Back in 2021, Suntory (Pepsi’s primary bottling and distribution partner in Japan) announced a new Pepsi coming to shelves: Pepsi Nama. The Japanese word “nama” translates to “raw” or “uncooked” in English. Ever since I first heard about the launch, I have been so curious to figure out what this new Japanese Pepsi tastes like. Well, I finally found a can of Pepsi Nama on a recent trip to 168 Asian Mart in scenic almost-Detroit, Michigan. Let’s find out whether this “Raw” Pepsi is cooking—or if it should have stayed in the oven.
According to SoraNews24, Pepsi Nama includes a special blend of “raw spices” that were added to the formula without any additional heating. Does this produce a tangible difference in how Pepsi Nama compares to standard Japanese Pepsi? I wasn’t able to get my hands on a can of that for comparison; maybe I’ll circle back to this piece for a one-to-one comparison. All I can do is compare Pepsi Nama to our standard American Pepsi. Let’s get into it.
Pros: I prefer Pepsi Nama to American Pepsi! After a few sips, I was convinced this was made with cane sugar—no dice, this has the same “glucose-fructose syrup” you’d expect from any mainstream U.S. soda. It has a classic cola taste without tasting fake or cheap—no small feat, based on how many middling colas I’ve drank in my life. There’s just more flavor here than in a standard Pepsi; if this was the formula sold here in the States, I think the cola war would be a lot more competitive. There’s even a zero sugar variant! My guinea pigs agreed; one sampler summed it up with “this is a Pepsi…but good.”
Cons: When I get asked “Is Pepsi okay?” at a restaurant, my begrudging yes will be even more begrudging-y after trying this new Pepsi from Japan. Why can’t American Pepsi taste like this? I would genuinely consider buying this instead of American Coca-Cola if they were ever sold in the same place. What part of this is a “con?” I can’t get it regularly in the U.S.
Griffin Parker is a writer, "influencer", and generally very-busy person based in Columbus, Ohio. He's sacrificed countless hours in the pursuit of ranking Lindt Lindor truffles, HI-CHEW candies, and more. When he's not writing for Sporked or running @SodaSeekers, you can find Griffin espousing the virtues of Dayton-style pizza, Cincinnati-style chili, and Dolly Parton's Fabulously Double Fudge Brownie Mix.
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