BARK QUEEN

Posted on January 23, 2023 | Last updated February 1, 2025

Released on December 19, 2022, BARK QUEEN is the third installment in Super Belc's PB product line.

This time, the flavor is mangosteen. Mangosteen is a rare flavor in energy drinks, and in Japan, Red Bull has also released a mangosteen-flavored drink with their Red Bull Ruby Edition. So, how does the mangosteen flavor in BARK QUEEN turn out?

BARK QUEEN

Manufacturer	Belc
Country of Origin	Japan
Price	98 JPY
Flavor	Floral、Mangosteen、Perfumes & Air Fresheners
Total rating	★★★☆☆

Author information Author: Energy Drink-kun

In 2001, while living in the United States, I encountered energy drinks through the dance scene and was deeply impressed. After returning to Japan, I found that energy drinks were considered novelty beverages, so I established a comprehensive website in 2013 to share the true appeal of energy drinks. As an energy drink enthusiast, I began drinking them seriously again, collecting over 7,000 varieties of energy drinks from various countries. I am also active as a critic and expert, receiving media interviews.

Flavor of BARK QUEEN

Upon opening the can, a fruity scent of mangosteen, lychee, and floral, perfume-like notes fills the air. This is not a real fruit aroma, but rather a heavily enhanced one. The drink inside is a vibrant red, which gives a different impression from the typical mangosteen color. Let's take a sip.
Flavor of BARK QUEEN
As you take a sip, the rich, sweet, and tart flavors of mangosteen, lychee, and peach spread across your palate, accompanied by a strong floral fragrance similar to air fresheners.

The fruit flavor itself is delicious and well-rounded, but the floral scent is quite overpowering, enveloping the mangosteen flavor.

Red Bull has already released a mangosteen-flavored product, but BARK QUEEN does not aim to replicate the fruity essence like Red Bull. Instead, the strong floral notes may be intended to enhance the "queen-like" vibe suggested by the product name.

The fruit flavor is rich and leaves a lingering aftertaste, providing a satisfying experience. A 250ml can is more than enough to feel satisfied. However, the artificial floral scent may divide opinions. Personally, I grew accustomed to this fragrance by the time I finished the can, and it blended seamlessly with the flavor, making it enjoyable.

Energy Ingredients of BARK QUEEN

Energy Ingredients of BARK QUEEN
With 100mg of caffeine and 375mg of arginine, BARK QUEEN contains slightly more than the same size Red Bull.

The drink also contains 33.25g of carbohydrates, so be cautious of consuming too much sugar.

Design of BARK QUEEN

Design of BARK QUEEN
The can is a striking red, with "queen-like" touches, such as kiss marks and a crown. The product name, BARK QUEEN, likely comes from the mangosteen, known as the "queen of fruits."

In a playful twist, the "KING" part of BARK's slogan "KEEP BARKING" has been replaced with "QUEEN."
Design of BARK QUEEN
That said, it might be clearer if the product name "BARK QUEEN" was more prominently displayed.

There is a lot of text and logos packed into the design, so it might benefit from some balancing to improve the overall look.
Design of BARK QUEEN
The BARK series is a later entry into the supermarket PB energy drink market, and BARK QUEEN is their third product. I didn’t expect them to expand the flavor lineup.

I believe there’s still room for growth in the unique design that matches the flavors, and I look forward to seeing new flavors and design evolution in the future.