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New Red Bull can? Still tastes like crap, though

redbull.jpgWe were sifting through the drink section at our neighboring Family Mart when we came across a familiar sight from back home in the States sitting amongst the other cold beverages: a tall, slender, blue and silver can of Red Bull. For as long as we can remember, the popular energy drink was always available here in China but only in a squat gold can. Moreover, it always tasted vastly different than the Red Bull we used to get us through plenty a hazy night back in the day.

We were curious to see if this change to the US version of the can also signified a return to its original flavor, or if it was merely a packaging change, perhaps a product of Red Bull China's recent switching of advertising agencies from Ogilvy & Mather to JWT back in February. Alas, the China version tastes the same, syrupy in a non-fizz and medicinal kind of way. We went to a Lawson soon thereafter and discovered they only had the shorter gold can in stock. Did we miss something, or has this "new but old" can been around for a while and just ignored by us? After downing both cans in an attempt to figure out any differences between the two other than presentation, we were cold-sweating and jittery (and pretty obnoxious, we're sure) for the next three hours. Glad to see that Red Bull can still give us wings when called upon.

UPDATE: The commenters have confirmed that this can has been around for a while. Yes, apparently we have been living in a cave these past 4+ years. And please don't blame our research department; we don't have one.

Eric Hu is Shanghaiist's Food Editor. Email tips, recommendations, and news and gossip about Shanghai's food scene to food at shanghaiist.com.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@shanghaiist.com with further questions, comments or tips.
By Eric Hu in on June 11, 2008 9:00 AM

Comments [rss]

  • vladivostok

    @Lucas Schifres:



    Hahahaha... read my lips... you are pathetique...

  • photoluc

    @vladivo, try my website instead: http://www.pictobank.com. If you have to insult me, I'd rather get a click for it.

  • photoluc

    @Eric: granted, Eric, a small waste of my time, but a big waste of yours, no?



    @vladivostock: you found my name, so what? I've got nothing to hide, unlike you. You just want to make your insults more scary? Success: now everybody sees what kind of angry and creepy looser you are.

  • ashrides

    I think you will find that the tall blue can is also a more potent formula.

    This can be seen on the front of the can, look for the words "extra"

    From memory it has something like 8 times the caffiene and or other super ingredients.

    Also manning is correct the blue can is slightly carbonated although not much.

  • vladivostok

    @Mr Lucas Schifres aka Photoluc



    I think this blog could do less with your bitchiness. Bring your French arrogance and your soft drink jokes elsewhere.



    http://www.google.com/search?q=photoluc

  • Eric Hu

    Photoluc: Really? A BIG waste of your time? I was really hoping to waste just a small bit of your time. I guess I undershot a bit. I'll keep my eye out for the next big soft drink story now that I know our readers are so interested :)

  • photoluc

    So basically, there is no news, no contents, nothing in this post? Thanks for a big waste of my time.



    Yes Eric, keep posting about soft drinks, as I said before this is SOOOOOO interesting. Think about writing about tampons, too.

  • James Creegan

    oh I get Low skyline, don't you worry.

  • skyline5k

    Mix it with some vodka, James, and you'll end up on Lower Tongren Lu instead.

  • michaeldmanning

    I thought the squat gold can was supposed to be the flat version, and the blue can Red Bull is carbonated? Am I wrong?

  • James Creegan

    *Warning: Red Bull may cause insomnia, partial memory loss, and going to Dragon Club.

  • matryan

    Good to see your research department is doing it's job. These cans have been available for at LEAST 2-1/2 years.



    or have you been hiding in a cave?

  • dfoo

    The blue can has been around for at least 3 years.

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