Ai Energy – Jack Owoc’s Cognizin-Powered Nootropic Energy Drink

After creating and pioneering the performance energy drink category with Bang Energy, industry veteran Jack Owoc is back with his most ambitious creation yet – Ai Energy. This innovative nootropic energy drink aims to transcend traditional energy supplementation by targeting multiple neurotransmitter systems for enhanced focus, motivation, and cognitive performance.

Ai Energy: A Radically Different Approach to Energy Drinks

Jack Owoc launches Ai Energy with a revolutionary nootropic energy drink featuring Cognizin® Citicoline that targets dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine neurotransmitter systems in a sustainability-focused 12oz can design with zero sugar and calories.

At the heart of Ai Energy’s formula is Cognizin® Citicoline from Kyowa Hakko, a premium form of CDP-choline that supports brain energy utilization and neurotransmitter production. This patented ingredient sets the foundation for what Owoc calls a “radically different” approach to energy drinks – one focused on optimizing four critical neurotransmitters: dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine.

An Energy Drink That Makes a Statement… in True Jack Owoc Style

Beyond just ingredients, Ai Energy represents a commitment to sustainability with its compact 12-ounce can design, using approximately 25% less packaging material compared to standard 16-ounce energy drinks. The formula is free from sugar, calories, carbohydrates, artificial colors, and artificial flavors – continuing Owoc’s mission of creating healthier alternatives in the energy drink space.

It even has a unique flavor agent we’ll need to discuss, and some great discussion on Jack’s choice of choline.

Additionally, Ai Energy utilizes some heavily AI-driven and inspired marketing strategies, including AI-generated videos of Jack himself on social media. The technology is solid, but not quite there yet, so it makes for some entertaining content in its own right.

Let’s get into the details, but first, check out PricePlow’s coupon-based prices and sign up for our Ai Energy news alerts:

Ai Energy Ingredients

Each 12-ounce can of Ai Energy contains:

• NeuroSync Proprietary Blend – 700mg

  The NeuroSync blend is proprietary, but knowing that we have 200mg caffeine per can, we know that we also have at least 200mg of N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine and Cognizin Citicoline — but mathematically, we can’t have too much more than 200mg.

  Let’s break the blend down:

  • N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine

    N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT) is an amino acid that serves as a precursor to several key neurotransmitters targeted by Ai Energy – specifically dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.^[1] This amino acid form crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it’s converted to L-DOPA and then to dopamine, which can be further converted to norepinephrine and epinephrine.^[2]

    Research shows that higher-dose tyrosine supplementation can enhance cognitive performance, particularly during stressful or demanding situations that might otherwise deplete these crucial neurotransmitters.^[3] The benefits are most pronounced when cognitive demands are high or during periods of mental fatigue^[4] – exactly the situations where many people reach for an energy drink.

    Given the dose, we know it’s at least 200mg, which puts it in a range that could start to support these cognitive benefits, especially when combined with the drink’s other nootropic ingredients. It’s a smart inclusion that aligns with Owoc’s focus on neurotransmitter optimization.

  • CDP-Choline (Cognizin®)

    At the heart of Ai Energy’s formula is Cognizin®, a patented form of citicoline developed and manufactured by Kyowa Hakko. This unique compound, protected by four U.S. patents^[5-8] (including the new Cognizin patented in 2024), represents the gold standard in cognitive enhancement ingredients.

    

    Cognizin® Citicoline is dubbed the The Brain Choline not just because it provides choline, but because it also supplies cytidine, which is also needed for the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine

    Cognizin provides the brain with two essential nutrients: choline and cytidine (which converts to uridine), making it a comprehensive brain health compound that goes beyond basic choline supplementation.^[9]

    The science behind Cognizin citicoline’s effectiveness lies in its dual-action approach to supporting brain function. When consumed, citicoline breaks down into choline and cytidine, both of which can cross the blood-brain barrier.^[10] Once in the brain, these compounds support the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine and other essential phospholipids needed for healthy cell membranes.^[10-12]

