Smart Power Energy Drink comes in an all black can with plenty of background info to keep you up to speed with the general purpose of Smart Power. The symbol on the front looks a lot like an Army Medical Symbol, more specifically the one on the crest for the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, minus one snake. I thought that this looked familiar to me, then a while later I realized my Dad wore a pin or a patch of one of these for about half of my life. There are notable differences between Smart Power's logo and my Dad's pin, and Smart Power made their's to look almost like a saving beacon or holy torch that I would possibly journey towards if I saw it in the night.
The can has enough text text on it to cover the first few chapters of Roots. Even though there seems to be a lot of information on the can it doesn't feel crowded or cluttered, which is usually the case.
I had the lowest of expectations for Smart Power Energy Drink. The can reminded me way too much of Nature's Nitro 2 Go (one of the worst "drinks" ever made). It also reminded me of crazy Asian candy packages, which can also be a crapshoot. I mean, what is "Ramune Soda & Cola Bubble Ball Hard Candy" anyway, and why would I want to buy 8 bags to get "Roasted Pea"?
Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised, this tasted like Monster lo-carb with some recognizable flavor mixed in. I say this, because I've never felt Monster had an identifiable taste, regardless of whether I like it, I can't say it tastes like something specific. I have the same problem with describing how nauseated John Edwards makes me feel when he uses his wife's (likely diagnosed 6 months ago) recurring cancer as a platform to get into the White House and push a national health care agenda. There's just nothing else quite like it. That being said, the identifiable flavor is some form of light citrus, which really makes this drink refreshing, particularly when served very cold.
My only drawback is that recently many diet/lo-carb drinks are making me feel funny if I drink them on an empty stomach. This isn't specific to Smart Power, so it should not detract from everyone else's enjoyment. I did notice it considerably on this drink. Almost like my blood-sugar was low (which it might have been). I felt the energy, but unfortunately also felt a little woozy, like I needed to lie down, and eat chicken soup. This makes it hard for me to accurately judge this drink on energy content.
At $2.08, this is in the running with the major players on value. This is the online store price (24 case for $50 w/ free shipping). The drink is also currently available at over 50 California stores, so the prices may vary there.
Smart Power Energy is a very even smooth drink that is highly carbonated and extremely enjoyable. I was very pleasantly surprised when I drank this because I certainly did not expect to like it so much. With only 5 calories in each serving and 2g of carbs I really can drink this soda guilt free as often as I want. Smart Power challenges each consumer to compare effects of their drink to other leading brands. "All the Energy No Crash No Jitters" they proclaim proudly all over the can. The amount of text on the can is a little overwhelming. It seems like maybe the text is getting smaller, but it might just be me. I mean that's the most I've had to read in one sitting since Brittney shaved her head. And equally interesting and informative Smart Power drink is covered with all sorts of little slogans and whatnot that make me feel empowered and super smart. My favorite is still "You want energy now? -Here it is: Smart Power Energy Drink. Because the world does not adjust itself to your sleep schedule. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration." I'm hoping this means that the FDA is already working on that and soon everyone will know that the world should be adjusting itself to my sleep schedule.