C4 Energy + Aminos Bring a Blend of Aminos, 100mg Natural Caffeine, and Jolly Rancher Flavors!

The C4 brand continues its winning streak with iconic candy collaborations, and now the popular C4 Energy + Aminos formula is getting the Jolly Rancher treatment. Following the massive success of C4 x Jolly Rancher pre-workouts and energy drinks, Nutrabolt has expanded this beloved partnership into their recovery-focused amino acid supplement.

C4 Energy + Aminos joins the Jolly Rancher party! Cherry and Green Apple flavors bring 100mg natural caffeine, 5g aminos (BCAAs + EAAs), and electrolytes for energy and recovery. The iconic candy collab expands beyond pre-workouts.

C4 Energy + Aminos: 100mg Natural Caffeine, 5g Aminos

C4 Energy + Aminos provides 100mg of natural caffeine from green coffee bean extract, a comprehensive 5g amino acid blend featuring BCAAs and EAAs, plus essential electrolytes, it’s designed for versatility – whether you’re using it as a mid-day energy boost, post-workout recovery drink, or anytime hydration support.

Now with Jolly Rancher Flavors

C4 Energy + Aminos now comes in two classic Jolly Rancher flavors: Jolly Rancher Cherry and the classic Jolly Rancher Green Apple, joining the existing lineup of Fruit Punch, Grape, Blue Raspberry, and Watermelon. This 3-in-1 formula delivers energy, recovery, and hydration support in one convenient package, perfect for athletes and active individuals looking to fuel their day without the intensity of a full pre-workout.

The addition of authentic Jolly Rancher flavors continues Nutrabolt’s strategy of bringing nostalgic candy experiences to the supplement world, joining their successful collaborations with Hershey’s brands like Reese’s and Bubble Yum.

Let’s dive into what makes this formula work, but first, sign up for PricePlow’s C4 news alerts to stay updated on the latest flavor launches and product innovations:

C4 Energy + Aminos Ingredients

In each 8.3g serving of C4 Energy + Aminos, you get the following:

• The BCAAs (2.5g total):

  • L-Leucine – 1.25g

  • L-Isoleucine – 625mg

  • L-Valine – 625mg

  The backbone of this amino acid formula consists of the three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs): leucine (1.25g), isoleucine (625mg), and valine (625mg). These essential amino acids are unique because they’re primarily metabolized directly in skeletal muscle tissue rather than the liver, making them readily available as fuel for working muscles.^[1]

  Leucine takes center stage in this trio as the most potent activator of muscle protein synthesis through the mTOR signaling pathway. Research shows that leucine alone can significantly enhance protein synthesis and reduce protein breakdown, making it crucial for muscle recovery and maintenance.^[1] The 1.25g dose here provides a solid foundation for triggering this anabolic response, though it’s worth noting that BCAAs work best when all essential amino acids are present — which is why C4 Energy + Aminos includes the additional EAAs we’ll discuss next.

  Beyond muscle protein synthesis, BCAAs serve as an energy source during exercise and may help support glycogen synthesis. They compete with tryptophan for transport across the blood-brain barrier, potentially influencing fatigue perception during extended training sessions. This makes them valuable not just for recovery, but for sustaining performance during your workout or throughout your active day.

  While BCAA supplementation alone has shown benefits for muscle protein synthesis, research suggests that complete essential amino acid profiles provide superior results. That’s where C4 Energy + Aminos shines — it delivers the proven BCAA foundation while covering all your essential amino acid bases for comprehensive muscle support.

• CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine – 800mg

  

  Beta-Alanine serves as the precursor to carnosine, a crucial dipeptide that acts as an intracellular buffer in skeletal muscle tissue. When you supplement with beta-alanine, it combines with histidine to form carnosine, which helps neutralize the acid buildup (hydrogen ions) that occurs during high-intensity exercise and contributes to muscular fatigue.

