Common Questions (the XS FAQ)
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Recent News
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XS Gear CA Live
XS Gear now has a new and true Canadian Partner Store website... www.xsgear.ca! All orders are now charged in Canadian funds and will be shipped out of a Canadian Warehouse. All customs duties are prepaid by XS Gear and will not be passed on to the Canadian IBOs. In addition IBOs will earn 12% PV and 30% BV of net sale!
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XS Energy Drink logos and can images
You are now required to get permission from Quixtar to use the XS Energy Drink logos and can images on personal websites. To find out more information about this change in policy, or about using the XS Energy Drink logo and can images, please contact Quixtar for permission to begin the process of obtaining written authorization to use the XS trademarks.
Requests will be handled on a case by case basis, depending on intended use of the XS trademarks. Not all requests will be granted.
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XS Energy Drink Availability
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New Flavours
The newest flavor from XS Energy Drinks is XS Peach Tea Blast! Energy and B vitamins in a blast of refreshing peach tea flavour.
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New Markets
After tasting an XS Energy Drink, most people are immediately excited. Suggestions to expand XS into other countries come up frequently. Such expansion is being researched and considered for many areas, including Korea, Japan, India, Europe and South America.
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Why is XS drink packaged in 8.4 oz. cans?
The 8.4 oz (250 ml) can size became very popular with the recent explosion of the new energy drink market. This size is very comfortable to hold, especially for children. It fits conveniently into briefcases and purses.
Perhaps most important is the fact that an 8.4 oz (250 ml) can is small enough to consume in a single sitting. 12 oz (355 ml) drinks may typically not be completely consumed in a single sitting, so they may spill or go to waste.
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Potential & Competition
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How big is the Energy Drink Market?
Energy drinks have been around for more than a decade, mainly throughout Asia and Europe. They are fairly new to North America, but have grown in popularity at an amazing pace. It has been reported that the Energy Drink market grew from $100,000,000 to more than $250,000,000 in just two years ending in the middle of 2002. Red Bull, the most widely advertised energy drink, claims to sell over one billion cans world-wide each year.
The fast growth of the specialized coffee market has also contributed significantly to creating a demand for daily drinks that provide an energy boost. The major specialized coffee marketers have been expanding to cold, canned drinks to make the daily use of their products more convenient and practical. This direction is perfect for Energy Drinks.
The average family drinks several gallons of liquid every day. Many of those liquids are consumed cold, out of cans and as an energy boost. A typical "XS Consuming Family" of four easily consumes more than 4 12-packs per month. This is only 48 cans for the entire family per month. This is barely 1 can every 3 days per family member. Anyone who has introduced great tasting XS drinks to their families knows that this is a very conservative amount, and the reality of normal consumption in such families is actually greater.
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How does the XS Energy Drink price compare with the market price?
Energy drinks range from $2-$5 per can in convenience stores and restaurants. XS Energy drink has a suggested retail of $2.50 per can in Canada.
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General Questions
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Why can’t we ship XS Energy Drink to PEI?
Prince Edward Island’s Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment administers the Litter Control Regulations under the Environment Protection Act. These regulations state that all flavoured carbonated beverages must be sold in refillable bottles. This does not cover the Teaberry Blast, which is not carbonated.
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Why does the Cranberry Grape flavour have more calories than the Citrus Blast?
The natural fructose that is found in the ‘cranberry’ gives that one additional calorie. There have been no additional sugars added to cause that increase. The actual calories added is less than 1/2 of a calorie, but Canadian law requires that it be listed as one full calorie.
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Has the water used in XS Energy Drink been filtered?
Yes, the water has been both purified and filtered prior to being carbonated.
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Is XS Energy Drink safe to drink daily?
Yes. If you consume soft drinks or coffee daily, then XS shouldn't be much different.
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Will the energy effects be decreased if taken daily?
