![]() |
Energy Drink StoreWe are no longer conpensated for any sales made through our online store. Below is our letter to our North Carolina area state Representative, Senator, and Governor Bev Perdue:On June 26th, 2009, Amazon.com ceased paying affiliate earnings which resulted from sales generated from my website(s). This is in response to legislation that has been passed, or is being passed by the General Assembly. Honestly, I was unaware of this legislation entirely, until I was informed by Amazon this morning, by way of their terminating our affiliate agreement. Thankfully someone reads those endless heaps of legal jargon to inform me when my 'representation' is further railroading our state's progress, and acting in a way, which I agree, is unconstitutional. As a small business owner, I commend the actions of Amazon.com. Despite the fact that their decision is detrimental to me financially, I agree that the importance of the overall principle of this matter far outweighs the importance of the individual gains of North Carolina internet publishers that rely on Amazon affiliate sales as all or part of their income. In its greed and ignorance, North Carolina has further crippled its online publishers' already bedraggled sales, while bringing to stage an awe-inspiring demonstration of the word "backfire", as North Carolina will no longer be collecting taxes on my affiliate earnings, or sales tax from those sales. Well-played! I do not know your position on this matter, but I assure you, I'm staunchly against it.
Added 2009-06-30 18:47:31
![]() XS Tea-Berry Blast Energy TeaNutrition Information:Size: 8.4oz. · Serving Size: 8.4oz. Calories: 12 · Carbs: 1g · Sodium: 30mg Ratings: Combined Reviewer Rating: ![]() 5.5 out of 10
3.00 out of 10 from 1 reviewers*Note: If the user review is grossly different than the editor rating for this energy product, this is probably because of unethical voting practices on the part of the manufacturer or a competitor. Can Text: The can color scheme looks like it was taken directly from Leatrice Eisman's book "Pantone Guide to Communicating with Color" (an excellent color resource, by the way) the "Energetic" section. One could also argue that it looks like a "Spicy/Tangy" color scheme, but I think the context indicates otherwise. The can is mostly lime green, with some "Gen X" graphics distributed extravagantly around the can's facade. There's a bright yellow crayon scribble box located in the upper left corner of the front that reads, in a combination of white and grass green letters, "0 sugar and only 1 carb". Then a big gradient ramped orange-to-red "XS". To the left of that, in white, "All of the energy! None of the Sugar!". To the right of "XS", in black and yellow, "Only 12 calories". Under "XS", in yellow, "Energy Tea", and under that, in white, "Tea-Berry Blast". Then, near the bottom, in tiny white letter, "Green and Black Tea Blend with Essence of Raspberry". At the far south pole of the can, in black, "8.4 fl. oz. (250ml)". The words that adorn the background are "energy, endurance, power, performance". I think I might see an "explosive" in there too, so you may not want to try to board a plain with this. As you might expect, XS (a drink touted by its followers to be the healthiest energy drink on the market) has a great deal to say about its value proposition on the back of the can. "Enjoy the many health benefits of antioxidant rich green and black teas combined with high powered adaptogenic herbs, potent levels of B-vitamins and key amino acids that can lift your spirits and energy level. New XS Tea-Berry Blast Energy Tea is non-carbonated and contains no sugar and only one carbohydrate, so you can energize your body and mind without storing fat. Amazing taste and performance are just a few sips away. Drink up and enjoy XS Energy Tea!
