OUR STORY

Squid Labs was created around a simple belief - good formulation comes from clarity, not excess. Rather than chasing trends or loading a scoop with cheaper fillers or exotic label-fluff, the focus is on ingredients that are well understood, stable at meaningful doses, and reliable across repeated use.

That same philosophy extends beyond the formula. Our website is intentionally simple. There are no popups, no email gates, no discounts, and no affiliate incentives. Pricing is straightforward. Information is presented openly. The product stands on its own.

ACTIVE INGREDIENT OVERVIEW

ACTIVE FOUNDATION

Every ingredient in INKWELL earns its place. If it does not contribute to structure, balance, or system cohesion, it does not belong in the formula.

Context below is general ingredient information and is not a claim about product performance.

Citrulline Malate 2:1

Foundational support for circulation and sustained output

6.00 g

Drives nitric oxide production and sustained blood flow while directly supporting cellular energy turnover. Citrulline increases arginine availability for nitric oxide synthesis, while malate feeds into ATP-generating pathways. Together, they form the structural base for circulation, endurance, and repeatable output under load.

Betaine Anhydrous

Cellular hydration and efficiency under workload

600 mg

Acts as a cellular osmolyte and methyl donor, supporting hydration, metabolic efficiency, and force production at the cellular level. Betaine plays a direct role in power output and work capacity, helping maintain performance during high-intensity or high-volume training.

L-Carnitine L-Tartrate

Supports energy utilization during repeated physical work

500 mg

Supports the transport of fatty acids into mitochondria, where they are converted into usable cellular energy. The L-tartrate form provides rapid availability and stability, reinforcing efficient fuel utilization and supporting sustained output and recovery during repeated physical work.

Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl

Links physical energy systems with cognitive demand

500 mg

Readily crosses the blood-brain barrier and supports mitochondrial energy metabolism and acetylcholine production. Acetyl L-carnitine connects physical energy systems with cognitive function, making it relevant for both mental drive and sustained physical output.

Taurine

Stabilizes high-output systems under stimulant load

300 mg

A sulfur-containing amino acid involved in cellular regulation, fluid balance, and nervous system signaling. Taurine is included to stabilize high-output systems and maintain balance alongside stimulants, rather than to increase stimulation intensity.

L-Tyrosine

Supports neurotransmitter availability under stress

150 mg

A direct precursor to catecholamine neurotransmitters, including dopamine and norepinephrine. L-tyrosine supports neurotransmitter availability during periods of stress, workload, and sustained cognitive demand, helping maintain focus and signal clarity under pressure.

L-Theanine

Shapes stimulation quality without dulling alertness

50 mg

An amino acid naturally found in tea leaves that modulates neural signaling. L-theanine is commonly paired with caffeine to smooth stimulation, improve focus quality, and reduce sharpness without reducing overall alertness.

Theobromine

Extends and smooths stimulant delivery

100 mg

A methylxanthine found in cacao and structurally related to caffeine. Theobromine extends stimulant output and smooths energy delivery, reducing abrupt peaks and supporting a longer, more controlled stimulation curve.

Caffeine Anhydrous

Primary alertness signal

225 mg

A fast-acting, concentrated form of caffeine that provides the primary alertness signal. Caffeine anhydrous is extensively studied for its effects on alertness, reaction time, and central nervous system activation.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Supports energy metabolism at the pathway level

50 mg

Required for the synthesis of coenzyme A, a central molecule in energy metabolism. Vitamin B5 supports the conversion of carbohydrates, fats, and amino acids into usable energy pathways.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCl)

Integrates amino acids into energy and neural pathways

10 mg

Functions as a key cofactor in amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis. Vitamin B6 integrates amino acids into broader metabolic and neurological pathways, supporting both energy processing and neural signaling.

STIM SYSTEM v1

STRUCTURED STIMULATION

The Stim System is designed around structured stimulation, not escalation. Instead of relying on a single aggressive stimulant, multiple components are used together to shape how stimulation is delivered, perceived, and sustained.

Caffeine provides the primary alertness signal. Theobromine modifies the stimulant curve by extending output and reducing sharp peaks. Together, they form a base that is strong without being abrupt.

High stimulant loads can become one-dimensional over time. Taurine is included to stabilize the system and maintain balance in a high-signal environment rather than increase stimulation.

L-theanine, acetyl L-carnitine HCl, and L-tyrosine influence how stimulation is processed rather than how strong it is. These ingredients shape cognitive load, focus quality, and signal clarity, keeping the system controlled and predictable.

