AMP ENERGY BOOST ORIGINAL

Posted on August 5, 2014 | Last updated February 21, 2025

AMP ENERGY BOOST ORIGINAL
This is a review of the original flavor from PepsiCo’s long-standing energy drink brand, the AMP series.

AMP ENERGY BOOST ORIGINAL

Manufacturer	PEPSICO
Country of Origin	USA
Price	2 JPY
Flavor	Citrus
Total rating	★★★☆☆

Author information Author: Energy Drink-kun

In 2001, while living in the United States, I encountered energy drinks through the dance scene and was deeply impressed. After returning to Japan, I found that energy drinks were considered novelty beverages, so I established a comprehensive website in 2013 to share the true appeal of energy drinks. As an energy drink enthusiast, I began drinking them seriously again, collecting over 7,000 varieties of energy drinks from various countries. I am also active as a critic and expert, receiving media interviews.

Flavor of AMP ENERGY BOOST ORIGINAL

AMP Original features a citrus flavor with an excellent color and aroma. The moment you open the can, a mix of lime citrus scent and sugary sweetness fills the air.
The color is a cloudy yellow-green—very enticing.

AMP ENERGY BOOST ORIGINAL
The taste is a combination of slightly strong lime and lemon acidity blended with the sweetness of Mountain Dew. Given that AMP originally stemmed from Mountain Dew, it makes sense that its base flavor is a mix of Mountain Dew's signature sweetness and tartness. Though the branding has changed over time, early versions of AMP even carried the Mountain Dew logo.
(Now, the Mtn Dew brand has a separate energy drink line, Kickstart.)

Personally, I enjoy AMP more as a casual juice-like drink rather than a pure energy drink. It contains 142mg of caffeine, similar to Japan’s Monster Energy, along with 295mg of guarana.
If you're looking to enjoy the taste of Mtn Dew while also getting an energy boost, AMP is a solid choice. Its strong acidity gives it a sharp kick, somewhat reminiscent of Monster Extra Strength Super Dry.
v(´∀｀*v)

AMP Series: A Standalone Brand from Mountain Dew

Sometime around 2008–2009, AMP officially split from the Mtn Dew brand and established itself as an independent energy drink. Personally, I love the clean color scheme and bold black accents on the can design (*´ｪ`*).

AMP ENERGY BOOST ORIGINAL
The AMP lineup is divided into three main categories, and as the name suggests, AMP Boost Original belongs to the "BOOST" line. The back of the can highlights these categories—pretty cool!
In addition to Boost, there are also "Active" and "Focus" varieties, each with different ingredient compositions.

I find this approach really interesting. Many energy drinks simply change the flavor while keeping nearly identical energy ingredient profiles, but AMP differentiates its lineup by function as well.
With its Mtn Dew-like taste, stylish can design, and distinct energy formulas, AMP has become one of my favorite energy drink brands.