Showing posts with label caffeine free. Show all posts
Showing posts with label caffeine free. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Update Pineapple Energy Drink Review

The bare aluminum text struggles mightily against the dull colored background, not only is it hard to read, it is hard to snap a photo of! At least it is clean, with minimal text, zero visuals and an alleged flavor that is not a puzzle to figure out.

I should have known at the muted visuals that this would pour out clear. It at least smells appropriate, if a bit faded, so you could call me surprised when my tongue came out immediately beat up by the diaphanous drink. Not by the fruit, mind you, but by the sucralose, which works overtime to mask a bunch of supplements with lots of letters in their names. I wish the pineapple was stronger, more acidic, instead of the candied impersonation we ultimately get. Sourness is so distant, as if formulated by someone who has only ever read a description of what the South American produce tastes like. To Update's credit at least, there is a bit of an earthy freshness to each sip, going against what the aggressive saccharinity suggests, but it is but a momentary blip on an otherwise cloying cocktail. Carbonation is another sore spot: it simply is not strong enough! The bubbles die out as soon as it crashes out of the can, a shame since, if the experience did not want to go all-in with tartness, it could have helped provide at least temporary reprieve from the synthetic sugariness. But I must review the energy drink as it exists today, not the one I wish it were.

You would never know from reading the can, but Update Pineapple is caffeine free. Such blasphemy. In my namesake stimulant's place is paraxanthine, which if you are a fan of a bunch of science technobabble, is a fun read on the interwebs. Vitamin B12 is here too, and some others, but I awoke this morning needing the buzz of my life, and what I got was the feeling I just awoke from a nap.

company site

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Snap Infusion Supercandy Caramel Review

Does this qualify as an energy product? It claims to "energize," but if anything caffeine free in the past has taught us it is that packaging will say anything to move from shelves. The albino sachet is even enervated, with no sense of momentum or, dare I say, energy. Its is wordy with nothing to say, and still comes off confusing.

The creators must have been "cuckoo for Coco Puffs," as that is what these chewy candies taste most like. Real chocolate? It is present, but lost in the caramel and coffee nuance, of these dozen or so subfuscous centered confectionary pimples of molten sugar and vitamins. The calm warmth of your mouth soon intenerates the gooey treat as it sticks to your teeth, a dessert pool of surprisingly tasty treats that ends too soon. Take note companies, one ounce is not enough for candy.

There are plenty of vitamins here, with electrolytes and antioxidants, but no caffeine. Thusly the "energize" moniker on the pouch is crap. Any energy you ask? Well, no, not really, but it should hold my sweet tooth over until snack time. Believe me, these do not taste bad, but that does not matter. A pleasant taste does not make up for its enigmatic purpose.

Saturday, August 16, 2014

RuckPack Energy Shot Review

This is not my favorite bottle; its confidence is clear as is its theme, but no angle is obviously the main one. The prolix shrinkwrapped plastic canister is fairly unique to hold, and is appreciatively a rather creative premise for a shot, but my pictorial praises end there.

Is it blood orange? Maybe, if you simmered it to a bubbling syrup and took a sip. A sourness where lips pucker with pleasure, its acidity would make Sour Patch Kids envious. Fructose sweetens and we love every moment of it, giving swigs fantastic weight on the tongue, even with the bitterness of Stevia in each gulp. Hell, it does not just camouflage the earthiness, it high fives it! The dual saccharinity is more mature than anticipated, far more balanced in a way Vuka Workout Zo-Cal never was. From two ounces, there is zero complexities or nuance, an experience experienced in seconds. But make this a pint, and we could have something here.

Each bottle does not contain caffeine. Let us make that clear. It is what makes the taste so tasty, but should prove to be a madly segregating decision. Actual ingredients include: B vitamins, vitamin C, D, and a slew of loquacious supplements. Its kick was different, like drinking OJ while suffering from a cold, and will not replace an average Joe's morning joe. Overall, RuckPack Energy Shot will have its fans and haters, with me leaning more towards the former.

official site

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Xenergy + Hydration Grape Review

This is a shame; Xenergy used to mean hardcore, drinks that were always potent and tasty, and looked their best in black cans. Now however, the brand is soft, losing its previous and praised identity in repudiated tries at becoming more mainstream. Go back, Xenergy, you were great the way you were.