  The 800mg dose of CarnoSyn provides a solid foundation for improving muscular endurance, though beta-alanine works best with consistent daily dosing over time to maximize muscle carnosine stores (clinical studies are generally at 3.2 grams per day total, with most splitting it into four 800mg doses). Research demonstrates that beta-alanine supplementation is most effective for exercise lasting 0.5-10 minutes, where the anaerobic-glycolytic energy system predominates and acid buffering becomes crucial for maintaining performance.^[2]

  While you might experience harmless tingling sensations (paresthesia) from beta-alanine, this temporary side effect indicates the ingredient is working and typically diminishes with continued use. The CarnoSyn form used here is generally accepted as the gold standard for beta-alanine supplementation, backed by extensive research validating its safety and efficacy.

• Taurine – 500mg

  Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that’s especially abundant in skeletal muscle, where it works in crucial roles for cellular function and exercise performance. This versatile compound acts as an osmolyte, helping regulate cell volume and maintain cellular integrity during training stress.^[3]

  Beyond its cell-protective properties, taurine supports calcium homeostasis within muscle fibers, which can enhance contractile function and potentially improve both strength and endurance performance. Research suggests taurine also provides antioxidant protection, helping to combat exercise-induced oxidative stress while supporting recovery. The 500mg dose here provides a meaningful amount for supporting muscle function and overall cellular health throughout your training session.



• The Other 6 EAAs (825mg Total)

  • L-Lysine Hydrochloride – 250mg

  • L-Phenylalanine – 250mg

  • L-Threonine – 250mg

  • L-Histidine – 25mg

  • L-Methionine – 25mg

  • L-Tryptophan – 25mg

  Beyond the three BCAAs, C4 Energy + Aminos rounds out the essential amino acid profile with six additional EAAs that are critical for complete muscle protein synthesis. While leucine may grab the headlines for its muscle-building prowess, research confirms that all nine essential amino acids must be present for optimal anabolic responses.^[4]

  Lysine (250mg), phenylalanine (250mg), and threonine (250mg) form the foundation trio here, each playing vital roles in protein structure and function. Lysine serves as a key building block for collagen synthesis and supports calcium absorption, while phenylalanine acts as a precursor for important neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. Threonine contributes to immune function and helps maintain proper protein balance in muscle tissue.

  The remaining three EAAs — histidine (25mg), methionine (25mg), and tryptophan (25mg) — may be in smaller amounts, but they’re no less important for completing the amino acid matrix. Histidine supports tissue repair and serves as a precursor to histamine, methionine provides sulfur for various metabolic processes and acts as a methyl donor, while tryptophan contributes to serotonin production and helps regulate mood and sleep patterns.

  Research demonstrates that complete EAA formulations stimulate muscle protein synthesis more effectively than incomplete amino acid profiles, even when leucine content is matched.^[5] This ensures that C4 Energy + Aminos provides all the building blocks your muscles need for optimal recovery and adaptation, rather than creating potential bottlenecks that could limit the anabolic response.



• L-Arginine – 200mg

  L-Arginine is the sole endogenous substrate for nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in the human body, making it a key player in cardiovascular and exercise physiology. This semi-essential amino acid is converted to NO (as well as some L-citrulline to be recycled) through the action of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes, producing NO as a critical signaling molecule that promotes smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation.^[6] The resulting increase in blood flow can enhance oxygen and nutrient delivery to working muscles, making arginine a popular choice for athletes and active individuals.

  Beyond its vascular effects, L-arginine may also support growth hormone release and help reduce exercise-induced fatigue markers like ammonia and lactate. While the 200mg dose in C4 Energy + Aminos provides just a small foundation for these benefits, it works synergistically with the other amino acids to support overall recovery and performance enhancement.

• L-Glutamine – 175mg

  Glutamine is the body’s most abundant amino acid and plays a crucial role in immune function, muscle recovery, and cellular energy production. While your body can normally synthesize sufficient amounts of glutamine, periods of intense training, stress, or illness can deplete glutamine stores faster than they can be replenishes… making supplementation potentially beneficial.

