VPX BANG Black Cherry Vanilla Review – Worth Buying?
As a certified trainer and sports nutritionist, I’ve seen countless pre-workout drinks come and go. When I need a quick boost, convenience is key, and the VPX BANG Black Cherry Vanilla is certainly convenient. VPX markets this RTD beverage as a powerful fuel for both brain and body.
The can highlights an ingredient list with creatine, caffeine, BCAAs, and CoQ10. On paper, it’s an interesting mix. But the story behind these ingredients is more complex than what you see on the label.
This review will break down the real story behind VPX BANG Black Cherry Vanilla, from the controversial ingredients to its current place in the market after its parent company was acquired by Monster Beverage Corporation in 2023. We’ll cover the profile, taste, and actual results to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your fitness regimen.
And frankly, you should know the history before you spend your money, especially since the company’s past marketing strategy has been a topic of much debate.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program, changing your daily nutrition, or adding any supplements to your regimen.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- High Caffeine Content: Each 16-ounce can contains 300mg of caffeine, which is a primary driver of its energy-boosting effects. This is nearly double the caffeine of a standard Monster Energy drink.
- Zero-Calorie Formula: The drink has zero calories, sugar, or carbohydrates, making it appealing for those on strict diets.
- Ingredient Controversy: The brand’s key ingredient, “Super Creatine,” was the subject of a major lawsuit where it was found to not be actual creatine.
- Company Acquisition: After filing for bankruptcy, Bang’s parent company was acquired by Monster Beverage Corporation for $362 million in 2023.
- Taste is Polarizing: Consumer feedback on the Black Cherry Vanilla flavor is mixed, with some enjoying it and others finding it has a chemical-like aftertaste.
VPX BANG Black Cherry Vanilla Profile
The profile of VPX BANG Black Cherry Vanilla is built for zero-calorie energy, but its most heavily marketed ingredients have faced serious legal and scientific scrutiny. I appreciate that it’s free of sugar and carbs, which I prefer to get from whole foods, not my RTD beverages.
However, a closer look at the key components is necessary.
The “Super Creatine” Controversy
For years, Bang’s unique selling proposition was an ingredient called “Super Creatine.” The company claimed it was a superior, water-soluble form of creatine. This led to a massive lawsuit from competitor Monster Energy, which argued Bang was misleading consumers.
The courts ultimately sided with Monster. A 2022 jury decision found that “Super Creatine” was not creatine at all and did not increase the body’s creatine levels. This resulted in a staggering $293 million judgment against Bang for false advertising. Following this and other legal issues, the parent company, Vital Pharmaceuticals, filed for bankruptcy and was later acquired by Monster in 2023.
BCAAs and CoQ10: Are the Doses Effective?
The can also lists Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) and Coenzyme Q10. From a formulation standpoint, the question is always about dosage. While these ingredients sound great, they are likely “fairy dusted” in this drink, meaning the amounts are too small to have a significant physiological effect.
Research published in the JAPANESE SOCIETY OF CLINICAL NUTRITION suggests you need at least 2,000mg (or 2 grams) of BCAAs to effectively raise their concentration in the blood. Most energy drinks do not disclose the exact amounts, but it’s highly unlikely they contain a clinical dose. The same concern applies to CoQ10. Without transparent labeling, it’s impossible to know if you’re getting a beneficial amount.
Taste of the VPX BANG Black Cherry Vanilla
VPX nailed the carbonation and initial flavor concept with their VPX BANG Black Cherry Vanilla. The 16 fl oz drink is smooth and easy to drink. However, the flavor itself is one of the most polarizing aspects of this product.
My personal experience was positive, as I could clearly distinguish both the black cherry and vanilla notes. But online feedback from consumers is deeply divided.
Many users on Reddit forums describe the taste as having a strong “chemical” flavor or an unpleasant aftertaste. One user on the r/energydrinks subreddit noted, “No vanilla flavoring, very strong chemical cherry flavor with a weird aftertaste.” Yet, others enjoy it, with one commenting, “I just tried it today and it was phenomenal.”
This suggests your enjoyment will heavily depend on your sensitivity to artificial sweeteners like Sucralose, which is used in the formula.
Results
The results you feel from VPX BANG Black Cherry Vanilla are overwhelmingly driven by one ingredient: caffeine. With 300mg of caffeine anhydrous per can, it delivers a powerful and undeniable energy boost.
To put that in perspective, a standard 8-ounce cup of coffee contains about 95mg of caffeine, and a 16-ounce can of Monster Energy has 160mg. This means one can of Bang is equivalent to more than three cups of coffee. This high dose is effective for increasing alertness and improving workout performance, which explains why I was able to push a little more weight and get a few extra reps. The mind-muscle connection I felt was likely a result of this intense central nervous system stimulation.
The FDA recommends a daily limit of 400mg of caffeine for healthy adults. One can of Bang puts you very close to that limit, so you need to be mindful of any other caffeine you consume throughout the day.
Recommendation
So, would I purchase this drink again or recommend it? Yes, but with some serious caveats.
For occasional use as a powerful pre-workout or a pick-me-up, the VPX BANG Black Cherry Vanilla is effective due to its high caffeine content and zero-calorie profile. The taste, while divisive, was good enough to make me want another. It’s a solid choice to add variety to your routine.
However, it is not a product I would recommend for daily consumption. The main reason is the extremely high stimulant content.
A word of caution: if you are sensitive to stimulants, this is NOT the drink for you. At 300mg of caffeine, you’re going to feel it, and it can cause jitters, anxiety, or sleep disturbances in those not accustomed to it.
Here is how it stacks up against other popular energy drinks on the market:
| Drink | Caffeine (per 16oz) | Key Feature | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| VPX Bang | 300mg | BCAAs, CoQ10 | 0 |
| Reign Total Body Fuel | 300mg | BCAAs, CoQ10, Electrolytes | 10 |
| Ghost Energy | 200mg | NeuroFactor, Carnipure | 5 |
| C4 Energy | 200mg | CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine | 0 |
CLICK HERE IF INTERESTED IN PURCHASING VPX BANG BLACK CHERRY VANILLA
FAQs About VPX Bang Black Cherry Vanilla
How much caffeine is in a VPX BANG Black Cherry Vanilla?
Each 16-ounce can of VPX BANG Black Cherry Vanilla contains 300mg of caffeine. This is significantly higher than many other energy drinks on the market.
Does Bang have sugar or calories?
No, one of its main selling points is that it contains zero calories, zero sugar, and zero carbohydrates. It is sweetened with artificial sweeteners, primarily Sucralose.
What was the “Super Creatine” lawsuit about?
Monster Energy sued Bang’s parent company, alleging that its “Super Creatine” ingredient was falsely advertised. A jury agreed in 2022, finding that the ingredient was not actual creatine and did not provide the claimed benefits, which led to a $293 million verdict against Bang.
Who owns Bang Energy now?
After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Bang Energy’s parent company, Vital Pharmaceuticals, was acquired by Monster Beverage Corporation for $362 million in July 2023.
Is VPX BANG Black Cherry Vanilla good for a pre-workout?
Yes, due to its high 300mg caffeine content, it can be an effective pre-workout for boosting energy and focus. However, it lacks other common pre-workout ingredients like beta-alanine or citrulline malate that help with endurance and muscle pumps.
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