BARK ZERO

Posted on November 4, 2022 | Last updated February 1, 2025

Super Belc’s private brand energy drink, "BARK," presents its second edition, BARK ZERO Sugar-Free.

BARK original now comes in a zero-sugar version, with an easy-to-spot light blue can. The energy ingredients are at a standard level, and it’s available at an affordable price of just 98 yen per can.

BARK ZERO

Manufacturer	Belc
Country of Origin	Japan
Price	98 JPY
Flavor	classic flavor、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 ZERO Sugar-Free

Upon opening, a sweet and sour classic flavor aroma fills the air. The hint of sourness in the fragrance suggests a refreshing, sugar-free flavor. Let’s give it a try.
Flavor of BARK ZERO Sugar-Free
When you take a sip, a sweet and sour classic flavor unfolds with a floral-like sweet aroma and a faint chemical aftertaste mixed with artificial sweeteners. This results in a typical sugar-free flavor, characteristic of energy drinks.

There is no heaviness in the sweetness, and it doesn’t feel too watery, so you can savor it. The lingering floral fragrance combines well with the energizing effect, offering a pleasant link to the energy drink experience.

However, the unpleasantness of the artificial sweetener is highlighted by the floral-like scent. For some, this combination might give off a feeling of an unhealthy taste. Recently, this type of flavor has been decreasing in Japan, so it will be interesting to see your thoughts.

Energy Ingredients of BARK ZERO Sugar-Free

Energy Ingredients of BARK ZERO Sugar-Free
It contains 100mg of caffeine and 380mg of arginine.

This offers a good amount of energy ingredients compared to the same-sized Red Bull. Though the arginine content is slightly lower than the original BARK (417.5mg), the difference is negligible.

Design of BARK ZERO Sugar-Free

The light blue can is easily recognizable as the sugar-free version. It also features the "KURASHINI BELLUC" logo, indicating that it is from BELLUC’s private brand.
BARK ZERO Sugar-Free
The logo, with the word "BARK" repeated multiple times and other text, including "Sugar free," makes the design feel a bit overcrowded. It might have been better if it were a bit simpler.

BARK ZERO Sugar-Free
The back of the can features an English poem, the moon, and a silhouette of the BARK logo resembling a building.

The somewhat cheesy BELLUC commercial featuring a wolf howling at the moon may reflect the unpretentious nature of an affordable energy drink available at a nearby supermarket. If I were to wish for anything, it would be for it to be priced slightly lower, considering it’s a private brand product. At around 200 yen per 500ml, it’s quite ordinary.