Ryan Bucki, ISSA-CFT

Ryan Bucki, ISSA-CFT In Blackstone Labs, Pre-Workout

Blackstone Labs Dust X Review

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column centered_text=”true” column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

CLICK HERE FOR LOWEST PRICE >>[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”See Our Retailer Price Comparison Table” font_container=”tag:p|font_size:22px|text_align:center|color:%23f96566″ google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:900%20bold%20regular%3A900%3Anormal” link=”url:%23table|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_custom_heading text=”Overview of Blackstone Labs Dust X” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:900%20bold%20regular%3A900%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]Blackstone Labs at one point in their hardcore history had the #1 sought out pre-workout on the market: Dust Extreme. In fact, it was rated pretty damn high here at FI prior to the courts calling DMAA into question, thus forcing PJ and team at BSL to pull the product from manufacturing.

Dust X is the second-coming of Dust Extreme featuring DMHA instead of DMAA. Although it does not hit as hard, it still provides a pretty solid pre-workout option for those looking for a higher octane pre-workout that has “other” ingredients to help contribute to the other pillars of the pre-workout.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/4FHkuotR5bg” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” bg_color=”#2e2e2e” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-5-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color=”#efefef” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_color_hover=”#ffffff” background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”medium_depth” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”2px” column_border_color=”#000000″ column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][text-with-icon icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”icon-arrow-right” color=”Accent-Color”]

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[/fancy-ul][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_custom_heading text=”Testing Results and Ratings” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]We reviewed Blackstone Labs Dust X on five categories. We first start by looking at it’s ingredient profile. This portion of the review looks at the different ingredients used in the pre-workout, what their intention is and how effectively dosed are each ingredient.

We then look at effectiveness. An effective pre-workout will use high quality, proven ingredients, at clinically backed dosages. This is generally an extension of the profile section. The higher quality ingredients used at proper dosages, the more effective that product will be.

Then we move into the taste of the different flavors we’ve tried. We grade each flavor separately and average the scores for their overall taste rating. We were able to test out the following flavors: Pineapple.

Mixability refers to how well the powder mixes in 12oz of water. We use the shaker bottle test. This would be your typical Blender Bottle with the spiral chrome ball.

Finally, we talk about value. Value is the combination of profile, effectiveness, taste and mixability in relation to cost. Another part of value are the competitors and other versions of pre-workout products on the market.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

Ingredients Profile

(7/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]The biggest difference between Blackstone Lab’s Dust X and Dust Extreme is the change from DMAA to DMHA. Oh, Dust X also lacks Noopept (one of our favorite ingredients), but government regulation and manufacturing decisions make it damn near impossible to manufacture products with these in it.

We first start out with 4g of Citrulline Malate 2:1. This means it is 2 parts Citrulline to 1 part Malic Acid. You want Citrulline to be at least 3g to 5g ideal. This means we are actually going to be getting less than 3g of Citrulline, which it not ideal. Anytime you get 2:1 on Citrulline Malate, you want at least 6g, preferably 8g. Citrulline Malate is for the pump and increases blood flow to your muscles.

Next, we get 2.5g Beta Alanine. Another ingredient slightly underdosed. Beta Alanine should be at 3.2g. Now this can vary from person to person, so we are seeing 2.5g common, but here at FI, we want the 3.2g clinically accepted dosage. Beta Alanine can help with endurance.

Agmatine Sulfate at 1g is an acceptable dosage. Agmatine Sulfate inhibits nitric oxide synthase enzymes – this allowing our body to regulate higher levels of NO. This helps with the overall pump as well.

L-Tyrosine at 1g is another fair dosage of an ingredient that helps contribute to memory and cognitive enhancement. This is the typical dosage we see. Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) reduces build-up of the age pigmentation that causes memory loss. We can see this dosed from 300-2,000mg per day to help with exercise, per WebMD. We get DMAE dosed at 750mg. This is another typical dosage. Phenylethylamine (PEA) releases what we call the “happy hormones” in the body. This will help with relaxation and focus. We are dosed at 500mg, and the typical dosage is 500mg to 1,000mg for exercise. We are in this range. The one area of concern with PEA is the short half life, meaning it wears of quickly.

For the energy portion of the pre-workout, we start with 350mg of Caffeine. This a lot. Simply put. We also combine that with 150mg of DMHA (2-amino). At 150mg DMHA, this is close to about 75mg of DMAA. This is a great combination that can provide really solid energy. Adding fuel to the energy fire is 75mg of Higenamine. This is a fat burning ingredient that produces energy in the body. We recommend 20-30mg 2-3x daily, meaning no less than 40mg but no more than 90mg. We are dosed correctly here.

Huperzine A is used at 300mcg. This is another cognitive enhancing ingredient at a great dosage.

Overall, the profile is decent. Energy and focus are the top 2 features of this pre-workout. It does lack on pump, endurance and strength output. For pump and endurance, a couple of the ingredients used are underdosed. The only two areas we fell are well rounded are the energy and the focus components.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][image_with_animation image_url=”6400″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

Effectiveness

(8/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]The energy and the focus, as talked about previously in the profile section, are two great features that are effective in this pre-workout. I do like the energy of Dust X versus Dust Extreme as it is more smooth, and not such a jolt, crazy energy feeling you got from the DMAA infused Dust Extreme. I also respond better to DMHA. The energy was long lasting, and more euphoric thanks to the stims and DMHA combined with the caffeine.

I miss Noopept, but they did a good job of focusing on the focus component of Dust X. PEA is solid, but it wears off in the first 20-30 minutes as the half life isn’t long. Thankfully they added 300mcg of Huperzine-A, a great ingredient that works well for me. The combination of the stims with the cognitive enhancing ingredients really gets you focused on the task at-hand. It also helps keep you going since we are lacking endurance and power ingredients.

The one ares that is underwhelming is the pump. We would like to see more Citrulline, but we feel this is a way for BSL to encourage you to buy one of their pump supplements, like our highly rated Hype Extreme. With that said, I would still like to see Citrulline properly dosed, and thus you lack on pump. Same can be said with strength output and endurance. Beta-Alanine is borderline fine, but still underdosed per clinical studies. You don’t necessarily loss gas quickly, but you also do not have more than enough gas to keep going for longer periods of time.