Active Ingredients *Per can, not per serving: Our friends over at Energy Fiend report XS as having 83mg of caffeine per serving across the board. Otherwise, the can reports the following mg/% of USRDA (whichever, or both, if listed on the can) per can: Calories 12, Sodium 30mg/1%, Potassium 25mg/<1%, Carbohydrates 1g/<1%, Protein 2g/0%, Vitamin B3 100%, Vitamin B5 100%, Vitamin B6 300%, Vitamin B12 4900%. XS Green Tea also contains antioxidants. *The Stig's Review: I have to admit, I've never really used a sub-par product available from Amway. I used to use their toothpaste, breath spray, vitamins, juice boxes, household cleaners and more. What it all boils down to for me, and probably 80% of people who don't like Amway is the people. They come up to you while you're shopping at Best Buy, all wild-eyed, looking like David Koresh talking about a modern day Cyrus. Luring you in with enchanting assertions like, "You look like a smart guy", "How would you like to own your own business, set your own hours?", "I should have 140 wives, 60 queens and 80 concubines." The thing is, when I buy body wash, I'd like to just buy body wash, not agree to assert my undying loyalty to the Amway movement. (Unfortunately, because of the culture of some persons that originally adopted certain practical notions in the 70s, this is the view many people take about "green energy", "sustainable energy" and "organic farming". I assure you, sustainable energy and organic farming are good practices, and you don't have to subscribe to any cultural sentiments, agree with ecological forecasts, go to meetings or buy tapes/CDs to implement those practices at some level.) When I go to Circle K and buy a 5 Hour Energy, the cashier does not ask me to subscribe to the Circle K way of life, recruit (affectionately, "alienate") my friends and declare heresy against anyone who might buy products from another establishment. Interestingly, anyone reading this, who is involved in Amway, will know whether or not the aforementioned applies to them. If it doesn't, they will be forced to admit that it does describe the portion of the Amway community to which non-Amway pagans are most often exposed. The problem with a group being "open to everyone" is that Amway is represented by a great deal of people that would normally be fired from representing any other company. The difference is Wal-Mart employees aren't shoveling money into buying Wal-Mart memberships and motivational tapes. So, in short, reasonable-to-good product line, with very few ways to acquire the products without having a conversation that rivals the awkwardness of discussing ED with your just-out-of-med-school intelligent and attractive physician, who replaced the 64-year-old grizzled war veteran with whom you'd intended to discuss this sensitive matter. Once you've acquired XS Green Tea and either joined Amway, or are dealing with the guilt heaped on you for not supporting your friend's pursuit of financial independence by continuing to submit to the class system dominated by the kulaks, you can enjoy the bittersweet experience that is "XS Energy Tea". Yes, believe it or not, it tastes fantastic. So fantastic, I can almost completely tune out any and all Amway-centric rhetoric spewing forth from the belly of the beast. As a tea drinker, I was surprised at the smooth flavor of a green and black tea combination. The sucralose makes for a naturally-sweetened flavor that I would rate as superior to any bottled tea (with the possible exceptions of Inko's White Tea Energy and Sobe Green Tea, but not the Sobe Green Tea Lean). Only 12 calories, low sodium, about as much caffeine as Red Bull (which I think is too little) and a pleasant mildly fruity undertone. On taste alone, I'm sold. This drink will provide what a Red Bull provides in the way of energy. For me, it wasn't a profound experience. On paper, XS Energy Tea offers anti-oxidants and a drinkability you won't find in Red Bull Sugar Free. There are certainly more affective drinks on the market. If you're interested in low-calorie and sugar-free drinks, it's nice that this one uses sucralose. Like All In Root Beer, the use of sucralose makes this sugar-free energy experience far more palatable. Then comes the pink elephant in the room, the price. $2.19. I've started organically farming myself, and while I've found that it's a misnomer that organic farming costs more (in materials), I have found that it takes more work (of which Americans are deathly afraid). If you're of the opinion that XS Energy Tea uses higher quality, better growing/harvesting practices, then I feel like you're paying $1.50 for a reasonable drink, and $.69 to the extra effort that went into making a drink that's not loaded with high fructose corn syrup, tap water, and green tea that was grown using undocumented growing practices. This is usually part of the value proposition shared with me by "Amway representatives". I actually have no idea where the ingredients in this can came from. On the other hand, if you want it in writing, and you want to support a "fair trade" brewed drink that uses "organic Columbian coffee", I'd recommend