  The amino acid functions as a primary fuel source for rapidly dividing cells, including immune cells and intestinal cells. Research shows that glutamine supports muscle protein synthesis and may help reduce exercise-induced muscle damage, making it valuable for athletes and active individuals.^[7] Additionally, glutamine contributes to maintaining healthy gut barrier function and supports the body’s natural inflammatory response during recovery periods.

• Natural Caffeine (from Green Coffee Bean Extract) – 100mg

  

  C4 x Jolly Rancher expands! Jolly Rancher Green Apple flavor now in C4 Original and C4 Sport pre-workouts, joining Jolly Rancher Cherry in C4 Sport Ripped. Hard candy flavor meets hard-hitting performance in these nostalgic workout supplements!

  C4 Energy + Aminos delivers 100mg of natural caffeine sourced from green coffee bean extract, providing clean energy without the jitters often associated with synthetic alternatives. This moderate dose sits in the sweet spot for daily use, offering noticeable energy enhancement without overwhelming stimulation.

  Caffeine works primarily through the central nervous system by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain, which normally promote drowsiness and fatigue. When caffeine binds to these receptors instead of adenosine, it prevents the “tired” signal from getting through, leading to increased alertness, improved focus, and enhanced mood.^[8] This adenosine receptor antagonism also triggers increased release of key neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, contributing to caffeine’s performance-enhancing and mood-boosting effects.

  Beyond mental benefits, caffeine supports physical performance by reducing perceived exertion during exercise and may help attenuate muscle pain perception. The 100mg dose in C4 Energy + Aminos provides enough caffeine to deliver these cognitive and physical benefits while remaining suitable for most individuals, including those who prefer to avoid higher-stimulant pre-workouts but still want sustained energy throughout their day.

  Or… you can use this and still enjoy a C4 Energy Drink!

• Vitamins and Minerals

  • Niacinamide – 8mg (50% DV)

    Niacinamide, the non-flushing form of vitamin B3, serves as a crucial cofactor in energy metabolism and cellular function. This 8mg dose provides half your daily vitamin B3 needs, supporting the conversion of nutrients into usable energy through its role in NAD synthesis. Unlike nicotinic acid, niacinamide won’t cause uncomfortable flushing, although nicotinic acid is a better overall ingredient that we still suggest supplementing daily.

    The vitamin supports mitochondrial function and cellular energy production, working synergistically with the other B-vitamins in this formula.^[9] In the context of an amino acid and energy formula like C4 Energy + Aminos, niacinamide helps optimize the cellular machinery needed to convert the amino acids into energy and support muscle protein synthesis throughout your training day.

  

  • Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate) – 1.7mg (100% DV)

    Vitamin B6 appears here as Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate (P5P), the active coenzyme form that’s immediately bioavailable for your body’s enzymatic processes. This full 100% daily value dose supports amino acid metabolism, making it essential for maximizing the benefits of the comprehensive amino acid profile in C4 Energy + Aminos. B6 is crucial for protein synthesis and the conversion of amino acids into neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which can influence mood and focus during training. The vitamin also helps convert stored glycogen into glucose for energy and supports the immune system. By including the P5P form rather than basic pyridoxine, Nutrabolt’s formulators ensured better absorption and utilization.

  • Vitamin B12 (as Methylcobalamin) – 1.2mcg (50% DV)

    Vitamin B12 is included as Methylcobalamin, the active form that’s readily available for your body’s methylation processes. This 1.2mcg dose provides half your daily B12 needs, working alongside the other B-vitamins to support energy metabolism and red blood cell formation. B12 works in a strong role in converting amino acids and fatty acids into usable energy, making it a perfect complement to the comprehensive amino acid profile in C4 Energy + Aminos. The methylcobalamin form supports neurological function and helps maintain focus during training, while also working with folate in DNA synthesis processes that support muscle recovery. For athletes and active individuals, adequate B12 levels help ensure optimal oxygen delivery to working muscles through healthy red blood cell production.