Overall, this pre-workout does energy and focus well. Two areas that are musts, in my opinion.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

Taste

Pineapple: (7.0/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]If you’ve ever tried Blackstone Labs pineapple flavoring system in Dust Extreme or other products one thing is for certain: it is consistent. This tastes just like the other products with the same flavoring system. I like the flavor OK, it isn’t the best tasting flavor, but it is far from the worst. You can expect it to taste very similar to pineapple anything. It does mix well with other powders – not affecting taste too much.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

Mixability

(8.0/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]The serving size on Dust X is more in-line with what you’d expect from the pre-workout. It is just over 10g at 10.5g. We used 6oz of water, a quick couple shakes of a Blender Bottle and we were ready to drink. A little bit of residue was left on the inside of the cup, but nothing too concerning given what we’ve come to expect from the category.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

Value

(7.5/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]Value comes to people in different ways. For me, I look at number of servings, price tag and then what am I getting per serving. I am getting solid energy and focus, two must haves, but I am lacking pump and endurance. The price tag on this is $45 and it will get you 20-servings. A fully stacked pre-workout can be 20-servings for $50 – so this price is an acceptable price given we are getting 5 more servings for $5 less. Most people buy PWOs based on caffeine content alone, the deal with Dust X is you won’t want to double scoop due to that, so the 25-servings is correct. Given the dosages we rated accordingly.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_custom_heading text=”Available at these Fitness Informant approved retailers:” font_container=”tag:p|font_size:22px|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:900%20bold%20regular%3A900%3Anormal” link=”|||” el_id=”table”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color=”#efefef” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”2px” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][tabbed_section style=”default” alignment=”left” spacing=”default” tab_color=”Accent-Color”][tab icon_family=”none” title=”25-SERVINGS” id=”1509114502646-00fc8-496c” tab_id=”1510512996012-3″][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” top_padding=”10″ bottom_padding=”10″ text_align=”left” css=”.vc_custom_1509130110995{padding-top: 12px !important;padding-bottom: 12px !important;padding-left: 15px !important;background-color: #2e2e2e !important;}”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][text-with-icon icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”icon-tag” color=”Accent-Color”]FITNESS INFORMANT’S EXCLUSIVE “BLACKSTONE LABS DUST X” DEALS[/text-with-icon][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

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Suppz

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Save 5% on your entire order with coupon code INFORMANT

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” top_padding=”10″ bottom_padding=”10″ text_align=”left” css=”.vc_custom_1509116724210{background-color: #2e2e2e !important;}”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text] PRICE COMPARISON:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

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Ryan Bucki, ISSA-CFT In Amino Acids, Muscle Recovery, REAAL Muscle

REAAL Muscle EAA Review

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”10″ overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column centered_text=”true” column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_raw_html]JTNDYSUyMGhyZWYlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRmFtem4udG8lMkYyRDY1eDRkJTIyJTIwcmVsJTNEJTIybm9mb2xsb3clMjIlMjBjbGFzcyUzRCUyMm15QnV0dG9uJTIyJTNFQ0xJQ0slMjBIRVJFJTBBJTIwRk9SJTIwTE9XRVNUJTIwUFJJQ0UlMjAlM0UlM0UlM0MlMkZhJTNF[/vc_raw_html][vc_custom_heading text=”See Our Retailer Price Comparison Table” font_container=”tag:p|font_size:22px|text_align:center|color:%23f96566″ google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:900%20bold%20regular%3A900%3Anormal” link=”url:%23table|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Overview of REAAL Muscle EAA” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:900%20bold%20regular%3A900%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]We had a representative on our “Be Informed. Live Fit.” podcast from REAAL to debate another representative on BCAAs. Why? REAAL claims BCAAs don’t work. I do not believe this to be true, and after the podcast, it caused me to question REAAL’s studies even more.

REAAL is a proprietary blended EAA product claiming to be 3x more effective than whey protein isolate and 32x more effective than BCAAs. This is all based off their study. Well, if you look into their study, the minimally accepted dosage used was 15g of EAAs vs. the 3.6g serving size REAAL offers. I think it is nice to have an EAA product, there is a place for it, but to create one based off a study on elderly and still not giving an adequate amount of EAAs is shocking to me. The product at 5x the serving size would happen to work well, but the way it sits today, with the research behind it, I would avoid and pass.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/uK6xXrq90mE”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” bg_color=”#2e2e2e” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”padding-5-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color=”#efefef” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_color_hover=”#ffffff” background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”medium_depth” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”2px” column_border_color=”#000000″ column_border_style=”solid”][text-with-icon icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”icon-arrow-right” color=”Accent-Color”]

Why You Should Trust Our Reviews

[/text-with-icon][fancy-ul icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”icon-ok” color=”Accent-Color” alignment=”left”]

EXPERT REVIEW PANEL
Our review panel is made up of individuals with many years of experience in the sports nutrition industry, dating back to the early 2000’s. Their tenure gives them knowledge on brands, supplements, ingredients, dosages and more.
FULL CONTAINER REVIEWS
Unlike the majority of “review” sites on the internet, Fitness Informant reviews every supplement on a full-container basis. What does this mean? It means that a review is not written or recorded until the last serving of that product has been finished. We’ve all had products that were great for the first couple of days, but then lost their effectiveness shortly after. We want to ensure you are getting a full review based on a full product.
INGREDIENT EDUCATION
We breakdown each ingredient in our reviews to educate you on exactly what the ingredients do, and what is the proper dosage of each ingredient to effectively do what they are intended to do.
100% HONEST – NO B.S. REVIEWS
Our number #1 priority is to inform you proper supplement selection through honest reviews. The majority of “review” sites on the internet will push you to buy a certain product based on the commissions they received. Not us. We want you to purchase the highest quality supplements at the best value. We put your health and wellness first. To achieve your goals we want you to use only the best supplements that you can afford. We do this by being honest.

[/fancy-ul][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Testing Results and Ratings” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]We reviewed REALL Muscle EAA on five categories. We first start by looking at it’s ingredient profile. This portion of the review looks at the amount of aminos used, as well as the kind of aminos, the ratio and other ingredients involved in the making of this EAA powder.

We then look at effectiveness. A high EAA product will be effective. This is generally an extension of the profile section. The higher quality ingredients used at proper dosages, the more effective that product will be.

Mixability refers to how well the powder mixes in 12oz of water. We use the shaker bottle test. This would be your typical Blender Bottle with the spiral chrome ball.

Finally, we talk about value. Value is the combination of profile, effectiveness, taste and mixability in relation to cost. Another part of value are the competitors and other versions of EAA products on the market; both with and without caffeine.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Ingredients Profile

(2/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]I have a massive issue with companies making big, bold claims on their products package, in their marketing and in their sales story. REAAL claims it is 3x more effective than whey protein isolate (15g vs. 15g) and 32x more effective than BCAAs. The reason they use 15g is because that was the minimum amount used in their studies. Your amount in one serving of REAAL: 3.6g. This means you would need to take ~4 scoops of REAAL to make that claim…thus a container of REAAL lasting you approximately 7 days.

This is a proprietary blend that they claim is patent information licensed, REAAL9 technology – the 9 EAAs. Listen, they are all listed there, with Leucine first. You can feel good about that. But at 3.6g I cannot feel comfortable, and it is not believable that this would be 3x more effective than whey protein isolate.

Their secret formula was derived from studies on the elderly who do not exercise and were fasted. Does this sound like you? Or do you eat and workout. I cannot get on-board with an ingredient profile based on studies in people who are not like you and me.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”6423″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Effectiveness

(1/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]If I am using their study, then I would need ~4 scoops to meet that 3x more effective than WPI. They tell me at the company that even at 3.6g it is more effective than WPI. You do need to get roughly 5g of Lecuine for things to work. Leucine is the 1st ingredient in a 3.6g prop blend. Again, you would need probably closer to 5 scoops for the right affect.

I want a study conducted on people like me. If that shows me great end results, then I am more believable. I do not see any other studies on this other than Dr. Robert Wolfe’s study on BCAAs Myth or Reality – essentially claiming BCAAs useless.

