Brew Shockalaka: Zero Sugar Nootropic Coffee Beverage That Makes $7 Lattes Obsolete

Brew Shockalaka RTD coffee delivers zero sugar cognitive enhancement with 200mg natural caffeine + 1000mg nootropics. Three dessert-inspired flavors at just 45 calories.

When PricePlow's long-time friend Max Fairchild reached out about his new venture, we knew something special was brewing. Max, who first appeared on PricePlow's YouTube channel back in February 2018, has partnered with industry legend Chuck Letchman to create what might be the most disruptive entry in the RTD coffee alternative space we've seen: Brew Shockalaka.

This isn't just another zero-sugar energy drink masquerading as coffee... it's a complete reimagining of what a functional beverage can (and should) be. With three dessert-inspired flavors, 200mg of natural caffeine, and an impressive 1000mg of nootropics, and a hip twist of nostalgic music attached to it, Brew Shockalaka is positioning itself as the cognitive enhancement drink of the year. And it's one that refuses to compromise on taste.

Brew Shockalaka: Solving the Coffee Beverage Crisis

Let's be honest: the RTD coffee and energy drink market has a problem. Traditional bottled coffees pack 35-47g of sugar per serving, turning your morning pick-me-up into a nasty blood sugar rollercoaster. Meanwhile, the zero-sugar alternatives? They either taste like chemical warfare or completely lack the functional benefits modern consumers want.

Brew Shockalaka saw this gap and decided to shock the system. Zero sugar. Zero dairy. Zero compromises. And tons of focus, flavor, and fun.

Ready to shock your system? Use PricePlow to find great deals on Brew Shockalaka and sign up for alerts when new flavors drop! After that, let's get into the flavors and science:

Three Flavors That Definitely Don't Suck

"Brew Shock" is launching with three inaugural flavors, the first two of which we beta-tested and are out of this world:

• Salted Caramel

  Our early testing revealed this as an absolute standout. The salted caramel profile delivers authentic sweetness without any sugar, creating an indulgent experience that had our team doing double-takes at the nutrition label.

• Cafe Mocha

  Another phenomenal flavor from our testing – this delivers rich chocolate notes that complement the coffee base perfectly. It's dessert in a can, minus the guilt and sugar crash.

• Maple Cinnamon Donut

  This one has some solid bite to it. The cinnamon adds a warming spice that keeps things interesting, while the maple rounds out the profile with familiar breakfast vibes.

Brew Shockalaka Elevating Matrix Ingredients

We'll be detailing the science behind Brew Shock in a forthcoming podcast with Max Fairchild and in a future deep-dive article, but a brief summary is below. Each 11 oz can delivers a carefully crafted nootropic stack designed to enhance cognitive performance:

• N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine - 500mg

  N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine (NALT) serves as the cognitive backbone of Brew Shockalaka's nootropic matrix. This acetylated form of the amino acid L-tyrosine acts as a precursor to dopamine and norepinephrine, two critical neurotransmitters that govern focus, motivation, and mental clarity. When stress or demanding cognitive tasks deplete these catecholamines, NALT helps replenish them by providing the raw materials your brain needs to maintain peak performance.

  What makes L-tyrosine fascinating is its selective action: it enhances neurotransmitter synthesis only in actively firing neurons, essentially working where you need it most. Research shows tyrosine supplementation can improve working memory, cognitive flexibility, and executive function, but here's the key: these benefits really emerge when you're under pressure. Whether you're facing a deadline, navigating complex problem-solving, or pushing through mental fatigue, NALT helps maintain the catecholamine levels that keep you sharp.^[1]

  At 500mg per can, Brew Shockalaka delivers a meaningful dose that aligns with research protocols showing cognitive benefits, positioning NALT as more than just label decoration... it's a functional dose designed to support sustained mental performance when you need it most.

• Collagen Bovine Gelatin Hydrolysate - 250mg

  At just 250mg, the collagen dose in Brew Shockalaka won't deliver the skin and joint benefits seen with typical 2.5-10g clinical doses. So what's it doing here? The answer lies in the gelatin specification -- this isn't your standard collagen peptide powder, but a gelatin hydrolysate that serves a dual purpose: functional texture and cognitive support.

  

  Gelatin hydrolysates are collagen proteins that have been partially broken down through hydrolysis, creating shorter peptide chains that dissolve better in cold liquids while maintaining some gelling properties. This gives Brew Shock its smooth mouthfeel without the chalky texture common in protein-containing RTDs.