Adina Vanilla Nut Case. Jason's Review: On August 29th, 2005, I made one of the most profoundly poor decisions of my life. I reviewed XS Energy Drink Cranberry Grape Blast. Sometime around the beginning of 2008 I made another mistake that was nearly as catastrophic, I let users (Amway Q-berters included) share their opinion. Here we are in the middle of 2009, and I've yet to learn my lesson. So, based on experience, I fully expect to get comments that say things like, "If you want to get this product, contact me, I have exclusive distribution rights", and "Every other product on the market is garbage, I've drank them all, and only XS energy doesn't cause cancer, and will make you rich, and make the opposite sex uncompromisingly attracted to you". Ok, noone has made that second claim, at least not word-for-word. As much as every fiber within me wants to hate this drink, I simply cannot. Firstly, I love green and black teas (I usually drink them unsweetened). XS Tea-Berry Blast is lightly sweetened, and isn't syrupy at all. XS has also managed to remove all the bitterness of a black tea (not quite as impressive at Inko's making a white tea that's smooth, but impressive nonetheless). I acquired this beverage from Robin and Carol Klar of Walkertown, NC. If you're going to become an Amway member, they're the people with whom you need to talk. Robin also informed me that this drink is now available in a 12oz. size, which is good, because if you also like green and black tea, you'll find yourself jonesing for more. The energy is sufficient, but in today's market of energy shots and Energy Micro-Shots, the active ingredients here can't hang with the products geared only toward energy. If you factor taste in the equation, which isn't usually as important in energy shots 2oz. or less, which are more about effectiveness than enjoyment, then this product certainly has a place in the market. Unfortunately, not in the retail market. As with all the flavors of XS, you can only get these from an Amway member. If/when you acquire them, you may find yourself paying a handsome sum to do that. Directly through the amway website, you can purchase these for about $2 each (before taxes and shipping). If you buy 4 cases, you can currently get shipping for free. Prices vary based on how much the person you're ordering from thinks you're going to sign up to be a member directly under them in the non-pyramidal-shaped internal structure. We're listing this at $2.19, which I think is reasonably accurate, if you can get two amway partners cannibalizing one anothers' sales.
Added 2009-06-18 18:12:40
![]() DyanPep Energy Micro-Shot Fresh MintNutrition Information:Size: 0.1oz. · Serving Size: 0.1oz. Calories: 2 · Carbs: 0g · Sodium: 0mg Ratings: Combined Reviewer Rating: ![]() 8.5 out of 10
7.14 out of 10 from 14 reviewers*Note: If the user review is grossly different than the editor rating for this energy product, this is probably because of unethical voting practices on the part of the manufacturer or a competitor. Can Text: This particular packaging has 2 micro-shots per container. I assume that the single blister packs are available in Fresh Mint, as they are in the Original DynaPep Energy Micro-Shot. The packaging differs slightly from the original:
Active Ingredients *Per can, not per serving: DynaPep Energy Micro-Shot Fresh Mint differs slightly in formula from the original that we reviewed, so pay close attention, or you might miss something important. Here are the active ingredients in DynaPep in mg/% USRDA (whichever is available, or both, if listed): Proprietary 165.9mg blend of undisclosed amounts of the following: (They do disclose the amount of caffeine) Caffeine Anhydroud 80mg, 2-Amino 4-Methyl Hexane HCL, Omega H2O (Conjugated Linoleic Acid), L-Taurine, Alpha Lipoic Acid. Also, 2 calories and 1g of fat. *The Stig's Review: Ok, so the original DynaPep didn't win any awards for taste. In retrospect, we probably should have scored original DynaPep more highly in the overall rating. See, for about the past 2 years, we've been more strict about basing the overall scoring of a product by the average of the individual taste, energy, value ratings. This standardization seemed reasonable at the time, when energy shots (and now micro-shots) comprised such as small portion of the industry. As we've considered this, I think it becomes clear that anyone purchasing a 2oz. energy shot, and certainly anyone purchasing a 4ml micro-shot, is likely far more concerned with the energy delivered than how the product tastes. After all, it's not like you're drinking a Monster BFC/XXL of this stuff. In addition, comparing the "10" energy rating of this product to the "10" that Angie awarded Monster XXL just isn't fair. DyanaPep is more like a 13 in comparison to Monster XXL's 10. With that being said, I'm pleased to say that feedback about the taste of the original may have resulted in a logical step-forward in flavor development. The original DynaPep was somewhat jarring to the palate for first time consumers (and admittedly it grows on you, while the Stig originally gave it a 1 on taste, I think 3-4 would