No. In fact, we find that people respond positively to long-term use, particularly with regard to the herbs. Ginseng and other herbs require at least six to eight weeks of use for a significant bioactive result.
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What, if any, are the long-term side affects of regular consumption of XS Energy Drink?
Caffeine may result in increased concentration and co-ordination. New studies are showing a lower incidence of dementia and Alzheimer’s in people who have moderate to high caffeine use on a daily, long-term basis.
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Does this drink have addictive qualities/properties?
Only in as much as caffeine use can be construed to be addictive.
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What, if any, is the intended use for athletes?
Caffeine can cause increased performance in an athlete and that is why the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sports lists caffeine (at certain levels) as a banned substance for elite athletes. Please review their web site at http://www.cces.ca/ for more information. Athletes at these high levels should always know the restricted and banned substances related to their sport and to the International sports world, and should always make the decision themselves should they choose to take a product. The final decision is always in the hands of the athlete.
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Is XS drink safe for kids and if no why?
Better Life Institute (BLI) is suggesting that it is better for kids than colas or other caffeinated sodas because it does not have the sugar or calories. The only issue is whether or not parents want their kids drinking caffeine. If a parent or guardian does not allow their child to drink soft drinks or coffee then they may want to dilute or prohibit XS Energy Drink.
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Should those with high blood pressure consume this drink?
I think the issue is hypertension - - anyone who is caffeine sensitive or has been told by a doctor to not use caffeine, should not use this drink.
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Should those with hypoglycemia use this drink?
There is no real sugar in the drink. Anyone with a medical condition should always consult with his or her physician. Many diabetics enjoy XS Energy Drink after they have discussed the use with their doctor.
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What, if any, is the difference between the caffeine in Guarana and the caffeine in coffee?
Caffeine is caffeine. Guarana is one source and coffee is another. The caffeine is no different from one source to the other. In its purest form it is called 1,3 dimethylzanthine. We added Guarana because of taste. Had we used coffee - - the taste would be significantly different, as you can well imagine.
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Who is the target population for XS drink?
People who need energy but don’t want the calories and carbohydrates of traditional energy drinks or sodas.
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What is the role of XS Energy Drink in the typical diet?
As an additional source of energy throughout the day and as a nice treat. XS Energy Drink is also a good addition to any weight management program as it helps reduce appetite (a natural benefit of caffeine).
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What are the three sources of Ginseng?
Panax Ginseng = Panax Ginseng
Panax Quinquefolium = American Ginseng
Eleutheroccus senticosus = Siberian Ginseng
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Drink Questions
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How much sugar is in an XS Energy Drink?
There is less than 1/2 calorie of sugar in XS Energy Drinks. This qualifies for the government-approved statement "No Sugar". The 8 calories in XS are from amino acids and are protein calories that aid your body’s natural metabolic process.
Most 8 ounce energy drinks in the market today have over 100 calories from 27-30 grams of sugar, which is a simple carbohydrate. Most 12 ounce non-diet soft drinks have 170 calories from 40 grams of sugar. Most 5.5 ounce juice drinks have 80 calories from 20 grams of sugar.
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Why is it important to not have sugar or carbohydrate calories in any drink?
Calories from sugar and carbohydrates may increase fat deposits. Simple carbohydrates are also called high glycemic (high sugar) foods. High-glycemic foods cause your body to pump insulin to digest the sugar, which sends a message to your body to store calories as fat. Low glycemic foods do not pump insulin to the same degree and aid in your body’s natural metabolism of fat, using your body’s fat resources as fuel. Many experts fear that the epidemic incidence of Diabetes in North America today may be significantly contributed to by high-glycemic diets. The 8 calories in XS are from amino acids and are protein calories that aid your body’s natural metabolic process.
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Is XS safe for diabetics?
XS drinks are exactly what diabetics have been looking for. With zero sugar, diabetics can safely enjoy great taste with great benefits and the extra boost of energy they need.
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What is Ace-K ?
