Flash Up: My Go-To Energy Drink for a Quick Boost

I'm a student with a crazy schedule, so I'm always on the lookout for a quick energy boost that won't let me down. Energy drinks are perfect for that - they're super convenient, you don't have to wait for them to cool down, and they're easy to drink on the go. I've been a fan of Flash Up Energy for years, and I still love it, even if I don't drink it exclusively anymore.

I've tried the sour-sweet berry mix, the cloyingly sweet marshmallow, and the refreshing lime - I'll probably write reviews on the entire series of these drinks at some point. But for today's review, we're focusing on the original Flash Up. I've been using it for years, and it's been a staple in my energy drink collection.

The design has changed over the years. I don't have my own pictures, but you can see the old design on the product packaging, which I've attached, and it's easy to find online. Flash is updating their designs, making them more appealing, but still recognizable. Here, with the original Flash, the producers have gone for a minimalist look - the green color is gone, and the "lightning bolt" has been replaced with a more cardiac rhythm-like design. As someone who doesn't collect cans for their aesthetic, the visual isn't that important to me. While I think the original design is more attractive, this change isn't a deal-breaker for me.

One of the things I appreciate about Flash Up is its portability. The can is compact, making it easy to toss into my backpack or purse. The screw-top lid is also a nice touch, as it makes it easy to open and close the can without making a mess.

The manufacturer's information is on the sides - I won't retype it here, but if you need to see it, you can just zoom in on the image. Don't let the small dents on the can scare you - it survived a two-hour trip and got a bit squished in my backpack, but it didn't crack or leak.

Now, onto the good stuff... The taste and effect!

The taste is still a mystery to me - if other energy drinks from Flash have it listed, I'd expect a certain flavor profile. But the originals often don't give you a clear idea of what it is. I'd describe it as a fizzy drink with a pleasant tanginess, reminiscent of vitamin C or a sour candy. The foam from the drink is plenty, well-carbonated, and it's a joy to watch the bubbles rise and realize it doesn't lose its fizz after a few minutes.

Aftertaste is sweet, though - it's a bit of a downside. It's not cloyingly sweet, like their marshmallow flavor, but it's more of a sour-sweet mix. However, I think they might have overdone it on the sweetness - if they toned it down a notch, the drink would be perfect.

I tried the original Flash before the design change, but unfortunately, I don't remember what the taste was like. I do recall it being pleasant, though, and you couldn't quite put your finger on what it was. Maybe it was less sweet back then. I bought the original Flash to see how it compares, and I still love Flash, even if I don't drink it exclusively anymore.

Hands down, Flash Up is one of my top picks for energy drinks that really deliver. I'm talking Burn and Flash Up - I still can't choose between the two, and Adrenaline Rush is somewhere lower down the list. I've been loving Flash Up for years, and it genuinely gives me a boost - even when I'm feeling dead. Other energy drinks I've tried are basically just fizzy water with a few extra ingredients, but Flash Up is in a different league. The flavors are incredibly rich (which is why some people might say it tastes too chemical), and the effect lasts for at least five hours - I've even woken up in the middle of the night feeling more alert than I would have without it. So, for me, it's all about the effectiveness and taste. Plus, it's cheaper than Burn.

Speaking of which, I bought it for 84 rubles and found it at Maria-Ra, but you can also get it at Perekrestok, other grocery stores, and online at Ozon and Wildberries.

Price: 84 rubles

Where to buy: Maria-Ra (that's where I got it), Perekrestok, other grocery stores, Ozon, and Wildberries

The verdict. Flash Up is a solid energy drink that won't let you down - the only reason I'm not giving it five stars is that the aftertaste can be a bit too sweet for my taste.

Other energy drink reviews from me:

BUZZ ICE COFFEEBurn Qiwi-AppleJaguar BerryTarget Coconut Pineapple Flavor