I think EAAs are beneficial when fasted. But you need adequate amounts to be beneficial. This could be it, but because their study was not using an actual consumer like you are me, I cannot in my right mind give this a high score.

Do your research on how products were created…it will make you think.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Taste

Brazilian Berry: (8/10) Fuji Grape: (8/10) Kona Dragon Fruit: (7/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]REAAL will receive an OK score in terms of taste. These three all tasted good, refreshing. They are fruity in flavor, as you’d expect. They do have interesting names that match well with the flavor profile. Kudos to their team on flavor masking. That can be hard with EAAs.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Mixability

(10/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]Another high score in this area. At 3.6g per serving, you should be able to have this mix up real nice in water. I used a 20oz shaker cup with no issues at all. See video review to see mix test.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Value

(2/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]REAAL retails at 30-servings for over $40. That is pretty expensive for the category. The other thing that plays into this, per their OWN study, you would need ~4 scoops of this to get to the 15g dosage they tested. That means to get to that level, you would be buying a new $40 tub every week…do you have that kind of money? Look elsewhere or eat whole foods. That is the way to go.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Available at these Fitness Informant approved retailers:” font_container=”tag:p|font_size:22px|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:900%20bold%20regular%3A900%3Anormal” link=”|||” el_id=”table”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color=”#efefef” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”2px” column_border_style=”solid”][tabbed_section style=”default” alignment=”left”][tab title=”30-SERVINGS” id=”1509114502646-0d67c-c5b0″ tab_id=”1510193254965-0″][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” top_padding=”10″ bottom_padding=”10″ text_align=”left” css=”.vc_custom_1509116724210{background-color: #2e2e2e !important;}”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text] PRICE COMPARISON:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/4″ column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Amazon

See Store for Price

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/4″ column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_raw_html]JTNDYSUyMGhyZWYlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRmFtem4udG8lMkYyRDY1eDRkJTIyJTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJteUJ1dHRvbiUyMiUyMHJlbCUzRCUyMm5vZm9sbG93JTIyJTNFR08lMjBUTyUyMFNUT1JFJTIwJTNFJTNFJTNDJTJGYSUzRQ==[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/tab][/tabbed_section][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Ryan Bucki, ISSA-CFT In Core Nutritionals, Podcast, REAAL

Episode 10: BCAAs vs EAAs – The REAAL Core Debate

BCAAs or EAAs, which do you prefer? REAAL Muscle launched an EAA product using marketing claims backed by a 2017 study by Dr. Wolfe (Branched-chain amino acids and muscle protein synthesis in humans: myth or reality?), some claims in which people took offense too. We welcome in REAAL National Sales Director Ian Bell and one of those critical of the claims, Kenton Engle, the CMO of Core Nutritionals to debate the topic of BCAAs vs. EAAs and the 2017 Wolfe study. You don’t want to miss this! Subscribe now!

Ryan Bucki, ISSA-CFT In News

Glanbia Purchases SlimFast for $350M

Glanbia, one of the largest global nutrition companies in the world, has agreed to pay $350 million to Kainos Capital for SlimFast, a US based company in Florida. SlimFast is an iconic brand in the nutrition space, commonly seen lining store shelves in the weight management section.

Ryan Bucki, ISSA-CFT In Amino Acids, Muscle Recovery, Sparta Nutrition

Sparta Nutrition Spartan BCAA Review: A Great Tasting BCAA At A Solid Value

Spartan BCAA is awesome. Simple and to the point. It uses a branded source of EAA combined with 2:1:1 of BCAA to make this product while still giving you the proper dosing, great taste and 30-servings. This is one of the best amino acid products on the market today.

Ryan Bucki, ISSA-CFT In Food & Drink, Wicked Cutz

Wicked Cutz Jerky Review

GO TO STORE >>[/vc_column_text][heading]Click Here for Our Price Comparison Table[/heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_custom_heading text=”Overview of Wicked Cutz Jerky” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:900%20bold%20regular%3A900%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]Scott James has done it again. After moving away from BSN (years ago) and starting Sinister Labs, he decided to partner with Branch Warren to launch Wicked Cutz Jerky.

We tend to gravitate towards protein bars on-the-run, but Jerky can be a much better option. Wicked Cutz is solid all around. I’ve had a lot of dry beef jerky before, this is not that. The pieces of meat are tender and moist and the taste is amazing. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to protein bars, Wicked Cutz Jerky is the way to go.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/9U2AQ7Rfz4Y”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” bg_color=”#2e2e2e” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-5-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color=”#efefef” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_color_hover=”#ffffff” background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”medium_depth” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”2px” column_border_color=”#000000″ column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][text-with-icon icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”icon-arrow-right” color=”Accent-Color”]

Why You Should Trust Our Reviews

[/text-with-icon][fancy-ul icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”icon-ok” color=”Accent-Color” alignment=”left”]

EXPERT REVIEW PANEL
Our review panel is made up of individuals with many years of experience in the sports nutrition industry, dating back to the early 2000’s. Their tenure gives them knowledge on brands, supplements, ingredients, dosages and more.
FULL CONTAINER REVIEWS
Unlike the majority of “review” sites on the internet, Fitness Informant reviews every supplement on a full-container basis. What does this mean? It means that a review is not written or recorded until the last serving of that product has been finished. We’ve all had products that were great for the first couple of days, but then lost their effectiveness shortly after. We want to ensure you are getting a full review based on a full product.
INGREDIENT EDUCATION
We breakdown each ingredient in our reviews to educate you on exactly what the ingredients do, and what is the proper dosage of each ingredient to effectively do what they are intended to do.
100% HONEST – NO B.S. REVIEWS
Our number #1 priority is to inform you proper supplement selection through honest reviews. The majority of “review” sites on the internet will push you to buy a certain product based on the commissions they received. Not us. We want you to purchase the highest quality supplements at the best value. We put your health and wellness first. To achieve your goals we want you to use only the best supplements that you can afford. We do this by being honest.

[/fancy-ul][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_custom_heading text=”Testing Results and Ratings” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]We reviewed Wicked Cutz Jerky on four categories. We first start by looking at it’s ingredient profile. This portion of the review looks at the ingredients used, amounts included and their intended purposes, as well as other ingredients used.

Then we move into the taste of the different flavors we’ve tried. We grade each flavor separately and average the scores for their overall taste rating. We were able to test out Old Fashioned Maple Bacon, Sriracha Bacon, Original Peppered Beef, Volcanic Jalapeno, Teriyaki Turkey and Korean BBQ Turkey.

We look at texture on this as well. We want to make sure it is edible/drinkable.

Finally, we talk about value. Value is the combination of profile, effectiveness, taste and texture in relation to cost. Another part of value are the competitors and other versions of this available on the market.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

Ingredients Profile

(0/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]Obviously this is going to depend product by product. A product like bacon will have more fat (Maple Sugar will have more sugar). The basis of jerky is it is dried meat with seasoning and spices. Really, the only way to have this be bad for you is if you candy it, deep fry it, etc. That’s not the case here. This is dried meat.