be a more fair assessment of the overall experience after consuming a few). Fresh Mint is an excellent approach for a few reasons: Because breath mints, toothpaste, and other overtly flavorful products are mint based, we have a natural tendency to expect mint-flavored products to have a powerful flavor. The genius of this development is compounded by the fact that such a small quantity consumed is comparable to a breath mint or breath spray. Lastly, and as you may have concluded, you get the added bonus of a shot of short-lived fresh breath, which stands in stark contrast to the alligator breath you wield after guzzling down a 300 calorie meal of Monster XXL. How does it stack up on energy? Quite simply, I feel like a chemically calculated military weapon after drinking DyanaPep. A veritable "Abomination" if you will, without the physical women-repulsion aspects. At the time of this review, the mint was not yet available on the DynaPep Website. I remember being told that the samples I was being sent were a pre-release, so I'm sure they will be available soon. Store retail on these is $2.99, which is pricey, but it's a stout product. If these were $2, I'd be tempted to give DynaPep Energy Micro-Shot Fresh Mint at perfect 10 overall. Jason's Review: As an avid consumer of DynaPep, I've done some experimentation, and I have some important info that I think will help make your DynaPep experience more bear-blastingly awesome! The general concept is that DynaPep is a dietary supplement. Just like a nuclear bodybuilder doesn't get juiced up on slop, without also working out, eating high protein diet, getting massages, etc. DynaPep works in tandem with sleep and caloric intake to make you an unstoppable force of nature.
We are currently unable to feature DynaPep in our energy drink store. I'd like to offer it in the future. Currently, DynaPep Website is the most reliable way to acquire DynaPep (it's also available at Walgreens, Hess, and GNC and other convenience stores and drug stores), but I'm not aware of anywhere you can acquire Fresh Mint at this time. We expect it to retail for $2.99, as the Stig stated, we're optimistic values, bargains, coupons or special promotions might make it available, at least on occasion, for less.
Added 2009-06-11 15:37:02
![]() Starbucks doubleshot Energy plus Coffee Cinnamon DulceNutrition Information:Size: 15.0oz. · Serving Size: 7.5oz. Calories: 110 · Carbs: 18g · Sodium: 90mg Ratings: Combined Reviewer Rating: ![]() 7 out of 10
7.60 out of 10 from 5 reviewers*Note: If the user review is grossly different than the editor rating for this energy product, this is probably because of unethical voting practices on the part of the manufacturer or a competitor. Can Text: The can for Starbucks doubleshot Energy plus Coffee Cinnamon Dulce is like all the other Starbucks doubleshot Energy plus Coffee drinks. Nothing new and exciting here. The rim of the can reads, "Cinnamon Dulce with other natural flavors". Also, "Guarana" (tisk, tisk says the sophomoric attempt at television commercials from 5 Hour Energy), "Ginseng" (aka placebo), "B Vitamins". "Premium Energy Coffee Drink 15Fl Oz. (443 mL)". On the back, they're written crap as well, "Starbucks doubleshot Energy Plus Coffee Your Extra Shot, Latin Style. Starbucks DoubleShot (circle around an R) Energy Plus Coffee Cinnamon Dulce. A mighty brew inspired by traditional Latino beverages. A hit of coffee, vanilla, cinnamon and spice, supercharged with B vitamins, guarana" (tisk tisk) "and ginseng to keep you going. Are you ready for more?". The answer to that last question, quite frankly, is "yes". Active Ingredients *Per can, not per serving: Starbucks doubleshot Energy plus Coffee Cinnamon Dulce contains the following mg/% of USRDA (whichever, or both, if listed on the can) per can (Starbucks, to their credit, lists the total can statistics): 200 Calories, fat 3g/5%, cholesterol 15mg/5%, potassium 770mg/22%, carbohydrates 33g/11%, dietary fiber 1g/4%, protein 12g, vitamin A 8%, vitamin c 50%, calcium 40%, iron 0% (not sure why it's listed on the can, but it is), vitamin D 20%, riboflavin 200%, niacin 200%, vitamin B6 200%, vitamin B12 100%, maltodextrin 2g, taurine 1.8g, l-carnitine 450mg, inositol 180mg, panax ginseng 325mg, guarana 90mg. *The Stig's Review: I feel like I've been a good sport about this "coffee energy" craze for a while now. Sure, it was novel when Java Monster showed up, and Adina made a quality product, if you care about "saving the planet", "not getting cancer" or "being fair to people who grow coffee". At the end of the day, it's coffee. I actually started drinking energy drinks because I was tired of coffee. To me, it's as illogical as taking Mountain Dew, and putting it in a "Mountain Dew Energy" can (which is essentially what they did with Mountain Dew MDX. When the brewing is done, coffee is coffee, IMHO. I like a good cup every now and then, but I don't put a dumptruck of sugar in it. I like cold milk in my coffee, and not for taste, but because of old people. What do old people have to do with milk in my coffee, you ask? Well, for whatever reason, around 1940, it appears