There once was a time when drinks remained drinks from the first sip to the last. Then came Tansan, and nothing was the same again. From the land of the Rising Sun, a land of bizarre and ingenious innovations, comes a Japanese drink that promises to revolutionize the soft drink market and our concept of satiety. Get ready for a taste journey that defies all logic: from liquid to solid, all in the confined space of your stomach.
When a Japanese drink decides to play hide and seek
Imagine the scene: you are in a konbini, one of those Japanese convenience stores open 24/7, surrounded by shelves full of fluorescent-colored snacks and drinks with unpronounceable names. And then you see it: a seemingly innocuous can, with the words “Tansan” written on it. Do you think it's yet another version of a lemon soda? Eh. No. No, no.
Tansan is not a simple Japanese drink. It's much more. He's a liquid ninja, a master of disguise, a Houdini in a can. While you drink it calmly, thinking of quenching your thirst, she is plotting behind your back... or rather, elsewhere.
The “magic” happens in the darkness of the stomach
What exactly happens once Tansan passes your lips? According to the makers, this Japanese drink has a superpower: it reacts with your stomach acid to turn into a gelatinous substance.
Yes, you understood correctly. You think you're drinking a regular fizzy lemon drink, your stomach is turning into a jelly bean factory. And now, the million yen question.
Why?
Already. Why would anyone want to drink something that solidifies in their stomach? Apparently, the manufacturers claim that this unique feature helps to appease hunger pangs.
In practice, for example, if you are on a diet and have a sudden craving for ice cream, instead of giving in to temptation, you gulp down a can of Tansan and voilà! Stomach full and off we go. It's like having a gastric balloon on demand. Brilliant or disturbing? You decide.
The mystery of the ingredients
Once the million yen question is over, there is the half million yen question. What the hell is in this Japanese drink? Unfortunately, it appears the recipe is more secret than Coca-Cola's formula. There are those who hypothesize that it contains fibers psyllium, but it could be something completely different.
If you're in Japan, and feeling particularly adventurous (or maybe a little crazy), you could be the one to unravel the mystery of Tansan. Let us know what effect it has, perhaps on our Telegram channel.
Beyond the Japanese drink, the future is... gelatinous?
In conclusion, Tansan represents everything we love (and perhaps fear) about beverage innovation. For me it raises more questions than answers.
After those energizing, the protein ones, the calming ones, will we have the trend of the "anorexic" ones? Or is it yet another passing fad? Only time (and perhaps a few brave volunteers with a stomach of steel) will tell.
In the meantime, drink carefully my friends. Drink with caution.
