I love coffee and I love coffee related products. Luckily for me, Japan also shares an obsession with producing and selling pretty much anything they can fit the delicious little bean into.
That’s why when I saw Asahi’s Clear Latte, I couldn’t resist giving it a go.
It’s pretty transparent to me that Asahi is riding the trend of clear drinks (such as Coca-Cola’s clear beverage). And while it’s clear that Coca-Cola Clear is receiving plenty of hype around the world, can the same be said for Clear Latte?
On the back of the bottle, we have a little explanation to what the drink is all about.
After taking out the excess, it became clear.
A clear but fragrant espresso latte that has a sweet but mature aftertaste. Leaving only the deliciousness of a cafe latte, we have created the ‘clear latte’. Combined with fine spring water, this new latte is a drink you gulp away.
Clear Latte’s Price ****
While there are a ton of cheap drinks from supermarkets and low-cost retailers, convenience stores charge a little extra for their convenience. That’s why at 109 yen (including tax) from 7/11, I really can’t complain about the price.
Clear Latte’s Health Rating ***
It’s also pretty clear that the target of this drink is young female workers. With a cool transparent look, almost no calories and a sweet ‘mature’ taste, it could be perfect for those watching their weight. Unfortunately, I really can’t say that a drink that is so sweet and transparent (when it probably shouldn’t be) is actually healthy or not.
The Taste *
When it comes to summer beverages, how tasty and refreshing it is or isn’t is crucial. Honestly, I think the drink tastes pretty damn awful. If I were to describe the taste, I would ask you to imagine that you just finished drinking a nice bottle of normal coffee latte. Then you realize you’re still thirsty, so without rinsing the bottle out, you proceed to fill it back up with water. Add a slight hint of powdered milk and there you have it! Asahi’s Clear Latte. Rather than being a nice coffee beverage, it tastes more like the sweet, sticky aftertaste left in a bottle when not washed properly.