that people ritualistically decimated all the nerve endings in their mouths, which means they require soups and coffee, which would otherwise be safe for consumption by the general public, to be heated to a temperature unsafe for any application other than removing chewing gum from city sidewalks. Anything cooler than a slow boil, and I speculate they'll call you a communist, tell you what FDR would have done to guarantee their coffee was hot and how his host of ill-contrived Socialist ideals somehow weren't the precedents for our great decline into government stock ownership of publicly-traded (destined to be liquidated) corporations (which made GM the first national car of Socialist America). That being said, this coffee, and come to think of it, almost all the canned coffees, are thick like milkshakes. There's a repugnant residue of sugar and guilt gelatinously coating your teeth as you drink it, and for hours afterward. I finally had to brush my teeth to escape the aftertaste. This particular drink isn't winning any extra points for being a Starbucks product. To me, Starbucks is as gourmet and refined as McDonald's (which people appear to be discovering with the recent popularity of the McCafe). Sure, both the aforementioned taste better than what comes out of your home brown water maker every morning, but it's also not hard to make a hot dog that tastes better than a dog turd. It's like one day, people woke up and said, "Hey, this freeze dried crap that I run through a piece of paper shaped like a cupcake holder in a machine that I haven't cleaned since the oldest was in diapers...it tastes like hot garbage.". But then that spirit of patriotism, that "set in stone" "pig-headed" mentality that makes America great comes back to remind you that you'll be labeled a communist if you deviate from the universal truths, "That's what my folks always drank", along with, "That's the light bulb my folks always used", "That's the DDT my folks always sprayed" and "That's the same miles per gallon my folks always got". As a result, Folgers, JFG and Maxwell House live to see another day, we waste millions of kilowatt hours on incandescent bulbs that produce 90% heat and 10% light, and the average 2008 domestic production passenger car mpg was lower than the import average in 1985. For me, coffee is a means to deliver caffeine, and otherwise, turn my teeth yellow and make my breath stink. I argue that there are a cornucopia of better delivery methods that cost less, taste better, are more healthy. Just don't buy coffee energy drinks, and hope they go away. Jason's Review: This is pretty much the same as every other coffee energy drink. While flying under the "Java Monster" brand, despite it being a tea, Chai Hai is the only really original offering in the brewed energy market since the first release of the drinkable canned coffee energy drink, the first 3 Java Monster flavors. I say drinkable, as the original doubleshot has been around for years, and was as enjoyable as a viscous blend of chalk, motor oil and rusty bits. While I sang the praises of the original 3 Java Monster flavors, and was pleased with the Chai Hai concoction, I've pretty much been disenfranchised about every other brand/flavor to hit the market. In fact, interest is so low in our office, that no one wants to buy then, drink them or review them. So, I reiterate, this is pretty much the same as all the others. Coffee in 200 calories, 3g of fat, and 33g of carbs. It's thick, like almost all the other coffee drinks, with the notable exception of Java Monster Lo-Ball, which is still probably the best energy coffee on the market. I don't find Starbucks doubleshot Energy plus Coffee Cinnamon Dulce thirst quenching, and at times I felt like I was drinking cinnamon donut batter (as appetizing as that sounds, my stomach was displeased with this characteristic). It's not all bad, if you like all the other coffee drinks, which is true for me less each day, you'll probably like this one...because it's the same. If you just "LOVE STARBUCKS! LIKE OMG, YOU DON'T EVEN UNDERSTAND!", and that's the fullest extent to which you can express yourself about any subject, this drink is absolutely for you. In fact, it's probably accurate to say that they made it with you in mind, and quite literally, you and your BFFs are probably the only reason this drink exists. This is as energizing as the other flavors, or regular coffee, for that matter. It would be nice to see another original idea in the market. DynaPep has the new energy microshots, and that's about the only new positive/innovative energy liquid trend in the past year-and-a-half. The only other emerging trend is the "healthy energy pyramid/membership auto-renewal schemes" represented by Efusion (yes, I've heard of it and have samples, please stop emailing me about it and your "exclusive distribution" offers which will make me a fortune), Verve, and FRS. The sad part is that all of these are reasonable products, and I think a genuinely health-focused energy product has a place in the market, but tacking Amway distribution ideals onto them just makes them all look gimmicky.
