Japanese Drinks Guide: Choosing Between Ramune, Calpis, and Matcha

Whether you're a fan of Japanese culture, a curious foodie seeking new flavours, or simply feeling nostalgic for a trip to Japan, the world of Japanese drinks is a true invitation to a sensory journey. But with an ever-expanding range of options, it can be hard to know where to start. This guide is here to help you see things more clearly and choose the drink that will tantalize your taste buds, beyond the usual marketing hype.

How to Choose the Right Japanese Drink for You

Before diving into our selection, here are a few points to consider to help narrow down your search.

1. Ramune and Its Unique Marble: More Than a Lemonade, It's an Experience

Ramune is arguably THE most iconic Japanese lemonade. Its success isn't just down to its taste; its secret lies in its unique glass bottle, sealed with a glass marble. Opening it is part of the ritual: you use the small plunger provided to push the marble into the neck of the bottle, releasing the bubbles with a characteristic "pop". It's a fun and nostalgic Japanese soft drink, the undisputed star of summer festivals (matsuri). As for flavours, there's something for everyone, from classic melon or strawberry to more adventurous ones like matcha.

2. Beyond the Fizz: Discover Calpis

Japan has more to offer than just fizzy drinks, and Calpis (sometimes sold as Calpico) is the perfect example. It's a non-carbonated drink made from fermented milk, water, and sugar. The result? A unique taste that is simultaneously sweet, milky, and delicately tangy, reminiscent of a drinkable yogurt but with a much lighter and more thirst-quenching texture. It can be found in a concentrated version to be diluted yourself, or as a ready-to-drink beverage, sometimes even in a sparkling version called Calpis Soda.

3. Where to Find Them: Your Go-To Online Japanese Grocery Store

Finding a varied selection of authentic Japanese drinks can sometimes feel like an impossible quest in a standard supermarket. The smart move? Turning to an online Japanese grocery store. Platforms like Joybuy provide access to a much larger catalogue of imported products, delivered directly to your door. It's the easiest way to explore the richness of Japanese flavours without having to hunt down speciality shops.

Recommended Japanese Drinks Selection

Here are a few recommended options, each offering a distinct taste experience.

GENKI RAMUNE Melon Drink 200?ml

Why it stands out: The GENKI RAMUNE Melon is the Japanese soda experience in its purest form. Its sweet and thirst-quenching melon flavour is a classic in Japan. But its real charm remains its iconic bottle and the marble-popping opening, which turns sipping into a playful moment.

Highlights:

• Fun Experience: Opening the bottle is an attraction in itself.
• Refreshing Flavour: The melon taste is sweet without being cloying, perfect for quenching your thirst.
• Individual Size: The 200?ml bottle is perfect for a solo treat.

Who is it for? Perfect for a first foray into the world of Ramune or for organising a fun tasting session with friends. It's the perfect gateway to discovering Japanese soft drinks.

Asahi Calpis Soda Can 350?ml

Why it stands out:Calpis Soda is the fizzy version of the famous milky drink. It combines the unique, sweet, and tangy taste of Calpis with a fine carbonation, creating an ultra-refreshing result unlike any Western soda. It's often described as a surprising mix of yogurt and citrus.

Highlights:

• Unique Taste: A milky and tangy flavour profile that truly stands out.
• Refreshing: The combination of taste and bubbles makes it a very pleasant drink in hot weather.
• Convenient Format: The 350?ml can is easy to take anywhere.

Who is it for? For the curious who want to go off the beaten path and explore new flavours. It's also an excellent choice for fans of classic Calpis who want to rediscover it with bubbles. Warning: contains milk, soy, and aspartame (a source of phenylalanine).

Hata Matcha Ramune Carbonated Drink 200?ml

Why it stands out: This Ramune from Hata Kosen is the meeting of two Japanese cultural icons: the marble-sealed lemonade and matcha tea. The drink combines the sparkling freshness of soda with the vegetal notes and subtle bitterness of matcha. A modern and daring reinterpretation.

Highlights:

• Flavour Fusion: The combination of sweet soda and green tea creates a complex and interesting taste experience.
• The Ramune Ritual: You still get the fun of opening the bottle with the marble.
• Authentic Taste: Formulated with real matcha tea powder for a natural aroma.

Who is it for? For matcha tea lovers and flavour explorers who are feeling adventurous. If you already love Ramune and matcha, go for it! Warning: colours E102 and E129 may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.

Ready to Explore Other Flavours?

Our selection is just a taste of the immense world of Japanese beverages. Many other Ramune flavours (lychee, strawberry, yuzu...) and a host of other original sodas are waiting for you.

To discover a wider variety of products, we invite you to explore our complete Soft Drinks category.

Frequently Asked Questions About Japanese Drinks

What exactly is Ramune?

Ramune is an instantly recognisable Japanese lemonade thanks to its unique glass bottle (the Codd-neck bottle). Its secret? It's sealed by a glass marble, held in place by the pressure of the carbonation. To drink it, you have to push this marble inside. It's a star beverage in Japan, especially during the summer months.

How do you open a bottle of Ramune without spilling it?

Opening a Ramune bottle is a bit of an art form! But don't worry, you'll get the hang of it quickly:

1. Remove the plastic film from around the cap.
2. Detach the plastic plunger from its ring.
3. Place the plunger straight on top of the marble.
4. Using the palm of your hand, press down firmly and sharply until the marble drops. The trick is to hold the pressure for a few seconds to let the gas escape and avoid a fizzy explosion!
5. It's ready! The two indentations on the sides of the neck are designed to hold the marble in place so you can drink easily.

Where can you buy authentic Japanese drinks?

Local Asian grocery stores are an excellent starting point, but their stock is often limited. For an almost infinite choice and the convenience of home delivery, the smart move is to use online platforms. Sites like Joybuy offer a very comprehensive selection of Japanese drinks, from the classic Ramune to the surprising Calpis. It's the perfect way to explore the full richness of Japanese culture from the comfort of your couch.