Funny name, big claims. What does NAPJITSU really offer?
We’ll break it all down: the history, the formula, the price, and most importantly, the KICK. First, where the company came from, then our reviews of NAPJITSU NOW, which promises immediate, sustained energy and focus.
Scores: Jared 9/10, Daniel 9.2/10
Background
NAPJITSU launched in 2021 under Redbud Brands with a different take on caffeine. While other brands race to the top on caffeine content, NAPJITSU has other ideas.
“Now more than ever, there is an ‘all gas, no brakes’ mass-mentality,” said founder John Ferrari. “The solution isn’t more caffeine; it is the right amount at the right time, and paired with rest. Ultimately the best energy comes from rest.”
Built around time-release caffeine and nootropics, NAPJITSU’s products (NOW, NAP, and REST) contain vitamins, mushrooms, herbs, and amino acids. A big part of its pitch is managing adenosine, the compound that builds up and makes you feel sleepy. The company believes its subtler approach delivers more sustained energy and better focus than traditional energy drinks.
Already sold? Buy NAPJITSU NOW on Amazon.
Jared’s review: 9/10
Excuse the messy countertop, but I wanted to show what came in the sample pack, which NAPJITSU offered for $1 if you’re not sold yet.
I took the first packet, two capsules, around 8 a.m. on a Monday before work, with a small swig of water. I didn’t expect them to taste good, but I grimaced a bit. They tasted objectively BAD.
I had time before work, so I followed the instructions and meditated for 10 minutes before opening my laptop. That’s not a change for me; I meditate most mornings. (Shoutout to the Waking Up app. Not a sponsor, though I wish they were.)
I usually have coffee in the morning and an energy drink or second coffee in the afternoon, but for this review I skipped all other caffeine. Here’s the impressive part: I didn’t need any. I never felt a rush or big boost, but I had sustained energy until about 3 p.m., around seven hours of productivity.
“I never felt a rush or major boost, but I genuinely had sustained energy until around 3pm, coming out to around 7 hours of productivity.”
Don’t get me wrong, I love a good energy drink. The taste, the carbonation, and the rush are unparalleled. But I’d be lying if I said NAPJITSU NOW’s sustained boost isn’t appealing. The capsules are quick to take, and while meditation isn’t for everyone, I’d tell anyone on the fence to give it a chance.
Daniel’s review: 9.2/10
I was intrigued and wondered what made NAPJITSU different from all the other caffeine pills out there. It takes a low-and-slow approach, delivering 150 mg of caffeine in sustained bursts over a long period.
I was skeptical, but the free trial on their site was easy, so there was no downside. Ordering was quick and simple, and the sample arrived in about five days.
I’m no stranger to caffeine pills; they were a staple during board exam prep in medical school. Most I’ve tried have around 200 mg, and some add omega-3s or MCTs to slow digestion and energy release, but attempts at sustained energy usually stop there.
I took the first packet before work and did a quick body-scan meditation as the packaging recommends. With other pills, I get a jittery, cracked-out rush within 30 minutes, then it’s downhill. NAPJITSU was different. No overwhelming initial rush, which can be counterproductive. I was awake and alert 45 minutes later at a controlled, productive level, and stayed there for about six hours, without the spikes and valleys of most caffeine products.
With other caffeine pills I will normally get a rush of jittery, cracked-out energy by 30 minutes after taking and then drop downhill from that point on. NAPJITSU was definitely different.
I took the second packet the next day without meditating and had the same experience. Meditation isn’t essential to the product working, but it does set a calm, focused tone for the day. I also had no evening crash, which I usually get from energy drinks, and none of the next-morning grogginess other caffeine pills give me. Keeping the total at 150 mg, released slowly, seems key.
Overall, 9.2/10 for sustained energy that lifted my productivity and mood all day with no jitters, crash, or rebound fatigue. It’s on the pricier side, but if it’s in your budget, give it a try. Definitely a brand to watch.
Sold? Buy NAPJITSU NOW on Amazon. Curious about other caffeine formats? Read our Nuun Energy and Fission Fuel Kit reviews.
