The can is a vibrant combination of purple, red and yellow. Starting on the top of the can, "25% FRUIT JUICE". Below that is the Reed's Natural Energy Elixir logo which is a volcano spewing molten rock high into the air. Below that is a list of the primary ingredients; "GINGER, GREEN TEA, GINSENG, GOJI, ACAI, CAMU CAMU, JIAOGULAN, L-THEANINE, B VITAMINS". The back of the can sports a sweet Naturally Brewed icon featuring a cauldron of sorts above a campfire. Then we have some fluff; "Reed's Natural Energy Elixir is a next generation energy drink that is fundamentally different from current energy drinks. Current energy drinks borrow from the health of an individual by providing an artificial boost from stimulants. The long term effect of our beverage is to increase your basic health and energy levels and not to run you down. This delicious powerful blend will get you going naturally. Main Ingredients and Benefits*: Ginger - powerful antioxidant, increases metabolism, elevates mood, improves digestion and nutrition absorption. Green Tea - rich in epigallacatechin gallate (EGCG) a powerful antioxidant, a natural source of caffeine, lowers bad cholesterol. Ginseng - a powerful adaptogen that counters stress and increases endurance. Goji - Himalayan longevity secret with powerful antioxidants counters aging and increases resistance to disease. Acai - a rainforest super fruit packed with antioxidants, energy, and nutrition. Camu Camu - a rainforest super fruit with the highest concentration of vitamin C of any plant, antioxidant, mood balancing, antidepressant. Jiagulan - called the immortality herb a powerful adaptogen that increases the body's resistance to stress. L-Theanine - an amino acid that creates a sense of relaxation and alertness similar to meditation. B Vitamins - essential nutrients that help counteract stressful living. *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagonose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Reed's Natural Energy Elixir is like nothing you've ever had before, in or out of the energy drink arena. I'd most closely relate it to a strong ginger ale, like a Blenheim's light heat offering. For anyone unfamiliar with the Blenheim product line, you should be aware that the "hot" flavor is pretty much like drinking cayenne pepper sauce. All of the flavors are bold, unlike the bubbly lightly flavored varieties most people are used to (Scweppe's, Vernor's, Canada Dry, etc.). So, this actually has some ginger kick, but it's unfair to categorize it as "ginger ale", since it contains 25% fruit juice (Goji, Acai, pineapple, lemon and lime) and green tea, it's certainly more than just "ginger ale". This is a unique flavor, something you don't get from the energy drink market every day.
I found the taste initially offensive (ironically, I also originally found Blenheim's taste offensive). In both cases, the aftertaste was what got me hooked, a pleasant warming sensation, and lingering enjoyable flavor. The taste's onset eventually grew on me with both products as well, to the point that I now as people to get me Blenheim for Christmas. The fragrance, on the other hand, never grew on me. I don't like the smell of rooty things. The smell of Reed's Natural Energy Elixir reminds me of my experience with Korean Ginseng Drink, an ordeal from which I've still not fully recovered.
I wasn't really energized to any commendable degree. I'd call it average, at best, as it relates to the "energy" portion.
Hippies and bleeding heart liberals will love everything about Reed's Natural Energy Elixir, except that you can't smoke it, it's not free, and their's not currently any sort of legislation in the works to make it free for everyone without jobs and homosexuals (regardless of their employment situation). Reed's Natural Energy Elixir can be acquired for $1.96, which I think is a pretty reasonable deal, but what do I know? I'm a white, single, middle-class male, so my opinion should be immediately disregarded. I should keep my mouth shut and just work to fund social programs that benefit everyone I oppress.
Reed's Natural Energy Elixir is one of most unique tasting beverages that I've ever encountered. You could almost say that it tastes like ginger snap cookies. I can see where this could be a drink that you either love or hate. I love the flavor. I get tired of tasting all of these other energy drinks that taste like my grandma's perfume and sugar. Reed's Natural Energy Elixir is a breath of fresh air. The taste of ginger walks a fine line of being almost too intense, but I think they've managed to find a perfect balance to allow for it to be a featured flavor but not grossly overstated.
The energy package for Reed's Natural Energy Elixir is quite nice as well. We have some of the standard energy drinks staples represented in ginseng, acai, and B vitamins, but we have some other rarities that should be considered. First off we have Camu Camu. Camu Camu comes from the Amazon and is renowned for having one of the highest concentrations of vitamin C of any plant. It also acts as a mood enhancer to some degree. This drink also contains Jiaogulan which comes from southern China. Jiaogulan is often referred to as Poor Man's Ginseng and has been used to help alleviate symptoms of jet lag and altitude sickness. Unfortunately, sometimes there is no substitute for a ton of caffeine and other chemical ingredients that are impossible to pronounce. While I enjoy the taste of Reed's Natural Energy Elixir, I am missing the energy boost from it.
At a cost of $1.96 a can, I suggest that you pick one up and try it for yourself. The taste is unique and you may end up loving it. Or you'll hate it and curse my name for making you waste your money.
TLDR: Unique taste, not great for energy