Added 2009-05-29 18:30:55
![]() Power Trip MangoNutrition Information:Size: 16.0oz. · Serving Size: 8oz. Calories: 100 · Carbs: 27g · Sodium: 190mg Ratings: Combined Reviewer Rating: ![]() 8 out of 10
5.81 out of 10 from 21 reviewers*Note: If the user review is grossly different than the editor rating for this energy product, this is probably because of unethical voting practices on the part of the manufacturer or a competitor. Can Text: Power Trip Mango's can is pretty much like every other Power Trip can, take Power Trip The Extreme, for example. The primary difference being color. Mango sports a red/white/blue/yellow scheme, but the basic design remains the same. Here is the noteworthy text on the Mango flavored can, not surprisingly, "Mango", in a big yellow (with black outline) italicized font. Under that, it reads, "Naturally and Artificially Flavored", and lastly, also no new news here, "Energy Drink". On the back, "Contains No Juice". Active Ingredients *Per can, not per serving: Power Trip Mango contains the following mg/% of USRDA (whichever, or both, if listed on the can) per serving (2 servings in this container): Carbohydrates 27g/9%, Sugars 27g, Caffeine 105mg, Taurine 1g, Glucuronolactone 38mg, Inositol 36mg, Guarana 23mg, Vitamin C 100%, Vitamin B2 100%, Vitamin B3 100%, Vitamin B5 100%, Vitamin B6 100%, Vitamin B12 100%. For those who buy into Mountain Dew making your partner smaller, you'll be glad to know that this cotains both Yellow #5 and #6. Who knows what #6 does? *The Stig's Review: Plain and simple, this can has about 3 Red Bulls worth of caffeine. People waste money on the crappy carbonated American froufrou version of Red Bull constantly, while drinks that cost a fraction of Red Bull, and are statistically far superior go unnoticed. This is one such drink. The taste is reasonable, like you might expect a Fanta Mango to taste. Lots of sugar is pleasing to the taste buds. The can is as unsightly as all the others, but the beverage is just as good as the others. Extreme has more sugar than this, but otherwise, this is pretty much on par with Power Trip Blue. This does offer a deviation from the "base flavor", if you've had any of the other Power Trip products, and were unpleased. Again, I revisit Red Bull (Toro Rosso) for the price comparison. Red Bull still wants $2 for their 8oz. can, most places have a 12oz. offering for $3. On a lucky day you can get the 16.9 "Champions Edition" "on sale" for $3, but don't forget to say "Mother May I?", and be thankful that the Red Bull powers that be were generous enough to let you buy a reasonably-sized can of their liquid garbage for $1 over overpriced. Meanwhile, cases of Power Trip are being bought up like mad by those with minds of their own for $1.25/can (at the time of this review) in our Energy Drink Store. Jason's Review: I'm not particularly a fan of Mango, and while this contains no real mango, they did a pretty good job of simulating the flavor. BRAVO! For them on their efforts, fiddlesticks for me having to drink it. Before opening the can, I did some research. M.I.A. salt and peppers her mango, which I was willing to try just about anything to make something Mango-flavored palatable. M.I.A. would likely find the 190mg (9% of USRDA) of sodium a reasonable measure on the salt side. I found no listing for pepper content on the can, and I'm far too lazy to go to Caffe Pheonix, all the way in Wilmongton, NC where they offer free freshly ground pepper, bread, and olive oil while I wait for my entrée to be prepared. Mmmm...bread and olive oil. After consuming a few of these, the flavor almost started to grow on me. It's really sweet, and, as is rarely the case I think I would prefer an 8-12 oz. can. Without question, this should be consumed iced cold, or perhaps over ice. As it gets warms, it turns into sludge, increasing viscosity and the chance of thermal breakdown...hold on, that's Castrol, the Cuban dictator. I wouldn't steer clear of the entire line of Power Trip, firstly, if you like Mango, you'll probably like this one. If you don't, I still recommend their other products. Power Trip 0 is an excellent drink, which has only 5 calories, doesn't have the sickeningly sweetened taste, and still delivers the full 210mg of caffeine per can. At the time of this review (when they're in stock), Power Trip products are available in our Energy Drink Store for $1.25/each (24 cans for $32) with free shipping and handling. That's an exceptional value!
