This is the Wangzi Ya Pear Flavoured Soda. It’s produced by a company affiliated with Tsingtao, the renowned manufacturer of the Chinese beer bearing the same name. This association led us to hold reasonably optimistic expectations for it.
However, upon examining the ingredients list, we noted the absence of Ya pear. Instead, the list contained an array of unexpected components that one might commonly associate with health tonics. These included black rice, sweet corn, oat, glutinous rice, barley kernel, kidney bean coix seed, sorghum, buckwheat, and various other items. Remarkably, the product’s sugar content stood at a mere 2%.
The beverage was colourless and emitted a sweet, fruity aroma reminiscent of Ya pear, coupled with vigorous carbonation. When served chilled, the pear flavour asserted itself boldly from the outset of each sip. However, it strayed into a realm of excess that bordered on artificiality. This sensation was further intensified by an overwhelming sweetness that exceeded the levels associated even with a perfectly ripe Ya pear—unexpected, considering the beverage’s low sugar content. In terms of overall taste, it drew parallels to the profile of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit chewing gum. To its credit, the beverage’s carbonation was notably high, effectively clearing the palate after each sip and preventing any lingering aftertaste. While not entirely unpalatable, it failed to secure a place for repurchase in our preferences.
This Wangzi Pear Flavoured Soda contained 500 mL. It was produced in China and purchased in Sydney, Australia in 2023.