ZONe DEEP DIVE vs Blackout Weiss
With several Calpis soda-flavored and lactobacillus drink-flavored beverages now available in Japan, I decided to compare the 500ml ZONe DEEP DIVE released in 2020 and the Blackout Weiss released in 2017.
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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 Comparison
On the left is ZONe DEEP DIVE, and on the right is Blackout Weiss. The colors are almost identical. Let's compare the taste.
ZONe DEEP DIVE
It has a strong Calpis soda flavor with a gentle sweetness, smooth and with no harshness. At first, you might taste a slight tartness, but as your palate adjusts, a refreshing sweetness continues throughout. The impression is that it’s a Calpis soda flavor that maintains sweetness until you finish the 500ml.
Blackout Weiss
Now, let’s try Blackout Weiss. It’s a similar flavor, but Blackout Weiss has a stronger tartness. Compared to ZONe DEEP DIVE, it also has a fruity sourness, and from the initial taste to the aftertaste, you can enjoy the rhythmic changes of Calpis-like sweetness, lactobacillus drink acidity, and fruity aroma.
Thoughts on the Flavor Comparison
ZONe DEEP DIVE is all about sweetness, with a gentle flavor that lasts, but Blackout Weiss offers a dynamic change in taste with sweetness, tartness, and a refreshing, lingering aroma. You won't get bored even if you continue drinking. Even with the large 500ml size, it’s easy to drink.
When comparing the intensity of flavor, both are surprisingly similar in strength, but Blackout Weiss stands out more with its punch from the tartness, leaving a stronger impression. Personally, I prefer the more complex flavor of Blackout Weiss.
Ingredient Comparison
The caffeine content that many people look for in energy drinks is 78mg in ZONe DEEP DIVE, while Blackout Weiss contains 150mg, nearly double the amount. There is little difference in the amount of arginine. In terms of awakening effect, Blackout Weiss definitely performs better.
By the way, ZONe DEEP DIVE contains 68g of carbohydrates, which is relatively high compared to other energy drinks, so it might be worth paying attention to that.
Design Comparison
When it comes to design, I personally prefer ZONe DEEP DIVE. The deep blue gradient, which evokes the imagery of sinking deeper, matches the product name. The simple text placement adds to its coolness. The size and color make it visually appealing on store shelves.
However, is it a coincidence that both designs feature light blue?
ZONe DEEP DIVE vs Blackout Weiss Summary
After comparing the visually similar ZONe DEEP DIVE and Blackout Weiss, I was surprised to find that they have distinct tastes, with ZONe leaning more toward sweet Calpis and Blackout offering a fresher lactobacillus drink flavor. Both can be enjoyed as separate experiences.
By the way, there’s also Matsukiyo's RUN & GUN in the lactobacillus drink-flavored energy drink category, but it comes in a 250ml size, so it was excluded from this comparison.
Looking at brands like KIIVA, ZONe, Blackout, and even Monster Energy, which have been successful domestically, it seems like the trend in energy drinks is shifting from "small cans are expensive" to "buying large volumes with better cost performance."
When you see a 500ml energy drink for 200 yen, a 250ml can of Red Bull at around 250 yen seems a bit expensive. Matsukiyo, which I excluded from the comparison, costs 150 yen for 250ml, but if you calculate it for 500ml, it comes to 300 yen (laughs).
Since 2001, Energy Drink Maniac has been drinking energy drinks and providing the most detailed reviews of global energy drinks based on firsthand research.
1533 flavors reviewed.
User reviews: 0 comments.
The collection includes approximately 7,000 types of energy drinks from different countries, sizes, and designs.