Nootropics aren’t just for geeky biohackers anymore. And while more and more consumers are getting on board with boosting their brains through science, more still have probably tried nootropic supplements without even realizing it. And if you’ve ever had EBOOST’s Energy Powders, you’ve sipped a broad-range nootropic disguised as an energy drink.
EBOOST is a company founded in the mid 2000s around a few different products: fizzy energy powders, coconut water-based energy shots (basically like 5 Hour Energy + coconut water and some extras), a pre-workout called POW!, and a caffeinated greens powder called SPRUCE. Today, we’re reviewing EBOOST’s flagship Energy Powders, which include some familiar nootropics in addition to the electrolytes and vitamins you might expect from such a product.
Read below to see what we thought of EBOOST’s Energy Powder, including our favorite flavors and the best (and worst) time to take them.
Ingredients
We tested several different flavors of EBOOST Energy Powder, including Orange, Acai Pomegranate, and Pink Lemonade. The packets came in several different serving sizes; we’ve based our review and this section off the ingredient list from the 7.1 g packet.
Vitamins and Minerals
- Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid), 1000 mg
- Vitamin D (as cholecalciferol), 1,000 IU
- Niacin, 15 mg
- Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine HCL), 2 mg
- Folate (as folic acid), 400 mcg
- Vitamin B12 (as cyanocobalamin), 2,500 mcg
- Zinc (as zinc citrate), 15 mg
- Selenium (as sodium selenite), 100 mcg
- Copper (as copper citrate), 2 mg
- Chromium (as chromium polynicotinate), 120 mcg
- Sodium, 45 mg
- Potassium, 570 mg
EBOOST Blend, 540 mg
Glucuronolactone
There’s not a ton of research on glucuronolactone, but we see it quite a bit in energy drinks (including some versions of Red Bull). There’s some basic research suggesting it could be synergistic with resveratrol, another ingredient in EBOOST’s Energy Powder.
Green tea leaf extract (standardized to 110 mg caffeine), Green coffee standardized extract (seed)
Combined, these extracts contain quantities of polyphenols, caffeine, and l-theanine (which are all also present in green tea). L-Theanine is an amino acid that’s common in nootropic and brain health supplements, and it promotes relaxation without being a sedative. Research suggests it also helps the brain deal with stress and can fight stimulant-caused jitters (another reason why it’s commonly paired with caffeine). Often paired with caffeine, l-theanine effects appear complementary as far as enhanced energy, concentration, and focused; it may also increase brain activity and memory.
We often see the caffeine + l-theanine pairing headlining very simple, beginner-friendly stacks like Nootrobox’s SPRINT.
5-HTP
The precursor to neurotransmitter serotonin that may increase brain serotonin in users who ingest it (worth keeping in mind that this isn’t always a positive or negative thing on its own).
Quercetin Dihydrate
This compound is a bioflavonoid that may increase the body’s ability to absorb catechins from green tea and resveratrol; it looks to be synergistic with several other compounds in EBOOST’s Energy Powder.
Resveratrol
A compound (commonly found in wine) that received significant hype in recent years as a “youth compound” that could extend lifespan. That’s a dubious claim, but the compound may still have heart-healthy and significant antioxidant properties for humans.
Huperzia Serrata< Whole Plant Extract (1% Huperzine A)
Huperzine A is an herb-derived chemical that has been used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s. Studies show it may improve cognitive function and memory.
Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract
One of Traditional Chinese Medicine’s fundamental and most well-studied herbs, Astragalus has been shown to benefit the kidneys and is also linked to anti-inflammatory properties. It may be adaptogenic in its effects, protecting against the effects of stress and neural decline.
The majority of human research, though, focuses on astragalus’ properties as they relate to the kidneys, though there’s some promising research suggesting it could improve exercise endurance. It generally has poor oral bioavailability (better via injections) and may interfere with some pharmaceuticals because it inhibits the enzyme CYP3A4. It’s an ingredient we’ve seen before in Onnit’s Shroom TECH Sport blend of adaptogenic and energy-boosting mushrooms.
EBoost Energy Plus Vitamins nutrition label and ingredients
Grape Seed Extract
An extract that contains tannins and procyanidins, which may enhance blood flow. It may act similarly to green tea catechins, which are often touted as “fat burners.”
Vinpocetine
Vinpocetine is a chemical derived from the periwinkle plant, and it’s known to increase cerebral blood flow.
Other ingredients: Stevia leaf extract (150 mg), maltodextrin, malic acid, potassium bicarbonate, citric acid, natural flavors, potassium carbonate, beet color, sodium bicarbonate, potassium citrate, silica.
Usage Guidelines
- Add 1 packet to 12 fl. oz. of water and allow to effervesce.
- Drink 1 to 2 packets daily.
- Do not exceed recommended intake.
- Recommended for 15 years and older.
What Our Testers Say
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“Full disclosure, I can be sensitive to caffeine. But if I took this without any other caffeine on the day, I really liked EBOOST Energy Powder (depending on the flavor). I didn’t feel jittery, but I think any more caffeine would have gotten me that way. I’m not sure exactly how effective their proprietary blend is as far as nootropics, because they don’t list exact amounts for many. However, I felt sharp and pretty on my game when I took this with lunch a few days last week. I also don’t drink enough water at work, I often just forget, so my guess is the electrolytes and liquid kept me a bit more hydrated and feeling better than normal.”
“The powder effervesces pretty hard at first, so I normally let it sit for a few minutes before drinking. It was a bigger boost than a cup of coffee, for sure (but I wouldn’t take it close to when I take coffee). I didn’t experience a niacin flush from this, but I wonder if some people might. I wouldn’t mind adding this to some cold water in the future at the office or maybe even before a workout.”
“I liked it, pleasant tasting, a good buzz, but I was still able to focus and didn’t have any jitters (note: my caffeine tolerance is pretty high).”
“I tried this in a less-than-very-cold glass of water, and I did not like it. But it tastes pretty good when the water is cold, or in a water bottle with some ice. It’s a good buzz, and I appreciate something that’ll help keep my better hydrated than coffee throughout the day.”
Which Flavor of EBOOST Energy Powder Is Best?
Overall, our least favorite flavor of EBOOST Energy Powder was Pink Lemonade, which just seemed too light and a bit artificial tasting. Orange was pleasant, not unlike Tang or even a milder Hi-C. It was overall refreshing.
Across the board, our testers preferred their Acai Pomegranate flavor to the others. It seemed better balanced, a good mix of sweet and tart, with a minimal aftertaste.
BrainWiz Tips
- We found the manufacturer’s water recommendation, 12 ounces, to be just about right as far as flavor and fizz.
- The colder the water, the better the experience when drinking this supplement.
- While EBOOST Energy Powders contain a manageable amount of caffeine for our testers (110mg), tolerance will vary. With the included synergistic ingredients, the impact of the caffeine may be greater than the amount implies. It’s worth starting with half a dose in 6 ounces of water to assess tolerance.
- We got the best results when pairing with food, especially lunch. Taken alone first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, the product was almost too fizzy.
- If you’re very sensitive to caffeine, stimulants, or certain neurotransmitter boosters like 5-HTP, it’s probably best to talk to your healthcare practitioner before taking this supplement
Supplement Summary
EBOOST Energy Powder was better than expected for all of our testers. It may be light on nootropics as far as amounts, but everything comes in a convenient package that tastes pretty good and gives more than a quick-flash buzz.
Our favorite flavor was Acai Pomegranate, and we also had success only taking a half serving of the 7.1 gram packets for a slightly milder boost or later in the day.