Monster Energy Mango Loco (Japan)

Posted on March 15, 2022 | Last updated February 3, 2025

On April 12, 2022, Monster Energy Mango Loco, with its tropical mango flavor, was finally released in Japan.

Originally launched in the summer of 2017 in the United States, Mango Loco expanded to Europe and other regions, and now it has finally arrived in Japan.

Monster Energy Mango Loco (Japan)

Manufacturer	Monster Energy
Country of Origin	Japan
Price	190 JPY
Flavor	Tropical sweet、Mango
Total rating	★★★★☆

Features and recommendations for Monster Energy Mango Loco (Japan)

アメリカをはじめ全世界で発売されているベストセラー商品
メキシコの死者の日をモチーフにしたポップなデザイン
果汁11%が絶妙な旨味と華やかさを演出するトロピカルマンゴー味
完飲した瞬間また2本目が飲みたくなる美味しさ

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 Sweet, Rich, and Refreshing Tropical Fruit

Upon opening the can, a sweet and floral tropical fruit aroma spreads immediately. You can tell it's delicious just from the scent alone. I've been drinking at least two cans every day since its release, and yet, the fruity and floral fragrance when I open the can still gets me every time.
Monster Energy Mango Loco (Japan)

When you take a sip, you get a sweet and sour, vibrant mix of tropical fruit flavors bursting with fruitiness. You can enjoy the refreshing taste of mango, pineapple, passion fruit, and papaya, among others.

It's not the heavy, dense type but rather strikes a perfect balance between the rich fruitiness and sweetness of sugar, making it easy to finish a 355ml can in no time. The 355ml size is perfect; when you've finished one can, you feel like you could have a little more, and the balance of taste quality and volume makes you want to buy another one.

The tropical scent that you experience every time you drink it is soothing, and the aftertaste is subtle, not overpowering, making it easy to drink. This is a classic tropical fruit flavor that will appeal to everyone, regardless of gender.

Review of Mango Loco Comparison Between Japan and the US

Mango Loco tastes slightly different depending on the country. While the base tropical fruit taste is somewhat unified, the overall flavor concept feels different. I previously did a comparison between Mango Loco from the US and Canada, so be sure to check that out too. The American version stands out with its intense richness.

Now, let's compare Mango Loco from Japan and the US. On the left is Japan, and on the right is the US. The color is nearly identical. From a distance, you can't tell the difference at all.
Comparison of Mango Loco from Japan and the US

If you look closely, you can see that the American version on the right has more noticeable light and dark contrasts in the center and around the glass.
Comparison of Mango Loco from Japan and the US

While it's hard to convey in photos, the dense juice fog, known as the "god's fog," appears prominently in the American version. By the way, in the review for the Japanese version, there were no photos of the "god's fog" because it was difficult to form. In the American version, the "god's fog" keeps floating up and settling.

Flavor Differences

Now, let's compare the taste. The base tropical flavor is the same, but the American version clearly has a more pronounced mango texture and a smoother, richer sweetness. The fruitiness lingers in your mouth.

On the other hand, the Japanese version has a tangy, sweet-and-sour taste. While it doesn't have the same fresh-squeezed mouthfeel as the American version, it offers a vibrant richness that makes it hard to pick a clear winner. The differences are especially noticeable at room temperature.

Whether you find the dense American version too heavy or feel the Japanese version lacks the fresh-squeezed sensation, it depends on personal preference. If you get a chance to compare both versions, I highly recommend trying both to see which Mango Loco suits your taste.

11% vs 16% Fruit Juice

Comparison of Mango Loco from Japan and the US

The difference between 11% and 16% fruit juice is evident when you drink the American version, which offers a grated fruit taste. Meanwhile, the Japanese Mango Loco isn't focused on a dense fruit juice texture, as the higher fruit content wasn't the main goal.

Many Mango Loco versions around the world aren't as heavily fruit-juice focused as the American version, so I didn't feel any oddness between the two. Upon re-tasting, the Japanese Mango Loco is still delicious!

Energy Ingredients of Monster Energy Mango Loco

Energy Ingredients of Monster Energy Mango Loco (Japan)

It contains 142mg of caffeine, 188mg of arginine, 291mg of ginseng, and 10.65mg of carnitine.

The 11% fruit juice mix includes grape, mango, apple, guava, orange, pineapple, apricot, peach, lemon, and passion fruit, showcasing a variety of fruit juices. While you can't distinguish each flavor individually, it's this balance that creates the deliciousness of Mango Loco.

Though 11% fruit juice isn't considered high in fruit content, this balance likely contributed to the addictive taste and perfect fruitiness. Mango Loco is well-balanced overall, and I personally rate it highly. Flavors that extract this much deliciousness from a lower fruit juice content are quite common in European energy drinks.

Design of Monster Energy Mango Loco

Design of Monster Energy Mango Loco (Japan)

The bright blue can features the Monster Energy logo, reminiscent of mango and tropical fruit mix flesh. And the slightly peeking skeleton creates a strong impact.

Mango Loco (Japan) Día de Los Muertos Design

This design is inspired by Mexico's traditional "Día de Los Muertos" (Day of the Dead).

Monster Energy Mango Loco (Japan)

In the US, there have been several energy drinks inspired by the Day of the Dead design, and Mango Loco's skull is particularly colorful, perfectly embodying Día de Los Muertos and showcasing a distinct Mexican style. It's amazing that this design is now available in Japan!

Comparison of Mango Loco Design in Japan and the US

The design of the original Mango Loco from the US is slightly different, so let's compare. On the left is Japan, and on the right is the US.
Comparison of Mango Loco Design in Japan and the US

The Japanese Mango Loco is 355ml, so the skull's face is cut off, while the American version shows most of the face, and the surrounding flowers are slightly different.

Monster Energy Mango Loco (Japan)

The third skull on the opposite side isn't drawn due to the lack of space, which is an interesting design difference between the two countries.

Japan's Attention to Detail in the Color Tab

Full Tab of Monster Energy Mango Loco

The tab matches the can color, a vibrant blue. Monster Energy has been consistent with its attention to detail in design, and the color tab is something unique to Monster Energy Japan. In other countries, silver tabs or tabs without logos are used, but Monster Energy Japan stays committed to this level of detail.

Gift Box of Mango Loco

Here is the pre-release gift box of Mango Loco. I was able to experience the deliciousness of Mango Loco before its official release.
Design of Monster Energy Mango Loco (Japan)

The Mango Loco design combines all the vibrant colors and Day of the Dead elements with a pop culture feel, making it an eye-catching energy drink design.

Monster Energy Mango Loco 24-pack

With the arrival of Mango Loco, Monster Energy's dominance in the Japanese market is expected to continue. I think no one will be able to stop it now! There are many other attractive products in the US, so let's look forward to more Monster Energy releases.