ROCKSTAR PUNCHED PURE ZERO GUAVA

Posted on November 21, 2018 | Last updated February 14, 2025

This is a review of ROCKSTAR PUNCHED PURE ZERO GUAVA, the guava-flavored Pure Zero energy drink first released in the UK.

I thought it might be expanded to other countries following the UK launch, but it hasn’t been released in the US, Canada, or other European countries, and is only available in the UK. (A similar zero-calorie guava flavor was also launched in Australia in 2018.) It’s interesting to see that Rockstar UK always tends to take a unique path with their product releases.

ROCKSTAR PUNCHED PURE ZERO GUAVA

Manufacturer	ROCKSTAR
Country of Origin	UK
Price	0.99 GPB
Flavor	Guava
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 ROCKSTAR PUNCHED PURE ZERO GUAVA

When opening the can, a rich guava-flavored aroma bursts out. The intensity of this fragrance is surprising every time you open a can of Pure Zero Guava. It has a strong scent that doesn’t immediately suggest a zero-calorie drink.

ROCKSTAR PUNCHED PURE ZERO GUAVA
When poured into a glass, the liquid is a light, slightly cloudy pink color, reminiscent of the beautiful pink flesh of guava. With this color, it seems like it would appeal to women if it’s a zero-calorie drink.

Now, let's taste it! Along with the strong sweet fragrance, the first thing you notice is a slightly strong acidity. The aftertaste leaves a distinctive sweet and bitter flavor from the artificial sweeteners. The sweetness is weak, and there is no real fruit flavor—it's a truly sugar-free experience. The artificial sweetener flavor is very prominent, with no attempt to hide it (^_^;)

The taste is clean and refreshing, but when it’s chilled to a very cold temperature, the acidity becomes stronger and the sweetness diminishes, making it hard to tell what flavor it is.

Initially, the artificial sweetener flavor isn’t that noticeable, but the more you drink, the more pronounced it becomes. Perhaps it’s because your tongue gets accustomed to the acidity, allowing the artificial sweetener taste to stand out more. I’ve had several cans (including taste tests), and every time I’ve made adjustments to my review, but this aspect has remained constant.

For those who enjoy the light, unique sweetness of artificial sweeteners, this may be a hit, but for others, it might not be suitable Σ(´∀｀；)

Energy Ingredients of ROCKSTAR PUNCHED PURE ZERO GUAVA

ROCKSTAR PUNCHED PURE ZERO GUAVA
It contains 160mg of caffeine, 2000mg of taurine, ginseng, guarana, inositol, and other ingredients commonly found in Rockstar drinks. There aren’t any particularly special ingredients in this one.

ROCKSTAR PUNCHED PURE ZERO GUAVA
The Pure Zero in the UK is sugar-free, but it has 20kcal, so the can only states "zero calories" on the front. The Pure Zero in the US, on the other hand, states both zero calories and zero sugar.

Confusing Series Name Labeling

ROCKSTAR PUNCHED PURE ZERO GUAVA
The design of the can for the Pure Zero Guava flavor I’m reviewing is a bit confusing in terms of the series name. It lists both “PURE ZERO” and “PUNCHED” on the front, which can be confusing at first glance. The rough texture on the can and the silver crack design clearly indicate it's part of the Pure Zero series, but I’m not sure why “PUNCHED” is added here.

ROCKSTAR PUNCHED PURE ZERO GUAVA
On the side of the can, there’s a universal “PURE ZERO” label, but no mention of “PUNCHED.”

Becoming a Big Star and Continued Sales

ROCKSTAR PUNCHED PURE ZERO GUAVA
Rockstar has become a big brand in the UK, and Pure Zero Guava has followed suit. It’s a bit too simplified now, making it hard to immediately identify the series name.

ROCKSTAR PUNCHED PURE ZERO GUAVA
With the “Big Star” redesign, the confusing “PUNCHED” label disappears, and it’s now just “PURE ZERO.” The content inside remains unchanged, though I kind of preferred the old design(´・ω・｀)

ROCKSTAR PUNCHED PURE ZERO GUAVA
The pull tab is a black-ring tab. Rockstar UK uses ring tabs, unlike other countries. In a country like the UK, where energy drinks are well-established, I would love to see a color logo tab instead!ｗ