Full Throttle Energy Drink Citrus

Posted on August 23, 2014 | Last updated February 16, 2025

This is a review of Full Throttle Energy Drink Citrus, the flagship product of the Full Throttle Energy Drink line in the U.S.

Full Throttle was once a long-established and historic energy drink brand sold by Coca-Cola, but it is now a subsidiary brand under Monster Energy. Since then, the brand power of the Full Throttle series has significantly declined, and it seems to have lost its presence in the U.S. market.

Full Throttle Energy Drink Citrus

Manufacturer	CocaCola
Country of Origin	USA
Price	2 USD
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 Full Throttle Energy Drink Citrus

Full Throttle Energy Drink Citrus
Although I didn’t have high expectations for a citrus flavor, the yellow color, scent, and overall feel reminded me a bit of NOS Original. The taste is actually quite close, and it’s very delicious.

The difference from NOS comes into play...
This citrus flavor, with a hint of lemon and lime, isn’t too mild, yet the aftertaste is surprisingly refreshing and almost non-existent.

While drinking, the citrusy freshness is apparent, but it doesn’t linger in the nose or throat. If you like a crisp citrus flavor, I would recommend Full Throttle Citrus over NOS. (NOS tends to have a stronger taste and scent.)

Energy Ingredients of Full Throttle Energy Drink Citrus

Full Throttle Energy Drink Citrus
Oh, this is ( ・∀・)いい!! The main ingredient meter display really caught my eye. This kind of playful detail draws you in. I also really like the overall balance and font.

The caffeine is 160mg, which is standard in the U.S., with 197mg of D-Ribose and Niacin at 200%. There are no particularly special energy ingredients.

There’s a note advising against consumption for those under 18, which reminds me a bit of NOS, adding to Full Throttle’s image. Realistically, I think it's fine to drink, but you get the sense that they’re hinting at something here.

Full Throttle Sales Decline

Looking at the U.S. sales figures until 2013, there was a $30 million drop compared to 2012. This seems like a pretty significant decline.
It looks like they used to offer a coffee energy drink, but that’s gone now, suggesting a possible shrinkage. It will be interesting to see if Monster can improve this or if the brand is phased out due to poor profitability.
If it continues to decline, I’d like to try the other flavors before it's too late.

Full Throttle Energy Drink Citrus Collaboration with USO

You may have noticed the USO (United Service Organizations) logo on the can. Many of you might have wondered what this logo represents.

USO is a non-profit organization that supports U.S. military personnel. It provides welfare services to military families and has branches at U.S. military bases worldwide. Full Throttle has been supporting this organization since 2012.

Full Throttle Energy Drink Citrus
Since 2012, Full Throttle has supported the USO, and the can notes a $250,000 donation. Other major American companies also support USO. It’s interesting to dive into these aspects outside the energy drink itself, and I really enjoy learning about these things (*´艸｀*)