burn INTENSE ENERGY

Posted on January 12, 2015 | Last updated February 15, 2025

This is a review of burn's original flavor, burn INTENSE ENERGY. This time, I am reviewing the version from the Netherlands.

burn INTENSE ENERGY

Manufacturer	Coca Cola
Country of Origin	Netherlands
Price	1 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.

Flavor of burn INTENSE ENERGY

burn INTENSE ENERGY
As soon as you open the can, you're hit with a sugary candy-like aroma. It was so intense that it almost didn’t feel like BURN—it reminded me of a sharp, almost spicy scent, similar to Japanese ginger. It gave me the strange feeling of drinking it for the first time again (^_^;)

Since the flavor of BURN in Japan changed a while ago, I haven't had it in a long time, so I can't say for sure if it's the same. However, burn INTENSE has a strong berry-only flavor, and it's quite tasty.

Judging from my memory of drinking Japanese BURN two years ago, the berry flavor in burn INTENSE feels even more like a sugary juice than the Japanese version. I really wish I could compare them side by side... (´・ω・｀)

The flavor is artificial rather than fruity, like a mix of berries with a rich Kyoho grape-like taste. The sourness is quite strong, and there's a lingering aftertaste, so it doesn’t leave a refreshing sensation. In a way, it's a rather conventional formulation.

Energy Ingredients of burn INTENSE

burn INTENSE ENERGY
It contains 80mg of caffeine and 1000mg of taurine, along with guarana and other ingredients. Since it's made for the international market, aside from the taurine content, there aren't any particularly standout energy ingredients.

By the way, while the Japanese version contained BCAAs, the European burn does not seem to include them. Japan marketed it as a fat-burning energy drink, so it's disappointing that this feature is gone. On the other hand, if you look at the international version, there's nothing particularly unique about it.

Is There a Spicy Original BURN Outside Japan?

In Japan, the original berry flavor of BURN was modified with maca, guarana, and other ingredients, removing the BCAAs and adding a spicy kick to the flavor. This was a disappointment for those who loved the original berry taste.

I wonder if there's a version of original BURN overseas that has altered the berry flavor in a similar way. Somehow, I doubt it (^_^;)

Ideally, Japan would bring back this original flavor so we could once again enjoy a stable, delicious berry-flavored BURN. But for now, it's just wishful thinking... (´・ω・｀)

burn INTENSE ENERGY
By the way, the pull tab features the BURN logo. This detail varies depending on the country and product.