AmiNO Energy Review

Posted by Coach Sean on Aug 20th, 2011 in Reviews, Supplements | 8 comments

The latest supplement I wanted to review was one that I have been trying for the past 30 days, AmiNO energy by Optimum Nutrition. AmiNO energy is a BCAA/Pre-workout supplement that I have come across because it had gotten good reviews and I was looking for something that I could use as a pre workout that didn’t have creatine. Why didn’t I want creatine?…because I’m currently cycling off of it and wanted to give myself a break. This supplement fit perfectly because it still gave me a little energy before my workout and was filled with some BCAAs to help with muscle growth, But did it stack up to the others I have tried? Read on to see.

Ingredients: I really liked the ingredients used in AmiNO energy due to the BCAAs used and the Beta Alanine. I thought they combined the right types of Amino acids into the supplement with not that many fillers. If your a artificial sweeter hater than you probably will mark it down in that category, but it is very hard to find a supplement that doesn’t have one in it. The one thing I didn’t like was that it has mostly Taurine (listed as for first ingredient). While Taurine has it’s place, I would have rather seen a BCAA be a main ingredient. But that aside I did like the fact they had some Beta Alanine and arginine as well. I also liked how they included caffeine from Green Tea. The only problem is the dosing. You don’t get very much per serving.

Rating: 8/10

Taste/Mixability: It is typically very difficult to make BCAAs taste decently but I think that Optimum Nutrition did a great job with Amino Energy. I really like the taste. The flavor that I tried was Fruit Punch and though it is a bit strong, I really enjoyed the flavor. Taste is subjective but if your a fruit punch person I think you will enjoy this. I got my fiance to try it as well and she also liked the taste…she is usually very picky.

Rating: 9.5/10

Effect: For a product that only uses green tea caffeine I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of energy it gave me during my workouts. The more scoops you use the more caffeine (typically 50 mg per scoop) but just getting 1-2 servings gives you enough sustainable energy to get you through the most grueling of P90X or Insanity workouts. I found that it worked well for both Cardio and Resistance. They say you can use this for an afternoon “pick me up” as well so they are trying to market the product for being versatile. I only have used it as a pre workout.

Rating: 8.5/10

Conclusion: Overall I like this product. It fits great into my diet when I am cycling off of create but still need a little energy. The Amino Acids are also a great benefit to your pre workout nutrition. I would recommend this product for anyone who wants to try a pre workout type of supplement but doesn’t want to get one with creatine or other stimulants. It is great for when your cycling off of creatine as well and is a good for someones first glimpse at what pre workouts have to offer.

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

8 Responses to “AmiNO Energy Review”

Todd says:

August 20, 2011 at 4:52 pm

I’m so glad you reviewed this product. I could not agree more with your evaluation of it. I’ve also found that mixing a little bit of Amino Energy in with your water while working out works very nicely. Solid review, keep them coming!
Coach Ant says:

August 21, 2011 at 5:53 pm

Nice review, How do you feel about the 6 scoops recommended for PWO and considering that its mainly just Amino Acids.
I have used this for a pick me (2 scoops)up but never for a PWO considering the cost of scoops and amount for PWO.
I support ON 100% and they have all solid products I was just a little weary about this for PWO, Thanks for reviewing this on the PWO effect.
Coach Sean says:

August 21, 2011 at 7:38 pm

@Ant: I have used it as a pre workout but only used 4 scoops. I think 200 mg of caffeine is plenty for a pre workout use. I like this as a pre workout because it gives ample amino acids with a moderate level of caffeine…I also like the fact that you can start with 2 scoops and add more if you need a little more “kick”. Glad you liked the review.
Dan V. says:

August 22, 2011 at 2:57 pm

AWESOME. No joke– I’ve been checking this out on the shelves the last few times I’ve been through my monthly supplement shopping list but always “x” it off just by way of redundancy despite all the great things I’ve heard about it. Never thought of it as an “off cycle” sub-in.

“Boughten”.
Coach Sean says:

August 22, 2011 at 10:31 pm

@Dan: Glad you found the review helpful bud.
Romall Smith says:

August 24, 2011 at 8:54 pm

my amino of choice without a doubt
Chris says:

September 26, 2011 at 2:14 pm

I plan to use this around 8:15 pm because the only time i can workout is around 9:00pm, would this be ok to use if i want to be done with working out by 10:30 pm and in bed by 11:00pm? Would the combination of working out and the energy boost have a lingering effect my sleep?
Coach Sean says:

September 29, 2011 at 10:01 am

@Chris: It depends how much caffeine effects you. The good news is that you can control how much you get. each scoop has around 50 mg of caffeine.