Monster Energy Drink Nutrition Facts: Are They the Healthiest Choice?

Monster Energy Drink Nutrition Facts: Are They the Healthiest Choice?
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Energy drinks are growing in popularity especially among college students who use them as “fuel” to stay up all night studying or partying. One group of energy drinks popular among the college crowd is the Monster series of energy drinks. Are these drinks really as unhealthy as some experts say they are? What are the specific Monster Energy drink nutrition facts?

Carbohydrates

Monster Energy, the first drink in the Monster series, has 27 grams of added sugar, which makes it the highest carb drink the company makes. To meet the demands of the more carbohydrate conscious drinker, Monster recently launched Monster LoCarb, an energy drink which has only 3 grams of sugar and 3 grams of total carbs, as well as Monster Zero, which has only a single gram of sugar and carbohydrates. Both have a sweet taste because of the artificial sweeteners used to flavor them. Another addition to the Monster line is Monster Import Lite. It’s specifically made for work-out buffs who want to limit their carbs and has a combination of natural sugar and artificial sweeteners for a total of 6 carbohydrate grams.

Monster Energy Drinks Nutrition Facts: How Many Calories?

The standard Monster Energy drink has 100 calories, but for the calorie-conscious, there are lower calorie versions. Monster Zero, as the name implies, has no calories, and Monster LoCarb has 10 calories, which is a considerable savings if you don’t mind the artificial sweeteners. Import Light, for people who work out, has 25 calories per 8 ounce serving.

Vitamins

All Monster Energy drinks are fortified with a full day’s requirement of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12. These vitamins are important for energy metabolism and for maintaining a healthy immune system among other functions. Vitamin B12 is also required for normal nerve function.

Energy

Monster Energy drinks contain a number of ingredients that serve as energy boosters. The caffeine content of Monster Energy drinks is only 160 milligrams for a 16 ounce can, but each can contains an “energy blend”, which adds additional caffeine along with other energy-boosting ingredients such as guarana and l-carnitine. Monster Energy drinks also contain panax ginseng, an herbal energy additive. Because Monster is so “stimulating”, the company posts a warning on the label, which advises people to consume no more than three 16 ounce cans per day. Monster Energy drinks are unsuitable for people who have high blood pressure, heart disease, and those who are sensitive to caffeine.

Monster Energy Drink Nutrition Facts: The Bottom Line?

Monster Energy drinks have been justifiably criticized for being high in sugar and over-stimulating. Fortunately, they’ve responded to the criticism by releasing Monster Zero, Monster LoCarb and Import Lite. They’ve also fortified their drinks with B vitamins, which is a positive. On the other hand, their line is still high in caffeine and caffeine-like energy boosters, which aren’t suitable for everyone. It’s best to drink them only in moderation.

References

Monster Energy website.

Mayo Clinic website. “Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more”