Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy 30 Serves / Juicy Strawberry

This is truly my OG pre-workout. So far, I have tried blueberry mojito, watermelon, green apple, and grape in this Optimum Nutrition mix. I have also tried their Gold Standard one, which is also great, but for me? Way too intense for casual use and needs to be consumed sparingly. These however? They're PERFECT. For real, they give the right amount of energy without making your skin feel like it's burning, without making your mind feel like it's reeling or without giving you the jitters. I love how they have instructions to depict the level of energy you're looking for. I definitely recommend starting out with just 1-2 scoops if it's your first time with pre-workout supplements because they take an adjustment period to get used to them, how they work, and to figure ... MoreThis is truly my OG pre-workout. So far, I have tried blueberry mojito, watermelon, green apple, and grape in this Optimum Nutrition mix. I have also tried their Gold Standard one, which is also great, but for me? Way too intense for casual use and needs to be consumed sparingly. These however? They're PERFECT. For real, they give the right amount of energy without making your skin feel like it's burning, without making your mind feel like it's reeling or without giving you the jitters. I love how they have instructions to depict the level of energy you're looking for. I definitely recommend starting out with just 1-2 scoops if it's your first time with pre-workout supplements because they take an adjustment period to get used to them, how they work, and to figure out what's overall best for you. Now? I workout 4-6 days a week, and according to Fitbit average anywhere from 15-25,000 steps a day, and this stuff helps a lot with keeping me focused on both cardio and weightlifting (which I've just started getting into). Now onto the flavours...I would say, of the ones I have tried: blueberry mojito and watermelon are my favourites, and they also seem to contain the least amount of "dyes." What I mean by that is that these transform your water the same way Kool-Aid does, to nuclear rich colours - fun for some, and a turnoff for others. I don't mind either way, but it's an important thing to note if you're allergic to any dyes or just don't want to consume them overall. Why are those two my favourites? They taste more mild and "realistic." What I'm trying to say is that grape and green apple turn SUPER purple (and green respectively) and the flavour is just too intense for me. They're blatantly artificially flavoured but with these flavours they just are so concentrated on the palette that sometimes they make me queasy and I have to down some water immediately after. I guess an easy fix would be diluting them TONS, but that also dilutes the purpose of it and if there's anything I don't like, it's having to take a break from a workout just to "relieve" myself in the middle of it, which is what that would do. Overall, this product is one I will continue to buy and of all the other brands I've tried with preworkout BCAA's (about a half a dozen main brands), this is the best and most consistent with effects, flavours, and ingredients.

Actually works!

Upon first impressions before even mixing the powder into water, was that the packaging was somewhat wasteful. There is only 9g of product in a packet, so the packet is literally about 1/3 full. I feel like the company could have saved by using a smaller individual packet but I digress. So I opened the packet and I was greeted with an overwhelming fragrance that I wouldn't say was pleasant but it wasn't horrible either. I opened it up and poured it into a bottle of water and shook vigorously until the powder was completed dissolved in the water. I was pleased to see it mixed in well and I didn't have any clumps. Thumbs up for that. I tasted it and I gotta say even though it was fruit fusion which sounds appealing, it was more of an artificial cherry flavor than ... MoreUpon first impressions before even mixing the powder into water, was that the packaging was somewhat wasteful. There is only 9g of product in a packet, so the packet is literally about 1/3 full. I feel like the company could have saved by using a smaller individual packet but I digress. So I opened the packet and I was greeted with an overwhelming fragrance that I wouldn't say was pleasant but it wasn't horrible either. I opened it up and poured it into a bottle of water and shook vigorously until the powder was completed dissolved in the water. I was pleased to see it mixed in well and I didn't have any clumps. Thumbs up for that. I tasted it and I gotta say even though it was fruit fusion which sounds appealing, it was more of an artificial cherry flavor than anything else. I didn't love the flavor. When it comes to whether or not it works I can honestly report that I do feel focused and more energized than I did before I drank it. I believe it would be perfect in place of a cup of coffee or great for that afternoon slump I get while I'm at work. I'd recommend it for its benefits but wouldn't recommend the fruit fusion flavor.

Better than GFuel

Peach lemonade is slightly sour/tart/bitter in a very good way - almost too easy to drink! The green apple was a bit sweet and almost too much like green apple candy which might be nice for some people. We've also tried gfuel and I feel like this isn't as powdery, doesn't settle as quickly and is easier to drink. The caffeine hit isn't as pronounced as a coffee but I've definitely had days where I've only had this with no coffee and it's been fine (not jittery or anything). Highly recommend!

