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One can for 100 yen is expensive! A roundup of the most cost-effective energy drinks (Japan & the World)

Posted on July 22, 2022 | Last updated February 10, 2025

Energy drinks have come to be associated with high prices, and manufacturers have started to sell drinks labeled as "energy drinks" in the soft drink category as if it were the norm...

However, around the world, there are plenty of budget-friendly, cost-effective energy drinks. Since the first energy drink boom in Japan in 2014, cost-effective energy drinks have emerged, becoming popular among a certain group of enthusiasts.

A 250ml can priced around 100 yen ends up costing 200 yen when converted to a 500ml equivalent, so it can't be considered a cost-effective energy drink.

Energy Drink Maniac, who has traveled the world searching for energy drinks, will now carefully introduce the most cost-effective energy drinks.

Author informationAuthor: 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.

Most Cost-Effective Energy Drinks in Japan

Golden Hammer Energy Drink

Golden Hammer Energy Drink is the private label of the discount supermarket chain "La-Moo," which is mainly found in western Japan. It boasts an incredibly low price of 38 yen per can, making it one of the most cost-effective energy drinks in Japan.

The price is surprisingly low for a private label product, far exceeding the typical low-cost image. This price is similar to those of supermarket private label products found in energy drink leading countries like Europe.

For those familiar with La-Moo in western Japan, or energy drink enthusiasts who have experienced local supermarket private label drinks from around the world, it's clear that a 100 yen energy drink is not considered great value.

Miracle Energy V

Miracle Energy V Series
A long-selling product from Sangaria, Miracle Energy V. Sold for 68 yen per can, it's not widely available, but can be found nationwide. While it may sometimes appear for 100 yen in vending machines, it can be found for 68 yen at discount stores.

It features a rich, classic flavor and has been a top choice in Japan's low-cost energy drink scene since the first energy drink boom. Given that the contents are virtually the same as a 200 yen energy drink, many choose Miracle Energy V for its taste and cost-effectiveness.

Most Cost-Effective Energy Drinks Worldwide

Particularly in Europe, supermarket private label (PB) energy drinks are extremely cheap. I will not mention 250ml cans priced around 100 yen, as these are considered high. When traveling through Europe, it's enjoyable to hunt for these budget-friendly PB products.

BOMBA! Energy Drink

BOMBA! Energy Drink
A long-established energy drink brand from Hungary. Sold for around 50 yen per can, it offers a wide range of flavors, all of which are of high quality. At this price, you may wonder why anyone would choose a major brand over BOMBA!.

BOOSTER Energy Drink

BOOSTER Energy Drink
A low-cost energy drink brand from Germany. Can be purchased for around 70 yen per can. While there are many affordable PB energy drinks in Europe, 70 yen no longer feels like a bargain. The BOOSTER series has a long history and offers various flavors to enjoy without getting bored.

VENOM Energy Drink

VENOM Energy Drink
A long-established energy drink brand in the USA. Part of the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, it is a long-time favorite. Every flavor is rich and bold, and the ingredients are on par with major brands. Anyone familiar with American energy drinks is likely hooked by the deliciousness. Sold for 99 cents per can, the first taste is a memorable experience.

Though it's one of the major brands sold nationwide in the U.S., availability may vary by region, so be sure to search for it while traveling in the U.S. to enjoy the hunt.

SPIDER Energy Drink

SPIDER Energy Drink
An American energy drink brand with a long history. Sold for 1 dollar per 473ml can. Offers a wide range of flavors, and the design features a spider of each flavor's color on a black can. You can still enjoy the vintage American feel with this energy drink brand. The price has been slowly rising due to increased living costs.

Rip It Energy Drink

Rip It Energy Drink
Another long-standing energy drink brand, popular in the American Midwest and East. Sold for 1 dollar per 473ml can, Rip It offers a wide variety of flavors, from the less desirable to the delicious. Despite being a high-value product at 1 dollar, it also supports military-related initiatives, making it a brand full of patriotism. However, it has been gradually increasing in price.