Optimum Nutrition Performance Energy Reviews

It’s not clear yet if Optimum Nutrition is replacing their popular Amino Energy, but the release of their new Performance Energy has us at least speculating. The formulas in both are strikingly similar, so it’ll be interesting to see how this all plays out.

For now, here’s what we know about Optimum Nutrition’s new Performance Energy.

The Difference Between Amino Energy and Performance Energy

After comparing the two formulas, it appears that the new Performance Energy is essentially a stripped down version of Amino Energy. Ostensibly, the biggest difference you’ll notice between the two products is the energy formula.

The introduction of Performance Energy actually reminds me of what Optimum Nutrition did with their whey protein, offering a basic Performance Whey in addition to their Gold Standard Whey. If this is the case, then Amino Energy probably isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Performance Energy only has caffeine, and in the Amino Energy you’re going to get green tea extract, caffeine and green coffee extract.

What’s more, Performance Energy doesn’t contain the glutamine and arginine you get from Amino Energy.

That being said, Performance Energy is about $10 cheaper than Amino Energy, and holds 40 servings per container. Amino Energy only holds 30 per serving.

Performance Enhancing Aminos

You’re going to get a pretty broad assortment of essential and nonessential amino acids in here, but the main aminos that are going to boost performance are going to be the taurine, phenylalanine, beta alanine, micronized l-citurlline, and branch chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine and valine).

Taurine is going to improve hydration at the cellular level through cell volumization which pulls more nutrients into cells. Additionally, taurine helps boost recovery by preventing strength decreases after your workout.

The phenylalanine is going to help with focus and concentration, and beta alanine buffers lactic acid which delays muscle fatigue and allows you to get more reps.

Branch chain amino acids boost muscle growth and recovery by protecting muscles from excessive damage during exercise. They also provide an additional source of fuel for the body and increase strength and endurance.

Another amino acid in here you might be familiar with is l-citrulline, which the body converts to nitric oxide for better blood flow and muscle pumps.

When Should You Take Amino Energy?

There’s going to be 100 mg of caffeine in her per serving, so Performance Energy is ideal for either fasted cardio first thing in the morning or as an afternoon pick-me-up. The aminos in here will help keep your body anabolic in between meals and prevent muscle breakdown.

Savor the Flavor

The only flavor available right now is fruit punch, and it’s pretty much your standard fruit punch. It’s not the sexiest flavor, but it gets the job done. I can drink it just fine without any problem. It does foam a little at the top when you mix it, but it’s an amino acid product so that’s normal.

More Bang for Your Buck

Performance Energy is only about $25, and is perfect if you’re looking for an amino acid and energy product on a budget. You’re going to get a full 40 servings and some pretty effective ingredients like BCAA’s, l-citrulline, and taurine.