Since I've never tasted Guarana by itself, I was leery of how Perky Jerky would taste. Turns out, it tastes just like beef jerky, with no funky aftertaste or weird additive flavor at all. In fact, Perky Jerky tastes as good as (maybe even better than) some of the major jerky brands on the market right now, like Jack Link's or Pemmican. It's certainly flavorful, brimming with a rich, meaty Teriyaki taste and topped off with a subtle, peppery kick. Perky Jerky is slightly sticky and very tender, making it a viable, malleable option for people on the go (who wants to try and masticate tough jerky for ten minutes while hiking?)

So Perky Jerky passes the flavor test with an A+ grade. But how's the caffeine effect?

Again, Perky Jerky is surprising. The manufacturers don't recommend consuming more than one two-ounce bag at a time, but the jerky was so tasty that I ate two bags at once. I mean, it's beef jerky -- how amped up could I possibly get from it? Turns out, the caffeine kick is quite impressive. Not only did the jerky sate my appetite and need for protein, but it also wired me awake and made me feel more mentally alert. It had a physical effect as well, as I could feel my heart rate increase slightly.

Maybe it's better to stick with the recommended single bag, but if you're hungry, that might not be enough. One thing's for sure, though: I won't be needing a Red Bull or a Monster today.