Energy drinks don’t get much more Aussie than this one. Start Ya Bastard Energy Drink by Nulon is a cheeky, loud, and unapologetic can that promises to wake you up and keep you going. Unlike the usual gym-focused pre-workouts or big-name energy drinks, this one leans on attitude as much as its guarana and caffeine blend.
We’ve put it to the test, cracked a few cans, and here’s what you really need to know if you’re thinking of adding Start Ya Bastard to your energy arsenal.
Flavours, price & pack sizes
Start Ya Bastard is available in 330 mL cans, sold mostly in automotive retailers and sometimes in online supplement and novelty stores. Pricing sits around $4.95-$4.99 per can, though you can often find it bundled in packs of six or more at a small discount.
As for flavour, it’s marketed under the berry style profile. When we tried it, the taste was sharp and sweet upfront with that distinctive guarana edge. It’s not as syrupy as some mainstream energy drinks, which we appreciated, but it still leaves a bit of lingering sweetness on the tongue. So good flavour profile overall.
Ingredients & benefits
Nulon doesn’t make the full formula easy to find, but based on what’s on the can and what’s promoted, here’s what you’re getting:
- Guarana + Caffeine – the backbone of the drink, giving you the kick.
- Carbohydrates / sugars – contributing to the 521 kJ of energy per can.
- Great anytime of the day – As the can says, Breakfast, Midday Crisis or Night Cap.
From our experience, the stimulant hit is noticeable but not overwhelming. You feel alert, focused, and switched on, but it doesn’t cross into jittery territory like some hardcore pre-workouts do.
Nutritional panel (per 330 mL can)
| Nutrient | Per Serve (330 mL) |
|---|---|
| Energy | 469 kJ |
| Protein | 0g |
| Fat – Total | 0.6g |
| – Saturated | 0.6g |
| Carbohydrates | 26.1g |
| – Sugars | 24g |
| Sodium | 97mg |
| Caffeine | 66mg |
Consumption Information
| Caffeine | 66mg |
Who it’s for
From trying Start Ya Bastard ourselves, we’d recommend it for:
- Shift workers or anyone needing a reliable pick-me-up.
- Drivers – makes sense why it’s sold mostly in auto shops, it keeps you alert on long road trips.
- Lawn Mowing – like a lawn mower, the person cutting the grass needs to start as well.
- Energy drink fans looking for something bold and different from mainstream options.
It may not be the best choice for:
- Caffeine-sensitive individuals – without exact numbers, it’s safer to avoid if you’re stim-sensitive.
- Zero-sugar seekers – this isn’t marketed as sugar-free.
Stacking suggestions
Because Start Ya Bastard is essentially an energy drink, you don’t really “stack” it with other supplements. Our advice is to avoid combining it with pre-workouts or other high-stim products. If you want a performance boost, pair it with electrolytes or a BCAA drink to cover hydration and recovery alongside the energy hit.
Frequently asked questions
Is Start Ya Bastard sugar-free?
No, it contains sugars, 24gm to be exact.
How much caffeine does Start Ya Bastard have?
Each 330ml can has 66mg of caffeine from a combination of caffeine and guarana.
Is it safe for everyday use?
One can a day should be fine for most healthy adults, but avoid excessive intake, especially alongside other caffeine sources.
Why is it sold in auto shops?
It’s a marketing play, the brand links its cheeky engine-starting spray with the idea of “starting yourself” with an energy drink. Make sure to only drink the energy can, not the spray please.
Suggested use
- One can (330 mL) when you need to kick fatigue or stay sharp.
- Best before a workout, long drive, or shift start.
- Avoid before bedtime to prevent sleep disruption.
- Don’t mix with other high-stim products.
Our verdict on Start Ya Bastard
After putting Start Ya Bastard Energy Drink to the test, we can confidently say it delivers on its promise, it gives you that instant kick to get moving. The taste holds up well, the energy boost is steady and reliable, and the loud, unapologetic branding makes it stand out in a crowded shelf of look‑alike cans.
Overall, if you’re chasing a fun, bold option packed with guarana and caffeine to fire you up, Start Ya Bastard Energy Drink is worth grabbing at least once. It’s the kind of can you can crack open on the go, or toss into the cart at SuperCheap or Repco while you’re hunting down your next upgrade, project, or weekend toy. Or you might even want to crack open a few Start Ya Bastard cans while watching Bathurst.