    Additionally, citicoline serves as a precursor to acetylcholine, a crucial neurotransmitter involved in cognitive processes.^[10] It can also help support dopamine and norepinephrine levels.^[10]

    Cognizin citicoline supports brain and cognitive health^[9,13-17] while helping maintain healthy neurotransmitter levels.^[10] When taken daily, it also supports long-term brain health.^[11,16] The compound supports phospholipid metabolism in the brain and aids in phosphatidylcholine production.^[10-12] For mental energy, Cognizin® provides daily support for brain health^[11,16] and supports healthy brain cell signaling, brain DNA synthesis, and repair.^[10,18,19]

    Importantly, Ai Energy specifically chose Cognizin citicoline over other potential ingredients. This decision was based on research suggesting that citicoline may offer superior outcomes for cognitive enhancement, particularly when considering long-term brain health implications.^[20-22] Citicoline maintains an excellent safety profile while delivering comprehensive brain health benefits.

    

    The inclusion of Cognizin in Ai Energy’s formula demonstrates Jack Owoc’s commitment to using premium, research-backed ingredients. When combined with the drink’s other nootropic components, Cognizin creates a foundation for supporting both immediate cognitive performance and long-term brain health.

    Note that there’s a lot more research on Cognizin at both the 250mg and 500mg levels, but looking at this blend, it’s not possible that we have that much — however, we do have at least 200mg, so we’re close! For a deeper dive into the research behind this impressive ingredient, check out our comprehensive guide “Cognizin® Citicoline: The Brain Choline“.

  • Caffeine – 200mg

    At the core of Ai Energy’s formula is a precisely dosed 200mg of synthetic caffeine anhydrous, consciously chosen over “natural” caffeine sources. This decision stems from both environmental and functional considerations.

    Caffeine works primarily as an adenosine receptor antagonist, blocking adenosine’s sleep-promoting effects while simultaneously enhancing the release of several key neurotransmitters.^[23] These include dopamine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine – three of the four neurotransmitters specifically targeted by Ai Energy’s formula.

    

    The latest study performed on Cognizin® Citicoline was published in 2021, showing improved memory in healthy older adults.^[24]

    The 200mg dose sits in the sweet spot for cognitive enhancement, as doses between 150-250mg have been shown to improve attention, alertness, and mental performance.^[25] This moderate dosing strategy allows for noticeable benefits while minimizing the risk of jitters or anxiety that can occur at higher doses.

    Notably, Owoc opted for synthetic caffeine anhydrous over “natural” caffeine extracts, citing environmental concerns over rainforest destruction and excessive pesticide use in coffee bean farming. Synthetic caffeine offers identical benefits with superior consistency and purity.^[26]

    When combined with L-theanine and the drink’s other nootropic ingredients, this caffeine source provides clean, focused energy that supports both mental and physical performance without overshadowing the formula’s other carefully selected components.

  • L-Theanine

    L-theanine is a unique amino acid found primarily in tea leaves that helps promote relaxation without sedation.^[27]

    While caffeine provides stimulation, L-theanine works to “smooth out” the effects by promoting alpha brain wave activity – brain waves associated with a state of wakeful relaxation.^[28] This explains why many people report feeling more “focused” and less “jittery” when consuming caffeine and L-theanine together compared to caffeine alone.

    Research has shown that the combination of L-theanine with caffeine provides several synergistic benefits compared to either compound alone, including:

    

    • Improved reaction time and numeric working memory^[29]
    • Enhanced attention and accuracy during cognitively demanding tasks^[30]
    • Reduced mental fatigue^[29]

    Additionally, L-theanine appears to help manage stress and anxiety levels. Studies have found that supplementation with L-theanine can reduce both psychological and physiological stress responses.^[31]

    While we don’t know the exact dose of L-theanine in Ai Energy’s proprietary blend, research often uses a 2:1 ratio of L-theanine to caffeine, but we don’t have that here (and quite frankly, 400mg would be way too much for an energy drink). Even at more modest doses, the L-theanine inclusion helps differentiate this formula from basic energy drinks by potentially providing a smoother, more focused energy experience.

