Red Bull Red Edition Groovy Fizz (Japan)

Posted on September 27, 2022 | Last updated February 2, 2025

Red Bull Red Edition Groovy Fizz (Japan)
Released on September 27, 2022, this marks the second Red Edition in Japan. According to the official description, the flavor is "strawberry." It is quite unusual for the same color edition to be released globally within a year.

Though the product is called "Red Edition Groovy Fizz" in Japan, upon picking it up, the flavor is actually the same "Strawberry & Apricot" from the 2022 Summer Edition. This flavor has now become the Amber Edition in the U.S. as a regular offering.

Is Groovy Fizz really Japan's unique strawberry flavor? Let’s try it out and find out!

Red Bull Red Edition Groovy Fizz (Japan)

Manufacturer	Red Bull
Country of Origin	Japan
Price	190 JPY
Flavor	Apricot、Strawberry
Total rating	★★★☆☆

Features and recommendations for Red Bull Red Edition Groovy Fizz (Japan)

濃厚なストロベリーキャンディーフレーバー
果肉感はなく濃い味なので氷をたっぷり入れて飲むのがオススメ

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 Red Bull Red Edition Groovy Fizz

When you open the can, a sweet and tangy aroma reminiscent of strawberry juice or strawberry candy fills the air. The color of the drink also reflects that strawberry vibe.
Flavor of Red Bull Red Edition Groovy Fizz

Taking a sip, you get a sweet and sour strawberry candy flavor. While it doesn't offer a fresh fruitiness, the rich taste is definitely enjoyable. For an energy drink, it’s a pretty acceptable option.

Personally, the candy flavor is a bit overpowering...
Flavor of Red Bull Red Edition Groovy Fizz

So, when you add ice, the strawberry flavor becomes fresher and the candy-like taste is less intense. At room temperature or refrigerated, it may feel a bit too strong. But with ice, it’s the perfect balance for a refreshing gulp.

If you check the back of the can, the official press release states the flavor is "strawberry," but it actually says "Strawberry & Apricot."
Flavor of Red Bull Red Edition Groovy Fizz

This is the same flavor as the 2022 Summer Edition released globally, which has now become the Amber Edition in the U.S. Let’s compare them and see for ourselves.

Comparing Japan and U.S. Strawberry & Apricot Flavors

I’ve already reviewed the 2022 Summer Edition. Now, I’ll compare it with the Amber Edition I picked up during my recent trip to the U.S.

On the left is the Japanese Red Edition Groovy Fizz, and on the right is the U.S. Amber Edition.
Flavor of Red Bull Red Edition Groovy Fizz Comparison in Japan and U.S.

Both have the same color, and the aroma is identical. If you shuffle the glasses, you wouldn't be able to tell which is the Red Edition Groovy Fizz.

When you taste them side by side, the Japanese version feels slightly richer, with a stronger sweet and sour strawberry candy flavor. However, there is no difference in the base flavor; both Japan and the U.S. versions share the same taste and aroma. Either way, you’ll enjoy the same strawberry candy-type flavor. Of course, both are recommended with ice.

The product name and colors differ, but the taste is the same.
Flavor of Red Bull Red Edition Groovy Fizz Comparison in Japan and U.S.

If you follow Red Bull Japan’s claim of "strawberry flavor," the Japanese Red Edition makes it easier to picture the taste with its red color.

Energy Ingredients of Red Bull Red Edition Groovy Fizz

It contains 80mg of caffeine and 300mg of arginine. The energy ingredients are the same as regular Red Bull, and it is made without any fruit juice.

Design of Red Bull Red Edition Groovy Fizz

Limited Edition Red Edition

Design of Red Bull Red Edition Groovy Fizz

The can has a red matte finish, and at the top, there is a subtle orange label stating "New Flavor." This orange-yellow hue may symbolize not just the red of strawberries, but also the yellow and orange tones of apricots.

In previous editions, this area featured the "Limited Edition" label.
Design of Red Bull Red Edition Groovy Fizz

This time, it says "New Flavor" for the initial release, but after some time, it’s likely to become a regular product with a fully red Red Edition, as per the press release.

Given that this release came just a year after the Watermelon Wild Passion release, it makes sense that they would label it as a "new product/new flavor."
Design of Red Bull Red Edition Groovy Fizz

Looking at the Red Edition cans side by side, the color difference is immediately noticeable. However, when you look at just one, it may be hard to tell the difference. This could be especially confusing for people who don't regularly buy energy drinks.

Design of the Strawberry & Apricot Flavor Abroad

The orange can design, used overseas for the Strawberry & Apricot flavor, is similarly confusing. The red and light orange combination might be a bit of a compromise.
Design of Red Bull Red Edition Groovy Fizz

If Japan were to release the Amber Edition, the strawberry candy flavor might seem somewhat nonsensical, especially considering Japan had previously released the Orange Edition.

I Prefer Designs That Clearly Indicate the Flavor

As I’ve mentioned in previous reviews, using an abstract product name like "Groovy Fizz" instead of a specific flavor name makes it even more confusing. If they had used "Strawberry & Apricot," as in the overseas versions, it would have been clearer to consumers.
Design of Red Bull Red Edition Groovy Fizz

For example, just adding "Watermelon" to the previous Watermelon Wild Passion Edition would have made the difference between the two editions much clearer.

A Design That Truly Embodies the Groovy Vibe of Red Bull Would Be Great

Design of Red Bull Red Edition Groovy Fizz

That said, the "Groovy Fizz" name and the official website design both suggest that this is inspired by "groovy, musical vibes."

Design of Red Bull Red Edition Groovy Fizz

The campaign’s catchphrase is "The Wings of a Beating Heart," and they’ve even created limited-edition record-shaped merchandise. It’s a cool idea!

Still, if you look at the product alone, it just looks like the classic Red Edition. I wish the design could better reflect the music culture behind it.