Can cola be a healthy energy drink?
Yes, it can, according to Umami Cola
A Japanese beverage brand is redefining refreshment with a koji-sweetened cola made from natural ingredients.
10 November 2024
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Umami Cola has been dubbed a drinkable beauty serum| Photo Credit: Umami Cola
In the world of soft drinks, cola has long been a staple of global refreshment, known for its sweet, bubbly flavour that pairs perfectly with fast food and casual gatherings.
Now, Umami Cola adds a savoury, umami-rich twist to this classic, offering a natural, health-conscious alternative with a novel taste experience that challenges traditional soda.
Catering to health-conscious consumers seeking refreshing, wellness-focused beverages, it stands out with its unique flavour, innovative ingredients and commitment to natural production. This energy drink has been dubbed a “drinkable IV drip” or a “drinkable beauty serum.” Packed with over 350 nutrients, it includes all the essential amino acids.
Made with koji amazake, a natural sweetener made from fermented rice | Photo Credit: Umami Cola
“The primary target audience consists of individuals who prioritise health and prefer natural food and beverages,” says Takahisa Yamada, founder of Umami Cola Inc. “In particular, it is popular among men and women aged 30 to 50 who wish to avoid artificial sweeteners and preservatives. It also appeals to those who enjoy exploring new taste experiences or are looking for a natural alternative to energy drinks”.
A Pure Craft Cola and Natural Energy Drink
At the heart of its flavour is the inclusion of koji amazake, a natural sweetener made from fermented rice. Known for its subtle sweetness and rich umami, koji enhances the taste and provides health benefits with amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Unlike traditional sodas, Umami Cola offers a balanced, refreshing aftertaste, making it a premium, less sugary option for adults seeking a more sophisticated taste.
“The flavour profile comes from a blend of natural spices and fruits. Unlike traditional colas, it features a subtle sweetness with a refreshing and clean aftertaste, making it a premium carbonated beverage designed for adults” says Yamada.
Okinawan Shikwasa adds citrus notes to the cola | Photo Credit: Umami Cola
In addition to koji amazake, Umami incorporates two other natural sweeteners: Kibi and beet sugar. Kibi, an unrefined cane sugar, adds mild sweetness and essential minerals. Beet sugar, with a low glycaemic index, provides sweetness without causing blood sugar spikes. Other ingredients include Okinawan shikwasa (a citrus fruit), golden ginger, cloves, coriander, aniseed and chilli peppers.
Notably, Umami is free of artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and colourants.
Launched in 2020 in Japan, Umami Cola is sold at over 1,500 locations, including natural food stores, onsens (hot springs) and convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Natural Lawson. It’s also available in highway service areas, reaching a broad audience. The drink has also debuted in four of Singapore’s health food stores.
Yamada plans to expand Umami Cola into other Asian markets, including Taiwan, Hong Kong and Thailand, where demand for health-conscious products is rising. The company will collaborate with local buyers and use KOL (Key Opinion Leader) marketing to promote its products, he said.
Photo Credit: Umami Cola
Adding umami to soda may seem unusual, but it taps into growing trends in the food and beverage industry particularly in the West, where consumers have become more adventurous with their palates. Umami Cola offers an exciting experiment in flavour and form, blending the rich, savoury umami taste with the effervescence of cola and showcasing a glimpse into the future of soft drinks, where sweet, savoury and everything in between merge.
For the adventurous, it’s a unique, refreshing departure from the norm.
Author: Pooja Thakur
Pooja Thakur is a senior journalist, writer, and editor with over 20 years of experience in print and digital media and in creating custom content for periodicals. She has been a long-serving senior reporter at Bloomberg News covering areas such as real estate, stocks and personal finance and inventing across markets with a focus on Southeast Asia and India. In her free time, she enjoys scuba diving, rucking and finding the newest watering hole in town.