Imitation sweeteners bring the one-dimensional grape here down even further, to the level of a kid's Little Hug or Kool Aid Burst beverage. The fruit plays no new tune, lacking the depth expected from the company, its only personality being a bit of a salty bite from the electrolytes. Its boring array of nothing new was unfortunately yet not entirely unanticipated, but the immature understanding of grape makes one yearn for the company's flavors of years ago. Where is the depth? Where is the creativity? Where is the Xenergy I loved? I would never classify this variety as bad, as it is most definitely drinkable, but it is most disappointing.

The aforementioned electrolytes and some B vitamins are all that this "energy" drink has to provide you with energy. It does not, unsurprisingly. Its synthetic and sickly sweet flavor is never refreshing, and is not what you would or should be reaching for at the gym.

official site

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Xenergy + Hydration Tropical Punch Review

Huh? What the hell am I writing about this for? I review "energy" drinks, not these stupid hydration- huh, what, it says "energy" at the top?! Oh, um, well, uh, yeah. A misguided entry into the hydration and energy market, containing no caffeine will help avoid dehydration and escape controversy but also elude energy. And ignoring the boring aluminum color, being a can means you cannot just throw this into your gym bag or sip at your leisure, an dire citation of the early All-Sport (only this is smart enough not to be carbonated).

The aroma is pungently vitamin-esque and grainy, off-putting and discouraging. The flavor showcases red and blue raspberry, artificial and alkaline with a hollow saccharinity that has little interest in self control. There is guava and passion fruit as well, perhaps a touch of lime present additionally, but none demonstrate even the slightest realism; forcefully fake with listless progression. Each sip is exhausted and vacuous, an experience with no dynamism or excitement, only bland distractions. Far from ever thirst quenching although never a struggle to drink, Xenergy + Hydration Tropical Punch proves the company released too many with too little R&D.

B vitamins and electrolytes make up the kick here, or what ever you could call this. There was little energy, a feeling of only mild refreshment or rejuvenation if anything, and even then it is a stretch.

official site

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Sport Beans Assorted Energy Jelly Belly Jelly Bean Review

In addition to featuring the Lemon Lime and Fruit Punch flavors, this assorted bunch of jelly beans also contains Berry and Orange, two varieties not yet reviewed. I will consume the entire packaging for sake of the kick, but only the two new flavors will be examined for taste. The packaging is quite a step above the former versions, bright bursts of yellow looking great on the predominately black bag.

Berry is up first, a disgustingly pungent taste too tart and too busy for its own good. It is not of any one fruit in particular, although you get flaming nuances blue, black, rasp and cranberry, all far too loud for the tiny beans. It is however, enjoyably sweet, grainy and appropriately candy-esque with the tartness quickly withering into a much more congenial confectionery. Then there was orange, its smooth shell shattering without much persuasion. Your mouth is flashed with the forceful flavors of orange, sour with honesty with scintillating soda sweetness. Tangerine provides decent depth as the dominate ebbs, a real treat in a bag of disappointment.

Each pouch sports vitamin C, a few of the B ones, electrolytes, and carbohydrates. There is no caffeine unfortunately, and will perk you up only on a sugar rush. To end, do not buy this mix tape of jelly beans; buy the Orange and Fruit Punch varieties if any at all.

official site

Monday, March 18, 2013

Honees Caramel Energy Plus Review

This time covered in caramel, this Honees Energy Plus looks just as banal and reads equally awkwardly. Why would the variety dressed in gold candy come in a silver packaging (rather than the other variety)? The honeycomb shaped vitamins are a nice touch, but there is a reason these were discounted; consumers do not often buy into such trite appearances.

