I bought Curly’s Clean Energy because I wanted something that could give me a little extra energy during busy afternoons without relying on another cup of coffee or reaching for a sugary energy drink. The idea of carrying a few small sticks that I could add to almost any drink sounded much more practical than buying canned energy drinks every time I hit an afternoon slump.
After using them for a while, I found myself reaching for them more often than I expected. They didn’t completely replace coffee, but they filled a gap I didn’t realize I had.
What Is Curly’s Clean Energy?
Curly’s Clean Energy is a portable liquid caffeine concentrate packaged in single-serving sticks. Each serving contains 40 mg of naturally sourced caffeine from green coffee beans, along with electrolytes and B vitamins, all without sugar or calories.
Unlike traditional energy drinks, it’s designed to be mixed into whatever you’re already drinking, whether that’s water, tea, sparkling water, juice, or even coffee if you want a little extra boost.
The whole concept is built around convenience rather than maximum stimulation.
Why I Bought It
I’ve been trying to make better choices when it comes to caffeine. There are days when I still enjoy a good cup of coffee, but there are just as many times when I want something lighter that won’t leave me feeling wired or give me that familiar afternoon crash.
Curly’s caught my attention because it seemed to offer exactly that… a simple way to add a modest amount of caffeine to whatever I was already drinking without loading it with sugar or artificial ingredients.
It sounded like something that would fit naturally into my routine rather than becoming another drink I had to buy.
My Experience Using It
The first thing that stood out was just how convenient these sticks are. I tossed a few into my work bag, left another couple in the car, and kept some in my desk drawer. Before long, I always seemed to have one nearby whenever I needed a little boost.
Using them couldn’t have been easier. Most of the time, I mixed one into a bottle of water, although I also tried them in iced tea and sparkling water. I was pleasantly surprised by how little they affected the taste. In plain water, there was a faint flavour if I paid attention, but it wasn’t unpleasant, and in flavoured drinks I barely noticed it at all.
The energy itself was exactly what I’d hoped for. Instead of feeling like I’d just downed a large energy drink, I noticed a gentle increase in alertness over the next half hour or so. I felt a little sharper, a little more focused, and generally more productive without ever feeling overstimulated.
What I appreciated most was what didn’t happen. There were no racing thoughts, shaky hands, or sudden spike in energy that disappeared just as quickly. It was subtle enough that I sometimes forgot I’d even taken it until I realised I’d worked through the afternoon without feeling sluggish.
That said, I completely understand why some people expected more. If you’re used to drinking multiple cups of strong coffee or high-caffeine energy drinks every day, these will probably feel fairly mild. Forty milligrams of caffeine isn’t a huge amount, and there were certainly mornings when I still preferred a proper cup of coffee.
Once I stopped comparing Curly’s to an energy drink and started thinking of it as a convenient everyday pick-me-up, I enjoyed it much more.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely convenient to carry anywhere
- Easy to mix into almost any drink
- Gentle energy without noticeable jitters
- No sugar or calories
- Doesn’t significantly change the taste of most beverages
- Great for people trying to cut back on energy drinks
Cons
- May feel too mild for heavy caffeine users
- More expensive than brewing coffee at home
- Electrolyte benefits aren’t especially noticeable
- Not ideal if you’re looking for a strong energy boost
Product Claims vs. Reality
Curly’s promises clean energy, hydration support through added electrolytes, and a convenient alternative to traditional caffeinated drinks.
For the most part, I think it delivers. The convenience is probably its biggest strength. Having caffeine in a portable stick that can be added to almost any drink is genuinely useful, especially when you’re travelling or don’t want to stop for coffee.
The energy is also exactly what I’d describe as “clean.” It’s steady, mild, and never felt overwhelming.
The only place I’d encourage people to manage their expectations is the caffeine content. If you’re expecting the same punch as a large energy drink, you’re probably going to be disappointed.
That’s simply not what this product is trying to be.
Is Curly’s Clean Energy Worth It?
I think so… provided you’re the right kind of user. If you’re trying to replace highly caffeinated energy drinks, reduce your sugar intake, or simply want a convenient source of moderate caffeine, I think Curly’s does a very good job.
If your idea of “energy” involves 200 mg of caffeine and an immediate jolt, you’ll probably find these underpowered. Personally, I think they sit comfortably somewhere between coffee and an energy drink, and that’s exactly why they’ve earned a place in my bag.
Customer Feedback
After using them myself, I was curious to see whether other customers had reached similar conclusions. For the most part, they had.
Many buyers praise how easy the sticks are to carry, with several mentioning that they keep them in a purse, backpack, gym bag, car, or office desk so they’re always available when needed. The ability to mix them into almost any drink is another feature that comes up repeatedly, particularly among people who don’t enjoy canned energy drinks or don’t want the extra sugar.
Another common theme is the caffeine itself. Quite a few reviewers appreciate that the boost feels steady rather than overwhelming. Instead of describing a sudden burst of energy, many say they feel a little more focused and alert without experiencing jitters or the crash they often associate with stronger caffeinated drinks.
The criticism is fairly consistent as well. Several customers mention that 40 mg of caffeine simply isn’t enough for them, particularly if they’re already regular coffee drinkers. Others feel the sticks are a little expensive considering the amount of caffeine you’re getting compared to a cup of coffee.
Overall, though, the feedback leans strongly positive, especially among people looking for convenience and moderate energy rather than maximum stimulation.
Alternatives
If you’re considering Curly’s, I’d also look at:
- Liquid I.V. Energy Multiplier
- Zipfizz Healthy Energy Drink Mix
- Nuun Energy Tablets
- Celsius On-the-Go Powder Sticks
- Mio Energy Water Enhancer
Conclusion — Would I Buy It Again?
Yes. Not because it replaced every other source of caffeine in my life, but because it solved a problem I actually have.
Some days I want coffee. Some days I don’t. On the days when I just need a small, steady boost without buying another drink or worrying about a sugar crash, these sticks are exactly what I reach for.
They’re convenient, easy to carry, simple to use, and deliver the kind of gentle energy they promise. Would I recommend them to someone chasing the biggest caffeine hit possible?
Probably not. But if you’re looking for a cleaner, more controlled alternative to sugary energy drinks—and you value convenience as much as I do… I think Curly’s is well worth considering.
Also read my similar review on MoonBrew’s Vanilla Latte Sleep Drink