Ed Hardy Energy Sticks Orange Review

This week I received a package from Ed Hardy containing some of their caffeinated products. Luckily for me, included in the package were a bunch of their Energy Sticks, which really helped me out this morning when I felt too lazy to make coffee or get an energy drink. All I had to do was tear open one of the packets and pour its contents on my tongue.

Taste

To my surprise, the orange powder tasted really good. As soon as I opened the packet, a blend of orange and tangerine aromas hit my nose. As soon as I poured the powder on my tongue, I felt the sour kick of the citrus fruits, but none of the bitterness of the added caffeine. The amount contained in each packet is only 2.45 g, which is much more manageable than other tongue powders. This one dissolves quickly and doesn't clump up.

Once the powder absorbs some saliva, the orange flavour becomes much more intense and also helps you freshen up your breath. Once swallowed, there is a bit of bitterness that becomes noticeable, but it doesn't last that long and it is not that strong. Soon after the bitterness comes a dry combination of orange peel and artificial sweeteners, which may send some people to get some water. I know I had to when I had 2 packets in a row, but not when I had just one.

Energy

There are 3 packets in a pack and each packet contains 80 mg of caffeine, which is about the same as a Red Bull. The effects, however, are a bit different. I did not get that sudden rush that you get from drinking a Red Bull. The energy came in my more gradually and there were no jitters. I felt peppy and awake within about 15-20 minutes and that surprised me a bit because I only had about 4-5 hours of sleep. The energy lasted for about 2 hours and there wasn't a crash.

If you take 2 or all 3 at once, the effects will be a bit more different. There are some jitters and when the energy kicks in, it is much more noticeable and resembles the kick you might get from a full sized can of an energy drink packed with sugar.

Scores:
Cost - $3.29 for a 3-pack from Ed Hardy
Taste - 8.5/10
Energy - 6/10 to 9/10

Overall - 14.5/20 to 17.5/20...depending on the number of packets you consume at once