MONSTER ENERGY ULTRA FANTASY RUBY RED JAPAN

Posted on March 31, 2025 | Last updated April 4, 2025

Released on April 1, 2025, here is my review of Monster Energy Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red.

I never expected Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red, a product that could be considered a collaboration with American designers, to be released in Japan. However, in 2025, it is being launched in various countries outside of Japan as well. Given its exceptionally high flavor quality, its global expansion makes perfect sense. Now, let's dive into the detailed review.

MONSTER ENERGY ULTRA FANTASY RUBY RED JAPAN

Manufacturer	MONSTER ENERGY
Country of Origin	Japan
Price	213 JPY
Flavor	Grapefruit
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 Monster Energy Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red (Japan)

As soon as you open the can, a fresh and juicy pink grapefruit aroma bursts out. The scent alone is high quality! The liquid itself is a vibrant, cloudy pink. Now, let's take a sip.
Flavor of Monster Energy Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red (Japan)
Upon tasting, a refreshing balance of mild acidity and gentle sweetness spreads, delivering the juicy and fresh taste of pink grapefruit.

There’s no bitter note typical of grapefruit, but instead, the signature soft and refreshing sweetness of the Ultra series wraps around the citrusy, sweet-and-tangy flavor—making it hard to believe it’s sugar-free.

Of course, there’s no unpleasant artificial sweetener aftertaste. You can enjoy it without getting tired of the flavor, and without any guilt. The taste and aroma are so high-quality that you might not even feel the need for a sugar-added version.

On the other hand, those looking for a more realistic pink grapefruit flavor with a natural fruitiness or a bitter, refreshing bite may find Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red a bit too sweet and lacking complexity.

This distinctive sweetness has been a signature of the Ultra series for over a decade. It’s what gives Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red its unique pink grapefruit flavor, making it truly an "Ultra" drink. Along with its striking can design, I hope you can fully immerse yourself in the world of Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red.

Energy Ingredients of Monster Energy Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red (Japan)

Energy Ingredients of Monster Energy Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red (Japan)
Contains 142mg of caffeine, 177mg of arginine, 285mg of ginseng, and 97mg of carnitine.

Design of Monster Energy Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red (Japan)

Design of Monster Energy Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red (Japan)
With a pink base color and contrasting red and blue accents, this can stands out from previous Ultra series designs with its unique and free-spirited aesthetic.

Design of Monster Energy Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red (Japan)
On the red side, a playful and cute illustration adds charm.

Design of Monster Energy Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red (Japan)
Meanwhile, the blue side features a darker, more intense illustration, creating a dual-sided world of contrast.

As mentioned in the energy poem on the back of the can, the design of Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red was created by the U.S.-based artist Pinky Taylor. According to Taylor, the use of opposing colors—red and blue—was intended to depict the battle between good and evil.
Design of Monster Energy Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red (Japan)
Having been influenced by Japanese anime during childhood, Taylor’s character designs and artistic style are likely to resonate well with Japanese audiences. Ever since Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red was released in the U.S., I’ve thought that its artistic approach would appeal to Japan. However, since this was a North America-focused designer collaboration, I never expected it to be launched in Japan.

In 2025, Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red is being released not only in Japan but also in Canada, Oceania, and Europe, establishing itself as a globally recognized flavor. Originally launched in the U.S. in 2024, its global expansion (including some yet-to-be-announced markets) means that Japan’s release aligns with other non-North American countries. Considering past delays in Japanese releases, this marks a relatively quick launch.

Will the Sugar-Free Energy Drink Trend Accelerate in Japan?

The sugar-free wave that started in the U.S. is gradually reaching Japan. In 2025, two sugar-containing Monster Energy drinks—Super Cola and Aussie Style Lemonade—were discontinued. With Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red now added to the lineup, half of the Monster Energy lineup in Japan is sugar-free.

While Monster Energy has been slower to adapt to the sugar-free trend compared to emerging brands in the U.S., it has been proactively leading the movement in Japan. The steady expansion of the Ultra series over the past few years suggests a strategic approach, likely anticipating future sugar-related concerns and potential competition from U.S. newcomers entering the Japanese market. I find this forward-thinking approach highly commendable.

I hope Ultra Fantasy Ruby Red becomes a long-term favorite in Japan.