Caffeine	Primary stimulant driver and alertness baseline
Theobromine	Extends and smooths stimulant output
Taurine	Stabilizes high-stimulation environments
L-Theanine	Shapes stimulation quality and sensory sharpness
Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl	Supports cognitive energy and neural efficiency
L-Tyrosine	Supports neurotransmitter availability under demand

Design Intent

The Stim System is not designed to maximize stimulation. It is designed to control it.

CONTROLLED CURVE

BALANCED SIGNAL

CONSISTENT FEEL

PUMP SYSTEM v1

STRUCTURAL SUPPORT

The Pump System is built around structural support, not fleeting sensation. It focuses on circulation, work capacity, and metabolic efficiency using a minimal ingredient set that performs consistently across sessions.

Citrulline malate forms the foundation, supporting nitric oxide production and blood flow. L-carnitine L-tartrate supports energy utilization and recovery processes, reinforcing output over time rather than producing short-lived effects.

Ingredient
Citrulline Malate 2:1	Supports blood flow and work capacity
L-Carnitine L-Tartrate	Supports fatty acid metabolism and recovery efficiency
Betaine Anhydrous	Supports cellular hydration and metabolic efficiency

Design Intent

The Pump System integrates cleanly with the rest of the formula, providing consistent physical support without competing for attention.

MINIMAL SET

REPEATABLE OUTPUT

CLEAN INTEGRATION

CATALYST SYSTEM v1

DISPERSION AND MIX BEHAVIOR

The Catalyst System forms the structural backbone of INKWELL's mix and stability profile. It exists to control dispersion, reduce clumping, and create a clean, crisp reaction in water.

Citric acid reacts with sodium and potassium bicarbonate to produce a controlled acid-base response. Using both bicarbonates extends the reaction window, allowing the powder to hydrate evenly and release carbon dioxide gradually. This produces a light, crisp mouthfeel and helps keep the drink clean and enjoyable to consume.

Vitamins B5 and B6 support metabolic integration across the formula, helping amino acids and stimulant components sit inside coherent biochemical pathways.

Correct version:

Ingredient
Citric Acid	Initiates the reaction and supports dispersion and flavor balance
Malic Acid	Supports acid profile balance and sustained reaction behavior
Sodium Bicarbonate	Provides initial reaction and rapid powder breakup
Potassium Bicarbonate	Extends reaction time and stabilizes mixing behavior
Vitamin B5	Supports energy metabolism via coenzyme A pathways
Vitamin B6	Integrates amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis

FAST DISPERSION

CLEAN REACTION

STABILITY PROFILE

FLAVOR SYSTEM

CITRUS-FORWARD, RESTRAINED

INKWELL uses a restrained, citrus-forward flavor system built from natural flavors. Sweetness comes exclusively from monk fruit, stevia extract, and erythritol. No artificial sweeteners are used.

The flavor profile is intentionally clean and non-candy-like. It is designed to blend with the active ingredients rather than mask them, allowing the character of the formula to remain present without becoming harsh or overwhelming.

The result is a drink that stays crisp, balanced, and easy to consume across repeated sessions. Flavor exists to support use, not dominate it.

CLEAN FINISH

NO ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS

CITRUS FORWARD

FORMULATION NOTES

This flavor was developed internally. No flavor houses. No external consultants.

The process was simple and repetitive: formulate, test, revise. Sample rounds went out. Feedback came back. Adjustments were made. Versions that failed were discarded. This continued until the flavor stopped interfering with use.

The formula delivers over 9 grams of active and functional compounds with no sucralose or artificial sweeteners. Most brands do not build under these constraints.

The objective was not sweetness or novelty. It was stability, consistency, and repeated use.

What you’re tasting is the result. A formula I trust. A flavor I don’t avoid. A product I’m willing to put my name on.

Additional flavors will come. Not yet.

Current development priority is a high-stimulant, no-compromise formula, followed by a low-stimulant option for non-training days. Built under the same constraints.

WHY STICKS

Here’s the truth.

I have tubs of blue razz, berry punch, and lemon-lime sitting around. I get sick of the artificial sweetness. Powders clump. Shakers smell. Cleanup gets skipped. Most days I still reach for a canned pre-workout from a gas station.

Not because it’s better. Because it’s easier to drink.

Sticks remove that friction.

They’re clean. Shelf-stable. Easy to carry. Easy to use. No shaker. No mess. No commitment to finishing a tub you’re already tired of.

You open it. You pour it. You drink it.

The format isn’t designed to look impressive on a shelf.
It’s designed to actually get used.

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INKWELL

CLEAN. CONTROLLED. REPEATABLE.