Added 2009-05-22 17:12:48
![]() FRS Lemon Lime Healthy EnergyNutrition Information:Size: 11.5oz. · Serving Size: 11.5oz. Calories: 130 · Carbs: 34g · Sodium: 10mg Ratings: Combined Reviewer Rating: ![]() 7 out of 10
5.16 out of 10 from 19 reviewers*Note: If the user review is grossly different than the editor rating for this energy product, this is probably because of unethical voting practices on the part of the manufacturer or a competitor. Can Text: The can is a lovely green/white/yellow instrumentality. The colors really make me think "lemon lime", as do the words, "lemon lime", which are plainly inscribed on the can rim. Also, are some hexagons, which I guess represent the bees that make FRS. In big white letters, "FRS Healthy Energy", and in tiny white letters, "Patented Bland of Quercetin + Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, E". The can goes on, in tiny white letters to say, "11.5 FL OZ (340mL), Dietary Supplement. On the back is more textual information about an energy drink than anyone should ever supply on a can. "lemon lime FRS healthy energy/ FRS is a healthy energy drink that takes you up a level and keeps you there. FRS contains quercetin – a natural, powerful antioxidant found in blueberries, red onions, apples, and cocoa. Quercetin helps extend your body's natural adrenaline as well as nuetralizes the antioxidants in your body that cause fatigue. Joining quercetin to keep your energy on the level are key vitamins and potent antioxidants from green tea leaves. Inside one can if a daily allowance of enhanced mental focus, increased performance, and the energy to keep you going. So rise up, stay up, and enjoy your day.
Active Ingredients *Per can, not per serving: Oh good, I get to type more information off the nearly-impossible-to-read can. FRS lemon lime healthy energy contains the following mg/% USRDA per serving (1 per 11.5oz. can)(whichever is listed, or both if provided) carbohydrates 34g/11%, Sugars 29g, Dietary Fiber 2g/8%, Vitamin C 166mg/280%, Vitamin E 81IU/270%, Thiamin 2mg/130%, Riboflavin 2mg/130%, Niacin 26mg/130%, Vitamin B63mg/130%, Vitamin B12 8mcg/130%, Quercetin 325mg, Catechins (from green tea leaf extract) 85mg, 48mg of caffeine (as a metabolic enhancer to help the body absorb other key nutrients in the FRS formula). We couldn't find the sodium content on the can, so we're just saying it has 10mg, like the other FRS drink we reviewed. *The Stig's Review: My history with FRS is sorted. I was displeased with their "free sample" program, which requires you pay shipping and you unsubscribe, or you were billed for more products on some predetermined schedule. On top of that, they approached us about running ads for the aforementioned swindler's sample program, which we were promised some lavish returns for each subscriber (which, we now know those subscribers would have later hated us and our website when they were autobilled a month later). Unaware at the time of their "free sample" program's nefarious intentions, we offered leasing them an ad space, to which they replied, "Unfortunately we only work on a Cost Per Action (Free Trial Sign Up) model.". Meanwhile, more often than not throughout the past year, our website has somewhere displayed an FRS ad running through a third party (cost per click) ad program. Overall, the people seem pretty nice, if you overlook being bold-faced lied to, or if you believe the term "free sample" accurately describes something that requires you pay for shipping, and auto-enrolls you in a vicious cycle of payments, which is probably problematic from which to unsubscribe. All that being said, if you just buy FRS products from Our FRS Energy Drink Store, you don't have to deal with any of those hassles, signup programs, orcs, goblins, skeletal warriors, red slimes, blue slimes, or Bowser. As for the product at hand, lemon lime FRS healthy energy, I have to say, it tastes great! It's mildly tart, and goes down smoothly. It's non-carbonated, and has a orange juice-like consistency, which makes it a great replacement for grotesque breakfast/morning energy juice drinks like Rumba Energy Juice, Monster Khaos and Kronik Entourage. It is of the utmost importance that you