Extra Charge

Posted on May 8, 2014 | Last updated February 21, 2025

This is a review of Extra Charge, which is likely an exclusive product sold only at 100 Yen Lawson stores. There is no detailed product information available anywhere...

Extra Charge

Manufacturer	J-FOOD
Country of Origin	Japan
Price	100 JPY
Flavor	Chemicals
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.

Extra Chargeの味

The scent has a strong, noticeable energy drink-like aroma.

The taste is light, and at room temperature, it has a strong medicinal scent that cuts through, but when chilled, it turns into a refreshing vitamin soda-like flavor. It’s somewhat similar to Real Gold, I’d say.

While the scent is strong and distinct, the flavor is light, making it easy to drink, though it feels somewhat unclear. If they were aiming for a balanced flavor that isn't too strong or too weak, I think they’ve succeeded, but I also feel that adding more distinctive features could have made it better.

It could be considered subtle, but even though it isn’t too light in flavor, it’s a drinkable, light flavor that pairs well with the strong energy drink aroma. It might be perfect for drinking ice-cold in the summer. Plus, being priced at 100 yen makes it a convenient option for casual drinking.

As an energy drink, it lacks a clear concept

Extra Charge
This feels more like a private brand product than a branded one. It’s labeled as "energy drink" on the right side of the can, but there’s little indication elsewhere that it’s an energy drink. A more distinctive design might have made a stronger impression.

Extra Charge
The back of the can only lists the ingredients, with no real product imagery. In a way, it’s quite simple, but it might have been more appealing with some unique selling points or branding.

When a product is too simple, without strong promotion elsewhere, it can be hard for its image to come across. The balance between being minimalist or descriptive is something brands need to think about carefully in order to elevate their image.

By the way, in 2015, it disappeared from the 100 Yen Lawson stores...