RAIZIN HARD GINGER

Posted on April 5, 2020 | Last updated February 8, 2025

RAIZIN HARD GINGER
Taisho Pharmaceutical once rebranded RAIZIN as a carbonated drink instead of an energy drink. But in 2020, it made its return as an energy drink.
The name "Hard Ginger" is so typically RAIZIN that, as someone sensitive to spiciness, I hesitated to open it for quite some time... (ヽ´ω`)

RAIZIN HARD GINGER

Manufacturer	Taisho seiyaku
Country of Origin	Japan
Price	190 JPY
Flavor	Spicy
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 RAIZIN HARD GINGER

Upon opening, a strong, freshly grated ginger aroma bursts out. Since RAIZIN is known for its ginger flavor—and with a name like "Hard Ginger"—I was prepared for it, but the intensity of the scent almost made me give up.
RAIZIN HARD GINGER
Once poured into a glass, the aroma mellowed out compared to when I first opened it. Still, it's called "Hard Ginger," so it must be incredibly spicy, right? Time to find out.

Taking a cautious sip, I was surprised by its crisp, non-sticky texture. Maybe it's because it's sugar-free.

The spiciness of the ginger wasn't as intense as I had expected. Instead, a distinct bitterness spread in my mouth first, followed by a mild tingling ginger heat that built up afterward. The bitterness was unexpected, but with the spice toned down, even someone like me who struggles with strong flavors might manage this.

That said, the spiciness does linger slightly on the tongue, and even after swallowing, there's a warmth in my stomach, so it's clear that the ginger is well-incorporated. However, compared to the original RAIZIN, the heat is significantly reduced, making me question whether "Hard Ginger" is an accurate name.

The old RAIZIN combined the typical sweetness of energy drinks with an oddly strong ginger kick, but this Hard Ginger shifts the focus to bitterness, giving it a tonic-like feel. This bitter taste actually suits ginger better.
RAIZIN HARD GINGER
Chilling it further with ice enhances the bitterness. It could also help soften the ginger flavor, but that would defeat the purpose of "Hard Ginger," so drinking it straight from the fridge might be the best way to enjoy it.

Energy Ingredients of RAIZIN HARD GINGER

RAIZIN HARD GINGER
Although RAIZIN returned as an energy drink in 2020, it contains zero caffeine. It’s also calorie-free and sugar-free.

RAIZIN HARD GINGER
Instead of caffeine, RAIZIN promotes a new ingredient called "Enextra." It primarily contains galangal extract. I had never heard of galangal before, but after a quick search, I found out it's a plant from the ginger family—so it's all about ginger again (^_^;)

Galangal is said to have similar effects to ginger, such as warming the body and providing anti-inflammatory benefits.

Design of RAIZIN HARD GINGER

Ever since RAIZIN was rebranded as a high-priced, small-sized carbonated drink for business professionals in 2017, its square design has been a signature feature. This design concept was created by a certain designer who claimed it visually represents "taste sensation" and "stimulus" on a chart. The latest version seems to have inherited that multi-faceted shape.
RAIZIN HARD GINGER
On the store shelves, the striking orange gradient stood out with great impact.

While the bold orange design is eye-catching, I personally preferred the old bird logo—it felt more fitting for an energy drink and made the concept easier to grasp. Energy drinks often benefit from more concrete imagery rather than abstract designs.

The previous non-energy drink version had a plain white background with only colored geometric shapes, which barely stood out in stores. Combined with its small size and high price, it seemed like a tough sell.
RAIZIN HARD GINGER
Compared to the previous design with its tiny product name, the new version is far better—it clearly showcases the brand name, making it much easier to recognize. Plus, switching from a tiny 190ml high-priced carbonated drink to a taller 245ml can while keeping the price at 190 yen was definitely the right move.

That said, those familiar with RAIZIN already associate it with ginger, but now that it has a more pronounced bitter note, its strong and unique flavor might face some criticism on social media.

Most energy drink brands offer crowd-pleasing flavors as their flagship product and introduce spicy ginger varieties as part of a broader lineup. RAIZIN, however, does the exact opposite.

With the second wave of the energy drink boom that started in 2019, it'll be interesting to see how RAIZIN performs, including its reception on social media.