hacco energy drink

Posted on May 28, 2014 | Last updated February 21, 2025

This is a review of Hacco Energy Drink, an energy drink developed by Marukome, a major miso manufacturer. It contains koji (fermented rice malt) and is designed as a female-oriented energy drink.

hacco energy drink

Manufacturer	Marukome
Country of Origin	Japan
Price	200 JPY
Flavor	Grapefruit
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.

Grapefruit Taste

This energy drink is marketed toward women, featuring a pink and white design with a grapefruit flavor. It is caffeine-free.

Since it contains actual grapefruit juice, the aroma has a nice fruity touch. The color closely resembles grapefruit juice as well. The taste, however, lacks acidity and bitterness, and the sweetness is so mild that it's barely noticeable. With zero punch, you could call it gentle, but on the flip side, some might wonder, "Where’s the energy?" (；´∀｀)

Marukome’s Energy Drink with Shio Koji

hacco Energy Drink
Since Hacco is an energy drink released by Marukome, it contains shio koji. How exactly this contributes to an energy boost is unclear, but the catchphrase is "Strong, Beautiful, and Blooming." Somehow, it feels like we've seen something similar before…

Wouldn't it have made more sense to call this a beauty drink? Surely, I'm not the only one thinking that! lol

The Features and Taste of Hacco

hacco Energy Drink
As an energy drink, Hacco gives off a rather ambiguous impression. The shio koji flavor is barely noticeable, and overall, it tastes like a light and refreshing grapefruit drink that anyone can enjoy.

Without the strong flavors or aromas typical of energy drinks, it might even lose to regular juice in terms of impact. However, looking at it from another angle, its light and unobtrusive taste could make it the perfect drink to have while working on a focused task. This perspective might not fit a traditional energy drink review, but it makes sense in that context.

Ultimately, as an energy drink, you have to wonder—does it really belong in this category? Did they just slap "energy" on the name for the sake of it? That question remains.

(But to be fair, since the flavor isn't overpowering, if this ever goes on clearance for less than half price, I'd probably stock up on a few hundred cans. lol)