  Beyond texture, collagen peptides provide glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline -- amino acids that support neurotransmitter synthesis and may enhance the formula's nootropic effects through their role in glutathione production and cellular energy metabolism.^[2] While 250mg won't rebuild your joints (we'll still take it), it's enough to contribute functional amino acids and create a premium drinking experience that sets Brew Shock apart from typical energy drinks.

  This, alongside the generous 3g dose of MCT oil, explain why the mouthfeel of Brew Shock is so very good.

• Natural Caffeine - 200mg

  Sourced from Colombian coffee beans, this provides smooth, sustained energy without the jitters associated with synthetic caffeine.

  

  At 200mg per can, Brew Shockalaka hits the sweet spot for cognitive enhancement: enough to boost alertness and focus while avoiding the anxiety that can come with higher doses. Caffeine works primarily by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain, which increases the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.^[3] This neurochemical cascade enhances attention, vigilance, and reaction time while reducing perceived effort during both mental and physical tasks.

  The Colombian coffee source adds an authentic foundation to the beverage while delivering caffeine's well-established benefits for sustained mental performance.

• CognatiQ® Coffee Fruit Extract - 100mg

  CognatiQ is an amplification step-up for a coffee drink, since it's a coffee-based nootropic. Rather than focusing on the bean, this extract harnesses the power of the entire coffee fruit, which is the cherry surrounding the bean that's often discarded. This whole fruit approach concentrates unique polyphenols and chlorogenic acids that aren't found in significant amounts in traditional coffee.

  The standout benefit? CognatiQ® has demonstrated the ability to increase serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels by up to 143% within just two hours of ingestion.^[4] This dramatic boost in BDNF, often called "Miracle Gro for the brain", supports neuroplasticity, memory formation, and overall cognitive resilience.

  

  At 100mg standardized to 40% chlorogenic acids, Brew Shockalaka delivers the clinically-studied dose that's been shown to enhance focus, reduce mental fatigue, and support long-term brain health without additional caffeine burden.

• L-Theanine - 100mg

  This unique amino acid found almost exclusively in tea leaves works synergistically with caffeine to create what many consider the perfect cognitive combo. L-theanine crosses the blood-brain barrier and promotes alpha brain wave activity, the same relaxed-yet-alert state you experience during meditation or creative flow states.

  Things really start working when L-theanine meets caffeine, though. While caffeine boosts alertness and focus, it can sometimes bring unwanted jitters or anxiety. L-theanine smooths out these rough edges by modulating neurotransmitter activity, increasing GABA production and influencing dopamine and serotonin levels. Research shows this combination improves reaction time, working memory, and sentence verification accuracy compared to caffeine alone -- all while reducing the typical side effects like headaches and mental fatigue.^[5]

  

  At 100mg paired with 200mg of caffeine, Brew Shockalaka delivers our preferred 2:1 caffeine-to-theanine ratio that keeps us sharp without the crash.

• Theobromine - 100mg

  Theobromine delivers the feel-good factor that makes chocolate so appealing... and without the jittery edge of its cousin, caffeine. This methylxanthine works through two main pathways: blocking adenosine receptors (which keeps you alert) and inhibiting phosphodiesterases (which helps maintain cellular energy signals). The result? A smoother, longer-lasting boost to mood and focus that complements caffeine's sharper kick.

  While caffeine hits fast and hard, theobromine provides sustained background support by improving reaction time, enhancing mood, and even supporting cardiovascular health through increased HDL cholesterol levels.^[6] At 100mg, Brew Shockalaka delivers enough theobromine to smooth out the caffeine experience while adding its own cognitive benefits.

• The Supporting Cast

  To amplify the nootropic matrix, Brew Shockalaka includes even more -- and these aren't small doses:

  • MCT Oil - 3g

    

    Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) provide a unique form of saturated fat that your body rapidly converts into usable energy. Unlike long-chain fats that require extensive digestion, MCTs bypass normal fat processing and head straight to the liver, where they're quickly oxidized into ketones and ATP.^[7]

    This rapid metabolism means no energy crash and potentially enhanced mental clarity -- ketones are your brain's preferred alternative fuel source when glucose runs low. At 3g per can, Brew Shockalaka delivers enough MCTs to support sustained energy without the gastrointestinal issues that plague higher doses. It's the perfect complement to caffeine and L-theanine, helping smooth out the stimulant curve while potentially boosting cognitive function.

    Additionally, this helps alongside the gelatin/collagen for greatly improved mouthfeel, which you'll definitely notice.