The only “negative” on this will be the high sodium count. This is typical anytime you dry a meat. Let’s take a look at Old Fashioned Maple Bacon…arguably the least healthy product:

Fat: 8g
Sodium 650mg
Carbs: 5g
Protein: 8g

So yes, not the best in the world, but this is bacon with maple on it. What would you expect.

Overall, I like these products. The only caution I have is the sodium content.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][image_with_animation image_url=”6345″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

Taste

Old Fashioned Maple Bacon: (10/10)
Sriracha Bacon: (9/10) Original Peppered Beef: (8/10) Volcanic Jalapeno: (8/10) Teriyaki Turkey: (7/10) Korean BBQ Turkey: (10/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]My two favorite were Old Fashioned Maple and Korean BBQ. They are SO good. Teriyaki and Original are common flavors I have had a lot of in the past. They are definitely good, they just didn’t excite my senses as much as the other two. Sriracha Bacon was very good too. It had a small amount of kick which I enjoyed. Volcanic Jalapeno is HOT. I like spicy food, and this was really hot. But in a good way. It added to it. Just keep a glass of water next to you, maybe two of them.

Overall, solid tasty flavors all around.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

Texture

(9/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]All of these except one were soft, moist and tender. The Teriyaki Turkey was tough for some reason, but the Korean BBQ Turkey wasn’t. Bacon essentially melted in your mouth. That was great. Beef was really good. You get some of these jerkys that are SO chewy…this is not the case. You won’t lose 10lbs trying to eat this.

I would have to say this was one of the most tender jerkys I have ever had.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

Value

(8/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]These are smaller bags (2oz-2.75oz) that retail for a little over $6. However, you’ve all been in the store and seen jerky prices, they are high. There is a value add here given that we have bacon, turkey and beef, plus great flavors. I know some of you might think a 25g protein bar is only $2 versus this but this is a more complete source of protein typically than a protein bar, and it is REAL food.

I like the product a lot. I would love to see the price point at $5.99-ish, but overall this is not bad and worth the go.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][heading]Available at these Fitness Informant approved retailers:[/heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color=”#efefef” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”2px” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][tabbed_section style=”default” alignment=”left” spacing=”default” tab_color=”Accent-Color”][tab icon_family=”none” title=”1-PACKAGE” id=”1509114502643-0-6″ tab_id=”1509114502646-0″][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” top_padding=”10″ bottom_padding=”10″ text_align=”left” css=”.vc_custom_1509116724210{background-color: #2e2e2e !important;}”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text] PRICE COMPARISON:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/tab][/tabbed_section][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

Wicked Cutz

$6.29

GO TO STORE >>[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Ryan Bucki, ISSA-CFT In Food & Drink, Merica Labz

Merica Labz Merica Energy Review

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column centered_text=”true” column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

CLICK HERE FOR LOWEST PRICE >>[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”See Our Retailer Price Comparison Table” font_container=”tag:p|font_size:22px|text_align:center|color:%23f96566″ google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:900%20bold%20regular%3A900%3Anormal” link=”url:%23table|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Overview of Merica Labz Merica Energy” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:900%20bold%20regular%3A900%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]Everywhere you seem to look today you see someone with a variation of an energy drink in their hand. It is not hard to understand why. We are a sleep deprived race that runs on caffeine to keep us ticking. Many supplement companies have jumped on that trend to release an energy drink claiming to be the next big thing. Merica Labz created Merica Energy, another variation with a brilliant marketing twist.

I will be honest, I am not much for energy drinks, but Merica Energy was solid. Merica Energy doesn’t kill you with caffeine (I don’t need 300mg+ per can), and lays out what is packed into a can transparently. You will never jam everything you need into a RTD energy drink, but they do a nice job of synergizing ingredients with a great taste.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/I3dWQo3SKzY” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” bg_color=”#2e2e2e” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”padding-5-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color=”#efefef” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_color_hover=”#ffffff” background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”medium_depth” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”2px” column_border_color=”#000000″ column_border_style=”solid”][text-with-icon icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”icon-arrow-right” color=”Accent-Color”]

Why You Should Trust Our Reviews

[/text-with-icon][fancy-ul icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”icon-ok” color=”Accent-Color” alignment=”left”]

EXPERT REVIEW PANEL
Our review panel is made up of individuals with many years of experience in the sports nutrition industry, dating back to the early 2000’s. Their tenure gives them knowledge on brands, supplements, ingredients, dosages and more.
FULL CONTAINER REVIEWS
Unlike the majority of “review” sites on the internet, Fitness Informant reviews every supplement on a full-container basis. What does this mean? It means that a review is not written or recorded until the last serving of that product has been finished. We’ve all had products that were great for the first couple of days, but then lost their effectiveness shortly after. We want to ensure you are getting a full review based on a full product.
INGREDIENT EDUCATION
We breakdown each ingredient in our reviews to educate you on exactly what the ingredients do, and what is the proper dosage of each ingredient to effectively do what they are intended to do.
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Our number #1 priority is to inform you proper supplement selection through honest reviews. The majority of “review” sites on the internet will push you to buy a certain product based on the commissions they received. Not us. We want you to purchase the highest quality supplements at the best value. We put your health and wellness first. To achieve your goals we want you to use only the best supplements that you can afford. We do this by being honest.

[/fancy-ul][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Testing Results and Ratings” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]We reviewed Merica Energy on four categories. We first start by looking at it’s ingredient profile. This portion of the review looks at the different ingredients used in the energy dirnk, what their intention is and how effectively dosed are each ingredient.

We then look at effectiveness. An effective energy will use high quality, proven ingredients. This is generally an extension of the profile section. The higher quality ingredients used, the more effective that product will be.

Finally, we talk about value. Value is the combination of profile, effectiveness and taste in relation to cost. Another part of value are the competitors and other versions of energy drinks products on the market.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Ingredients Profile

(8/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]Listen, let’s just start by laying it out. This is not a pre-workout. Some people treat it as such, but there’s no way they could pack what is needed for a good pre-workout into a 16oz can – especially one that sits on a shelf. It would be gross.

Merica Energy is one of the first products released inside the supplement industry, within this category, that elected to use the sugar alcohol, erythritol, the low calorie sweetener. This is listed as #2 on the ingredient deck, but the nice thing about sugar alcohols (if your stomach can handle them) is the FDA is requiring them to be listed on the label – so we know we are getting 3g of erythritol per can. You know, per FDA labeling rules, that everything listed after erythritol is 3g or less.

After you get through some other flavoring agents you get to your first active ingredient Acetyl-L-Carnitin at 250mg. No, this isn’t the 1,500mg minimum we’d want to see, but then again we know it’s not feasible typically to pack all of that into one can. This ingredient has been shown to increase energy and help with fat burning. You also get 250mg of Choline Bitartrate, a cognitive enhancing ingredient. This is actually dosed well for that in a RTD beverage.

Here’s the part people are looking for, 190mg Caffeine. This is essentially two cups of coffee. No, this isn’t 300mg+ like some, but I think that’s a bit insane to be that high for an energy drink. Especially when you have focus ingredients and then Carnitine. You also get 50mg of Guarana Extract which has caffeine in it to make a total of 200mg of Caffeine per can. Respectable.

This is a 0 calorie, 0 fat, 0 carb and 0 protein drink.

