In brief, Monster Energy is popular in the world of energy drinks because of its delicious flavors and they work well in terms of providing energy.
There is no doubt that Monster Energy is one of the world’s most recognizable energy drink brands. No matter where you are, you can always find the trademark green-and-white can in a store near you.
Monster comes with 160mg of caffeine, 210 calories, 54 g of sugar, and an assortment of added vitamins. All these combined result in a signature blend that has amassed quite a big fanbase.
Looking at its ingredients list, there isn’t really anything that you wouldn’t already find in dozens of other brands. So what sets Monster apart from the rest?
Let’s find out!
When Did Monster Energy Drink Come Out?
The then-Hansen Natural Company first introduced Monster Energy in April 2002. The company is now known as Monster Beverage Corporation.
The lineup initially featured only five flavors and it has now ballooned to 43 unique flavors. Additionally, their earlier 16 fl. oz can contain only 80mg of caffeine before upping their content to 160mg.
Since then, Monster has continued to dominate the industry, coming in second to Red Bull in 2019. The company has now also added NOS, Burn, and Predator to their lineup.
How did Monster Energy get so big?
Besides being widely available, Monster Energy is considered a premium energy drink. The drink has a good taste which appeals to consumers.
On top of that, the brand utilized an aggressive marketing approach. Since they have also invested heavily in advertisements, it has helped them attain high brand equity.
Why Is Monster Energy So Good?
Monster doesn’t just taste good, but its caffeine and calorie content are also powerful enough to get you through your workouts and other physical activities. Some studies show that it helps athletes by improving their performance.
First, here’s everything you can get out of a standard 16 fl. oz can of Monster Energy.
| Standard Values | Monster Energy (16 fl. oz) |
| Energy | 210 calories |
| Protein | 0g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Carbohydrate | 27g |
| Sugar | 27g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Caffeine | 160mg |
| Taurine | 1000mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 3.6mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 46mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 4.6mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 13µg |
As you can see, Monster is made up mostly of caffeine, sugar, B vitamins, and taurine. All of these ingredients contribute to the fame of Monster.
Let’s get to them briefly, one after another.
B Vitamins
There are two versions of the Monster energy drink. They have a regular version and a low-calorie variant. Both versions of the drink contain B Vitamins.
Getting half out of the eight B vitamins is already enough to consider Monster as a rewarding drink. A single Monster energy can give you Riboflavin, Niacin, B12, and B4.
These vitamins are water-soluble. If you are an active person, you need a steady supply of B vitamins as they don’t stay in your body for a long time.
The recommended limit for these B Vitamins are:
| Vitamin B | Daily Intake for Men | Daily Intake for Women |
| Riboflavin B2 | 1.1mg | 1.1mg |
| Niacin B3 | 16mg | 14mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 1.3mg | 1.3mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.4mcg | 2.4mcg |
However, consuming too many vitamins isn’t really good for your health as it can lead to problems, such as:
- Excessive thirst
- Skin conditions
- Blurry vision
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Increased urination
- Diarrhea
If you need more information about B vitamins, you can check this article.
Caffeine Content
A 16 fl. oz. of Monster Energy contains 160mg of caffeine. This amount is roughly equivalent to two to three cups of coffee. I’d have to say that Monster hovers a bit more than the average caffeine content for an energy drink.
Although it is pretty far from the FDA limit, I don’t think you can drink more than a can of Monster in a day. To avoid caffeine overdose, I personally advise you to follow FDA recommendations of no more than 400mg of caffeine a day.
However, this study claims that those who are sensitive to caffeine might still experience side effects even in low amounts.
Taurine
Just like many other energy drinks, Monster Energy drink contains taurine.
This compound helps support the functions of the central nervous system. It regulates immune system health and antioxidant function.
It is also helpful for heart or kidney conditions and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. People with diabetes can also benefit from it as it also controls blood sugar levels.
A study claims that elders‘ brains might benefit from taurine and caffeine mixed together. On the other hand, it states that adolescents might not get these benefits. They’re likely to suffer from ill effects from such high doses.
You’ll be glad to know that taurine is mostly made synthetically. So, if you’re a vegan, you can consume it without any worries.
Sugar Content
Monster energy drink’s 54g sugar content might appear small, but it is not. It is a quite high amount compared to the daily sugar limit.
For reference, the AHA recommends a maximal sugar intake limit of 25g for women and 36g for men. If you happen to consume high amounts of sugar regularly, you might suffer from:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Weight gain
- Aging skin
- Cardiovascular diseases
If you consume Monster Energy every once in a while, then there’s no problem. But I think you should keep your intake to a minimal amount.
And if you want something with less sugar, you might want to check out this article I’ve written.
What Happens If You Drink 3 Cans Of Monster In A Day?
While we know that our bodies and tastebuds love energy drinks, we often overlook the shocking caffeine content in these drinks.
As I have already mentioned, consuming one can per day is enough. If you happen to drink 3 Monster Energy in a day, you may suffer vomiting, palpitations, and high blood pressure. And in worse cases, even death.
If you’re caffeine-sensitive, I think it might be better if you switch to a brand with lower caffeine content. Remember, caffeine can affect us all differently and you may feel the effects more strongly.
Monster Energy Variants
These Monster energy variants are grouped based on what they’re made of:
- Juice (energy drink but tastes like juice!)
- Java (coffee-based)
- Punch (fruit mixed)
- Muscle (with protein!)
- Hydro (water wanna-be)
- Max (nitrous oxide)
- Rehab (non-carbonated)
- Ultra (low calorie)
- Regular (nothing beats original)
Of course, one factor that made Monster a popular drink is its broad, unique flavors. For a complete list, you can check out this article.
Monster Energy Drink Alternatives
Are you looking for something other than Monster for your energy drink? Here are some other beverages I think you should try as well.
Red Bull
If you would think of Monster, you’ll probably think of Red Bull next.
A regular 8.4 fl. oz can of Red Bull has 110 calories, primarily due and also a synthetically made 1000mg of Taurine included. This energy drink is known for providing strength and its unique flavors.
NOS
NOS is a sibling to Monster Energy. However, it might not be as popular as Red Bull or Bang. Yet if you’re looking for a boost for your day, this drink will have your back.
A 16 fl. oz can of NOS Energy Drink contains 210 calories and 54g of sugar. It also contains taurine, sodium, and B vitamins. Plus, NOS Energy is certified gluten-free.
If you trust the maker of Monster Energy so much, you can try this drink.
REIZE (The Best)
If Monster’s caffeine, sugar, and calorie content seem a bit too overwhelming, I have the perfect drink for you!
REIZE is a powder energy drink that contains a low 50mg of caffeine, 11 calories, and no sugar at all. You’ll get a delicious fizzy drink without worrying about pesky side effects!
This energy drink comes in light 4g sachets, which is very convenient to carry. It can fit into your pocket! You can have your energy drink anywhere- just don’t forget your container!
Apart from that, REIZE is also full of other beneficial ingredients, such as ginseng and taurine. You can get REIZE for just around $1, and you can even have your orders shipped right to your door.
Other Notable Mentions
Conclusion
It’s not hard to see why Monster remains a popular choice: it certainly is effective in bringing you the energy boost you need.
However, it’s not for everyone. Its caffeine, calorie, and sugar content are higher than usual, and if you’re health conscious, you’ll be better off switching to sugar-free and calorie-free energy drink brands.
But if you’re healthy, on-the-go, and able to take on caffeine, then nothing should get between you and a fresh can of Monster! Just remember to watch your caffeine intake and if side effects arise, consult a medical professional immediately.