It has been a while since I had a new #FantaQuest entry, but when I saw Fanta Soda on Lombok it was frankly a no-brainer that I had to try it! After all, I love Fanta and I love soda.
And while #FantaQuest is usually all about the funky flavors, could they also pull off a soda varietal?
What the #FantaQuest?
#FantaQuest is the sacred, wholly unofficial and deeply personal mission of trying every Fanta flavor ever made. Invented by The Street Food Guy (me), it has become a cross between a soft drink safari and a hyper-capitalist scavenger hunt. I’ve sampled the likes of Fanta Melon from Japan, Fanta Lychee from Cambodia, Fanta Shokata from Romania, and of course, the infamous Fanta Mystery Flavour from the UK that tasted suspiciously like Calpol and lies.
Each country puts its own spin on the brand, and each variant tells a little cultural story. Some are amazing, some are absolutely vile (looking at you, Fanta Cucumber), but all are part of the #FantaQuest.
What the Fanta Soda?
So what’s the deal with Fanta Soda in Indonesia? Well, unlike your typical sugar-laced, neon-hued Fanta flavors, this one is just soda water. Plain? Maybe. Boring? Not really. It was officially released in Indonesia in 2023 and is sold widely across the archipelago in 330ml cans, often hanging out next to the usual Orange and Strawberry suspects.
To my knowledge, Indonesia is the only country producing this varietal under the Fanta name. You can’t find it in Europe, the US, or even most of Southeast Asia. It’s basically Fanta’s take on sparkling water, and while that might sound strange, it kind of makes sense in a tropical country where everyone needs a damn drink. And as part of their wider Coca-Cola portfolio, it fits nicely into the “healthier” (lol) segment of their product strategy.
Is Fanta Soda Any Good?
Fanta Soda is actually really good, at least in my opinion! Now many people will say shit like soda cannot be good, or bad, as it’s supposed to be flavorless. For SHAME!!!! Vodka anyone? Anything can be good, or bad, and soda water is no different.
Key points are: not too fizzy, and it needs to taste smooth. Fanta Soda delivers on these points. If though it is at least in part all in your head, well so be it, because I have positive brand identity to Fanta – Nazi links not withstanding.
Can You Mix It with Booze?
Soda water is my jam when it comes to a mixer for my vodka, and Fanta Soda makes a baller alternative to Schweppes and the like. I shall also add that it is a fine pairing with Soju as a chaser.
Therefore and in short, yes – Fanta Soda makes a fine mixer. And that is the Fanta Soda story, a fine entry to #FantaQuest!