  • Huperzine A

    Huperzine A is a natural compound extracted from Chinese club moss that acts as a potent, selective acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, helping preserve acetylcholine levels in the brain.^[32] This makes it a perfect complement to Cognizin citicoline, as it helps maintain the elevated acetylcholine levels that Cognizin helps support.

    When compared to other cholinesterase inhibitors, Huperzine A demonstrates superior selectivity for acetylcholinesterase over butyrylcholinesterase, which may contribute to its favorable safety profile.^[33]

    

    Beyond its cholinergic effects, research shows that Huperzine A provides neuroprotection through multiple mechanisms. It helps regulate key neurotransmitter systems, reduces inflammation through nicotinic acetylcholine receptor activation, and protects against glutamate-induced toxicity.^[34]

    While we don’t know the exact dose in Ai Energy’s proprietary blend, Huperzine A is typically effective at very low doses (in the micrograms), making it a strategic addition to support the drink’s focus on optimizing multiple neurotransmitter systems, especially in conjunction with Cognizin’s acetylcholine-supporting properties.

  • Mucuna Pruriens

    Mucuna pruriens, also known as “velvet bean,” is a fascinating herbal ingredient that contains naturally-occurring L-DOPA (levodopa) – the direct precursor to dopamine.^[35] This makes it a perfect fit for Ai Energy’s focus on neurotransmitter optimization, particularly dopamine production.

    L-DOPA from Mucuna pruriens can cross both the blood-brain barrier and digestive barrier, where it’s converted to dopamine through the action of DOPA decarboxylase.^[36] Research suggests that Mucuna’s natural form of L-DOPA may have advantages over synthetic versions, particularly when it comes to absorption and utilization.^[37]

    

    Beyond its dopaminergic effects, Mucuna has been shown to possess powerful antioxidant properties that may help protect neurons.^[38] While we don’t know the exact dose in Ai Energy’s proprietary blend, its inclusion alongside tyrosine creates a multi-pathway approach to supporting healthy dopamine levels – a key neurotransmitter targeted by this formula for enhanced motivation, focus, and cognitive performance.

    This ancient herb’s presence in a modern energy drink formulation showcases Jack Owoc’s commitment to combining traditional wisdom with contemporary neuroscience for optimal performance benefits.

• Pinalia Jarensis Extract?

  You may have noticed that the label also states Pinalia Jarensis Extract (flavor agent) on the label. This is interesting because pinalia jarensis is the currently accepted name for an orchid species seen before in the dietary supplement industry, Eria jarensis.^[39] We can’t be sure of what’s extracted here, but this plant does have compounds that have been proclaimed to be generally recognized as safe as both food additives and flavoring agents.^[40,41]

The Story Behind Ai Energy

As with anything from Jack Owoc, the story is incredible:

• From Bang to Beyond

  Few names in the beverage industry carry as much weight as Jack Owoc. As the founder of VPX Sports and creator of Bang Energy, Owoc fundamentally transformed the energy drink landscape by pioneering the “performance energy” category – a segment that would go on to generate billions in sales and reshape consumer expectations of what an energy drink could be.

  

  See PricePlow’s ISSN 2024 Conference Recap, Powered by Cognizin® Citicoline

  Under Owoc’s leadership, Bang Energy achieved remarkable success by focusing on innovative formulations and creative marketing. The brand’s commitment to sugar-free, carbohydrate-free energy supplementation resonated strongly with health-conscious consumers, helping establish a new paradigm in the beverage industry. Jack was early to supplements with VPX Sports, he was early to Energy Drinks with Bang, and he dominated both landscapes for a great deal of time.

  Now, with Ai Energy, Owoc is leveraging over three decades of supplement industry experience to create what he considers his “most brilliant innovation ever”. This new venture represents more than just another energy drink launch – it’s the culmination of extensive research and development, including insights from Owoc’s own book containing over 1,100 scientific references on specialized ingredients and their synergistic effects.

