Unique, but relatively subtle flavor that lacks the punch of the other Moriyama products. On its own though, it’s a nice overall package with ample cream, cocoa, and not-too-heavy sweetness that would get in the way of the others.
All in Japan
Van Houten Cocoa (box)
Under-salted, possibly even under-sweetened. Rather bland in comparison to the fresh version— not bad, but certainly nothing to get excited about.
DyDo Cacao Rich Cocoa Beverage
My first split-second impression upon taking a swig was ‘beer’ (and I hate the taste of beer). The feeling is fleeting, but it reappears each time I take a sip— there’s a slight hoppy-ness that I can’t deny is there. Feels like it’s trying too hard to be ‘rich’ but it’s really hard to fake it with meager fat content.
Van Houten Cocoa
Mature, slightly sour cocoa flavor that manages to feel indulgent with less than 1g of fat per 100mL. It’s very rough on the tongue, but not too bad on the taste buds.
Family Mart Milk Cocoa
Strong cocoa flavor packed into a thinner-than-expected base that had only the slightest hint of wateriness, but you’d hardly notice if you were drinking this by itself (rather than side-by-side with 4 other similar products). Very well executed.
Meiji Zavas Milk Protein Cocoa
Part fruity, part rummy, part gamey, all nasty.
Van Houten Cocoa (can)
Unnatural across the board-- from the moment it slithers out of the can to the moment your pharynx begrudgingly allows it to cascade down your throat— it feels wrong. It's not the worst thing I’ve ever tasted or anything like that, just quite a step down from the fresh version.
Moriyama Ice Cocoa
Chalky, but super chocolaty and rich. The cocoa taste feels authentic and the second sip you take will be smaller than the first because the flavor is dense and you will want to mete out your sips to make 180mL last as long as possible.
Morinaga Cocoa Beverage
Sweet and somewhat chocolaty, but severely held back by its watery base. Substitute some cream in there and it would make a world of difference.
7-Eleven Premium Cocoa Milk
An explosion of flavor that you won’t want to end. It’s well-proportioned, very creamy and chocolaty, and the cocoa flavor is true to what you’d hope it would be. I want to put this in a vial and wear it around my neck.