Product Image

Pure Energy

Swanson
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(307 ratings)
Theanine 160 mg
Rhodiola
Caffeine 100 mg
Product Image
Score 78.0

Swanson Pure Energy offers a balanced blend of caffeine, L-Theanine, and Rhodiola for focused energy and stress support. It's an effective basic formula, but the Rhodiola dose is modest, and some goal claims are not fully met by the ingredients.

Quantity: 60 Capsule(s)Servings size: 2 Veggie Capsule(s) (30 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Stress Relief
Mental Focus
Brain Health
Mood Support
Sleep Support

Score 78.0

Swanson Pure Energy offers a balanced blend of caffeine, L-Theanine, and Rhodiola for focused energy and stress support. It's an effective basic formula, but the Rhodiola dose is modest, and some goal claims are not fully met by the ingredients.

Analysis

Swanson Pure Energy features a synergistic blend of three key ingredients: 100mg of naturally sourced Caffeine for an energy boost, 160mg of L-Theanine to smooth out caffeine's effects and promote calm focus, and 100mg of Rhodiola rosea for adaptogenic support against stress and fatigue. This combination is popular and generally well-regarded for enhancing cognitive performance and reducing jitters often associated with caffeine alone. However, the Rhodiola dosage is relatively low compared to clinical studies often utilizing 200-600mg for significant adaptogenic effects. While effective for immediate energy and focus, its multi-goal claims, particularly 'Anti-Inflammatory Support' and 'Sleep Support', are not strongly supported by its ingredient profile or dosages, with caffeine directly contradicting the latter.

Pros
  • Synergistic combination of Caffeine and L-Theanine provides clean energy and focused mental clarity without excessive jitters.
  • Includes Rhodiola, a beneficial adaptogen known to help the body manage stress and combat fatigue.
  • The L-Theanine to Caffeine ratio (1.6:1) is favorable for balanced effects.
  • Relatively affordable price per serving for a combination supplement.
Cons
  • The 100mg dosage of Rhodiola rosea is lower than commonly studied effective doses for robust adaptogenic benefits.
  • Claims for 'Anti-Inflammatory Support' and 'Sleep Support' are not well-substantiated by the product's ingredients and dosages.
  • Limited number of ingredients means it may not address all listed goals as comprehensively as more complex formulas.
  • May not be suitable for individuals sensitive to caffeine, especially if taken later in the day, due to its stimulating effects.
Warnings
  • Contains caffeine, which can disrupt sleep if consumed close to bedtime.
  • Individuals with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or sensitivity to stimulants should consult a healthcare professional before use.
  • Not recommended for pregnant or nursing women without medical supervision.
$14.49($0.48 per serving)
iHerb
$ 14.49
Amazon
$ 14.49
Ingredients
IngredientAmount per serving
Naturally sourced Caffeine 100 mg
Rhodiola rosea root extract (Rosavins) 100 mg
L-Theanine 160 mg
Adults 18–50
Categories
Caffeine 85.0
With 100mg of naturally sourced caffeine, this product provides an effective and moderate dose for energy and alertness. Its combination with L-Theanine helps to deliver a cleaner energy boost without common side effects like jitters.
Theanine 80.0
The inclusion of 160mg of L-Theanine is a good dose to promote relaxation, improve focus, and mitigate potential caffeine-induced jitters. It effectively complements the caffeine to provide a balanced cognitive enhancement.
Rhodiola 60.0
The product contains 100mg of Rhodiola rosea root extract, standardized for Rosavins, which is a beneficial adaptogen. However, the dosage is on the lower end compared to many studies suggesting 200-600mg for optimal adaptogenic effects.
Goals
Mental Focus 85.0
The blend of caffeine and L-Theanine is scientifically proven to enhance alertness, attention, and cognitive processing while minimizing distraction. Rhodiola further supports mental clarity by reducing fatigue under stress, making this product highly effective for focus.
Productivity Boost 85.0
The combination of caffeine for alertness and L-Theanine for focused calm directly translates to enhanced productivity by improving concentration and sustaining mental energy without the typical caffeine-induced jitters.
Energy 80.0
Caffeine is a potent stimulant that delivers immediate energy and alertness, beneficial for daily tasks and physical performance. Rhodiola complements this by combating fatigue and enhancing stamina, providing a sustained energy lift.

