Cobra Red


PhilippinesBaguio Cathedral
AI Overview
Cobra Red (Cobra Energy Drink Berry Blast) is a product in the widely distributed ""Cobra"" energy drink series in the Philippines, known for its distinctive berry flavor and red label. Launched in 2006 by Asia Brewery, Inc., a major beverage company in the Philippines, Cobra has gained strong popularity, especially among young people and workers, and is sold in convenience stores and street stalls throughout the country. Cobra Red features moderate carbonation, a berry fruit flavor, and ingredients such as caffeine, B vitamins, and taurine. It is commonly consumed as a means of replenishing energy and relieving fatigue in daily life. This entry provides an overview of Cobra Red, focusing on products purchased locally around the Baguio Cathedral in the Philippines, and discusses its characteristics, cultural background, and nutritional properties.
Cobra Red
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Map: Discovery Location of This Food
Taste Rating
2.0/5
Price
? Philippine Peso
Meal Date
12/28/2022
Food Travel Log
Whew! The cathedral shrouded in Midnight fog. A vivid red silhouette moves, and it’s unmistakably him. Cobra, the masculine energy drink. Though it’s medicinal, its gentle low carbonation makes it go down smoothly. One sip makes you want to lay your bones in the Philippines.

AI Gourmet Analysis


Overview

The energy drink market in the Philippines is widely supported by a broad consumer base due to its affordability and accessibility. Among these, "Cobra Red (Cobra Energy Drink Berry Blast)" is especially popular among the younger demographic and labor force. "Cobra" is a domestically produced Philippine energy drink brand, launched in 2006, and has become a national beverage thanks to its quick effect, taste, and wide variety of flavors. This article will focus specifically on the berry-flavored variant with the "Red" label.

Product Features

"Cobra Red" is a berry-flavored drink sold in 350mL PET bottles and is classified as an "energy boost-type beverage." Its main ingredients include caffeine, taurine, B vitamins, niacin, inositol, pantothenol, and berry juices or flavoring. Notably, it is fortified with "IMMUNIPLUS+" — an enhanced formulation of vitamin D and zinc — targeting not only energy replenishment but also immune system support.

Manufacturing and Distribution Areas

Cobra is manufactured by Asia Brewery, Inc., a major beverage company in the Philippines. In the country, it is sold daily through various distribution channels, mainly in urban areas — such as convenience stores, supermarkets, and street stalls. The drink is particularly favored among workers, students preparing for exams, and long-distance drivers — essentially, those in need of extra energy.

Position in Beverage Culture

In the Philippines, where the climate is hot and humid and long working hours are common, "energy drinks" have become a convenient means for fatigue recovery, staying awake, and improving concentration. Thanks to its overwhelming distribution and affordable price, Cobra has become so entrenched in everyday life that it is sometimes regarded as an "essential item for modern Philippine life."

Variants and Distinctive Berry Flavor

Cobra comes in a variety of versions, including Original (yellow), Light, Green, and Black. Among these, the "Red" version stands out for its berry fruit juice flavor and smoother, less medicinal taste compared to the other versions, making it easier to drink. It is also only mildly carbonated, offering a moderate level of stimulation that is accepted by a wide range of consumers.

Nutritional Comparison Table

Ingredient Typical amount per 350ml
Caffeine Approximately 50mg
Taurine Approximately 1000mg
B Vitamins Rich (B2, B3, B6, B12, etc.)
Vitamin D / Zinc IMMUNIPLUS+ fortified

Historical Background and Local Experience

Around tourist spots such as Baguio Cathedral, Cobra has become an indispensable drink for both locals and tourists, used for daily fatigue recovery and refreshment. Since the 2000s, demand for energy drinks in Philippine society has accelerated, and "Cobra" has assumed a symbolic presence. Especially during late nights or foggy weather, Cobra has become firmly rooted as a source of vitality for urban dwellers.

Safety and Health Effects

As with all energy drinks, caution is required with frequent overconsumption or for those sensitive to caffeine. The manufacturer also recommends proper consumption, specifically one bottle per day. In particular, pregnant women and people with heart conditions should consume only under a doctor's supervision.

Summary

Cobra Red is a representative energy drink of the Philippines, forming an integral part of daily life both culturally and socially. It harmonizes a gentle berry flavor with practical energy and nutritional supplementation, continuing to enjoy popularity even at tourist destinations such as Baguio Cathedral.