American Body Building: The Energy Drink Pioneer?
Although I often times discount Red Bull as being a solid contender in the energy drink market, I have always respected the drink for its history.
Until recently I’ve regarded Red Bull as the lone pioneer of the energy drink market, boldly strolling into vendor coolers donned in old western clothing complete with boot spurs.
I suspect some of you fellow energy fiends out there are in the same boat with me.
Get this, though: Red Bull was not alone back in the early days! American Body Building (ABB) recently supplied a wide range of their products to Energy Fiend and informed us that they created one of the first ever energy drinks.
I know, right? They did not make specific claims about who was first, but considering the fact that ABB started in 1985, I don’t doubt their merit in calling themselves an energy drink pioneer.
So why haven’t we known about this? Well, ABB has a strong focus on *gasp* body building and for the most part could probably care less about appealing to the everyday consumer. ABB did not create their first drink with the same focus that Red Bull did. While Red Bull made a drink that could happily sit alongside Coke, Pepsi, and Dr. Pepper in your local Seven Eleven, ABB made a drink that could happily sit alongside a lat pull machine or a rack of free weights in your local gym. They both offered the same general promise, but in radically different venues.
So what I’m writing here, my friends, is not a product review. Rather, this post is an introduction to a collection of ABB product reviews that are going to be posted in the coming weeks. Like I said earlier, ABB supplied Energy Fiend with a lot of product. If you’re not familiar with ABB products, you’re going to be amazed at how deep their roster is!
Written by Dusty Smith
13 Comments
I see their products in the cooler at GNC quite often, and I think I’ve tried at least one, but it was so long ago I can’t be sure. Definitely looking forward to seeing all that they’ve got and how it compares to other energy drinks
Tim, so far I’ve confirmed that you know what you’re talking about 
Thanks for the words of wisdom
One thing I can say about ABB is that their products stand out from everything else. Usual energy drinks come with a dramatic crash after it wears off. ABB’s energy line is totally different. It gives you the energy you need to train and then some. Highly recommend the whole line.
Never tried anything better then speed stack. ABB, products rocks and not mention, that they are the company that started it all when it comes to energy, protein drinks, carbs drink etc… Cheers
George
Nothing will ever come close to their original Ripped Force..wow!! Now they do have a new product out called Speed Shot Intensity..which is pretty dang close and sugar free..best on the market for quick , sustained energy in a small 8.5 oz serving…fruit punch is my favorite flavor, but they have a grape also.
Do you guys work for ABB or something? The fact that you all three are new, happen to love the products (when I’ve never heard of them), include your last names, and all responded within about an hour of each other gives it away. No offense, I just hate when companies try to trick people like that.
Glen, Tim, and George are all ABB/Optimum Nutrition sponsored athletes. Which is not to say their opinions aren’t honest and valid, I am sure they are. In the sake of full disclosure, it’s helpful to know who you are listening to.
I was wondering that as well. They definitely sound like they’re plugging for ABB. Couple that with the fact that they haven’t answered you Evan.
Ah, the light dawneth. Well, at least that’s honest, although they are a little biased.
Evan and Tim,
Glen, George, and Tim are not company employees per say, but as Mike J pointed out, they are indeed sponsored athletes. As the Marketing Manager for ABB/ON I offer my apologies if they came across as trying to pitch for the company. Another one of our athletes who frequents this site posted a link on one of our sites and apparently these guys followed the link. And while these guys all genuinely believe in and use the products – and did before they were sponsored – I’ve asked all of our athletes not to post so as to not influence or bias reviews or feedback in any way as we are genuinely interested and excited to see how energy fiend rates our products.
Jay
I would much rather a ABB energy drink then a red bull.. ABB tastes better and works better, and most of the time you can get them with Low Cal/Carb..
Thanks for answering, I just thought it seemed kind of suspicious.
Dusty, you’re in for a roller-coaster ride with these products. Some of them are awesome: taste great, loaded with caffeine; others taste like paint thinner. All I can say is watch out for anything Lemon-Lime…