  • Acacia Fiber and Organic Agave Inulin - 3g total

    This prebiotic fiber duo delivers more than just digestive support. Both acacia and agave inulin serve as selective fuel for beneficial gut bacteria, promoting the growth of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli while supporting short-chain fatty acid production. These SCFAs enhance gut barrier function and influence systemic health through improved mineral absorption and metabolic signaling.^[8]

    

    Beyond the gut-brain axis benefits you'd expect in a nootropic formula, this fiber blend helps smooth out caffeine absorption, potentially reducing jitters while extending the energy curve.

  • 560mg potassium (10% DV)

    This large (560 milligram) dose of potassium delivers a meaningful electrolyte load to help maintain fluid balance, nerve transmission, and normal muscle contraction.

    It also supports vascular tone and healthy blood pressure (already within the normal range) and is considered a shortfall nutrient in modern diets, so including a larger dose here helps move your daily total in the right direction. For athletes and heavy sweaters, this bolsters the formula's hydration profile without sugar, complementing the sodium already present.

    It's balanced out excellently by sodium, next:

  • 250-280mg sodium (11% DV)

    While traditional RTD coffees often overlook electrolyte balance, Brew Shockalaka includes a strategic dose of sodium to support hydration and cognitive function. The salted caramel flavor delivers the highest amount at 280mg, playing double duty as both a functional ingredient and flavor enhancer that accentuates the sweet-savory profile.

    This sodium content helps maintain fluid balance and supports the absorption of other nutrients, which is crucial for athletes who lose electrolytes through sweat.^[9] Combined with the 560mg of potassium, this creates an electrolyte profile that supports sustained energy and focus without the dehydration that can accompany excessive caffeine intake.

How Does It Stack Up?

At just 45 calories and zero sugar per can, Brew Shockalaka demolishes the competition on macros alone. Compare that to traditional RTD coffees pushing 300 calories and 47g of sugar, and you're looking at a completely different category of beverage.

But here's where it gets interesting: while competitors might include token amounts of nootropics (if any), Brew Shockalaka delivers a full 1000mg blend. This isn't window dressing – it's a legitimate cognitive enhancement formula in a convenient RTD format.

And getting beyond that, we're blown away by the amount of potassium they snuck inside, which is generally something that westerners are short on. This is the kind of potassium dose that will make someone who's low actually feel great from taking.

The Brand Behind the Brew

Brew Shockalaka isn't playing it safe with their messaging either. Their rebellious approach to marketing, complete with a brain-in-a-coffee-cup logo and the tagline "Coffee Evolved", signals they're here to disrupt, not just participate. They're targeting the convergence of three massive markets: energy drinks ($57.4B), canned coffee ($31.4B), and brain health supplements ($7.6B). And quite honestly, they're doing better at all three than your average brand!

And we haven't even gotten into the music angle, which we hope Max Fairchild will explain to us soon on the PricePlow Podcast.

The company's focus on inclusive performance and authentic representation shows they understand modern consumers want more than just functional benefits... they want brands that align with their values and lifestyle.

Who Should Try This?

Brew Shockalaka is ideal for:

• Coffee lovers seeking better-for-you alternatives
• Biohackers wanting convenient nootropic delivery
• Athletes and fitness enthusiasts avoiding sugar
• Creative professionals needing sustained focus
• Anyone tired of choosing between taste and health

Flavors Currently Available via PricePlow

The Verdict: Shockingly Good

After extensive beta testing, we can confidently say Brew Shockalaka delivers on its bold promises. The flavors are legitimately delicious, not just "good for zero sugar".

The nootropic blend is thoughtfully formulated with clinically relevant doses, not just label decoration. And then there's the mouthfeel, which they nailed thanks to some ingenuity with the gelatin and MCT oil. Beyond that, if you're low on potassium, you're going to love the way these cans make you feel.

Max Fairchild, Chuck Letchman, and Daniel Pierce have created something that genuinely moves the category forward. In a market flooded with me-too products and artificially sweet fruity energy drinks, Brew Shockalaka stands out as a legitimate innovation that solves real consumer pain points without sacrificing the experience.

Is this the future of functional beverages? We'll let the market decide. But if our beta testing is any indication, conventional coffee better watch its back, and this may even steal some folks back from the world of conventional energy drinks.

Stay tuned for our upcoming deep dive into the ingredient science and our podcast with Max Fairchild where we'll explore the story behind Brew Shockalaka in detail.