The caramel is thin but flavorful, however resembles toffee more with its crunchiness. The honey inside is chewy and sticky, but sweet with a personality and purpose that bodes exceptionally well with that of the aforementioned. The viscid center catches caloric rubble and clings to teeth at the bane of any dentist, but it is this conflicting texture that is a treat to eat. The core most certainly should be more flowing, and the caramel worn should have more girth and moisture, but things are better than they are worse.

Thanks to honey and vitamins, with a trilogy of pieces providing energy equal to a few raisins, which is not the kind of kick you are reading for. On the whole. Honees Caramel is more of a healthy candy than an energy product.

official site

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Kabang Watermelon Energy Candy Review

The last Kabang candy, for now, left to review is their pink watermelon variety, pictographically parallel to the last three flavors. Only unique is the alleged taste and the color pink, which looks great against the black but blends awfully with the white text.

The sole piece revealed was an elephant man of sorts, deformed that only a mother confectioner could love. Cracked and covered in acid and sodium bicarbonate, the ugly candy needed no persuasive force to begin fizzing. It was a disappointing effervescence though, lasting all of one moment with little strength compared to past Kabangs. But the flavor could have saved this misfit comfit, however be it the taste's weakness or uninteresting approach, this still swiftly scoffed sweetmeat dissatisfied. It hardly resembles the fruit in allegation, lacking the natural subtly and delicate sweetness of the thick-rind vegetation. Overall, fortunately far from bitter, this energy candy closes a line seen better.

A regurgitation of prior flavors and really anything caffeine free, there really is not much of a kick to be had. There is ginseng sure, and some B and C vitamins, but hardly does that stimulate the same as my namesake goad. All in all, there is certainly some squandered potential here; with some caffeine and non-damaged goods, this could have been really something special. As it is however, it is just well, just "something."

official site

Monday, March 4, 2013

Honees Energy Plus Review

Sitting on the self for almost years now, Honees Energy Plus went practically unnoticed thanks to its lack of caffeine and uninteresting premise. But I caved at fifty cents on this "honey filled drops" that lack my namesake and the usual suspects. In terms of carbohydrates, this could certainly provide energy, but in today's world of caffeine and stimulants well, we will have to just see about that. The wrapper is gold with easy to read bold text, but boringly without visuals and is entirely forgettable.

The translucent tablet slips about the tongue with sugary verve, a corn syrup shell that cracks without much effort. The cascade of honey is where the product gets its name and self-description, providing even more sweetness but with texture and nuance all its own. Resultantly things never become too saccharine, as the pure sacchariferous rectangular prism dissolves speedily and without much aftertaste. The wave of the hornet hive derivative should be a bit more dramatic, more flavorful, however the experience is enjoyable and without any other issues.

A trio of candies contains 100 percent of your daily intake of vitamins B12, B6 and C, and some honey. From those alone a buzz does not develop, as fifteen grams of carbohydrates is not exactly gonna get ya goin'. It certainly did not sooth my caffeine craving, but that is more of an observance than a criticism.

official site

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Kabang Grape Energy Candy Review

The dark duo of black and purple is sharp and sultry eye candy. The white text does struggle here off of the latter color, something practiced as a whole by the line, but here being most notably a problem.

The confection unwraps revealing a dull pink hue and imperfect molded shape. The taste is infinitely saccharine and obviously artificially flavored, but quickly did the product succumb to my mouth's moisture and heat, unveiling the anticipated fizzy artifice far earlier than anticipated and any in the line. So I crunched down on the treat and broke the shallow shell of sugar within moments of first popping it onto my tongue, but what was tasted of the grape avoided depth and intricacy, but thrived inside the sweet cascade of effervescent machination. It distracts from any flavor modestness but almost prides itself on this paramount primitiveness. Was the candy finished within seconds? Was it enjoyed? Would another be welcomed? The answer to all three is a yes, but I would be lying if I said it did not detectably disappoint.

For an energy candy, B vitamins, vitamin C, and ginseng hardly satisfies. My daily dose of caffeine needed to be supplemented by something else, in other words I needed to supply my own energy.

official site

Monday, February 4, 2013

Kabang Apple Energy Candy Review

Pocket and conveniently sized, this small candy is as about attractive and professional as possible. Sure, the lack of caffeine is poorly reported, but everything is neat with appreciatively trim text.