Ace-K is a non-caloric, non-cariogenic (does not promote tooth decay), non-nutritive sweetener that delivers powerful, great-tasting sweetness (approximately 200 times as sweet as sucrose). Preferred because it's sweet taste is perceived quickly, does not linger, and does not persist longer than the taste of the product, it provides excellent sugar-like taste. For more information visit Interview with Dr. Laszlo Somogyi Ph.D. http://www.gr2control.com/somogyi.html
The Mayo Clinic and the American Diabetes Association approve the use of Ace-K for diabetics. They like this artificial sweetener because it is calorie-free and no studies have proved negative effects on diabetes. Check out http://www.mayoclinic.com info, from there click on Diseases & Conditions A-Z and then click on Diabetes in the Disease & Condition Center, from there click on Eating Well in the Take Control area, and finally from there click on Artificial sweeteners: OK if you have diabetes? in the Diet dos and don'ts area.
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Is there caffeine in XS Energy Drinks?
Yes, there are 83 milligrams of caffeine in a can of XS Energy Drink. This is about the same amount of caffeine as in a normal cup of coffee and most soft drinks. If you are caffeine-sensitive, none of these caffeine-containing drinks may be for you.
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Doesn't caffeine make you jittery?
Everyone's body reacts differently to different foods. In most cases, it is not caffeine that makes people "jittery". It is usually the "sugar high" that makes people "jittery". When they "crash" after a sugar high, some people think the solution is another "sugar high" that starts another up-down-up-down cycle that can be very unhealthy both short term and long term.
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Why is caffeine in the drinks?
The drinks are ENERGY drinks and in order to deliver energy without loads of calories from sugar, you have to find a way to quickly deliver B-vitamins and amino acids. Caffeine is a great way to enhance performance as well as open the blood vessels so that vitamins and amino acids can quickly enter the bloodstream and give you a boost without the sugar highs and crashes.
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Are there any other benefits to caffeine?
Caffeine is credited with increasing the substance, serotonin, in the neural connections (synapses) in the brain. This increase in serotonin is credited with increasing concentration and focus. It is also credited with elevating one's mood.
Ritalin is a commonly used drug with ADD and ADHD patients. A major component of Ritalin is caffeine. That caffeine is credited with calming down these patients and increasing the amount of time they can focus on the topic at hand.
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What are Adaptogenic Herbs?
The herb blend used in XS Energy Drinks aid the body in managing stress. When your body stresses it pumps cortisol. Cortisol in the blood stream sends a message to your body that you need foods high in fat and sugar, also known as ‘comfort foods.’ Studies show that some herbs suppress the production of cortisol and decrease the cravings some people have for comfort foods. Also, athletes will find that the speed of their recovery time increases after workouts using specific herbs, such as the blend found in XS Energy Drinks. The blend of herbs in XS Energy Drinks is very similar to the blend used by Russian Olympic Athletes to overcome stress from their workouts and radically reduce recovery times.
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Are XS Energy Drinks safe for children and pregnant mothers?
XS Energy Drinks are generally as safe as a cola drink or cup of tea or coffee. In fact, due to the lack of sugar, XS is recommended by many health professionals as a much better ‘treat’ for most children than sodas or even juices. Due to the herb content and Vitamin-B complex, drinking XS Energy Drinks will offer many of the same benefits as drinking Green Tea – very beneficial for managing stress and as an antioxidant.
If parents ever question whether their children should drink any drink it is suggested that they consider diluting the drink with water.
Pregnant women are not encouraged to use any drink containing herbs. There are many unknowns about herbs and their long-term effects on a developing fetus. Until more is known about herbs, many health professionals recommend staying away from them while pregnant to be on the safe side.
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Triple Ginseng Blend
American Ginseng (Panax Quinquefolium), Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), and Korean/Asian Ginseng (Panax Ginseng) are probably the most potent natural substances that work through the adrenal glands to produce adjustments in the body to both combat and resist stress. All 3 are related, but each has unique properties that improve concentration, physical stamina, work capacity and immune function. XS is the only energy drink to contain all three.
