Sans Sugar, Red Bull Summer Edition 2026: Sudachi Lime Is Still Sweet

Earlier today. Red Bull officially revealed what we knew back in January: Red Bull Summer Edition 2026 is Sudachi Lime. Even though we only just got our hands on that fantastic Cherry Sakura Spring Edition, I’ve already got a few cans of the new seasonal drop from Red Bull‘s mad scientists. (Speaking of, thanks to Red Bull for sending over sample cans for this early review.) We already tackled the full-sugar Red Bull Summer Edition; let’s find out whether this Sugarfree variant delivers the same kick sans sugar.

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What is Sudachi?

Sudachi is a Japanese citrus fruit used as a flavoring rather than an ingredient, closest in use-case to lemon or lime. Genetically, the sour fruit is a cross between a yuzu and a Koji or mandarin orange. While Red Bull has released multiple lime-flavored drinks before, this is the first time a Red Bull has been explicitly advertised as “Sudachi” flavored. Much like this year’s popular Cherry Sakura Spring Edition, Sudachi Lime feels like Red Bull’s attempt to familiarize the U.S. audience with a foreign flavor by using a similar flavor as a guide.

New Red Bull!

Red Bull Summer Edition Sugarfree 2026: Sudachi Lime Review

Pros: Much like the full-sugar version, this Red Bull Summer Edition is tart, semisweet, and lime-forward despite the yellow-hued can evoking lemon. (If this had been in a green can, it’d be the fourth Summer Edition to wear that color–maybe Red Bull realized their Summer Editions never have the longevity they hope for once they become permanent Green Editions.) Losing the sugar doesn’t change the fact that this bright, refreshing flavor makes for a perfect Summer Edition.

Cons: The artificial sweetener makes this drink taste sweeter than the full-sugar version, but I’m not confident anyone would truly prefer this to the alternative if given both. (There’s something about a chemical aftertaste and a kitchen cleaner aroma that sounds alarm bells in my brain.) That said, I’m not sure how many people are alternating between the full-sugar and sugarfree versions; if this is the only version you drink, you’ll have a fine time.

Credit: Griffin Parker / Red Bull

Rating:

8/10

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