Banana Juice

Banana Juice is an item from Donkey Kong Country Returns, Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D, and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. It can be purchased from Cranky Kong's Shop and Funky's Fly 'n' Buy for twenty Banana Coins (7 Banana Coins in Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D). If Donkey Kong drinks it, it will grant him ten additional hearts, and cause his body to become golden in appearance, not unlike Gold Mario. Also it can be used by Diddy Kong in two-player mode. Whenever Donkey Kong or Diddy Kong loses one of the extra hearts, but has at least one remaining, he will briefly revert to their normal appearance, before reverting back to gold.

The additional hearts granted by Banana Juice are only temporary, as they do not increase Donkey Kong's or Diddy Kong's maximum health like a Heart Boost does; once an extra heart is lost, it cannot be restored. Also, the effect will be lost entirely should Donkey Kong or Diddy Kong lose all ten extra hearts, or lose a life due to something fatal, such as falling down an abyss. The effects of Banana Juice will also be lost if the player either completes a level or quits prematurely.

In Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D, if the player is playing the "New Mode", the Banana Juice will only protect the Kongs from up to 5 hits, as they can now be equipped with up to three items. Additionally, its effects won't end prematurely if the Kongs lose a life by something fatal.

In Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, the Banana Juice would be in effect after getting hit for the first time in any level as long as the juice is equipped. Unlike Donkey Kong Country Returns and its 3DS remake, Donkey Kong will be immune to damage for a short period of time before the effect wears off. The price has also been lowered to 15 Banana Coins.