Shonan Gold Energy

Posted on May 5, 2021 | Last updated February 4, 2025

The energy drink, Shonan Gold Energy, uses the citrus fruit "Shonan Gold," which is a hybrid of the "Imamura Wenshu mandarin" and "Golden Orange."

While it's not limited to Kanagawa Prefecture, it's only sold in select stores, so it may not be widely known outside the prefecture. How is the flavor of the so-called "legendary citrus," Shonan Gold, captured in this drink!?

Shonan Gold Energy

Manufacturer	Morinaga Odawara
Country of Origin	Japan
Price	190 JPY
Flavor	Citrus fruit、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.

Orochimins C and Dekavita-like Orange Candy Flavor

The cloudy golden color, beautiful shine (*´ｪ`*). The scent has a strangely chemical smell, similar to Orochimin C or Dekavita. Huh!?
Shonan Gold Energy
When I take a sip, I get that vitamin drink or chemical-like flavor mixed with a sweet orange taste, much like Orochimin C or Dekavita.

The citrus fruit flavor is less pronounced than I expected, with a soft acidity, and a somewhat artificial orange candy-like sweetness. It's hard to imagine the taste of the citrus fruit "Shonan Gold"...

Chemical Flavor or Fruity Flavor: Which One Should You Choose?

Shonan Gold Energy offers the "energy drink-like" chemical flavor that's commonly associated with such drinks, so it may be a good choice for those expecting that taste.

On the other hand, it's disappointing that the real fruitiness of "Shonan Gold," a new citrus fruit selected under Kanagawa Prefecture's agricultural brand system, is not prominent. Even after drinking Shonan Gold Energy, I couldn't quite grasp the taste of the "Shonan Gold" fruit.

Should it focus on the chemical "energy drink-like" flavor, or should it embrace a fresh citrus juice flavor that might be considered "not quite energy drink-like"...

Shonan Gold Energy
Personally, I wished they had pushed the juicy, fleshy flavor of biting into a Shonan Gold fruit. Fruit-based flavors like this, such as Pipeline Punch, have become incredibly popular in Japan, just like overseas. I think it's okay to forget about the commonly heard "energy drink-like" taste in Japan.

Energy Ingredients of Shonan Gold Energy

Shonan Gold Energy
Contains 80mg of caffeine and 300mg of arginine. The drink includes 1% fruit juice, which is from Shonan Gold.

Design of Shonan Gold Energy

A mascot character reminiscent of surfing in Shonan, with a golden Shonan Gold Energy logo shining brightly.

Shonan Gold Energy
Upon closer inspection, the can features swirling waves all over. For a regional revitalization product, it's nice that the design isn't overly aggressive or unhealthy-looking, even for an energy drink. This "yuru-chara" feel is a nice touch.

The current fruit juice content is 1%, but I think if they made a new version with 10 times the fruit juice, giving a stronger fruit flavor, like a "Shonan Gold Energy Premium," it would become quite popular.