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Echinacea Purpurea
A flowering herb that stimulates the immune system, which can become weakened during times of stress & fatigue.
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Schisandra
A berry that increases energy level & improves concentration, coordination, & endurance, also improves liver function.
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Astragalus
A root that strengthens the immune system, which can become weakened during times of stress & fatigue.
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Reishi
A mushroom used to prevent fatigue & reduce stress. It is also a potent immune system enhancer with significant anti-tumor effects.
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Will the energy effects be decreased if taken daily?
No. In fact, it has been found that people respond positively to long-term use, particularly with regard to the herbs. Ginseng and other herbs require at least six to eight weeks of use for a significant bioactive result.
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Isn't Ginseng on the "Banned Substances" list used by the Olympics and NCAA college athletics?
Ginseng has been rejected by many coaches in and out of the NCAA because it is supposedly on the "Banned Substances" list for the NCAA and the Olympics. Please refer to the web address below for a list of “Banned Substances” and notice that ginseng is not on the list.
SEE WEBSITE: http://www.ncaa.org/sports_sciences/drugtesting/banned_list.html
There is not enough ginseng to cause concern (XS has an adaptogenic blend of herbs that work in a cocktail, but each herb by itself is less than 10% of an effective dosage).
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Is it possible to overdose on B vitamins?
No. B vitamins are part of the group called "water soluble" vitamins. Excessive amounts of "water soluble" vitamins are merely excreted through the urine.
"Fat soluble" vitamins can be retained in the body and cause overdose damage. The four vitamins considered to be" fat soluble" are: A, D, E and K.
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Taurine
An amino acid that helps maintain biochemical interactions involved in muscle contraction
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Glutamine
An essential amino acid during periods of stress, enhances intestinal absorption of nutrients, maintains immune response & may enhance exercise performance.
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Why are coloring dyes used in XS drinks?
This is an important question, because there has been a lot of press about some chemicals that are dangerous and had been used in the past to add color to food. None of those dangerous chemicals are used in XS Energy Drinks. It is important not to confuse safe, everyday dyes used in countless food products with entirely different products that were also used to color food products. This is analogous to believing that all wall paints should be avoided because some wall paints in the past contained the dangerous chemical, lead.
XS Energy Drinks use two very safe, very popular and frequently used food colorings. The two food colors are: Yellow #5 (2mg or 8 parts per million) in the Citrus and Red #40 (2.5mg or 10 parts per million) in the Cranberry to supplement the natural colors. Extensive scientific studies have never discovered any negative side-effects from these dyes at these extremely low amounts. They are VERY safe.
The reason XS Energy Drinks contain these dyes is the same reason they contain flavourings. It's great to take vitamins and adaptogenic herbs for your body, it's just hard to get people to take pills or eat all the things they need to in order to get it. We put all the good stuff in a form that appeals to most people in regards to taste, appearance and convenience.
All this being said, XS Energy Drinks are not for everyone. If people are hyper-sensitive to dyes or caffeine or flavorings or aluminum cans or artificial sweeteners or carbonation or whatever else XS may contain that they don't like, they should use some of the other great drinks that Quixtar offers, such as Active8, Protein Drinks, Coffee, Tea, etc. . .
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Does XS contain Sodium Benzene?
There has been some concern recently over reports published on the Internet that high levels of benzene might occur in carbonated soft drinks, including drinks like XS Energy Drinks (benzene is present in most drinking water in extremely low levels). The conditions for benzene creation include vitamin C, benzoate, exposure to high heat and UV sunlight. While vitamin C and benzoate are common in many soft drinks and in the non-caffeinated XS Energy Drink flavours, XS Energy Drinks are not exposed to high heat or UV light. Tests from a world renowned beverage laboratory confirmed that there were no appreciable levels of benzene in any of the XS Energy Drinks.
