ITs a mind trick. Sort of... if u look at the labels, there are literally no carbs, just in sugars, which is hardly enough to get you through an hour and a half of engergy. The caffeine just keeps you alert, but in the end yer not really gaining unergy out of it. Taruine will give u a little bit of stimulation, but in the end, Caffeine isnt energy, cuz energy is only diverted through fats, sugars, starches and proteins.