# Eel-Flavored Sodas Kimura Inryou's 'Unagi Cola' Boasts a Unique Drink Flavor By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2015-07-09 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unique-drink References: [en.rocketnews24](http://en.rocketnews24.com/2015/07/04/bacon-sodas-new-contender-is-here-say-hello-to-unagi-cola/) & [asahi](http://www.asahi.com/articles/ASH714SXHH71UTPB00S.html) From avocado salad Cheetos to vegetable-flavored Häagen-Dazs ice cream, the people of Japan love experimenting with unusual flavors—fortunately, a new and unique drink flavor from Kimura Inryou will appeal to those with adventurous taste buds. The [Unagi Cola](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nissin-mystery-unagi) is made from eel extract and features a salty, fishy flavor that captures the essence of savory grilled barbecue eel. Like many other refreshing [carbonated beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/olipop-and-hidden-valley), this one will be sold at highway rest stops and gift shops as if there was nothing standout about the grilled eel flavor. Hopefully anyone who picks up a bottle of this bizarre soda knows that they're in for an unusual flavor. Prior to the release of this eel-flavored cola, other [bizarre soda flavors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pepperoni-pizza-soda) that have been launched in Japan include salty watermelon, curry and cucumber. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 27% | Activity: 49% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Drinking](https://www.trendhunter.com/drinking) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Unusual Flavor Sodas:** Exploring unconventional and unique flavor profiles in carbonated beverages can open up opportunities for innovative drink creations. - **Adventurous Taste Buds:** Catering to consumers with a desire for unusual flavors presents a chance to create niche products that appeal to adventurous eaters. - **Innovation in Beverage Industry:** Continuously pushing the boundaries of traditional beverage flavors can drive innovation and differentiation in the market. ### Where This Applies - **Beverage Industry:** The beverage industry can capitalize on the trend of unconventional soda flavors by introducing unique and unexpected options to cater to adventurous consumers. - **Hospitality Industry:** Restaurants, cafes, and hotels can offer eel-flavored sodas as a novelty, providing customers with a memorable and unique dining experience. - **Food and Beverage Retail:** Specialty food and beverage stores can tap into the demand for unusual flavor combinations by offering eel-flavored sodas and other unconventional beverage options. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Eel-Flavored Instant Noodles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nissin-mystery-unagi.md) - [Umami-Packed Dashi Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cocacola-japan-1.md) - [Cuisine-Specific Colas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pepsi-karaage-senyo-cola.md) - [Spiced Pickle Sodas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pickle-soda.md) - [Rice Soda-Flavored Frozen Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adult-garigarikun-rice-soda.md) - [Cell-Cultured Unagi Eels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/forsea-foods.md) - [Organic Savory Spritzers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/savory-spritzers.md) - [Fruit Soda Flavor Additions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fruit-soda-flavors.md) - [Soda-Inspired Sparkling Waters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soda-inspired-sparkling-water.md)