Overall, I like the fact it wasn’t caffeine crazy and featured Choline. That’s a win for us.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”6342″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Effectiveness

(8.5/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]The purpose of an energy drink is to boost energy levels. I was lucky that I got to test this out after the birth of my daughter. Anyone who has had a baby knows how much sleep you DON’T get. This product worked well. I take pretty high caffeinated pre-workouts, so I wasn’t expecting a ton, but it was just enough to allow me to regroup, focus and get shit done.

I mentioned the word focus above. It helps with that. The 250mg of Choline is a huge contributor, but Caffeine and Carnitine can help enhance focus too.

Overall, this was an effective energy drink, not one of those cracked out ones I am sure we’ve all tried.

PS I don’t have issues with the system and sugar alcohols. If you do, you may not enjoy this.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Taste

Impeachment: (8/10) Merican Made: (9/10) Make America Grape Again: (8/10) Freedom: (10/10) Not Your Granny’s Apple: (9/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]First off, you won’t find a company with more clever names than Merica Energy. Just pure gold.

We received the variety pack so we got to try them all. I actually liked everyone I tried. I really did. As you can see by my ratings, I enjoyed Freedom the most. This tasted like the Bomb Pops you would get around the 4th of July. Not Your Granny’s Apple was surprisingly refreshing and delicious. Merican Made tasted like Hi-C (do they even still make this?!). Impeachment and Make America Grape Again were good, but ended up being my least favorite of the five. If you love Purple Drink (Grape) you will love that flavor.

Bang makes some of the best drinks on the market, but the profiles are crap. Merica Energy has awesome tasting flavors and a much better profile. I would elect this over Bang.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Value

(6/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]When you look at Bang, you see $2 a can. That’s kind of the benchmark we set. Merica Energy is $30 for 12-cans. This makes it more expensive at approximately $2.50 a can. This is also more than Monster in a gas station. The biggest different here is that the profile on this is superior to both Bang and Monster, so a premium is expected. With me not being an energy drink person, I wouldn’t pay $30 for 12-cans. But I also wouldn’t pay $15 for 12-cans of Bang either.

If you are an energy drink person you probably look at low cost. Many of you don’t look or seek the benefits you get from a can of Merica Energy. If you do, then this is a good option. I would personally like to see the price decrease to be more in-line with the comps, but I understand smaller companies have higher costs.

Overall, this is a good product, just hard to justify a $30 price tag for 12-cans.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Available at these Fitness Informant approved retailers:” font_container=”tag:p|font_size:22px|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:900%20bold%20regular%3A900%3Anormal” link=”|||” el_id=”table”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color=”#efefef” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”2px” column_border_style=”solid”][tabbed_section style=”default” alignment=”left”][tab title=”12-CANS” id=”1509114502646-00fc8-496c” tab_id=”1510512996012-3″][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” top_padding=”10″ bottom_padding=”10″ text_align=”left” css=”.vc_custom_1509116724210{background-color: #2e2e2e !important;}”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text] PRICE COMPARISON:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/4″ column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/4″ column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Merica Energy

$29.99

GO TO STORE >>[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/tab][/tabbed_section][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Ryan Bucki, ISSA-CFT In General Health

Blackstone Labs Adrenal Care Review

Blackstone Labs Adrenal Care Full Review

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” top_padding=”10″ overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column centered_text=”true” column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_raw_html]JTNDYSUyMGhyZWYlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRmJsYWNrc3RvbmVsYWJzLmNvbSUyRnByb2R1Y3RzJTJGYWRyZW5hbC1jYXJlJTIyJTIwcmVsJTNEJTIybm9mb2xsb3clMjIlMjBjbGFzcyUzRCUyMm15QnV0dG9uJTIyJTNFQ0xJQ0slMjBIRVJFJTBBJTIwRk9SJTIwTE9XRVNUJTIwUFJJQ0UlMjAlM0UlM0UlM0MlMkZhJTNF[/vc_raw_html][vc_custom_heading text=”See Our Retailer Price Comparison Table” font_container=”tag:p|font_size:22px|text_align:center|color:%23f96566″ google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:900%20bold%20regular%3A900%3Anormal” link=”url:%23table|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Overview of Blackstone Labs Adrenal Care” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:900%20bold%20regular%3A900%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]Blackstone Labs like to be at the forefront of things at times, and Adrenal Care is one of those products that they are trying to get people to catch onto and give a shit about. The problem is, most people are unaware, or just don’t care.

Per the Mayo Clinic, adrenal fatigue is not a medical diagnosis. Adrenal Care was created on that term, but was formulated to fight the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. There isn’t evidence that Adrenal Care corrects the insufficiency, only fights off the symptoms associated with that. If you do suffer from hormonal deficiency, Adrenal Care could help you feel better, but there is no evidence it will correct it.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/7KycBkggBN0″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” bg_color=”#2e2e2e” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”padding-5-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color=”#efefef” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_color_hover=”#ffffff” background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”medium_depth” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”2px” column_border_color=”#000000″ column_border_style=”solid”][text-with-icon icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”icon-arrow-right” color=”Accent-Color”]

Why You Should Trust Our Reviews

[/text-with-icon][fancy-ul icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”icon-ok” color=”Accent-Color” alignment=”left”]

EXPERT REVIEW PANEL
Our review panel is made up of individuals with many years of experience in the sports nutrition industry, dating back to the early 2000’s. Their tenure gives them knowledge on brands, supplements, ingredients, dosages and more.
FULL CONTAINER REVIEWS
Unlike the majority of “review” sites on the internet, Fitness Informant reviews every supplement on a full-container basis. What does this mean? It means that a review is not written or recorded until the last serving of that product has been finished. We’ve all had products that were great for the first couple of days, but then lost their effectiveness shortly after. We want to ensure you are getting a full review based on a full product.
INGREDIENT EDUCATION
We breakdown each ingredient in our reviews to educate you on exactly what the ingredients do, and what is the proper dosage of each ingredient to effectively do what they are intended to do.
100% HONEST – NO B.S. REVIEWS
Our number #1 priority is to inform you proper supplement selection through honest reviews. The majority of “review” sites on the internet will push you to buy a certain product based on the commissions they received. Not us. We want you to purchase the highest quality supplements at the best value. We put your health and wellness first. To achieve your goals we want you to use only the best supplements that you can afford. We do this by being honest.

[/fancy-ul][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Testing Results and Ratings” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]We reviewed Blackstone Labs Adrenal Care on four categories. We first start by looking at it’s ingredient profile. This portion of the review looks at the ingredients used in the making of this cycle support product. We look into each ingredients effective use and determine if it was a quality selection for the product.

We then look at the dosage. Are they using the ingredients at effective doses? It’s one thing to select awesome ingredients, it’s another to make sure they are being dosed where they are meant to be effective.

We then look at effectiveness. This is generally an extension of the profile and dosage section. The higher quality ingredients used at proper dosages, the more effective that product will be.