shake before opening, and occasionally swirl the can while drinking. The company claims that, "Natural Ingredients may settle" is as understated as saying, "FRS may work on something other than a Cost Per Action (Free Trial Sign Up) model". If you keep it stirred/shaken/swirled, this drink tastes great. If you don't, you'll find the settlings at the bottom a little unsettling. For only 48mg of caffeine, FRS does a reasonable job of keeping me awake and alert. I feel my noesis was far more positively affected than my physical strength. FRS did help me stay focused and complete a good deal of work, and still go for a walk to the store (mind you, a walk, not a jog or run) and still feel pretty good. $2.33/can. Too expensive. I don't have a lot more to say. If you're throwing away money on Rumba or Khaos, sure, buy it, but I'd personally rather pay $2.33 to not have to drink Rumba or Khaos. Jason's Review: The can certainly looks pleasant. There's a general rule amongst FRS drinks, buy the naturally regular ones, and pray they stop making the low calorie ones. Firstly, if you want an affective energy boost, calories are essential, ask Lance Armstrong. Be like, "Lance, when you're riding hundreds of km up mountains, should you drink a crappy tasting 25 calorie version of an energy drink, and expect positive results, as if the only function of calories is to make you fat, and if you stop consuming calories, you'll be thin, like Sheryl Crow, who I think is very attractive, but may have been a little too old for you?". I'm not sure how he would respond, but he may pose interesting points like, "Calories are a primary source of energy for the body, and a constitutional factor in dietary planning", or "The average person doesn't ride hundreds of km/day, but a reasonably contrived dietary supplement containing 130 calories should serve to improve performance in a mildly strenuous workout regimen", or "Sure, she's a decade older than me, but age is relative, and even at 47, she looks better, feels better, is smarter than and more talented than your 30 year old girlfriend." The Lance Armstrong that I imagined answering my questions is absolutely right, calories are necessary to fuel a workout, a workout is necessary to improve your physical fitness, and even at 31, I wouldn't completely discount the idea of going on a date with Sheryl Crow, as long as we agreed not to talk about politics, or what I thought of her third studio album. FRS lemon lime tastes very good. There's no medicinal flavor that you might expect from something called "healthy energy", nor do you have to talk to anyone affiliated with Amway to acquire it. I agree with the Stig, even though FRS only contains 10% real fruit juice, FRS lemon lime drinks like a juice, not like a Vitamin Water, Propel, and certainly not like a soda. I was rather energized, but may have experienced the slightest hint of a caffeine headache, due to my normal intake of 5-6 times this amount of caffeine on an average day. Physically, I felt no fatigue, and was able to motor through an average day without a hiccup. The fully sweetened FRS flavors are excellent drinks, and I'm guessing if I was sincerely concerned about my workout performance/endurance, I would consider including FRS products in my diet plan, at least on a trial basis. Since I'm more concerned with being a 1337 h4X0Rz, I'll probably stick with Bawls Guarana, and if I were interested in facing Royce Gracie in the octagon (not the hexagon on the FRS can), I'd get tooth-pullingly energized with DynaPep. Would You Like Us to Review Your Energy Drink?If you would like to send us a case of your beverage to review, please . Please be prepared to supply retail locations that your product is available, the recommended retail price. We will provide a fair, unbiased review of your product based on taste, effectiveness, and value for the information of the general public.
*As of May 2007, Angie is no longer contributing reviews to Screaming Energy Drink Reviews. Since the guest reviewer does not want to be identified, we've affectionately been referring to them as "The Stig". "The Stig" is the creation of BBC television show "Top Gear". More about "The Stig"
|