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XS GEAR Shipping
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General XS Gear Shipping Info
All XS Gear orders will be shipped out of our Canadian Warehouse and will generally take 7-10 business days (this excludes weekends) for processing, shipment and delivery.
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XS Gear Orders to Canada
Orders to Canada are shipped via UPS from Vancouver, BC. Expect your order in approximately 7-10 business days from order date.
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Can we get products that no longer appear on the site?
All of our available items are found on the website. Any items that we have run out of or discontinued are taken off the website. We also remove color and size options as they become unavailable. So if you cannot find your favorite item, size or color on the XSGear.ca website, then you cannot order them.
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Return Policy
We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If for any reason you're not completely satisfied we will gladly accept a return for exchange or for refund (less S&H), provided the item is returned in original condition within thirty (30) days from date of shipment.
Please refer to our Return section under Support for more info.
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Available Drinks
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Tropical Blast (only with caffeine verson available in Canada)
Fabulous new flavor. The refreshing blend of Passion Fruit, Pineapple and Peach give the new XS addition a unique flavor profile never seen before.
To accommodate personal preferences, we created two versions of the new Tropical Blast Flavor...Caffeine and Caffeine Free). The pure ocean-blue can will have the same compliment of energy boosters that is found in the popular Citrus and Cranberry-Grape flavors. The Caffeine Free version of Tropical Blast has a red band around the bottom signifying the absence of caffeine and ginseng. Vitamin C (200% RDA) and Folic acid were also added to this new "Red Band" version.
INGREDIENTS: Carbonated Water, L-Taurine, T-Glutamine, Citric Acid, Proprietary Herb Blend (Elutherococcus, Senticosus, Panax Ginseng, Panax Quinquefolium, Schisandra, Astragalus, and Reishi), Natural Flavors, Acesulfame Potassium, Caffeine, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sucralose, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine HCL, Red Yellow 6, Cyanocobalamin. “Protein Source from freeform Amino Acids”
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Cola Blast
XS Cola Blast leaves the competition all dried up on the side of the road by offering the traditional refreshing taste of cola with none of the sugar or carbs and only 8 calories. And keeping with the XS trend, we've put together our premium blend of herbs, key amino acids and B-vitamins. You never know when you'll need a little pick-me-up, so get the cola that knows what you want and gives you the satisfaction you need.
INGREDIENTS: Carbonated Water, L-Taurine, T-Glutamine, Citric Acid, Cranberry Juice Concentrate, Proprietary Herb Blend (Ginseng, Schisandra, Astragalus, and Reishi), Natural Flavors, Acesulfame Potassium, Caffeine, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sucralose, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine HCL, Red 40, Cyanocobalamin. “Protein Source from freeform Amino Acids”
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Citrus Blast
A powerful infusion of orange, lemon, and lime designed to boost you into high gear. Citrus Blast XS Energy Drink contains only 8 calories, which means that it does not use normal sugar-based sweeteners. Like all five products in the line, Citrus Blast is a zero-carb drink, which can be consumed by carb-conscious consumer and diabetics alike.
INGREDIENTS: Carbonated Water, L-Taurine, T-Glutamine, Citric Acid, Adaptogen Blend (Elutherococcus, Senticosus, Panax Ginseng, Panax Quinquefolium, Schisandra, Astragalus, and Reishi), Natural Flavors, Acesulfame Potassium, Caffeine, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sucralose, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine HCL, Red Yellow 5, Cyanocobalamin. “Protein Source from freeform Amino Acids”
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Cranberry-Grape Blast (with caffeine)
The original flavor of cranberry and grape collide in a rush of energy in Cranberry-Grape Blast, the most popular drink in the XS line. This best seller is perfect for people seeking a powerful pick-me-up without the added calories and carbs.