  While Bang Energy’s chapter has closed, following disputes with Monster Energy earlier this decade, Ai Energy demonstrates Owoc’s resilience and continued dedication to innovation. The new brand maintains certain foundational principles that made Bang successful – like zero sugar and zero calories – while introducing entirely new concepts around neurotransmitter optimization and environmental sustainability.

  “Everything about Ai Energy is vastly different from Bang”, explains Owoc, who has focused on creating an entirely new category of energy drinks that emphasizes cognitive enhancement alongside physical energy. This approach, combined with the brand’s eco-conscious packaging decisions, signals a mature evolution in Owoc’s beverage industry journey.

• Innovation Meets Sustainability

  

  Danielle Citrolo of Kyowa Hakko USA joins PricePlow Podcast Episode #153 and discusses groundbreaking new gene research on Cognizin Citicoline and its potential for supporting brain health and cognitive function.

  While many energy drink companies focus solely on what’s inside the can, Ai Energy takes a holistic approach that includes environmental responsibility. By opting for a 12-ounce can instead of the industry-standard 16 ounces, Ai Energy reduces packaging material usage by approximately 25% – a significant step toward minimizing environmental impact in a category known for excess.

  The decision to use aluminum cans rather than plastic containers further demonstrates this commitment to sustainability. Aluminum is infinitely recyclable, unlike plastic which can take hundreds of years to decompose. Additionally, Owoc has taken a strong stance against “natural” caffeine sources, citing their contribution to rainforest destruction and excessive pesticide use, opting instead for pure synthetic caffeine in Ai Energy.

• A New Category of Energy

  Moving beyond traditional energy drink formulation, Ai Energy represents what Owoc calls the “nootropic energy” category – one that focuses on optimizing four key neurotransmitters:

  1. Dopamine
  2. Epinephrine
  3. Norepinephrine
  4. Acetylcholine
  

  Images courtesy Kyowa Hakko, the sponsor of this article

  As detailed in the ingredient breakdown above, this multi-faceted approach combines premium ingredients like Kyowa Hakko’s Cognizin® Citicoline with supporting compounds that work in concert to enhance both mental and physical performance.

  Rather than simply providing stimulation, this comprehensive formula aims to support sustained energy, enhanced focus, and improved mood. The inclusion of Cognizin®, which supports brain bioenergetics and neurotransmitter production, exemplifies Ai Energy’s commitment to delivering benefits that extend beyond the immediate energy boost typically associated with the category.

  This strategic positioning – combining cognitive enhancement, physical energy, and environmental consciousness – sets Ai Energy apart in an increasingly crowded market. And that’s without even talking about their wild marketing campaigns!

  As consumers become more educated about both ingredient quality and environmental impact, Ai Energy appears well-positioned to meet these evolving demands.

Flavors Available

Conclusion: The Future of Nootropic Energy?

Kyowa Hakko USA earns 4th patent for Cognizin Citicoline, further validating visual attention & cognitive performance benefits. New IP covers methods for enhancing attention, motor function & processing speed.

The launch of Ai Energy marks an exciting evolution in the energy drink market. By combining Kyowa Hakko’s patented Cognizin® Citicoline – which recently secured its fourth U.S. patent, further establishing it as the gold standard in cognitive enhancement ingredients – with a precisely selected stack of nootropic compounds, Ai Energy delivers on Jack Owoc’s vision for a more sophisticated energy drink experience.

The formula demonstrates clear intentionality in every aspect. From the careful selection of premium ingredients to the environmentally conscious packaging choices, Ai Energy reflects valuable lessons learned from decades of industry experience. By focusing on neurotransmitter optimization while avoiding certain ingredients, Owoc shows a mature understanding of both consumer needs and environmental responsibility.

As the energy drink market continues to evolve, products that can deliver both immediate benefits and long-term value will likely lead the way. Ai Energy’s emphasis on cognitive enhancement, sustainable packaging, and proven ingredients like Cognizin Citicoline positions it well for this future. While it’s still early days for this new venture, the thorough approach to both formulation and execution suggests that Ai Energy could indeed represent the next chapter in energy drink innovation.

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