Matsukiyo EX STRONG HAPPY&SALT

Posted on June 11, 2020 | Last updated February 8, 2025

Matsukiyo Energy Drink EX STRONG HAPPY&SALT
Released on June 11, 2020, the summer edition of Matsukiyo's private brand energy drink, HAPPY&SALT. Like last summer, it contains salt and citric acid for a summer-friendly formula. What kind of flavor do you imagine from this color!?

Matsukiyo EX STRONG HAPPY&SALT

Manufacturer	Matsukiyo
Country of Origin	Japan
Price	150 JPY
Flavor	Cherry
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.

Flavor of Matsukiyo EX STRONG HAPPY&SALT

From the shocking pink can, a cola-colored liquid pours out. The scent is somewhat cola-like, but with a fruity vibe as well... Matsukiyo's energy drink series is known for not matching the color with the flavor, so it's hard to guess the taste based on appearance.
Matsukiyo Energy Drink EX STRONG HAPPY&SALT
Upon tasting, the strong acidity and rich cherry-like juice flavor hit first. Just when you think the cherry flavor is pleasant, the strong tartness of citric acid takes over, making it difficult to enjoy a fruity taste all the way through. In the end, it becomes a sour, non-fruity taste.

According to Matsukiyo's official description, HAPPY&SALT is supposed to taste like acerola, but from the cola color, it’s hard to imagine the red acerola flavor.

The color is so cola-like that some might think it tastes like a cherry coke with a strong tartness. Flavor is judged not only by taste and smell but also by sight and previous experiences, so the color is important Σ(´∀｀；)

Matsukiyo’s energy drinks are fun to pour into a glass because of the impact of the color, but if you want to enjoy just the flavor, it might be best to drink it from the can to avoid confusion.

Energy Ingredients of Matsukiyo EX STRONG HAPPY&SALT

Matsukiyo Energy Drink EX STRONG HAPPY&SALT
Contains 162.5mg of caffeine, 500mg of arginine, 5mg of isoleucine, 3000mg of citric acid, and Okinawan salt.

The caffeine amount is quite high, reaching domestic top levels. After drinking HAPPY&SALT, it might be best to avoid coffee or other energy drinks. The citric acid content is also high, contributing to the strong tartness of the drink.

Matsukiyo’s energy drink series adds salt every summer. In past editions, there was also Matsukiyo Body & Salt.

Design of Matsukiyo EX STRONG HAPPY&SALT

The combination of black and shocking pink makes a strong contrast, and the colors really stand out. The white text and logo pop as well.
Matsukiyo Energy Drink EX STRONG HAPPY&SALT
However, the disappointing part is that the package color doesn't match the taste at all. This is a characteristic of Matsukiyo's energy drink series, and at the same time, it's a bit of a missed opportunity.