Monster Energy Super Fuel Red Dawg (Japan)

Posted on August 3, 2021 | Last updated February 4, 2025

Monster Energy Super Fuel Red Dawg (Japan)
On August 3, 2021, Monster Energy released two flavors of its non-carbonated sports drink series, "Super Fuel," in Japan. This review covers the red flavor, "RED DAWG."

The Monster Energy series, which is sold in bottle form in the United States, was released in Japan as a limited edition during a time when sports events like the Olympics were generating excitement.

Monster Energy Super Fuel Red Dawg (Japan)

Manufacturer	Monster Energy
Country of Origin	Japan
Price	230 JPY
Flavor	Red Berry
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.

Sweet and Sour Gentle Acerola & Berry Flavor

The red drink has an artificially sweet and sour aroma. Red sports drinks are quite rare in Japan, aren't they? Even just by its appearance, it feels like a taste of something foreign.
Monster Energy Super Fuel Red Dawg (Japan)
When you take a sip, it has a gentle sweetness with a mix of acerola and berry flavors. There’s no actual fruitiness, but it doesn't have an overly artificial taste. It's the refreshing and easy-to-drink flavor typically found in sports drinks. Of course, it's non-carbonated, so it’s easy to drink smoothly.

Given the packaging design and the red color, one might imagine a strong and intense taste, which is often associated with Monster Energy. However, the taste is just like a regular sports drink, so if you're expecting something more intense, you might be surprised.

That said, it’s genuinely tasty, and I can't really find any downsides. The balance of flavor and aroma is perfect for hydration during exercise, and the slight aftertaste and residue make it satisfying without feeling lacking.

The Super Fuel bottle has a large mouthpiece, so you can enjoy the fruity aroma while drinking.
Monster Energy Super Fuel Red Dawg (Japan)
The large mouthpiece, reminiscent of American sports drink bottles, allows you to enjoy the fragrance while drinking directly from the bottle, which is quite nice.

Energy Ingredients of Monster Energy Super Fuel Red Dawg (Japan)

Monster Energy Super Fuel Red Dawg (Japan)
It contains 148.5mg of caffeine, 181.5mg of valine, 363mg of leucine, and 181.5mg of isoleucine. The combination of caffeine and BCAAs is the same as the original American version.

The Red Dawg contains 148.5mg of caffeine in its large 550ml size, which is relatively low compared to typical canned products. It doesn’t include ingredients like arginine.

While drinking several Super Fuel bottles for hydration during exercise isn’t the most cost-effective option, it’s important to be careful not to exceed the recommended daily caffeine intake if you drink three bottles in a day.

Design of Monster Energy Super Fuel Red Dawg (Japan)

The silhouette is a bit thicker with horizontal lines. The slanted, three-dimensional Monster Energy logo, which has become a staple in America, stands out.
Monster Energy Super Fuel Red Dawg (Japan)
Black-labeled sports drinks are quite rare, aren’t they? In Japan, sports drinks typically have a light blue label, don’t they?

The design has been directly brought from the American version to Japan, so you can enjoy the characteristic intense Monster Energy design.

Next to "Super Fuel," there's a silhouette of a runner to clearly represent it as a sports drink.
Monster Energy Super Fuel Red Dawg (Japan)
By the way, the American Red Dawg doesn’t have this silhouette. This is a unique design for Japan. Since Monster Energy is typically associated with carbonated energy drinks, it’s nice to make it more accessible for the general public.

The mouthpiece is large and easy to drink from. By directly replicating the original design, you can enjoy the distinct Monster Energy experience without losing its identity, making it a unique alternative to regular sports drinks.

Monster Energy Super Fuel Red Dawg (Japan)
On the back, there are functional logos. When written in large Japanese fonts, it almost ruins the vibe, giving it a somewhat ordinary feel. A font size similar to the one used for "BCAA" would look cooler.

Comparison of RED DAWG in Japan and the U.S.

Let’s compare the Red Dawg in Japan and the U.S. The one on the left is from Japan, and the one on the right is from the U.S.
Monster Energy Super Fuel Red Dawg (Japan)
The Japanese version is labeled "Super Fuel," while the American version is "Super Sports." The product name changes slightly for the Japanese version, but the base design and color remain the same, with only minor differences in labeling and coloring.

Monster Energy Super Fuel Red Dawg (Japan)
While two flavors, Red Dawg and Blue Streak, were released in Japan, the U.S. has seen numerous sports drink versions released over time. They look vibrant and colorful, don’t they? If you’re traveling to the U.S., I’d definitely recommend trying them!

Monster Energy Super Fuel Red Dawg (Japan)
The Japan-specific design isn’t bad, and I’m particularly happy they kept the bottle shape the same as the original.

As I mentioned in my taste review, the large mouthpiece lets you enjoy the aroma while drinking, which gives you the experience of having an American-style sports drink. If you’ve ever had the Hydro series or Gatorade in the U.S., this will definitely bring back some memories!