About a month ago we notcied something…our favorite zero-calorie soda was disappearing. Pepsi Nex (basically the equivalent to Pepsi Max in the U.S.) was getting harder and harder to find in grocery stores, convenience stores, and vending machines. Concern emerged that Pepsi had just decided to pull out of the zero calorie soda market in Japan, which would not have been uncommon. If you have been reading our posts for a while, then you know that things change quickly here. What is readily available today could be gone completely tommorow; whether it be due to seasonality, limited editions, or changing trends/demand.
In this case, Suntory (the distributer of Pepsi in Japan) decided to go bigger/bolder. On June 16, Pepsi Strong and Pepsi Strong Zero were launched. The goal, according to the company’s press release was to make a beverage that “provides refreshment and relieves stress during a busy day of work”. It supposedly accomplishes this through stronger carbonation and a stronger dose of caffeine in every bottle.
Now, how even more caffeine is supposed to help “relieve stress” is a little confusing to me. But, it tasted good (not sure I could tell the difference to Pepsi Nex or Pepsi Max in a blind taste test) and I would buy it again the next time I am looking for a calorie-free cola.