Finally, we talk about value. Value is the combination of profile, dosage, and effectiveness in relation to cost. Another part of value are the competitors and other versions of cycle support supplements available on the market.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Ingredients Profile

(10/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]Adrenal fatigue is not an accepted term in the medical community per the Mayo Clinic. However, adrenal insufficiency is, meaning that your adrenal gland is not producing enough of certain hormones which lead to symptoms like:

Fatigue
Body aches
Unexplained weight loss
Low blood pressure
Lightheadedness
Loss of body hair
Skin discoloration (hyperpigmentation)

Adrenal Care uses ingredients to address the symptoms, but not correct the actual problem.

We start with inositol hexanicotinate, a form of Vitamin B3, designed to help fight fatigue. It can do this by improving blood flow in the body. The next ingredient is DMAE. This ingredient has been shown to help by reducing the pigment that impairs cognitive functions. Being more alert means less fatigue. It is also found in skin creams as well. We get Bovine Adrenal Gland Extract. This is an ingredient derived from the adrenal glands of slaughtered cows, pigs, and sheep. It is used to treat stress, fatigue, pain, swelling, etc. Magnesium glycinate is used next. This is typically used to help regulate blood pressure.

Licorice Extract is an interesting ingredient as it is used to treat Addison’s Disease (adrenal insufficiency). Korean Ginseng is also used. This is used to fight off stress in your life. Lastly, we get Huperzine-A. This is a cognitive enhancing ingredient that can help improve memory and alertness.

Overall, every ingredient has a benefit that can address a symptom of adrenal insufficiency, but none that resolve it. More studies would need to be conducted but if you’re having these symptoms, these ingredients should address them nicely.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”6336″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Dosage

(10/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]In an effort to make it easy, we will list the ingredient, their dosage and what the recommended dosage is. Per the instructions, you are to take 1 servings 2x daily. We will use DAILY amount:

Inositol Hexanicotinate (Vitamin B3/Niacin): 1,500mg – recommended: 1,500-4,000mg
DMAE: 1,500mg – recommended: 300-2,000mg
Bovine Adrenal Gland Extract: 1,000mg – recommended: N/A (more studies need to be conducted)
Magnesium Glycinate: 600mg – recommended: 300-500mg
Licorice Extract: 400mg – recommended: 150-300mg
Korean Ginseng: 200mg – recommended: 200-400mg

Overall, Adrenal Care is dosed really nicely. You get 30-days of supply with 2 servings a day which would get you over the recommended dosages required.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Effectiveness

(10/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]

I suffered from fatigue. That was my biggest thing. I drank a lot of caffeine too, which can catch up to you. I stopped most caffeine for a week and started Adrenal Care. I then started taking pre-workouts again, while using Adrenal Care, and it seemed like the products worked better – the caffeine and stims were more effective.

For me, I felt like this was effective in “rebooting” the system. I no longer need to always take 2 scoops to get 300mg+ of caffeine. I am good with 200-250mg of caffeine in my pre-workout, and less caffeine throughout the day.

I will say though, if I happened to consumer more caffeine I would find it would have adverse affects and I would get tired and crash. That is to be expected.

I liked this product and would recommend using it while NOT using a high stim pre-workout or a high caffeine diet.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Value

(8/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]This product is available in several locations, but on Blackstone’s website it is $60 for essentially 30-days. If you are really struggling with fatigue, and you are absolutely certain it is not your testosterone levels, I would look into using this product. If you are going to, use it while not using a lot of caffeine.

On top of that, $60 is a big price tag. You could try reducing stims/caffeine first before jumping to this, but it will help make your pre-workouts and stims more effective.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][heading]Available at these Fitness Informant approved retailers:[/heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color=”#efefef” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”2px” column_border_style=”solid”][tabbed_section style=”default” alignment=”left”][tab title=”120 CAPS” id=”1509114502646-02705-a9f9″ tab_id=”1532098235353-5″][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” top_padding=”10″ bottom_padding=”10″ text_align=”left” css=”.vc_custom_1509116724210{background-color: #2e2e2e !important;}”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text] PRICE COMPARISON:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/4″ column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/4″ column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Blackstone Labs

$59.99

GO TO STORE>>[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/tab][/tabbed_section][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Ryan Bucki, ISSA-CFT In Rankings

The Top Pre-Workout Supplements for Women in 2023: Our Tested No B.S. Reviews

Jump to the Top 5 Picks

ATTENTION: Many of the “top pre workouts for women” lists you find online are written by people with no in-gym or supplement experience.

In fact, these pre-workout lists are not written by women, or even use a female’s input. These lists are written by content writers that are paid to write an article that will help a website generate money.

Their rankings are influenced by brands who pay for placement and contain pre-workout supplement recommendations that are, for the lack of a better word, GARBAGE.

Jump to the Top 3 Picks

The ladies on the Fitness Informant team used each and every pre-workout on this list. We also consulted with many women who have used these products before ranking them. After all, it wouldn’t really make sense to have this article written without their input, right?

Women don’t necessarily need different pre-workouts than men. However, women seek different benefits and experiences with their pre-workout supplements. The list provided here takes a woman’s concerns into consideration.

It also looks past any myths that may face women and ingredients (i.e. creatine), as well as disclosing certain ingredients that may be harmful to women.

Stop relying on faulty information. If you’re a woman looking for a pre-workout that you can trust, this is a great place to start. Here at Fitness Informant, we don’t steer you wrong.

You work hard for your money. Your supplements should work hard for you.

Be Informed. Live Fit.

Jump to the Top 3 Picks

A Comparison of the Leading Pre-Workout Drinks for Women

OUR #1 RATED
Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged Our Top Pick For: Best Overall Pre for Women 8.3 out of 10 in the Pre-Workout Category Click for lowest price

OUR #2 RATED
NutraBio PRE Stim Free Our Top Pick For: Stimulant Free 8.7 out of 10 in the Pre-Workout Category Click for lowest price

OUR #3 RATED
VMI Sports K-XR Our Top Pick For: Taste & Energy 8.7 out of 10 in the Pre-Workout Category Click for lowest price

PRODUCT	DETAILS	OUR RATING
Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged Click for lowest price	Our Top Pick For: Best Pre All-Around for Women Highlights: 6.5 g L-Citrulline 274 mg Natural Caffeine Pump & Recovery	Our #1 Rated 8.3 out of 10 in the Pre-Workout Category
NutraBio PRE Stim Free Click for lowest price	Our Top Pick For: Stimulant Free Highlights: 6g L-Citrulline Stimulant Free 1.5 g L-Tyrosine	Our #2 Rated 8.7 out of 10 in the Pre-Workout Category
VMI Sports K-XR Click for price	Our Top Pick For: Taste & Energy Highlights: 400mg Caffeine Best Tasting Solid Focus	Our #3 Rated 8.7 out of 10 in the Pre-Workout Category

Table of Contents

A Comparison of the Leading Pre-Workout Drinks for Women

Our Testing Process

2018 Women's Pre Workout Supplement Rankings

Why Should Women Should Use A Pre-Workout?

What Should Women Should Look for in a Pre Workout Powder?

Our Testing Process

We examined five different areas of each fat burner pre workout supplement when we compiled our rankings:

Ingredients Profile
Effectiveness
Taste
Mixability
Value

Ingredients Profile

When we review each pre-workout supplement on their ingredient profile, we look at the ingredients used and the dosage they are being used at, specifically ingredients that benefit women (mentioned above).