The large candy sticks to one's teeth with glee, and cracks to unleash the now expected cascade of fizzy pleasure. But it is an artifice that cannot blind us to the indigent apple flavor. It is without nuance and tartness, appropriately sweet for both a candy and fruit, but this really is something of a missed opportunity. Do not fall under the impression that this confection is disgusting; you most certainly would not mind having another once the effervescent experience ends. But the packaging was opened with honest excitement, and was trashed with unfulfilled expectations.

Ginseng, and B vitamins are present, but that is hardly enough to provide much of a kick. In the end, Kabang Apple is an energy candy that fails in both categories.

official site

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Kabang Cherry Energy Candy Review

There honesty is not much to write home about here, as Kabang's small black packaging is balanced but very banal. The bright red oval and distinct font are all the label offers in the form of visuals, but at least things are not cluttered.

The zaftig piece resembles a cough drop more so than a candy, however the cheery cherry flavor is full of appropriate sweetness and fruity bliss. But it only takes a few moments on the tongue before your mouth is fizzing, a wonderfully unexpected treat not unlike Zotz that brings the taste from good to great. Unfortunately you end up chewing the candy during the sensational sensation explosion, and sooner than later your mouth is empty. There is an affable aftertaste, however it is more of a teasing reminder of what you should have taken you time eating. Overall, after the wreck that was Double Kick Candy, this proves that energy candies do not have to be bitter.

Although B vitamins and ginseng are well represented, there is a blunt absence of caffeine and some of the other usual suspects; a single piece offers as much energy as a sole sip of decaf coffee would! So lamentably, Kabang Cherry emphasizes the candy over the energy.

official site

Monday, October 29, 2012

Sport Beans Fruit Punch Quick Energy Review

Although appropriately colored for breast cancer support, the pink is an ugly choice for this busy packaging. A vibrant red would be much more stimulating, as "fruit punch" is not what the satchel says at first glance.

The gritty texture releases a rather surprisingly deep cocktail of fruits, namely orange, lime, lemon, and passion fruit. Some mango and cranberry notes are additionally present, all with a biting edge of realism and wholly believable tartness. They are tasted contiguously and evenly, with each distinctly present in every piece. The blend is sweet like any good punch is, never cloying with no traces of the functional ingredients contained. Overall, this is a major improvement over the disappointing Lemon-Lime variety.

Without caffeine, the energy is derived from B and C vitamins, electrolytes, and carbohydrates. There is no kick and definitely was not what my body wanted first thing in the morning. All in all, Sport Beans Fruit Punch will impress candy connoisseurs before impressing energy enthusiasts.

official site

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Sport Beans Lemon-Lime Quick Energy Review

By appealing to those who view "energy" as carbohydrates and not caffeine, the packaging is appropriate, if predictable. There is a bit too much green however, and while there is quite a bit of text, everything reads well.

Fourteen jelly beans is not enough at first glance, something any candy connoisseur would agree with. But then you pop a few in your mouth, and their grainy texture and fruitless flavor will have you wishing there were even less! The two accused citruses appear without verve and with little sourness, instead favoring a sickly sweetness that is too much, especially while exercising. They are dehydrating and leave you wondering how these adorn the quality "Jelly Belly" brand.

There is no caffeine, but there are some B and C vitamins, electrolytes, and carbohydrates. It does nothing and has no noticeable effect for those under abuse from the gym. In the end, with doubtful quantities of vitamins and electrolytes, you are better off with a few real jelly beans at a better price.

official site

Friday, September 21, 2012

Ginseng Jubilee Review

Compared to the company's related brand of Rocket Chocolates, Ginseng Jubilee's packaging is less childish and feel more polished. It is still a distinctly vintage appearance, and although its logo is a size too big, you would have a hard time not noticing it.

For a chocolate cherry truffle without any cherries, Ginseng Jubilee is quite good. The chocolate melts into a rich paste tasting faintly of maraschino cherry, a decedent imitation that fools the tongue with its impressive realism and slight tartness. Unlike its sister Rocket Chocolates, there is (lamentably) no caffeine and (thankfully) no bitterness resultingly, crafting a silky experience that is as divine as an energy chocolate can be.

