28 BLACK ACAI SUGARFREE

Posted on January 5, 2015 | Last updated February 15, 2025

28 BLACK ACAI SUGARFREE
28 BLACK's Sugar-Free version. A stark contrast to the original black can, this one comes in a pure white 28 BLACK (a bit confusing).

28 BLACK ACAI SUGARFREE

Manufacturer	28 BLACK
Country of Origin	Germany
Price	1.3 EUR
Flavor	Red Berry
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 8,000 varieties of energy drinks from various countries. I am also active as a critic and expert, receiving media interviews.

28 BLACK ACAI SUGARFREE

The sugar-free version of 28 BLACK, easily imagined from its white can.
The scent is quite similar to the original, and the color is a slightly brighter red compared to the original.

28 BLACK ACAI SUGARFREE
However, the taste is different, with a light sweetness typical of sugar-free drinks and a strong sourness, making it a “thin, sour” flavor that sets it apart from the original 28 BLACK. The sweetness is toned down, the sourness is pronounced, and it has a lingering aftertaste. Instead of acai, it resembles a light acerola juice. In both a good and bad way, it’s very “sugar-free” in taste (-_-;)

It's Tough to Do Sugar-Free Acai or Berry Flavors

28 BLACK ACAI SUGARFREE
Sugar-free versions of these types of flavors tend to have weak sweetness with a stronger sourness, making them difficult to perfect. However, I think if the carbonation was significantly increased, it could align well with the beautiful can design. Instead of focusing on the strength of the flavor, a “refreshing and invigorating experience, like tasting from a champagne glass” could be a fitting concept for the 28 BLACK series.

Even when using artificial sweeteners, I believe it’s possible to achieve a flavor profile close to non-zero sweetness by adding other ingredients.
On the other hand, I understand that sometimes a “sugar-free and thin” approach is used intentionally, but I feel that in terms of taste, the difference from the original is quite noticeable. It’s similar to the sugar-free version of VEGAS FUEL from America.