Joybuy Insights

Manga Drinks: Our Selection for Fans and Collectors

Far more than just a simple beverage, the manga drink is a true cult item. It's a collector's piece, a nod to a beloved series, and a unique way to express your passion for Japanese culture. But with a rapidly growing market, it can be tough to navigate the options and find that rare gem for your collection or the perfect gift for a loved one.

This guide is here to help you make sense of the vast world of drinks featuring your favourite heroes. We've selected the most popular cans and will give you all the tips you need to make the right choice, whether you're a seasoned collector, a parent looking for an original geeky gift, or simply someone who loves trying new flavours.

How to Choose the Right Manga Drink

Before you make a purchase, here are a few things to check to ensure you've made the right choice.

1. A Closer Look at the Ingredients: Juice or Soda?

The manga drink label covers a wide variety of products. You'll find everything from sweet, fizzy sodas to still drinks made with fruit juice.

  • Manga Fruit Juices: Often non-carbonated, these drinks (like those from the Ultra Pop range) are typically made from concentrated fruit juice. They offer fruity flavours and are often seen as a "healthier" alternative to traditional sodas. It's always a good idea to glance at the label to check the sugar content.
  • Geeky Sodas: These more traditional carbonated drinks come in a multitude of flavours. They're perfect for anyone who believes a fun drink isn't complete without bubbles.

In any case, reading the ingredients list is the best way to know what you're drinking.

2. Design: The Collector's Number One Criterion

Let's be clear: the main appeal of these drinks is their packaging. Each character can is a future collector's item. The most popular franchises, from Dragon Ball Z and Demon Slayer to the kawaii world of Sanrio, are naturally the most common.

Here, it's all a matter of taste—whether it's your own or the person you're buying for. Once empty and properly preserved, the can becomes a true decorative piece that will fit perfectly on any pop culture fan's shelf.

3. What's the Occasion? A Gift, a Collectible, or a Treat?

How you plan to use it will definitely guide your choice.

  • For an event: For a birthday or a themed party, offering an assortment of cans featuring different heroes is an excellent way to set the mood.
  • For a geeky gift: A can featuring a friend's favourite character is the ultimate geeky gift: original, personal, and affordable.
  • As a personal treat: If you're simply looking to quench your thirst with a touch of originality, then flavour will be your top priority.

Our Manga Drink Recommendations

Here are a few gems that stand out for their popularity and design, all available from leading online Japanese grocery stores.

Ultra Pop - Demon Slayer - Tanjiro - Lychee Flavoured Drink

Ultra Pop - Demon Slayer - Tanjiro - Lychee Flavoured Drink

Why we love it It combines one of today's most popular franchises, Demon Slayer, with an exotic flavour that's always a crowd-pleaser: lychee. The design features the hero, Tanjiro Kamado, in a dynamic pose that will delight fans of the anime.

Highlights

  • Flavour: A very refreshing lychee taste, made from concentrated apple juice and lychee purée.
  • Design: A very colourful 33?cl can that is perfectly faithful to the anime's aesthetic.
  • Composition: A still (non-carbonated) drink made from fruit juice.

Who is it for? For all Demon Slayer fans looking for a fruity drink that's out of the ordinary. It's also an excellent choice for those who are curious about Asian flavours and want a change from classic sodas.

Measty My Coco Pompompurin - Pineapple Drink

Measty My Coco Pompompurin Pineapple Drink

Why we love it We're diving into the "kawaii" universe with Pompompurin, one of the most adorable characters from the Sanrio family. Its cute design and tropical flavour make it a huge hit with younger audiences and fans of Japanese cute culture.

Highlights

  • Character: Features the iconic Pompompurin.
  • Flavour: A sweet and mild pineapple taste that's very approachable.
  • Size: A 340?ml can, perfect for an afternoon snack or to quench a small thirst.

Who is it for? Perfect for kids, teens, and all die-hard fans of the Sanrio universe. Its easy-to-love taste and colourful design make it a safe bet for a birthday or just to add a bit of fun to your day.

ULTRAPOP - Dragon Ball Z - Goku - Strawberry Drink

ULTRAPOP - Dragon Ball Z - Goku - Strawberry Drink

Why we love itDragon Ball Z is more than a franchise; it's an enduring icon of pop culture. This drink, featuring the legendary Son Goku, banks on a universal flavour that everyone loves: strawberry. It's a timeless classic that appeals to all generations of fans.

Highlights

  • Timeless franchise: A Dragon Ball Z drink is the ultimate safe bet for any fan or collector.
  • Flavour: A familiar and comforting strawberry taste, made from concentrated fruit juices.
  • Brand: Part of the Ultra Pop range, which is renowned for its high-quality designs.

Who is it for? For all Dragon Ball Z fans, whether they grew up watching the original series or discovered it more recently. Its classic strawberry flavour makes it accessible to everyone, from the youngest fans to the most nostalgic. It's the geeky gift that hits the mark every time.

Explore Other Universes

Is your favourite character not in our selection? Or are you simply curious to discover other flavours and franchises? Don't worry, the world of character-themed drinks is vast and constantly expanding.

To discover an even wider range of products, from exotic juices to the most original sodas, take a look at our dedicated category.

Discover our full range of original juices and drinks

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can you find manga drinks?

You can find them in speciality Japanese culture shops, Asian supermarkets, and increasingly in the "World Foods" aisle of large grocery stores. However, the easiest option is an online Japanese grocery store, where the selection is much wider and it's easy to compare products.

Manga drinks: are they sodas or fruit juices?

You can find both! That's why it's important to read the product description or label carefully. Brands like Ultra Pop focus on still (non-carbonated) drinks made from fruit juice, while others specialise in fizzy sodas. The choice will depend entirely on your preferences for taste and texture.

How do you collect geeky drink cans?

Absolutely! Collecting character cans is a very common practice among fans. The collector's trick for keeping them in pristine condition is to empty the can by piercing two small, discreet holes in the bottom. Then, rinse it carefully with clean water and let it dry. This method allows you to preserve the pull-tab and keep the can in perfect condition for display.