Red Bull TOTAL ZERO

Posted on February 7, 2015 | Last updated February 15, 2025

This is a review of Red Bull TOTAL ZERO, a zero-calorie, zero-sugar energy drink. Unlike the Sugarfree version, this one has absolutely zero calories.

Red Bull TOTAL ZERO

Manufacturer	Red Bull
Country of Origin	Austria
Price	2.49 USD
Flavor	classic flavor
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 Red Bull TOTAL ZERO

Red Bull TOTAL ZERO is a fully zero-calorie version. Although Red Bull Sugarfree is labeled zero calories and zero carbs, it actually contains a small amount (10 kcal and 3g carbs per 8.4oz).

Red Bull TOTAL ZERO
The aroma feels slightly weaker than the original Red Bull. The taste is also lighter in terms of both sourness and sweetness compared to the original or Sugarfree versions. With mild carbonation, it has a very smooth mouthfeel and is easy to drink.

Because of the double-zero formula and the slight bitterness from artificial sweeteners, it gives off a somewhat medicinal taste. While this is less noticeable at room temperature, when ice-cold, the flavor becomes harder to detect, which makes the medicinal taste and aroma stand out more.

The aftertaste has almost no sweetness, with a crisp sourness that makes it feel refreshing. Despite the mild carbonation, the clean finish comes from the absence of any lingering residue in the mouth. It's a typical zero-calorie flavor, but the artificial sweetener's bitterness is surprisingly well-masked. However, if zero-calorie drinks aren’t your thing, you're better off sticking with the original for a more satisfying experience.

Red Bull → Sugarfree → TOTAL ZERO—the flavor lightens clearly in that order.

Energy Ingredients of Red Bull TOTAL ZERO

Red Bull TOTAL ZERO
It contains 80mg of caffeine, 1000mg of taurine, and guarana—just like the original. Despite having zero sugar and zero calories, the energy ingredients remain the same.

The dark can design might suggest a stronger formula, but in fact, the content is no different from the original version. Don’t worry—it’s not stronger just because it’s an international version, so you can enjoy it with peace of mind. (´∀｀*)

Design of Red Bull TOTAL ZERO

The can is a deep, dark gray—almost black—giving off a strong impression that you wouldn't immediately associate with a zero-zero product.

Red Bull TOTAL ZERO
The pull tab is a dark, nearly black gray—an absolute joy for pull-tab collectors. (●´ω｀●)

With the original in blue and the Sugarfree in light blue, the only brighter option for clear distinction would have been white or light gray. But Red Bull went the opposite direction with black, which is a bold and refreshing choice.

Most zero-calorie energy drinks tend to use white or silver, so Red Bull choosing black for TOTAL ZERO was quite a surprise at the time.

That said, since the difference between Sugarfree and TOTAL ZERO is so subtle, it does make you wonder if there’s a strong reason to keep this version on the market. (^_^;)