Caffeine free, the candy only contains ginseng (hence its name). The kick was practically non-existent, with no noticeable rise in energy or jitters to prove its existence. In the end, Ginseng Jubilee is a tasty distraction, but those seeking milk chocolate and caffeine should look towards Awake.

official site

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Wat Aah Energy Review

I do not quite know what to make of this peculiar product, a beverage claiming to give energy despite its lack of caffeine or anything. Instead it contains oxygen, which is no more "energizing" than simply breathing is. Its bottle is clean and simple but childish and annoying, and it does a surprisingly poor job at defining what exactly it is.

It smells like water, perhaps with a touch of plastic, and it tastes like water, again with perhaps a touch of plastic. It is clean without the taste of any other impurities or minerals, and is refreshing like Adam's ale always is. But while on a functionality level the drink works, one cannot help but ponder the missed opportunity for something flavored. At $1.99 it is expensive considering it is only H20 and "oxygen," a useless investment for something available in bubblers and on tap across America. Are my criticisms directed more at bottled waters in general and not Wat Aah specifically? That may be, but I would not be discussing their stupefying existence if this did not call itself an "energy" drink.

There is no energy to speak of, none of that 'mental clarity' and 'focus' crap these drinks always hollowly promise. None of that mad sugar rush we all guiltily enjoy, and none of the jittery aftermath. The back of the bottle tells me to "forget about caffeine," but how can I when it promises energy? Overall, Wat Aah Energy is a confused and confusing concept with a bemused and bemusing execution.

official site

Friday, June 29, 2012

Hydrive Decaf Wild Peach Energy Drink Review

Hydrive Wild Peach is caffeine free and cost me sixty cents, and looks worse than it sounds or should. The absence is prominent but a sad reality, and the soft pink liquid and orange label combo is ungainly and only works with the said flavor. It is a clean bottle however, easy to read despite the needlessly large "decaf," and for a line so strong this idea feels so stupid.

I would not mind smelling like this on a first date, a relaxed scent of the obvious with edges of earthy realism. The flavor is similarly authentic but kinder to the nose than the tongue, initially coarse but soon mellows to a more palatable savor. It tastes rather strongly of peach with decent replication of its natural idiosyncrasies, with only with a sugary bite following each sip. The latter is a constant reminder of its lack of juice and that this is an energy drink, but it clashes with the naturalness it otherwise intends. It is a confused fifteen and a half ounces, not at all unpleasant but is part of line possible of so much more.

Well there is no caffeine, but there is: B vitamins, d-ribose, choline, amino acids and electrolytes. My body (and head) still ached for caffeine, but I surprisingly was not lethargic. Overall, even if Hydrive Decaf Wild Peach had caffeine, it would still be a disappointment.

official site

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Nestle Milo Chocolate Nutritional Energy Drink Review

Based on the tired but true knowledge that sugar and calories are a source of raw energy, Nestle Milo Chocolate Nutritional Energy Drink does not contain any caffeine. But it speaks the word "energy," so I am obligated to review it, although I am really starting to hate that obligation. Its can, however, is ugly beyond belief, with a needlessly happy man pointing his finger at seemingly nothing, who is badly rendered and actually kinda creepy.

For something I had understandably low expectations for, Milo tastes rather good, if not bordering on great. The twenty three grams of sugar sweeten things beautifully, and the anticipated chocolate flavour depicts distinct characteristics of malt, giving it laudable depth for something that is essentially canned chocolate milk. Milk fat and palm oil are what gives the experience its surprisingly creaminess and thickness, and these five grams of grease are actually more effective than they are in some energy coffees. Things do become slightly grainy, particularly towards the back of your throat and nearing the bottom of the can, but this gives the tongue texture; something for it to do within all the richness. Overall, you may not care what I think of Nestle Milo, but I am shocked that I liked it.

