Red Jak has been through several formulas, companies, and distributors since it was first introduced.

I never had the original Red Jak so I can't comment on the reformulations, but the new Big Red Jak (associated with the Big Red soda) is now readily available in mainstream C-stores.

I've found many places where this drink is available, two for one on a regular basis, making it a value proposition when faced with its full price competition.

Flavor

Big Red Jak has a tart, fruity flavor that is surprising at first. It's not overly carbonated and goes down light. Many energy drinks rely heavily on sweeteners to offset the vitamin taste that comes with some of the herbal ingredients, but Red Jak has found a new way to make these flavors blend pleasantly.

That being said, it's not a drink that I would necessarily reach for everyday. It's not that it tastes bad, but it has a strong aftertaste that stays with you. It's also one of those drinks that starts off refreshing, but becomes tiresome by the time you reach the end of the can. The Low Carb variant tastes very much the same with the predictable artificial sweetener aftertaste.

Ingredients

Big Red Jak has taken the "do more with less" stance with the formula. The can lists 15 total ingredients including Taurine, Glucoronolactone, Ginseng Extract, Inositol and L-Carnitine. Caffeine clocks in at 82mg per serving.

Energy

Depending on how accustomed you are to drinking loads of caffeine, Big Red Jak is going to be disappointing or just right. This drink definitely isn't going to make you bounce off the walls or bring on any serious jitters.

If you are looking for a middle-of-the-road energy boost, non-offensive flavor, and pretty good value, Red Jak is the drink for you. If you are disappointed by across the board mediocrity, you'll want to pass on this one.

Reviewed by TNT