chug, so don't even try it. Overall, this was one great drink to review. I think of it as an honor to review such a drink like this. You really do not want to skip this drink, because, if you ask me, it was better than the original Amp. Great job, Mountain Dew and Amp.

Now for the ingredients. Instead of the usual HFCS, I see only natural flavors taking its place. I actually do taste the natural flavors, which is pleasing. Hm, this is a bit odd, "citric pectin." Oh, it's a healthy thickener, rarely placed in energy drinks, to obviously, thicken it. This drink also has a dosage of guarana seed, citric acid, sodium hexametaphosphate (cosmetics ingredient), maltodextrin, caffeine, sucralose (Splenda), acesulfame (artificial sweetener, related to aspartame), taurine, riboflavin, B vitamins and ginseng. Per can, you get a low dose of 10 calories, and 0g of sugar, that's it! Well, 0g of real sugar. It's pretty amazing what Amp can do, in terms of ingredients. You also get 20mg of taurine and 142mg of caffeine. I actually really enjoyed this drink; it was light, low in calories and sugar, and pretty flavorful. I just wish Amp would make more drinks similar to this one.

Taste: 7.5 - It was great, but it tasted a bit boring towards the end...
Kick: 8 - One of the better Amps that give a greater kick
Overall: 7.5 - You can't miss out on one of these

Reviewed by: Chan