We look for pre-workouts to include a clinically effective dose of key ingredients.

Effectiveness

Effectiveness is an extension of ingredient profile. If the product uses proven ingredients, that women look for, at clinically suggested dosages, then typically the product should be effective for women.

Everyone is different. Everyone takes to different ingredients differently at varying dosages. We have tried and tested each of these products throughout the full duration of their container to ensure these products are effective over their life.

Taste

We review taste on two different components. First, how close does the pre-workout taste to the actual name printed on the label. For example, does Blue Raz actually taste like blue raspberry. Second, we review it on overall taste (in our opinion) versus others in the same flavor category.

Mixability

Mixability refers to how well does the product mix in 8-12oz of water. The testing process for a pre workout drink we use here is a generic Blender Bottle with the chrome spiral ball. We use regular tap water with no ice.

Value

Value is a combination of ingredient profile, effectiveness, taste, mixability and cost. We do not just look at the price tag like a lot of others do. If a product is priced at a premium, we inform you if it is worth the premium price or not based on all the categories. We look at the overall picture of the pre-workout supplement, and how it compares to other pre-workout supplements on the market.

Why We Test Like This

In an industry with so many players and choices choosing the right supplement for you can be difficult. The pre-workout category is no different. Pre-workouts are a staple supplement for many brands.

Many new start-up brands start with them because it is easy to copy other’s formulas and slap a label on a container and call it your own.

All of this for a minimal investment.

We’ve all read the hype about pre-workout supplements. The bark is way louder than their bite. Cool marketing slogans and product package designs make it difficult to select one that is correct for you. This is especially true if you’re just starting out in the game. We test so you know what’s legitimate and what is not.

2018 Women's Pre Workout Supplement Rankings

Now the moment you’ve all been waiting for, here’s our list of our top-rated pre-workouts for females:

Kaged Muscle Supplements Pre-Kaged
NutraBio PRE Stim Free
VMI Sports K-XR

#1 Kaged Muscle Supplements Pre-Kaged

8.3 out of 10

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The Highlights:

Fully transparent label
Clinically dosed
Reduced beta-alanine (reduces the itchy feeling)
Effective for energy, focus & pump
Great value

Pre-Kaged by Kaged Muscle Supplements would make any top pre-workout rankings list, men or women. The formula alone is effective for those who enjoy stimulants and even those who don’t. Pre-Kaged is going to include effective doses of key ingredients aimed at improving energy, pump and focus.

Pre-Kaged is going to include clinical doses of key ingredients that women should look for in a pre-workout. We talked about it before, but women should seek out ingredients that are going to help them achieve their goals in the gym. Most of the time, this goal is to tone up.

Pre-Kaged doesn’t include any “grey” market ingredients, something found all too-often in this industry. With Pre-Kaged you are going to get a nice clean, natural energy, a solid pump, increased endurance and laser focus at a good value. Spending under $40 for 20-servings of a super effective pre-workout makes this our #1 rated pre-workout supplement for women.

Who Makes It?

Kaged Muscle Supplements is owned by Kris Gethin. Kris Gethin is a man who has worked with many women in the gym. He knows the human anatomy and how it works, man or woman. He knows what is needed to fuel an effective pre-workout. Kaged Muscle believes in clinically dosed supplements with transparent labels. They believe in the consumer, and you should believe in Kaged Muscle.

Check out our full Pre-Kaged review here.

What's In It?

One serving contains:

6.5g L-Citrulline (Fermented): contributes to muscle pumps which aids in healing and recovery

3.5g 2:1:1 BCAAs: clinically formulated to reduce recovery time and aid in muscle protein synthesis

1.6g Beta Alanine: aids in endurance and strength gains, less than clinical dosage, better for women

1.5g Creatine HCl: improves strength gains and muscle recovery – women need creatine

1,850mg Tyrosine: cognitive enhancing ingredient designed to improve focus

274mg PurCaf Caffeine: energy producing ingredient from natural sources

The Bottom Line

Kaged Muscle Pre-Kaged is going to be a top rated pre-workout supplement for women or men on many media platforms. Pre-Kaged encompasses ingredients that women should seek out in a pre-workout, and they are dosed appropriately for women to produce effective workouts.

Pre-Kaged comes in a variety of flavors to appease the masses. By supplementing with Pre-Kaged you are being a responsible woman who cares about her overall goals. Go out and get it, you won’t be disappointed.

100%

Ingredients Profile

70%

Mixability

85%

Effectiveness

85%

Value

75%

Taste

83%

Overall Rating

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#2 NutraBio PRE Stim Free

8.7 out of 10

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The Highlights:

Stimulant free
Clinically dosed, proven ingredients
Transparent label
3rd party testing
Great mixability

PRE Stim Free from NutraBio is not only the #1 ranked stim-free pre-workout on Fitness Informant, it makes our best of list for pre-workout suppelements for women. Honestly, this could be #1 as well, but we gave the nod to Pre-Kaged due to the inclusion of caffeine.

If you have issues with stimulants, as many women do, then PRE Stim Free from NutraBio should be your go-to. PRE Stim Free is going to include key ingredients that contribute to overall energy, pump and focus…all without using a single stimulant like caffeine.

One of the best parts about Stim Free PRE is it uses clean ingredients at clinically effective doses. Being ranked one of the best stimulant free pre-workouts in the world requires such. If you’re a woman, or man for that matter, looking for a stimulant free version of an effective pre-workout supplement, look no further than PRE Stim Free from NutraBio.

Who Makes It?

NutraBio has been in business since 1996 producing some of the highest quality supplements you can buy today. They not only promote awesome, high quality products, but education as well.

NutraBio has been trying to educate the consumer on the sports nutrition industry for several years to ensure that you are purchasing supplements of high quality and not just a marketing gimmick. All of their products contain a 100% transparent label to ensure you know what you are putting in your body.

What's In It?

One serving contains:

0mg Caffeine: we put this to ensure you that there are no stimulants in this pre-workout

6g L-Citrulline: this is the clinical dosage of Citrulline which aids in pump

3.2g Beta Alanine: this is the clinical dosage of Beta Alanine, which aids in strength output and endurance – also the ingredient that causes the “itchy” feeling

1.5g Tyrosine: ingredient used to improve memory and focus

2g Taurine: improves strength and endurance – solid dosage

3g Creatine Monohydrate: helps with strength gains and recovery

Bottom Line:

NutraBio makes some of the best products on the planet. Hands down. NutraBio PRE Stim Free is the best stimulant free pre-workout on the planet that we’ve tried. It can be #1 on anyone’s list, including this list.

If you’re a woman that has any issues with stimulants, then you should select Stim Free PRE from NutraBio. You will get an effective pre-workout that improves your overall energy, focus and gains!

90%

Ingredients Profile

100%

Mixability

80%

Effectiveness

90%

Value

75%

Taste

87%

Overall Rating

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#3 VMI Sports K-XR

8.7 out of 10

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The Highlights:

Crazy energy
Solid pumps
Improved focus
Great taste
Awesome value

K-XR by VMI Sports has been a pre-workout commonly recommended to women looking for a pre-workout supplement because they typically ask for a pre-workout that tastes great. K-XR is not only a great tasting pre-workout, but also a highly effective pre-workout supplement.

