Monster Energy Ultra Peachy Keen (Japan)
Released on July 4, 2023, Monster Energy Ultra Peachy Keen is a zero-calorie, zero-sugar beverage from the Ultra series.
This product is relatively new, having made its way to Japan about a year and a half after debuting in the U.S. It is a no-juice and zero-zero drink, yet it offers the delicious flavor of peach flesh.
How does the Japanese version of Ultra Peachy Keen compare to its American counterpart? Let’s dive into a detailed review, including a comparison to the U.S. version.
Monster Energy Ultra Peachy Keen (Japan)
Manufacturer | MONSTER ENERGY |
---|---|
Country of Origin | Japan |
Price | 230 JPY |
Flavor | Peach |
Total rating | ★★★★☆ |
Features and recommendations for Monster Energy Ultra Peachy Keen (Japan)
- ゼロカロリー・ゼロシュガーなのに果実感が楽しめるピーチフレーバー
- 1960年代のヒッピー文化を描いたピースで可愛らしいデザインが特徴的
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 Monster Energy Ultra Peachy Keen
Upon opening the can, a sweet and fruity peach scent fills the air. The peach fragrance is highly refined, and it's hard to believe that this is a zero-sugar peach flavor... Now, let's give it a try.
As I take a sip, the sweet and tangy peach flavor spreads across my palate.
The mild acidity serves as an accent, and the gentle sweetness of the peach lingers along with the fragrance. The balance of sweetness and the duration of the scent is just right, and you wouldn't guess it's sugar-free if you didn't know.
The fact that the Ultra series can achieve this level of deliciousness with zero sugar is truly impressive.
In the U.S., nearly all new energy drink brands (like CELSIUS, G FUEL, and others) are sugar-free.
This has become the standard in recent years, and top brands like Monster Energy are focusing on the Ultra series, with both flavor and design continually improving. Personally, I'm thrilled that the outstanding Peachy Keen flavor is now available in Japan.
Comparison of U.S. and Japan Versions of Ultra Peachy Keen
Now, let's compare the American and Japanese versions of Peachy Keen. The left side is the Japanese version, and the right side is the American version.
The Japanese version has a more pronounced peach fragrance, which highlights the unique umami of the peach more clearly than the American version.
Both have the same nectarine-inspired yellow color, but the Japanese version is slightly clearer, while the American version has a stronger cloudiness and a deeper color.
It's easier to tell from the top view. Let's taste them now.
The base peach flavor is the same in both, but the Japanese version has more pronounced acidity, offering a fresher peach experience.
As I mentioned in my review of MONSTER ENERGY ULTRA PEACHY KEEN when it was first released, the American version offers a sweet and mild peach flavor that's not overly intense. It’s a delicate and soft sweetness that’s quite well done, which is unexpected for an American product.
The Japanese version of Peachy Keen has a sweet and tangy, fresh taste, with a rhythm in both flavor and scent that keeps things interesting throughout the 355ml can.
On the other hand, the American version, as I’ve written in previous reviews, tends to become a bit flat in flavor and scent by the time I finish the 473ml can.
Both versions are well-made sugar-free peach flavors, but personally, I prefer the Japanese version.
Even with the same product, there are slight differences in fragrance and taste depending on the country of sale, and trying them side by side allows you to rediscover these differences. It also gave me a renewed understanding of the elements needed to bring out the umami of peach without feeling like a zero-sugar drink.
Energy Ingredients of Monster Energy Ultra Peachy Keen
Contains 142mg of caffeine, 188mg of arginine, 355mg of ginseng, and 103mg of carnitine.
With no juice and zero sugar, zero calories. As zero-sugar flavors become more abundant in Japan, the range of choices expands. Now, you can choose between full-sugar full-sugar options or zero-sugar options if you want to reduce your sugar intake. I'm glad to see the Ultra series increasing.
Design of Monster Energy Ultra Peachy Keen
The soft impression of Peachy Keen, based on pink and white, reflects the 1960s American hippie style.
This free-spirited hippie counterculture pairs well with the energy drink culture. The vibrant, packed design makes it look fun to drink.
The energy poem on the back starts with "Summer of Love," embodying everything about the hippie movement, and while it may feel cringe-worthy in Japanese, it’s a faithful reflection of the original American English version.
Without the hippie design, this energy poem would just seem like nonsense.
Now, let's compare the design between the U.S. and Japan versions.
The Japanese version comes in a slim 355ml can, so much of the original design is cropped.
The left side, in particular, is cut significantly, and only about half of the original design is visible compared to the American version. It's a shame.
The text "Hate-Ashbury" is missing the bottom half, and the year 2002, which marks the birth of Monster Energy, along with the logo and hippie girl’s peace sign, are all completely hidden by the energy poem. It's understandable due to the can size, but it's still a shame.
Personally, I feel a bit nostalgic, as I was in San Francisco in 2002, the year Monster Energy was born, surrounded by the unique and free-spirited hippie culture. It’s nice to be able to easily grab this distinctive Peachy Keen flavor, originally from the U.S., here in Japan.
While enjoying the delicious peach flavor that doesn’t feel like zero-sugar, take in the carefree, peace-loving hippie vibe and the intricately drawn design.
Energy Drink-kun's Personal Rating
- Flavor
- Aroma
- Weight
- Freshness
- Munchiness
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Everyone's Monster Energy Ultra Peachy Keen (Japan) taste and ingredient opinions and ratings
★★★★★
そもそもピーチフレイバー飲料としてのんでみても美味なのにゼロゼロなのがちょっと信じられないレベル。
パイプラインやマンゴーロコはしっかりカロリーあるので手を出しづらかったけど、これなら気軽にフルーツ感を楽しめそうで暑い季節に重宝できそう。
★★★★★
人工甘味料特有のクセもなく飲みやすい