U.F.O. ZONe ENERGY

Posted on June 21, 2025 | Last updated June 30, 2025

Released on June 24, 2025. Here's a review of "U.F.O. ZONe ENERGY," a collaboration with the cup yakisoba brand "Nissin Yakisoba U.F.O."

Does the "Intensely Awakening Energy Flavor" mean it's a ZONe that pairs well with yakisoba, or is it actually a yakisoba-flavored ZONe...?

U.F.O. ZONe ENERGY

Manufacturer	Suntory foods
Country of Origin	Japan
Price	203 JPY
Flavor	Apple、Grape、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 8,000 varieties of energy drinks from various countries. I am also active as a critic and expert, receiving media interviews.

A Mysterious Box Arrived Out of Nowhere

One day, a large box showed up at my door without any prior notice.
I opened it and immediately thought, “Ah, so this is it!”

It was the new collaboration product from ZONe and “Nissin Yakisoba U.F.O.” — “U.F.O. ZONe ENERGY.” (Thank you as always!)

This was apparently a special press-only gift box, so I opened it wondering what might be inside...

I burst out laughing at the equation that spelled out certain disaster:
“Nissin Yakisoba U.F.O. × ZONe = U.F.O. ZONe ENERGY” — a guaranteed cringe-worthy flavor.

The moment I opened the box, the once-unthinkable possibility of a “yakisoba-flavored ZONe” suddenly started to feel all too real.
But ZONe going all-in on this kind of joke product? I love it!

According to the included press release, though, it’s not actually a “yakisoba-flavored ZONe” — instead, it’s a flavor that can stand up to the bold taste of Nissin Yakisoba U.F.O.

Well then... let’s give it a try.

Flavor of U.F.O. ZONe ENERGY

Once opened, a burst of classic chemical-scented aroma escapes. The liquid inside is a brown color, presumably meant to resemble yakisoba sauce. Let’s take a sip.
Flavor of U.F.O. ZONe ENERGY
As you drink, fruity flavors like sweet-and-sour apple, grape, and kiwi spread across your palate.

The drink has a sharp, tangy finish and a satisfying energy drink punch, with just the right amount of chemical scent that reminds me of Red Bull.

Honestly, I expected a total joke of a flavor before trying it, but I ended up finishing the can before I knew it — it was that good. This could’ve easily been released as a “ZONe Original” without the yakisoba collaboration.

Here’s a promotional pop I randomly found at Aeon in 2022.

脂質と糖質の最強タッグで寿命縮むやつ???? pic.twitter.com/lMPjYllkSD
— エナジー・ドリン君エナジードリンクマニア (@energydrinkun) November 13, 2022

Even back then, it seems like many people were already pairing ZONe with cup yakisoba.

That context helps explain why this U.F.O. ZONe version brings back the signature chemical aroma from older ZONe flavors.
(The current ZONe Original has shifted from a classic energy drink flavor to more of a fruity profile.)

U.F.O. ZONe might just be the ultimate unhealthy tag-team — cup yakisoba and an energy drink, reunited at last.

Enjoying Nissin Yakisoba U.F.O. with U.F.O. ZONe

U.F.O. ZONe ENERGY
Time to try the yakisoba that came in the press box, paired with U.F.O. ZONe.

Taking a bite of the salty yakisoba and washing it down with U.F.O. ZONe...
U.F.O. ZONe ENERGY
Hmm, the fruity U.F.O. ZONe gets overpowered by the strong punch of the yakisoba sauce.

If U.F.O. ZONe were a strong carbonated drink with a drier finish, it might have stood up better to the yakisoba. But this really depends on personal preference.

Personally, I found U.F.O. ZONe so tasty that I’d rather drink it on its own. If they change the packaging and re-release this flavor after the collaboration ends, I can see it becoming a hit on its own.

Energy Ingredients of U.F.O. ZONe ENERGY

Energy Ingredients of U.F.O. ZONe ENERGY
Contains 150mg of caffeine and 800mg of arginine.

Design of U.F.O. ZONe ENERGY

Design of U.F.O. ZONe ENERGY
The packaging is fully geared toward going viral — a collab design with “Nissin Yakisoba U.F.O.” that screams “novelty.” You just know people are going to try it for the shock factor.

It uses the U.F.O. catchphrase: “Intensely Awakening Energy Flavor.”
Design of U.F.O. ZONe ENERGY
They’ve even reused the exact same font from Nissin Yakisoba U.F.O., creating that unmistakable U.F.O. feel — and that slightly cringe-worthy Japanese text that doesn't quite fit the usual energy drink aesthetic. But honestly, I admire how far they went with it.

Design of U.F.O. ZONe ENERGY
The back of the can features a poetic energy message, expressing the passion behind this collaboration.

And along with the launch of U.F.O. ZONe, several campaign goods are being released.
Design of U.F.O. ZONe ENERGY
From an original-design thermal pot to a UFO-themed beach mat featuring cool model photos, the joke is taken all the way to the end. It’s genuinely impressive to see two top Japanese companies go all-in like this.

Lately, the ZONe series has been drifting away from the cool energy drink image, but now they’re doing things that no major overseas brand (even in Japan or elsewhere) would dare to try.
Will they keep going with the joke route? Or will they pivot to a completely different genre next?
Either way, I’m loving this sense of freedom and look forward to what comes next.