Caffeine lovers live in a renaissance these days, with an unlimited selection to get their fix. Tea, coffee, soda, and energy drinks all have their fan base. Energy drinks account or nearly a third of all packaged beverage sales, making them a popular option. For energy drink fans, choosing a zero sugar option can be healthier, while still getting that preferred caffeine fix.
For the zero sugar option, Monster Energy drinks contain 140mg of caffeine.
What is Monster Energy?
Monster Energy was created in 2002 and has since grown to be one of the most popular energy drinks on the market. They make up 35% of all energy drink sales, with only Red Bull topping their success. You can spot their signature logo in association with countless athletes and musicians.
They have dozens of flavors and recipes to choose from. These include different options for sugar levels and caffeine levels.
Monster Energy released Monster Ultra: Zero sugar as a sugar-free alternative. There are more than ten flavor options to choose from, promising a powerful caffeine kick without all the added sugar.
Caffeine content
Monster Ultra contains 140mg of caffeine per can, less than their standard 160 mg, but still more than other caffeine options.
Monster Energy can outperform the competition by seeking energy sources from more than caffeine. Most Monster Energy drinks contain Taurine and Guarana, which increase the effects of caffeine.
You can expect this caffeine hit to start working after about thirty minutes and keep you going for at least 2 hours.
How Does it Compare to Other Drinks?
The average Monster Energy still tops the list at 160mg of caffeine. Here’s how Monster Ultra stacks up against other caffeine sources.
- Monster Ultra: 140 mg
- Coffee: 96mg
- Black Tea: 47mg
- Coca-cola: 34mg
In addition to having the highest caffeine volume, Monster includes other ingredients like Taurine and Guarana to heighten the effects of the caffeine
How Does it Compare to Other Zero Sugar Energy Drinks?
Monster Ultra is far from the only energy drink on the market, but many consider it one of the best. Here’s how it stacks up against other zero sugar energy drinks.
- Monster Ultra: 140mg
- Hiball Energy: 160mg
- Aspire Healthy Energy Drink: 80mg
- Bang Star Blast: 300mg
- Zevia Zero Calorie Energy Drink: 120mg
- Red Bull Sugar Free: 80mg
- Zipfizz Healthy Energy Drink Mix: 100mg
- Xyience Energy Drink: 160mg
- Marquis Sugar Free: 100mg
- Organic Clean Energy by RUNA: 150mg
- Rockstar Sugar Free Energy Drink: 161mg
How Does Monster Ultra Taste?
Monster Ultra comes in the following flavors:
- Citrus (The White Monster)
- Mango (Ultra Fiesta Mango)
- Pink Grapefruit (Ultra Rosá)
- Citrus and Orange (Ultra Sunrise)
- Kiwi Lime and Cucumber (Ultra Paradise)
- Light Citrus and Berry (Ultra Blue)
- Mixed Berry (Ultra Red)
- Ultra Watermelon
- Pineapple (Ultra Gold)
- Peach (Ultra Peachy Keen)
- Black Cherry (Ultra Black)
- Citrus and Grape (Ultra Violet)
The original Zero Ultra is the Citrus flavor. It is a light, refreshing drink that’s not overly sweet. Most flavors contain a lightly carbonated and sweet flavor that compliments the fruity taste found in each flavor.
Nutritional Information
With the zero sugar element, Monster Ultra comes out to only 11 calories per 500 ml. A huge improvement compared to the 237 calories per 500ml that is in a Regular Monster Energy Drink.
Monster Ultra contains 4.4g of carbohydrates and 1g of salt. This product also boasts an additional enrichment of necessary B vitamins, such as Vitamin B3, B6, and B12.
You can expect Monster Ultra to contain artificial sweeteners like Erythritol, Sucralose, and Acesulfame Potassium.
It also provides caffeine in multiple ingredients such as Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Taurine, and Guarana Seed Extract.
There will also be several preservatives such as Sorbic Acid and Benzoic Acid in any Monster Energy product to keep the drink fresh.
Ingredient List
Carbonated Water, Sugar, Glucose, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Taurine, Sodium Citrate, Color Added, Panax Ginseng Extract, L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, Caffeine, Sorbic Acid (Preservative), Benzoic Acid (Preservative), Niacinamide (Vit. B3), Sucralose, Salt, D-Glucuronolactone, Inositol, Guarana Extract, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vit. B6), Riboflavin (Vit. B2), Maltodextrin, Cyanocobalamin (Vit. B12).
How much can you safely consume in a day?
The FDA recommends limiting caffeine consumption to 400mg per day. However, most recommend not consuming more than two energy drinks within 24 hours. Too much caffeine and a high level of stimulants can lead to side effects like nausea and an irregular heartbeat.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should be careful in their caffeine consumption, with no more than 200mg recommended.
It takes 12 hours for caffeine to leave your system, with most gauging their next fix based on the half-life of 6 hours. It is best to keep your caffeine consumption in the morning, before noon, so it doesn’t interfere with your sleep.
Some of the ingredients found can have side effects if consumed regularly or in large quantities, so keep an eye out for these ingredients when assessing your personal health needs.
- Ginseng can give headaches and affect blood pressure
- Caffeine in large quantities can cause digestive issues and an irregular heartbeat
- Artificial sweeteners in high amounts can cause problems for those with diabeties.
Artificial sweeteners may also affect gut health and reduce the amount of “good bacteria” in the stomach. For those that are more health conscious, we wouldn’t recommend regular consumption of any energy drink.
Fatty foods or sugary foods paired with energy drinks can worsen possible side effects, so stay away from them when consuming energy drinks or any high amounts of caffeine.
Conclusion
Energy drinks can be the ultimate caffeine fix for those who need them. Monster Ultra: Zero Sugar offers you all the benefits of a caffeine hit with none of the consequences of added sugar. Monster Ultra always delivers when it comes to caffeine. For some, it may work too well.
Listen to your body and proceed with caution if you’re caffeine sensitive. Everybody is different, but for many, the light, refreshing taste of a Monster Energy is the perfect pick-me-up for any occasion.
