Gabu-nomi X Freedom Energy (Orange)

Posted on February 13, 2021 | Last updated February 5, 2025

Gabu-nomi X Freedom Energy (Orange)
Released on September 14, 2020, Gabu-nomi X Freedom Energy is the second product in Pokka Sapporo's energy drink series aimed at middle and high school boys. It was sold as a limited-time offer.

The drink switched from the pink-colored Gabu-nomi Freedom Energy to the orange version, now named "X Freedom Energy."

*In 2021, it was renewed into the green Gabu-nomi Energy and became a regular product. Be sure to check out the review for that version as well.*

Gabu-nomi X Freedom Energy (Orange)

Manufacturer	Pokka Sapporo
Country of Origin	Japan
Price	140 JPY
Flavor	classic flavor
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.

Moderately Sweet Monster Energy Flavor

Upon opening the can, a smooth, sweet aroma bursts out, along with the orange-colored liquid inside. At first, I thought it might be an orange flavor, but the fragrance isn’t fruity. What flavor is it, I wonder?
Gabu-nomi X Freedom Energy (Orange)
When I take a sip, a soft, artificial sweetness lingers, followed by an accent of acidity. There's a subtle vanilla milk-like fragrance that wraps around, and it reminds me of the original Monster Energy taste.

However, the sweetness is not heavy, and the aftertaste and fragrance are overall light. Since it’s intended to be consumed in one go with the 500ml size, they likely made the sweetness and fragrance more subtle. If it were any stronger, the refreshing feel would be lost, and it would hinder drinking it all at once. The balance of taste and fragrance in Gabu-nomi X Freedom Energy is spot on!

On the other hand, if you're looking for a rich and intense Mogu-Mogu texture experience, this might fall short. It's not bad, but it feels somewhat lacking... For those people, it might be time to graduate to Monster Energy!

Gabu-nomi X Freedom Energy's Energy Ingredients

Gabu-nomi X Freedom Energy (Orange)
Contains 77mg of caffeine. There are no other energy ingredients included. Since this product is targeted at middle and high school students, this amount of caffeine should be sufficient.

Gabu-nomi X Freedom Energy's Design

The contrast between black and orange makes for an impactful energy drink design.
Gabu-nomi X Freedom Energy (Orange)
The "X" part of the label has a design where part of it appears to be peeling off, revealing the orange color inside... or so I thought, but actually, it's a transparent orange. The label design doesn't change even as you drink the contents.

I really like this! Personally, I prefer it when the design stays the same even after the drink is gone. The peeling label design, especially with a transparent bottle, adds a unique touch that cans can’t replicate.

Gabu-nomi X Freedom Energy (Orange)
On the back, you'll find poetic phrases typical of the X Freedom Energy branding. This "Gabu-nomi Poem" was introduced with the second flavor, orange: "A special freedom beyond the unknown boundary." I can't help but love this slightly cringe-worthy, energy-drink-like vibe. This is probably the general impression people have of energy drinks.

Gabu-nomi X Freedom Energy (Orange)
Overall, the color scheme and design are stable, and it doesn’t give off the impression of a cheap, low-tier energy drink. I think it has a more energy-drink-like design compared to the pink version from the first release.