Kronik Energy

Product Type:Functional: Energy Drink: Regular; Container: 16 oz Can
BevNET Review: Despite its conceptual name, Vengence is essentially Kronik’s spin on the “classic” energy drink flavor (citrus berry). It drinks very much like countless other energy drinks on the market, which, depending on the consumer is likely to illicit a different type of response. The only difference – at least between some of the brands it will compete with – is the use of a sugar and sucralose blend to cut the caloric and sugar content. Functionally, they’ve differentiated the product slightly, adding glucosamine and several other elements that aren’t found in some of the mainstream brands. We think the fact that it tastes identical to other products limits the chances of Kronik establishing a loyal relationship with the consumer base. Still, as part of the larger energy drink line, it’s sort of a “must have” for any energy drink brand, so we understand why they’ve created this flavor. However, labeling it in such a way that this is obvious to the consumer would be helpful – Vengence doesn’t really tell you much. On the outside, the new owners of Kronik have chosen to keep the brand’s logo and signature barbed-wire iconography. Our bet is that this has the most appeal with a male demographic that is into more aggressive-looking products. Overall, it’s good entry with decent caffeine kick (150mg per can), but it’s one that is more opportunistic than innovative. Reviewed on: 6/28/2010

Product Type:Functional: Energy Drink: Diet; Container: 16 oz Can
BevNET Review: The “Low Carb” variety of Kronik’s Vengence energy drink takes a slightly different approach from its counterpart, with not only a lower calorie formulation but also marketing that focuses on some kind of an appetite-suppressant component. In terms of flavor, it drinks very much like other low carb “classic” energy drinks, with a mellow berry citrus flavor, a fair amount of bite, and some sweetener aftertaste (from dextrose, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium) at its finish. The drink’s functional cocktail includes standard energy drink ingredients, including caffeine (150mg per can), taurine, B vitamins, as well as grape seed extract, glucosamine, glucuronolactone, licorice root extract, ginger root extract, and more. The appetite suppressant function comes from the addition of L-carnitine, but its dose (20mg per can) is significantly lower than supplement products in pill form. Packaging is decorated in such a way that it’s extremely obvious that the product is a low carb or diet offering. However, we find the “CAUTION: MAY SUPPRESS APPETITE” text to be somewhat offputting – and it will likely eliminate those who are either not interested in or not familiar with this function. Figuring out a better way to describe this – or perhaps eliminating it altogether – might make for a more marketable product. Overall, a good tasting product that uses a different functional approach than the competition, but we’re not convinced that this is the best approach to market. Reviewed on: 6/28/2010