C4 SMART ENERGY FREEDOM ICE

Posted on March 13, 2023 | Last updated February 1, 2025

C4 SMART ENERGY FREEDOM ICE
Released in 2020, C4's "Smart Energy" series focuses on brain-enhancing ingredients, and the "Freedom Ice" flavor is a part of this new lineup.

Unlike the main series, which features fitness-focused ingredients, this version includes components aimed at enhancing focus for studying, working, or other brain-intensive tasks. Since 2020, as supplement companies have started to make a significant impact in the energy drink market, we have seen an increase in products with a focus on smart ingredients.

I’ll dive into the details of this smart energy drink from the well-established C4 brand, reviewing its ingredients and flavor.

C4 SMART ENERGY FREEDOM ICE

Manufacturer	Nutrabolt
Country of Origin	USA
Price	2.99 USD
Flavor
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 C4 SMART ENERGY FREEDOM ICE

When you open the can, a refreshing sweet scent reminiscent of a sports drink wafts through the air. The aroma is subtle, giving the impression that it’s not going to be a very strong flavor. Let’s give it a try.
Flavor of C4 SMART ENERGY FREEDOM ICE
Upon tasting, a smooth, sweet-tart blue raspberry flavor spreads across the palate, leaving a light aftertaste. It’s a fruit flavor of the artificial kind, similar to the powder-based drinks in the C4 series, lacking any natural fruitiness.

While the flavor is artificial, it’s not overwhelmingly chemical, and it will appeal to those who enjoy pre-workout or BCAA powder flavors. For those who regularly consume overseas powder-type supplements, this flavor will be a familiar and enjoyable one.

On the other hand, it’s quite different from the umami-filled fruit flavors typically offered by mainstream energy drink brands. This seems to be a common flavor trend for energy drinks made by supplement companies. The C4 Energy series, including this Smart series, feels like it belongs to a completely different world than traditional energy drinks.

Energy Ingredients of C4 SMART ENERGY FREEDOM ICE

Energy Ingredients of C4 SMART ENERGY FREEDOM ICE
It contains 200mg of caffeine, Cognizin citicoline, and acetyl-l-tyrosine. These ingredients are all specifically geared towards brain function.

Cognizin is a citicoline from Kyowa Hakko Bio, marketed in the U.S. under the Cognizin brand, which has been shown to improve memory. Tyrosine also acts on the brain. Both of these are common ingredients in the supplement industry, often used as smart ingredients to support brain function. I’ve also used these supplements myself in the past.

Design of C4 SMART ENERGY FREEDOM ICE

The can features a gradient from blue to red, which is a signature design of the C4 SMART ENERGY series. This gradient helps distinguish it from the previous fitness-focused series.
Design of C4 SMART ENERGY FREEDOM ICE
With the series name "SMART ENERGY" and the phrase "SUPER BRAIN" printed on the bottom of the can, it's clear that this energy drink is aimed at enhancing brain function.

Design of C4 SMART ENERGY FREEDOM ICE
On the back of the can, you’ll find information about Cognizin, the main energy ingredient in the Smart Energy line. One of the interesting aspects of energy drinks made by supplement companies is how they display their unique ingredients, creating a noticeable contrast with the designs of traditional energy drinks.