Essential Amino Energy in Blueberry Lemonade

While I have been a distance runner for most of my life, I began training for half marathons just last year (2019). I also had never consumed any special sports or athlete-specialized foods or drinks other than Gatorade and Powerade. This is why I was excited to try the Essential Amino Energy Blueberry Lemonade powder. I wanted to see if it made a difference in my stamina. Most of the time I drank the "mild" dose of 2 scoops for an "afternoon pick-me-up" and that worked great. It definitely gave me enough energy to stay alert through the afternoon. I played around with my post-workout dosage. Depending on how many miles I ran, I would use the 4 scoop "moderate" dose or the 6 scoop "intense" after my longer runs. I didn't really see a difference whether I put 2, 4 or ... MoreWhile I have been a distance runner for most of my life, I began training for half marathons just last year (2019). I also had never consumed any special sports or athlete-specialized foods or drinks other than Gatorade and Powerade. This is why I was excited to try the Essential Amino Energy Blueberry Lemonade powder. I wanted to see if it made a difference in my stamina. Most of the time I drank the "mild" dose of 2 scoops for an "afternoon pick-me-up" and that worked great. It definitely gave me enough energy to stay alert through the afternoon. I played around with my post-workout dosage. Depending on how many miles I ran, I would use the 4 scoop "moderate" dose or the 6 scoop "intense" after my longer runs. I didn't really see a difference whether I put 2, 4 or 6 scoops--2-4 seems to be plenty for me. The taste was great--even just 2 scoops packed a punch of flavor. I would love to try strawberry or raspberry flavors if they are available! The only negative critic I have is that it doesn't seem to dissolve very well. I really had to stir it to get rid of the pockets of powder stuck in the fizzy bubbles it created.

Freebie

I have been purchasing the optimum 100 whey goldstandard protein from Sportsfuel when a deal popped up that included the optimum amino energy sampler. I needed to get some more whey any way, so never one to turn down a good dea!? I got the sampler and trialled when best to take it; before workout, after workout; with mixed results, however with only a few servings left I tried it during my workouts, as part of my hydration. The difference for me was startling, it improved my energy levels and focus during my workouts something chronic. For me, I sometimes struggle at the start of a workout to get "into it", with this stuff, that problem no longer exists. Although the the grape flavour may not be to everyone's taste, I find it really refreshing. The amino energy ... MoreI have been purchasing the optimum 100 whey goldstandard protein from Sportsfuel when a deal popped up that included the optimum amino energy sampler. I needed to get some more whey any way, so never one to turn down a good dea!? I got the sampler and trialled when best to take it; before workout, after workout; with mixed results, however with only a few servings left I tried it during my workouts, as part of my hydration. The difference for me was startling, it improved my energy levels and focus during my workouts something chronic. For me, I sometimes struggle at the start of a workout to get "into it", with this stuff, that problem no longer exists. Although the the grape flavour may not be to everyone's taste, I find it really refreshing. The amino energy powder mixes really well and I haven't had any issues with lumps or clumping in any of the concoction I have made with it. Everyone will have different results and like me I would trial what and when's the best time to take it, but for me this will become a permanent addition to my supplement regime, thanks Sportsfuel.

Great Energy and Focus Results

I got this to try out for both my midday work crash and my pre workout drink. I noticed significant changes in my work after trying this just the first time. Usually I drink coffee but can get wiry and lose focus. This essential amino acid mixture is the answer to all of my problems. I gained energy and felt alive again but also focused and in control. This fruit fusion flavor is absolutely amazing and I find myself craving just the flavor, I've never really tried a perfect fruity blend like this as it's not overpowering. There is zero grams of sugar, 5 grams of amino acid, and 100 mg of caffeine. This makes a perfect balance. I have already bought more as I find it useful for my workouts after work as well because it helps my muscles recover in the long run. This ... MoreI got this to try out for both my midday work crash and my pre workout drink. I noticed significant changes in my work after trying this just the first time. Usually I drink coffee but can get wiry and lose focus. This essential amino acid mixture is the answer to all of my problems. I gained energy and felt alive again but also focused and in control. This fruit fusion flavor is absolutely amazing and I find myself craving just the flavor, I've never really tried a perfect fruity blend like this as it's not overpowering. There is zero grams of sugar, 5 grams of amino acid, and 100 mg of caffeine. This makes a perfect balance. I have already bought more as I find it useful for my workouts after work as well because it helps my muscles recover in the long run. This comes at a surprisingly great value and in multiple size options so you can have as little or almost as much as you want. I definitely recommend this to someone looking for a healthy beneficial energy boost that improves focus as well instead of getting jittery and wiry.

Great taste though

my first time using pre-workout, I have a high tolerance for energy drinks and caffeine and 3 scoops of this seems to give me a nice boost. however, did anyone else only get half a container? I opened it too quickly to pay attention to the safety seal so I dont know if that was broken but this tall container was less than halfway full and I thought that seemed like a weird packaging decision if thats actually how it comes? I probably shouldnt have used it but here we are

Not on par with their pre-mixed. But ‘ok’.

I really enjoy the Amino Energy pre-mixed cans, as a sugar-free but great tasting alternative fo Red Bull etc, and was hoping this would be a more cost effective way of getting the same taste, with less going into the recycling bin. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come close- it ends up being a powdery thick drink, with the powder sitting on too of the water/sparkling water until you really mix it in. Then you like d of have to dilute that 2-3x to make it enjoyable. Will I drink it/finish it? Yes. Will I buy it again? No- I’ve already place the order for the pre-mixed.

Optimum amino energy

I like the taste. It mixes relatively well. Haven't used anything like it before to compare it to. I do find it very sweet when mixed as directed, so I just do half strength. But that's just me. It definitely helps me with energy and no shaking or headaches like store bought energy drinks. Will definitely buy more.

Unsatisfactory

I usually drink the amino energy carbonated cans and love them. So I thought I’d give the powder a try and was extremely disappointed. I purchased the peach lemonade flavour and it tasted so terrible I only had half a serving and have not touched it since. Therefore I unfortunately have no idea wether it has a stimulating effect or not. However it mixes well and has natural ingredients which is always a plus for those that do decide to consume it.