This is purely a European product, as in America we rarely associate the word "energy" without it containing caffeine now a days. Sure, vitamins C and B make appearances, the latter of which makes multiple ones, but in terms of what I am and readers are used to, there is not much energy in the modern day sense. Overall, Nestle Milo Chocolate Nutritional Energy Drink is nothing like what I am used to, but it tasted good enough for me not to really care, at least while drinking it.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

a.c.t. Energy Drink Review

Well, a.c.t.'s website flaunts the fact that it doesn't contain any added caffeine, but what does that mean? Well, I'm not sure and frankly, I think it's pointless and confusing to make such a claim. Moving on, the can to a.c.t. energy itself isn't bad nor is it exceptional. It makes all the cliche claims of any energy drink, and the "A" symbol above the name seems to of been ripped right off a can of amp. The colour scheme red, silver and blue are unoffensive together, but as a whole the can looks and feels generic and uninspired.

Wow, while a.c.t.'s can was unoffensive, its taste is repulsive and down right disgusting. A milky cherry taste shoddily stitched to a tart lime who's bluntly followed by a candy-like and powdery watermelon begins the flavour. The cherry has notes riding a level below of blue raspberry, but they're faint and indistinct. The stitching holding the cherry and the lime together tastes roughly herbal and organic, but in a bad way. And the lack of any real sweetness doesn't help cover up the unappetizing taste. The earthiness actually ends up being dominate over the other, more palatable flavours. The drink forces your near undivided attention to its worst tasting aspect, which really hurts its drink-ability. Oh, and did I mention that a.c.t. is non carbonated? No, well, as you can imagine, it doesn't help the drinks chance of providing enjoyment. I've read that a.c.t. started out as a terrible tasting energy drink mix, and if it turns out that this is just premixed a.c.t., I wouldn't be surprised.

Each can contains: guarana, green tea, ginseng, taurine, and several B vitamin. What actually surprises me is that the cocktail is actually fairly content; it is only missing caffeine. I wouldn't say that I had energy, but I did receive some sort of raised alertness lasting an hour. Overall, a.c.t. Energy has the potential, no scratch that, is full blown guaranteed to be making an appearance on my annual "your drink sucks" list.

official site

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Sea2O Energy Drink Review

Sea2O is the third caffeine free energy drink I've come across, and its name puzzles me. Sea2O? Whats that mean? Well, I have no clue, as not only does it not sound fitting for an energy drink, I really can't think of anything that it would sound fitting for. Its can utilizes a base colour of white, with no pattern outside the blue and green swoosh cupping the logo. This results in a plain and rather boring can that, like its name, is wholly unfitting for an energy drink. And while it thankfully has been updated according to its web site, I'm not reviewing the newer can design, as I only have the older one.

Sea2O pours out a non-carbonated murky yet dull yellowish colour that vaguely resembles sea water. Its taste begins a light blend between lemon and melon, with their level of sweetness hush, and both having an oracular tartness that ends abstrusely though unpleasantly earthy. There's a bit of a pulpy thickness noticeable as the flavour continues, and out of the thickness grows an equal part lime and pear cross that's both hazy and unsweetened. The prior is quickly restrained and almost entirely erased by a reappearance of the initial fruits, this time with slightly stronger accent on sweetness. But as suddenly as it appeared it's subdued by a spice climax of ginger that finishes the taste. The ginger itself isn't very full bodied, but it's potent enough to cleanly end the experience. Overall, Sea2O's flavour is easy on your palate and sips with incredible smoothness; pair that with an enjoyable taste and you've got yourself a product that I'd drink just for it...

... which may be the only reason to drink Sea2O, as kick wise, there really wasn't any. The thirty two grams of agave sugar perked me up more sustained than your typical table sugar, but it's nothing but an insult to your usual kick. In each can you've got seaweed, vitamin C, vitamin B6, inulin fiber and agave, and while several are strange, most would go great along with some more conventional ingredients. All in all, perhaps if it called itself a fiber drink then I may would of been able to give it a passing grade, but then again, if it was a fiber drink, then why would I review it? Ultimately, Sea2O is nothing more than a great tasting drink that doesn't know its true identity.

official site
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