    We’re very happy that Nutrabolt / C4 switched to these two higher-quality B-vitamins in 2024 with their Gen 5 C4 series.

  • Magnesium (as Trimagnesium Citrate) – 20mg (5% DV)

    While the 20mg dose represents a modest contribution to daily magnesium needs, every bit helps when it comes to this essential mineral. Magnesium serves as a cofactor in over 600 enzymatic reactions throughout the body, making it one of the most critical minerals for human health.^[10] Beyond its fundamental role in energy production through ATP synthesis, magnesium supports muscle function by facilitating muscle relaxation after contraction – the natural counterbalance to calcium’s role in muscle contraction. This makes it valuable for exercise recovery and reducing muscle soreness, while also supporting electrolyte balance alongside the formula’s sodium and potassium content.

  • Sodium (as Sodium Chloride) – 190mg (8% DV)

    

    The C4 x Hershey’s collab continues, with the legendary Hershey’s Milk Chocolate and Reese’s Peanut Butter & Chocolate flavors in a brand new C4 Whey protein powder supplement!

    Sodium works to maintain fluid balance and support muscle function during exercise. As the primary electrolyte lost through sweat, sodium replacement becomes essential for athletes and active individuals to prevent dehydration and maintain performance.^[11] The 190mg dose in C4 Energy + Aminos provides meaningful electrolyte support without excessive intake, helping maintain proper hydration status whether you’re training or simply staying active throughout your day.

  • Potassium (as Dipotassium Phosphate) – 60mg (1% DV)

    Potassium plays a crucial role in maintaining proper cellular function and electrolyte balance throughout the body. As an essential mineral, it works closely with sodium to regulate fluid balance, support nerve signal transmission, and facilitate muscle contractions… including the heart muscle. While the 60mg dose here is modest compared to daily requirements, it contributes to the formula’s overall electrolyte profile, helping support hydration during exercise and daily activities. The dipotassium phosphate form provides both potassium and phosphate, which work together to maintain acid-base balance and support cellular energy metabolism.

Flavors Available

Here’s the complete lineup of C4 Energy + Aminos flavors, with the new Jolly Rancher additions leading the way:

Conclusion: Energy and Recovery Get a Candy Store Upgrade

Nutrabolt teams up with The Hershey Company to introduce the new Bubble Yum flavor of the C4 Original Pre-Workout. Experience the classic bubble gum taste that brings a nostalgic blast from the past to fuel your workouts!

It’s been a long while since this category was cracked open in the 2010s, and we’re happy to see it in C4 form now! C4 Energy + Aminos with Jolly Rancher flavors is another smart move from Nutrabolt’s playbook of successful flavor collaborations. By bringing these iconic hard candy profiles to their recovery-focused formula, they’ve created a product that’s as enjoyable to drink as it is effective for supporting your active lifestyle.

The beauty of these “energy amino” type products lie in their versatility – they’re not trying to be a hardcore pre-workout, but rather a moderate boost that can fuel your energy needs while supporting muscle recovery and hydration. The safe 100mg caffeine dose from natural green coffee beans provides clean energy without the jitters, while the comprehensive amino acid profile helps your muscles bounce back from training.

With Cherry and Green Apple joining the flavor roster, C4 Energy + Aminos now offers six delicious options to keep your taste buds engaged. Whether you’re sipping it during your workout, using it as an afternoon pick-me-up, or incorporating it into your post-training recovery routine, these authentic Jolly Rancher flavors make supplementation feel more like a treat than a chore.

This launch also demonstrates how the C4 x Jolly Rancher collaboration continues to expand across Nutrabolt’s entire product ecosystem, from pre-workouts to energy drinks and now amino acid supplements. It’s a testament to the power of bringing beloved flavors to functional nutrition.

Check PricePlow for the best deals on C4 Energy + Aminos and experience the perfect balance of energy, recovery, and nostalgic flavor: