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Brain Awake

Irwin Naturals
4.4
(805 ratings)
Rosemary
Theanine 100 mg
Bacopa 375 mg
Product Image
Score 75.0

A liquid nootropic blend offering effective ingredients for mental focus, cognitive support, and stress relief, primarily leveraging Bacopa, L-Theanine, and caffeine. While good for daytime use, it makes unsupported claims regarding hair health and contradicts itself with a 'sleep support' goal due to caffeine content.

Quantity: 60 Liquid(s)Servings size: 3 Liquid Softgel(s) (20 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Brain Health
Mental Focus
Hair Health
Stress Relief
Mood Support

Score 75.0

A liquid nootropic blend offering effective ingredients for mental focus, cognitive support, and stress relief, primarily leveraging Bacopa, L-Theanine, and caffeine. While good for daytime use, it makes unsupported claims regarding hair health and contradicts itself with a 'sleep support' goal due to caffeine content.

Analysis

Brain Awake is formulated to enhance various aspects of cognitive function and mood. The combination of L-Theanine and a moderate amount of caffeine (InnovaTea) is a well-known synergy for promoting alert focus without the typical jitters associated with caffeine alone. Bacopa is a key ingredient, backed by research for its memory and cognitive-enhancing properties, while Holy Basil and Lemon Balm contribute to stress reduction and mood balance, acting as adaptogens. Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) provide a quick energy source for the brain. BioPerine is included to enhance the bioavailability and absorption of these botanical extracts. However, the claim for 'Hair Health' is not supported by any of the ingredients, which is a significant overstatement. Furthermore, marketing a product containing caffeine for 'Sleep Support' is contradictory and potentially misleading, as caffeine actively promotes wakefulness, making it unsuitable for bedtime use.

Pros
  • Contains a synergistic blend of L-Theanine and caffeine for sustained, calm mental focus.
  • Includes adaptogenic herbs like Bacopa and Holy Basil, which are scientifically supported for cognitive health and stress reduction.
  • The liquid form may offer faster absorption and convenience compared to pills.
  • BioPerine enhances the bioavailability of the herbal extracts, potentially improving their effectiveness.
Cons
  • Makes an unsubstantiated claim regarding 'Hair Health,' as its ingredients are not primarily linked to this benefit.
  • The inclusion of caffeine directly contradicts the stated goal of 'Sleep Support,' making it unsuitable for nighttime use.
  • The price per serving is relatively high compared to other products offering similar key ingredients or benefits.
  • The proprietary blend structure may obscure the exact amounts of some ingredients within the 'BioPerine Complex', though the main active ingredients are quantified.
Warnings
  • Contains caffeine, so it should not be taken close to bedtime if used for 'Sleep Support' as claimed, and individuals sensitive to stimulants should start with a lower dose.
  • The 'Hair Health' claim appears unsupported by the ingredients and current scientific evidence for this specific formulation.
$21.99($1.09 per serving)
Amazon
$ 21.99
Pure Formulas
$ 21.99
iHerb
$ 21.99
Ingredients
IngredientAmount per serving
Calories 30 Calorie(s)
Total Fat 1.5 Gram(s)
Total Carbohydrates 1 Gram(s)
Protein 2 Gram(s)
Medium Chain Triglycerides Oil 1000 mg
Bacopa whole plant extract 375 mg
Holy Basil herb Extract (Tulsi Herb Extract) 200 mg
AlphaWave (L-Theanine) 100 mg
InnovaTea (Caffeine) 52 mg
Lemon Balm extract 30 mg
Rosemary Leaf Extract 30 mg
BioPerine Complex 6 mg
Adults 18–50 Women
Categories
Theanine 90.0
The 100mg dose of AlphaWave L-Theanine is highly effective, especially when synergistically combined with caffeine, promoting focused alertness without jitters and supporting relaxation and cognitive performance.
Bacopa 85.0
With 375mg of whole plant extract, this product provides a substantial and clinically relevant dose of Bacopa, which is well-regarded for its adaptogenic and cognitive-enhancing properties, particularly for memory and learning.
Rosemary 60.0
While present, the 30mg dosage of Rosemary Leaf Extract is somewhat modest for impactful individual therapeutic effects compared to standalone rosemary extracts, though it contributes to the blend's overall antioxidant profile.
Goals
Mental Focus 88.0
The combination of 52mg caffeine with 100mg L-Theanine is expertly balanced to enhance alertness and sustained focus without inducing jitters, further augmented by Bacopa's cognitive benefits for concentration.
Cognitive Support 80.0
Ingredients like Bacopa and L-Theanine are well-researched for their roles in enhancing various aspects of cognitive function, including memory, learning, and sustained attention, making this a strong blend for overall cognitive support.
Stress Relief 78.0
Holy Basil, Lemon Balm, and L-Theanine are effective adaptogens and calming agents that work synergistically to reduce physiological and psychological stress, promoting a sense of well-being.
90 Value

TheanineUP Focused Energy

California Gold Nutrition
4.6
(1862 ratings)
This product directly offers the effective L-Theanine + Caffeine combination (100mg each) that is a key strength of Brain Awake, but at a significantly lower price per serving ($0.24 vs $1.09). It is clearly branded for 'Focused Energy,' avoiding the irrelevant claims of the original product, making it an excellent value for its primary benefits.
85 Value

Memory Complex

Natrol
4.5
(3619 ratings)
Natrol Memory Complex provides a comprehensive blend for memory and cognitive function, including Bacopa (300mg), Ginkgo Biloba, and Phosphatidylserine, at a much more accessible price per serving ($0.41 vs $1.09). It effectively targets key brain health goals with well-researched ingredients, offering strong benefits for a reasonable investment.
82 Value

Totally Zen

Carlson
4.8
(324 ratings)
While Brain Awake aims for stress relief, Totally Zen specifically focuses on calm and stress reduction with a valuable blend of L-Theanine (100mg), GABA, Magnesium, and B Vitamins. It delivers these mood and cognitive benefits at a very competitive price per serving ($0.28 vs $1.09), effectively addressing several of the original product's goals without conflicting ingredients.
85 Performance

Clari-T

LifeSeasons
4.7
(192 ratings)
Clari-T offers a more comprehensive and potent blend for cognitive enhancement, including a higher dose of Bacopa (425mg), Ginkgo, Phosphatidylserine, and Huperzine A. These ingredients are well-researched for brain health, memory, and focus, and this product provides a more targeted approach without the unsupported claims.
88 Performance

Brain Elevate

NOW
4.6
(5910 ratings)
NOW Brain Elevate provides a strong blend of established nootropics like Ginkgo extract, Phosphatidyl Serine, and Choline, which are specifically formulated for brain health and focus. Its diverse ingredient profile and exceptionally low price per serving make it a superior choice for comprehensive long-term cognitive support.
80 Performance

GABA Brain Food

NS Natural Stacks
4.7
(149 ratings)
This alternative offers a unique approach to cognitive support by combining a significantly higher dose of Rosemary Leaf Extract (333mg vs 30mg in Brain Awake) with GABA and L-Citrulline. It provides benefits for mood and relaxation while potentially enhancing brain blood flow, offering a distinct and potent profile for calm mental clarity.
80 Budget

L-Theanine 100 mg

NOW
4.7
(8854 ratings)
This product offers a core ingredient (L-Theanine) found in Brain Awake, which is crucial for calm focus, at a significantly lower price per serving ($0.13 vs $1.09). While it lacks the full blend, it's a very cost-effective choice for those prioritizing the calming and focus-enhancing effects of L-Theanine.
85 Budget

Bacopa Extract 450 mg

NOW
4.6
(1106 ratings)
Providing a higher dose of Bacopa (450mg vs 375mg in Brain Awake) at a fraction of the cost per serving ($0.20 vs $1.09), this alternative focuses on a cornerstone ingredient for cognitive support. It offers the primary memory and learning benefits of Bacopa more affordably and potently.
80 Budget

Pure Brainpower

Swanson
4.4
(443 ratings)
This alternative offers a combination of Bacopa (300mg) and Ginkgo Biloba, along with a coffee fruit extract, at a much lower price per serving ($0.23 vs $1.09). It targets similar cognitive and focus goals with a well-regarded blend, providing a good balance of ingredients and cost efficiency.
90 Value

TheanineUP Focused Energy

California Gold Nutrition
4.6
(1862 ratings)
This product directly offers the effective L-Theanine + Caffeine combination (100mg each) that is a key strength of Brain Awake, but at a significantly lower price per serving ($0.24 vs $1.09). It is clearly branded for 'Focused Energy,' avoiding the irrelevant claims of the original product, making it an excellent value for its primary benefits.
85 Value

Memory Complex

Natrol
4.5
(3619 ratings)
Natrol Memory Complex provides a comprehensive blend for memory and cognitive function, including Bacopa (300mg), Ginkgo Biloba, and Phosphatidylserine, at a much more accessible price per serving ($0.41 vs $1.09). It effectively targets key brain health goals with well-researched ingredients, offering strong benefits for a reasonable investment.
82 Value

Totally Zen

Carlson
4.8
(324 ratings)
While Brain Awake aims for stress relief, Totally Zen specifically focuses on calm and stress reduction with a valuable blend of L-Theanine (100mg), GABA, Magnesium, and B Vitamins. It delivers these mood and cognitive benefits at a very competitive price per serving ($0.28 vs $1.09), effectively addressing several of the original product's goals without conflicting ingredients.
85 Performance

Clari-T

LifeSeasons
4.7
(192 ratings)
Clari-T offers a more comprehensive and potent blend for cognitive enhancement, including a higher dose of Bacopa (425mg), Ginkgo, Phosphatidylserine, and Huperzine A. These ingredients are well-researched for brain health, memory, and focus, and this product provides a more targeted approach without the unsupported claims.
88 Performance

Brain Elevate

NOW
4.6
(5910 ratings)
NOW Brain Elevate provides a strong blend of established nootropics like Ginkgo extract, Phosphatidyl Serine, and Choline, which are specifically formulated for brain health and focus. Its diverse ingredient profile and exceptionally low price per serving make it a superior choice for comprehensive long-term cognitive support.
80 Performance

GABA Brain Food

NS Natural Stacks
4.7
(149 ratings)
This alternative offers a unique approach to cognitive support by combining a significantly higher dose of Rosemary Leaf Extract (333mg vs 30mg in Brain Awake) with GABA and L-Citrulline. It provides benefits for mood and relaxation while potentially enhancing brain blood flow, offering a distinct and potent profile for calm mental clarity.