V ENERGY DRINK 1st release

Posted on April 17, 2019 | Last updated February 23, 2025

V ENERGY DRINK

V Energy Drink, an energy drink brand originating from New Zealand, is the original flavor. It is the most popular energy drink in Australia and New Zealand, often seen in the hands of locals as you walk through the streets.

V ENERGY DRINK 1st release

Manufacturer	Frucor suntory
Country of Origin	Australia
Price	5 AUD
Flavor	Citrus fruit、classic flavor、Chemicals
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.

Fruity Tartness and the Right Amount of Chemical Flavor Make It Addictive

When poured into a glass, it shows the classic yellow color. It’s a typical energy drink color with no particular characteristics.

V ENERGY DRINK

Along with an artificial citrus fruit scent, the distinct chemical energy drink aroma also wafts through the air.

As soon as it touches my lips, the balanced chemical tang and acidity spread out, changing into a sweet and sour fruity flavor after swallowing.

The lingering scent and acidity remain in the mouth, leaving a distinctive aftertaste that makes you want to drink again. This sensation is reminiscent of Red Bull, with a sharp sourness that’s fruitier than Red Bull and just a hint of a medicinal flavor, which becomes quite addictive.

It’s perfect for a hot summer day in Australia. It instantly quenches a parched throat, refreshing you with its strong acidity while easing the dryness. I don’t think there’s any energy drink that fits the Australian summer better. Every year, I enjoy V during summer in Australia (●´ω｀●)

Energy Ingredients of V ENERGY ORIGINAL (Initial Release)

V ENERGY DRINK

Contains 155mg of caffeine, 1000mg of taurine, 600mg of guarana, and 125mg of glucuronolactone. It’s a simple formula without any herbal ingredients.

V ENERGY Design and Brand Power

The limited-edition flavors have very high design quality, but the original product line is pretty simple, just featuring the V logo. Honestly, the design isn't that impressive.

V ENERGY DRINK

The product name, "V," is too simple, almost meaningless, but can you believe it’s been around for over 20 years? Isn’t that fascinating? It was established even before the global energy drink giants, and now it has become one of the top brands in Oceania, which is why it’s now my favorite brand in the world.

Though the design only has the simple V logo, it has become an iconic part of the brand, and often campaign-specific designs are released.

For example, during the 21st anniversary of V Energy Drink, there was a cash-back event (limited to New Zealand), and the “V” logo was changed to a “$” logo.

V ENERGY DRINK

Released in three flavors, 500ml, 250ml, and glass bottles. Although it’s hard to make a trip to New Zealand, I’ve been able to get my hands on the cool 21st-anniversary cans thanks to supporters who bring them back when they visit. Fans of V Energy have to visit both Australia and New Zealand!

V ENERGY DRINK

V Energy Drink also regularly runs campaigns like the "V CHAT" campaign, where cans and bottles with letters from A to Z were released, and fans could spell out words on social media. These kinds of fan-focused campaigns are something V Energy does frequently. During these events, they add a little twist to their otherwise simple can designs, which is a fun touch.

V ENERGY DRINK

V Energy Drink has a lot of fan-participation and fan-rewarding campaigns, and it always feels like there’s something fun going on. Unlike the typical campaigns where you’re encouraged to buy more to win something, with V, buying a single can becomes an event in itself, and it makes the experience enjoyable. Over time, I’ve been really impressed by this approach, and I think there’s no other energy drink brand in the world doing it like V.

By the way, V Energy Drink offers one of the world’s largest variety of sizes. The original V alone is available in 710ml, 500ml, 335ml, 275ml, 250ml, 200ml, glass bottles, and PET bottles, for a total of eight different sizes (as of 2019), all available year-round in a single country.

V ENERGY DRINK

In terms of the variety of sizes always available, I believe V Energy Drink is the world’s most flexible brand when it comes to choosing a size. I can’t think of another energy drink brand that offers this many choices in stores, apart from V.

Oceania’s National Energy Drink

V ENERGY DRINK

V Energy Drink enjoys an unmatched level of popularity in Oceania. In convenience stores and supermarkets, it dominates the shelf space, followed by Red Bull. Most retail stores have a dedicated fridge for V Energy Drink, and the green stickers can be seen all over the store. In some local shops, you’ll even find special V cans with green straws.

V ENERGY DRINK

You’ll also often spot V Energy Drink in cafes and restaurants, and many people walking around the city drink it, making it undoubtedly the national energy drink of the region.

By the way, V Energy Drink’s manufacturing company, after some twists and turns, is now under Suntory, so it’s not impossible that it might be released in Japan through Suntory. However, I believe the brand’s unique, powerful promotions are what truly set it apart, so I really hope they don’t just casually release it in Japan in a half-hearted way. As a fan, that would really hurt me (^^;)