What Flavour is the Black 4loko?

Across different regions, the black 4loko has been associated with various flavors, from limited edition kiwi in the UK to a mysterious, undisclosed fruit blend in the US. The drink’s ambiguous branding has often led to confusion among consumers seeking to know what flavour is the black 4loko.

Quick Summary

The specific flavor of black Four Loko depends on the market and production timeline, including a limited edition kiwi in the UK and a purposefully secret flavor in the USA.

Key Points

• Regional Variations: The black Four Loko flavor differs by country; it is a mysterious fruit blend in the US but a specific kiwi flavor in the UK.

• Limited Edition Kiwi: In the UK, the black can was released as a limited edition featuring a vibrant, kiwi flavor with an 8.4% ABV.

• Mysterious US Flavor: In the United States, the official Four Loko website markets the black can's flavor as a mystery, encouraging consumers to find out for themselves.

• Discontinued Flavors: An older, now-discontinued black version of Four Loko was known to be lime-flavored, predating the 2010 reformulation.

• Canadian Black Cherry: A Black Cherry flavor, often in a black can design, is sold in the Canadian market, distinct from the US and UK offerings.

• Marketing Strategy: The ambiguity of the flavor in the US is a deliberate marketing strategy to create a sense of adventure and boldness around the product.

The Flavor Depends on Your Location

Unlike other clearly labeled Four Loko flavors like Sour Apple or Strawberry Lemonade, the black can represents a different experience depending on where you are. The company has historically used this variation to cater to regional tastes and limited-edition runs, making the answer to 'what flavour is the black 4loko' a bit of a moving target.

The UK's Kiwi-Flavored "Black"

As of recent limited-edition releases, consumers in the United Kingdom found that the black Four Loko variant was a vodka-based drink with a clear kiwi flavor. Advertised during the winter festive season, this version came in a 440ml can and contained an 8.4% ABV. The liquid inside was even a vibrant green color to match the flavor profile, a refreshing contrast to the black can. This version was a specific product for the UK market and should not be confused with other iterations.

The USA's "Mysterious" Flavor

For the US market, the black Four Loko can has often been tied to a more enigmatic marketing strategy. The official Four Loko USA website has, in the past, featured the black can with the tagline, “We won’t tell you what it tastes like – you just have to find out”. This marketing approach makes the flavor a matter of individual experience and consumer speculation. It has been described with a 'dark, fruity twist' and 'berry-like notes,' but these descriptions are not officially tied to a single identifiable fruit. The intent is to create a bold, mysterious feel for the consumer.

The Canadian Black Cherry

In Canada, Four Loko has offered a 'Black Cherry' flavor that sometimes uses a black can design, causing further confusion. This flavor is described as a balance of sweet and tart, and its boldness matches the brand's persona. This adds another layer to the already complex answer, as a consumer might encounter a black can and think of black cherry when the official US version is a mystery.

A History of "Black" Four Loko Flavors

Four Loko's flavor lineup has evolved significantly over the years, and the black can has a history beyond its current mysterious branding. Some of the older, now-discontinued versions also used the color black or a black can for specific flavors.

• The Original Black (Lime): According to historical flavor listings on platforms like Wikipedia, an early, now-discontinued flavor using a black label was Lime. This flavor was a relic of the brand's earlier formulations before the removal of caffeine and other stimulants.
• The "Sour Black Cherry" (USA): Some flavor lineups for the US market have included a 'U.S.A.' flavor, sometimes referred to as 'Sour Black Cherry,' which also used a black-themed can. This indicates that even within the US, the black color has been used for different cherry-adjacent flavors over time.

How to Identify the Flavor

If you have a black Four Loko can and want to know its flavor, follow these steps:

1. Check the can for a flavor name. Many limited-edition and newer cans have the specific flavor printed somewhere on the packaging. Look for text below the 'Four Loko' logo or on the side of the can.
2. Examine the ABV. The UK's kiwi flavor, for instance, is 8.4% ABV and comes in a 440ml can, different from the standard US 14% ABV, 23.5oz can.
3. Note the country of origin. The source of the can can often reveal the flavor. If it's imported from the UK or Canada, the flavor will be different than a US version.

Black Four Loko Flavors: A Comparison

Version	Flavor Profile	Market	Key Identifier	Status
UK Limited Edition	Juicy Kiwi with a fruity blast	UK	8.4% ABV, green liquid, 440ml can	Limited Edition (Nov 2024)
USA Current	Mysterious, dark fruit blend with berry notes	USA	14% ABV, 23.5oz can, no specific flavor listed	Active, ongoing marketing
Canada	Bold Black Cherry	Canada	Black Cherry listed on can	Market-specific product
USA Discontinued	Lime flavor	USA	Historically associated with lime before reformulation	Discontinued
USA "U.S.A."	Sour Black Cherry	USA	Black-themed can, part of innovation series	Possible variation, check can

The Evolution of Four Loko Flavors

Beyond the black can's flavor, the overall Four Loko brand has undergone significant transformations. The most notable was the removal of caffeine, taurine, and guarana in late 2010, following scrutiny from the FDA. This change shifted the product from a potent caffeinated alcoholic drink to a flavored malt beverage. The black can, in its various incarnations, reflects this evolution—moving from a specific lime flavor to a marketing-driven mystery. This history shows the brand's adaptability in the face of regulation and market trends, utilizing limited editions and intriguing flavor profiles to keep consumers engaged.

Conclusion: The Black 4loko is a moving target

Ultimately, there is no single answer for what flavour is the black 4loko. Its identity is fluid, changing based on the market and the specific production run. From a zesty kiwi in the UK to a mysterious, dark fruit blend in the US, the black can represents an evolving chapter in the brand's history. This ambiguity is by design in some markets, creating an adventurous element for consumers willing to take a chance. For those seeking a specific taste, it's best to check the can's labeling carefully or, if in the US, be prepared for a tantalizing mystery. Learn more about Four Loko's current flavors on their official site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the black Four Loko flavor the same everywhere?

No, the flavor of the black Four Loko is not the same everywhere. It varies significantly by region, with a kiwi flavor in the UK, a mysterious fruit blend in the US, and Black Cherry in Canada.

What does the black Four Loko taste like in the US?

In the US, the official flavor of the black Four Loko is deliberately kept a mystery. The company's marketing encourages consumers to discover its dark, fruity, and berry-like notes for themselves.

Is the kiwi-flavored black Four Loko still available?

The kiwi-flavored black Four Loko was a limited edition product released in the UK during the winter 2024 season. Its availability is likely dependent on seasonal stock and market trends.

Was there an original lime flavor in a black can?

Yes, before the 2010 reformulation that removed caffeine, there was a discontinued Four Loko flavor called 'Black' that was associated with a lime flavor.

Why is the flavor of the US black can a secret?

The secret flavor of the US black can is a marketing strategy to create a feeling of boldness and mystery around the product, inviting consumers to embrace the unexpected.

What is the flavor of the Black Four Loko in Canada?

The Four Loko available in Canada, which often uses a black-themed can, has a Black Cherry flavor that balances sweet and tart notes.

How can I tell the difference between the various black Four Loko flavors?

The key is to check the packaging carefully for flavor descriptions, note the can's ABV and size (US is often 14% ABV, 23.5oz; UK is 8.4% ABV, 440ml), and consider the country where you purchased it.