Recommended Alternatives

80 Value

TheanineUP Focused Energy

California Gold Nutrition
4.6
★★★★★
(1862 ratings)
Offers a balanced 1:1 ratio of L-Theanine (100mg) to Caffeine (100mg) which is excellent for focused energy without jitters. This provides a core benefit of the original product at a significantly lower price per serving, representing great overall value.
85 Value

Super Rhodiola Root Extract 500 mg

Solaray
4.6
★★★★★
(2112 ratings)
Delivers a high, clinically effective dose of 500mg Rhodiola extract at a lower price per serving than the original. This offers superior stress relief and anti-fatigue benefits for those prioritizing Rhodiola's adaptogenic properties, providing strong value.
82 Value

Sports Energy Extreme

NOW Sports
4.5
★★★★★
(1884 ratings)
This alternative combines 100mg caffeine with a wider array of energy and focus-supporting ingredients including B vitamins, L-Carnitine, Taurine, Tyrosine, and several adaptogens like Rhodiola (50mg). It offers a more robust and diverse energy profile at a better price per serving than the original.
95 Performance

Genius Joy

The Genius Brand
5.0
★★★★★
(1120 ratings)
This product is a far more advanced and comprehensive nootropic and mood support formula, integrating higher doses of key ingredients like Rhodiola (300mg) and L-Theanine (100mg) with powerful synergists like SAMe, 5-HTP, and Tyrosine. It targets mental focus, mood, and stress relief with superior efficacy and depth.
88 Performance

Saffron

youtheory
4.5
★★★★★
(891 ratings)
Offering a potent adaptogenic trio of Rhodiola (350mg), Ashwagandha, and Saffron, this alternative provides significantly stronger support for mood balance and stress adaptation than the original product's Rhodiola alone. Its distinct ingredient profile addresses the mood and stress goals more effectively.
85 Performance

Energy

NOW
4.5
★★★★★
(1749 ratings)
While lacking L-Theanine, this product provides a comprehensive energy blend with Rhodiola (100mg), multiple B-vitamins, and a range of other herbal stimulants and adaptogens like Ginseng, Eleuthero, and Guarana. It offers a more diverse and sustained energy and metabolism boost than Pure Energy, suitable for fitness and productivity goals.
85 Budget

Rhodiola 500 mg

NOW
4.6
★★★★★
(8066 ratings)
This alternative offers a significantly higher and more effective dose of Rhodiola (500mg vs 100mg) for superior adaptogenic benefits related to stress and fatigue, at nearly half the price per serving, providing potent benefits for less.
88 Budget

Elite

Eu Natural
4.2
★★★★★
(3310 ratings)
This product provides an optimal 2:1 L-Theanine to Caffeine ratio (200mg L-Theanine, 100mg Caffeine) for enhanced focused energy with reduced jitters, offering superior cognitive benefits at a lower price per serving than Pure Energy.
80 Budget

Adrenal Serenity

Natural Factors Stress-Relax
4.7
★★★★★
(5276 ratings)
Delivers a comprehensive adaptogenic blend including Ashwagandha, Eleuthero, and a decent dose of Rhodiola (75mg), offering a broader and more robust approach to stress relief and adrenal health for a substantially lower cost per serving.
80 Value

TheanineUP Focused Energy

California Gold Nutrition
4.6
★★★★★
(1862 ratings)
Offers a balanced 1:1 ratio of L-Theanine (100mg) to Caffeine (100mg) which is excellent for focused energy without jitters. This provides a core benefit of the original product at a significantly lower price per serving, representing great overall value.
85 Value

Super Rhodiola Root Extract 500 mg

Solaray
4.6
★★★★★
(2112 ratings)
Delivers a high, clinically effective dose of 500mg Rhodiola extract at a lower price per serving than the original. This offers superior stress relief and anti-fatigue benefits for those prioritizing Rhodiola's adaptogenic properties, providing strong value.
82 Value

Sports Energy Extreme

NOW Sports
4.5
★★★★★
(1884 ratings)
This alternative combines 100mg caffeine with a wider array of energy and focus-supporting ingredients including B vitamins, L-Carnitine, Taurine, Tyrosine, and several adaptogens like Rhodiola (50mg). It offers a more robust and diverse energy profile at a better price per serving than the original.
95 Performance

Genius Joy

The Genius Brand
5.0
★★★★★
(1120 ratings)
This product is a far more advanced and comprehensive nootropic and mood support formula, integrating higher doses of key ingredients like Rhodiola (300mg) and L-Theanine (100mg) with powerful synergists like SAMe, 5-HTP, and Tyrosine. It targets mental focus, mood, and stress relief with superior efficacy and depth.
88 Performance

Saffron

youtheory
4.5
★★★★★
(891 ratings)
Offering a potent adaptogenic trio of Rhodiola (350mg), Ashwagandha, and Saffron, this alternative provides significantly stronger support for mood balance and stress adaptation than the original product's Rhodiola alone. Its distinct ingredient profile addresses the mood and stress goals more effectively.
85 Performance

Energy

NOW
4.5
★★★★★
(1749 ratings)
While lacking L-Theanine, this product provides a comprehensive energy blend with Rhodiola (100mg), multiple B-vitamins, and a range of other herbal stimulants and adaptogens like Ginseng, Eleuthero, and Guarana. It offers a more diverse and sustained energy and metabolism boost than Pure Energy, suitable for fitness and productivity goals.