INGREDIENTS: Carbonated Water, L-Taurine, T-Glutamine, Citric Acid, Cranberry Juice Concentrate, Adaptogen Blend (Elutherococcus, Senticosus, Panax Ginseng, Panax Quinquefolium, Schisandra, Astragalus, and Reishi), Natural Flavors, Acesulfame Potassium, Caffeine, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sucralose, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine HCL, Red 40, Cyanocobalamin. “Protein Source from freeform Amino Acids”
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Black Cherry Cola Blast
It's new, it's now, and it's Back In Black! Cola is back by popular demand with a new twist on the original that's going to rock your world! The classic taste of cola has been twisted with vibrant black cherry creating the newest member to the XS Energy Drink lineup. XS Black Cherry Cola Blast energizes your body so you can go strong all day and rock all night without the crash and burn. The taste is smooth and has a full load of B-vitamins. And with no sugar, no carbs, and only 8 calories, it's still a great alternative to sodas. XS Black Cherry Cola Blast - Energy Amplified! .
INGREDIENTS: Carbonated Water, L-Taurine, T-Glutamine, Citric Acid, Proprietary Herb Blend (Ginseng, Schisandra, Astragalus, and Reishi), Natural Flavors, Acesulfame Potassium, Caffeine, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sucralose, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine HCL, Red 40, Cyanocobalamin. “Protein Source from freeform Amino Acids”
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NEW: Improved Tea-Berry Blast Flavor
XS Tea-Berry Blast has been one of our healthiest products to date. Tea-Berry offers the antioxidant and calorie burning power of green tea, while offering an energy drink without carbonation. We wanted more consumers to be able to enjoy this powerful drink, so we incorporated a new blend of green and black tea for a smoother Rich Tea taste! Even non-tea drinkers are saying that the new taste of Tea-Berry Blast reminds them of other market leaders, with the essence of Raspberry and benefits of XS Energy Drink’s vitamin and herb complex in each can.
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Rootbeer Blast in Limited Edition Krakoosh Can
The Krakoosh Rootbeer Blast XS Energy Drink is offered in a limited-edition Krakoosh can featuring the wild and adventurous artwork of Steven Chew – a totally awesome collectible that will be offered for a limited time while supplies last. Get ready to wash the dusty trail from your throat and put some Krakoosh in your day with the new XS Rootbeer Blast.
INGREDIENTS: Carbonated Water, Taurine, L-Glutamine, Natural Root Beer Flavor WONF, Caramel Color, Citric Acid, Proprietary Herb Blend (Eleutherococcus Senticosus, Panax Ginseng, Panax Quinquefolium, Schisandra, Astragalus, and Reishi), Acesulfame Potassium, Caffeine, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sucralose, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Pyrodoxine HCL, and Cyanocobalamin.
**Protein source from freeform amino acids.
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Cherry Blast
If high-gear means running on all cylinders, then new Cherry Blast by XS Energy Drink is a turbo boost that will get you back in action ahead of the pack! High-powered herbs, potent B-vitamins, and key amino acids combine with the sweet tartness of cherries and antioxident power of pomegranate offering a new way to energize life and manage stress! Move forward with another revolution in flavor from XS Energy Drink and leave sugar & carbs behind!
Remember, the Cherry Blast formula contains 100 mg of pomegranate extract powder.This is a concentrated extract powder which contains the polyphenols that give pomogrante its antioxidant capability. It is not a juice concentrate. So 2 to 3 cans of Cherry Blast has the antioxident benefits of one medium pomegrante! This is great news for all health conscious consumers.
INGREDIENTS: Carbonated Water, L-Taurine, L-Glutamine, Citric Acid, Proprietary Herb Blend (Elutherococcus Senticosus, Panax Ginseng, Panax Quinquefolium, Schisandra, Astragalus, and Reishi), Natural Flavors, Acesulfame Potassium, Caffeine, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sucralose, Naicin, Pyrodoxine HCl, and Cyanocobalamin. **Protein source from freeform amino acids.
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