Outside of being a proprietary blend, which we’re not huge fans of, K-XR delivers on taste, energy, pump and focus. In fact, K-XR is one of our favorite tasting pre-workouts.

As we mentioned above, K-XR provides more than just great taste. K-XR is going to be the most effective at energy production of the list. Packed with 400mg of caffeine, this isn’t for the weak. K-XR also provides solid pump, endurance and focus. If you’re looking for the best tasting pre-workout that produces results, K-XR is it.

Who Makes It?

VMI Sports was a brand formed in 2012 with sports nutrition experts with a commitment to creating products that really work. They have a wide variety of products that cover the sports nutrition world ranging from pre-workouts to pump to proteins.

The leaders behind VMI Sports have served many various roles in the sports nutrition industry including the minds behind Lone Star Sports (distributor). You can read our full review of K-XR here.

What's In It?

One serving contains:

400mg Caffeine Sources: three sources of caffeine to provide long, withstanding energy

1.5g Beta Alanine: aids in strength output and endurance, less than clinical dosage, but won’t cause as much of an “itchy” feeling

500mg Choline Bitatrate: improves focus to drown out any outside distraction

Taurine: increases strength and endurance

Theobromine: a blood vessel dilator to improve fluid flow to muscles aka pump

Huperzia: improves memory function and focus

Bottom Line:

Although we are not fans of the proprietary blend, there is no denying that K-XR works. Women love it. Men love it. It tastes great, provides intense energy, aids in pump and enduranc…what more would you need?

If taste is your main go to, but also want a pre-workout that is going to actually work, K-XR from VMI Sports will be a great selection. Our only warning is with 400mg of caffeine, you may want to cautiously dose to start and judge from there.

75%

Ingredients Profile

90%

Mixability

85%

Effectiveness

85%

Value

100%

Taste

87%

Overall Rating

Click for lowest price

Why Should Women Should Use A Pre-Workout?

This list is in no way meant to discriminate women from men. Women can take the same pre-workout supplements as men. In fact, many women do. However, when looking at pre-workouts for women, we need to take into consideration many women’s reaction to certain ingredients.

Some of the pre-workout supplements may have too many stimulants for your average woman, while others may have too much Beta Alanine that most women don’t enjoy.

With that said, women should be taking a pre-workout supplement. There are so many benefits to pre-workout powders. Benefits include energy, focus, endurance, strength, etc. Pre-workout supplements are not made just for men. They are made for everyone and anyone who has a passion for the gym.

The highest quality pre-workout supplements for women can provide you with:

Increased Energy
This is a pre-workout at the end of the day. You’re going to get an increase in energy from caffeine and other stimulants used for energy purposes. This is the #1 reason most women take a pre-workout…because they lack energy.

Prolonged Endurance
Women like to lift for muscular endurance. Certain ingredients, when dosed correctly, can provide women with better endurance. This allows them to lift more reps or achieve longer distances when doing cardio.

Strength Gains
Many women want to tone up but not build a muscular physique. They fear that if they build muscle that they may look like a man. One thing a pre-workout can do is improve your strength, which helps tone your body and burn fat.

Improved Focus
Let’s be real, our minds run a million miles a second. We’re constantly checking our Instagram and our texts to see what’s going on in the world. A solid pre-workout supplement can provide women with the focus they need to stay-on-track at the gym and leave the outside world for an hour.

Awesome Pumps
Why would a woman want to achieve a pump? Isn’t this a man thing? Listen, women and men both need pumps as it aids in strength and muscle recovery. The more blood flow in your muscles, the quicker they can heal and recovery. No one wants to be sore!

Stimulant Free
Contrary to our first bullet point, more women than men have issues with caffeine. A stimulant free pre-workout removes caffeine and provides energy by utilizing other ingredients.

What Should Women Should Look for in a Pre Workout Powder?

Women and men seek different results in the gym and seek different types of pre-workout supplements to help them achieve those results. No, women are not to be discriminated against from men. At the end of the day women and men can take the same pre-workouts.

Many of the pre-workouts you will find on our Best of list for Women guide will contain products also found on other guides (Like our best pre-workouts page).

Caffeine: this is the king of stims (stimulants). Various forms of caffeine are the most popular ingredients used in pre-workouts. Caffeine provides energy that most women seek in a pre-workout powder. Effective dosages are between 150mg-300mg.
L-Citrulline: women should seek out a solid pump from their pre-workout supplement. L-Citrulline helps facilitate blood flow into the muscles to aid in muscle repair and recovery. Effective dosages of L-Citrulline are 3-5g of pure Citrulline or 6-8g of a Citrulline mix.
L-Tyrosine: focus, focus, focus can be the central point of many pre-workout supplements for women. We’re so connected to the outside world that we are distracted when in the gym. L-Tyrosine is a cognitive enhancing ingredient typically dosed between 1-2g.
Taurine: strength gains are just as important for women as they are for men. The more strength you have, the most muscle you can build to tone up. The more muscle you have, the more fat you can burn. Most women want to be lean and tone. Taurine can help with that. Typical dosage of Taurine is 1-2g.
Creatine: wait…what?! Yes, creatine. Creatine helps with strength gains as well. Most women don’t realize this, but they too should have creatine in their supplements. Most women won’t buy creatine, so including it in a pre-workout is a solid option. Creatine dosage depends on the form of creatine being used.
Betaine: used for endurance and strength output, Betaine is a useful ingredient used in pre-workout supplements for women and for men. Dosage of Betaine should be between 1.5-2.5g.
Beta Alanine: this is the ingredient that gives you the itchy feeling, but also aids in endurance and strength. The majority of women do not like the feeling Beta Alanine gives them. I have heard this many of times. Beta Alanine is still an important ingredient, but the dosage may be adjusted for women. The clinical dosage of Beta Alanine is 3.2g…the ones on our list may come in less.

This completes our rankings for the top women’s preworkouts this year. The products listed above earned the right to be showcased based on their ingredients, effectiveness, taste, mixability and value to women in general.

Stay tuned to Fitness Informant throughout the year for updates as new products are tested and reviewed!

Ryan Bucki, ISSA-CFT In Kaged, Protein Powder

Kaged Muscle Supplements Re-Kaged Review: More Than Post-Workout Recovery

Re-Kaged is a solid post-workout protein powder packed with recovery ingredients including Creatine, Betaine and Gluatmine. Oh, let us not forget digestive enzymes. At 28g of protein per serving, this packs a solid punch to help with your recovery. Like with other KM products, flavor can use some tweaking, but the quality is top-notch.

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A Comparison of the Leading Pre-Workout Drinks for Women

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Value

Why We Test Like This

2018 Women's Pre Workout Supplement Rankings

#1 Kaged Muscle Supplements Pre-Kaged

The Highlights:

Who Makes It?

What's In It?

The Bottom Line

#2 NutraBio PRE Stim Free

The Highlights:

Who Makes It?

What's In It?

Bottom Line:

#3 VMI Sports K-XR

The Highlights:

Who Makes It?

What's In It?

Bottom Line:

Why Should Women Should Use A Pre-Workout?

What Should Women Should Look for in a Pre Workout Powder?

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