A 16 fl. oz. can of Monster Energy Drink contains 160 mg of caffeine, 54 grams of sugar, 210 calories, and energy-boosting ingredients such as taurine, B-Vitamins, and guarana extracts.
Monster Energy is currently one of the most popular energy drink brands with 5.9% global market share.
The 160 mg caffeine content of Monster Energy Drink will surely provide you with an instant energy boost. However, this amount could be a little too much for daily consumption, especially if you’re a caffeine-sensitive person.
Since you’re already here, you must be interested in learning more about the ingredients of Monster Energy Drink and how it works to provide a swift energy boost.
So, without further ado, let’s get into an in-depth analysis of Monster Energy Drink’s caffeine and ingredients.
First off, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients list and nutrition information to see what’s in a can of Monster.
Page Contents
What is in Monster that makes it addictive?
Caffeine is what makes Monster addictive. Excessive drinking of Monster Energy drinks has been linked to dependence on caffeine. Sugar, caffeine, and carbonation are the three main components of most Monster Energy beverages. Unlike sugar and soda, caffeine can become physically addictive in just a few cups.
Drinking a Monster Those who are addicted to energy drinks consume large quantities of the beverage on a regular basis and are unable to control their consumption. It may share characteristics with addiction to drugs. Numerous health issues have been linked to it as well.
What happens if you drink Monster everyday?
Drinking monster everyday is lined with negative effects. Heart arrhythmias, headaches, high blood pressure, and anxiety have all been linked to excessive or chronic energy drink consumption. More than 20,000 visits to US emergency rooms in 2011 were traced back to drinking energy drinks.
To put things in perspective, the government would not allow Monster to be sold at all if even one can per day was harmful, and it would have already restricted bulk purchases if that were the case. Despite this, it is not advisable to drink this daily.
Monster Energy Ingredients
A 16 fl.oz. Monster Energy Drink has the following ingredients:
- Carbonated Water
- Sugar
- Glucose
- Citric Acid
- Natural Flavours
- Taurine
- Sodium Citrate
- Color Added
- Panax Ginseng Extract
- L-Carnitine L-Tartrate
- Caffeine
- Sorbic Acid
- Benzoic Acid
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
- Sucralose
- Salt
- D-Glucuronolactone
- Inositol
- Guarana Extract
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6)
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
- Maltodextrin
- Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)
In the table below, you’ll find the nutritional information for a 16 fl. oz. can of Monster Energy Drink:
| Typical Values | Monster Energy (16 fl. oz.) |
| Energy | 210 calories |
| Fat (Of which Saturated) | 0 g (0 g) |
| Carbohydrates (Of which Sugars) | 54 g (54 g) |
| Caffeine | 160 mg |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Sodium | 370 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 3.6 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 46 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 4.6 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 13 µg |
Monster Energy Drink Calorie Content
Each 16 fl. oz. can of Monster Energy Drink contains 210 calories.
As a reminder, the recommended calorie intake per day for healthy individuals is generally 2,000 to 2,500 calories.
In that sense, one can of Monster contains about 1/10th of your total caloric consumption, which can contribute to weight gain if the extra 210 calories aren’t burned off by exercise.
In case you’re trying to cut out some carbs, I would recommend the sugar-free alternative, Monster Energy Zero Ultra, which has the same classic flavor as Monster Energy but only has 10 calories.
Monster Caffeine Content
A 16 fl. oz. Monster Energy Drink contains 160 mg of caffeine, which is a little too much for an energy drink of similar size.
Caffeine is a natural stimulant that activates the nervous system keeping you alert for a period of time. It will improve your mood, suppress your appetite for weight loss, and keep you awake, depending on how much you consume.
The FDA advises healthy adults to follow the recommended caffeine consumption which is no more than 400 mg of caffeine a day.
Monster Energy contains about half of the recommended caffeine. Even if you have a strong caffeine tolerance, this amount can easily get you through the day.
I personally prefer a caffeine content of less than 150 mg per serving. Any more than that seems to quickly exhaust me.
If you consume more caffeine than the recommended amount, you may experience side effects like:
- anxiety
- jitters
- restlessness
- gastrointestinal discomfort
- insomnia
- irritability
- heart palpitations
Overdosing on caffeine is rare, but if you’re not used to drinking caffeinated drinks, you’re more likely to experience these side effects.
Therefore, it’s best to limit your daily Monster Energy Drink consumption to one can a day to avoid the health consequences that come along with it.
Monster Energy Sugar Content
Each 16 fl. oz. can of Monster Energy Drink contains a total of 54 grams of sugar.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends the following sugar intake:
- 24 grams of sugar per day for women
- 36 grams of sugar per day for men
That means, a 16 fl.oz. can of Monster exceeds the recommended daily intake.
While it’s fine to treat yourself with sugary food products once in a while, excess sugar consumption has several negative consequences, including:
- acne
- tooth decay
- weight gain
- risk of diabetes
- high blood pressure
Furthermore, the 54 g of sugar in Monster Energy would almost certainly trigger a sugar crash when the overall effects wear off.
In my opinion, you can choose to have Monster Energy Zero Ultra or Monster Juice, which contain much less sugar. These are better alternatives, particularly if you plan to incorporate this energy drink brand into your daily diet.
Overall, it’s best to drink Monster Energy occasionally, when you’re really in need of instant energy. But for regular consumption, I’d consider opting for the sugar-free options.
Also, it is wise to not drink it in one go to avoid system shock and to give your body the time to burn sugar.
Check out the video to learn more about what happens when you consume too much sugar.
Taurine Content in Monster Energy Drink
Taurine is a natural amino acid found in the body which helps in the formation of proteins that play important roles in heart and brain functioning.
Taurine is used in a variety of foods, including beef, fish, dairy products, and supplements. It is usually more required by athletes and those who exercise daily, as they need extra protein.
Overconsumption of taurine along with caffeine has been linked to heart arrest according to some studies.
Rest assured, the taurine in Monster Energy should be perfectly fine as long as you don’t go overboard with the daily consumption and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Guarana Extracts in Monster Energy Drink
Guarana is a berry-like plant that grows in the Amazonian states of Brazil. It has a number of noteworthy advantages, including the presence of stimulants and antioxidants.
According to this study, guarana has caffeine in it, which increases alertness by delivering a quick energy boost. So it’s no wonder why energy drinks like Monster has it.
Guarana’s combination of natural chemicals is said to be four times stronger than coffee beans. It’s something to be aware of, especially if you’re sensitive to caffeine.
B-Vitamins in Monster Energy Drink
Monster Energy Drink has high concentration of B-Vitamins, with up to 200 percent of the daily value.
Take a look at the table below for more information.
| Name of the Vitamins | Function | Amount (Per 16 fl. oz of Monster) | Tolerable Upper Intake Level |
| Vitamin B3/Niacin | aids in the formation of energy and the maintenance of healthy skin. | 43 mg | 35 mg |
| Vitamin B2/Riboflavin | helps in cell formation, fat breakdown, and energy output. | 5.05 mg | N/A |
| Vitamin B6 | stores Protein and carbohydrates as energy and forms red blood cells. | 5.05 mg | 100 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | helps to release energy from carbohydrates, shapes red blood cells, and helps in the well-functioning of the nervous system. | 5.1 µg | N/A |
You can learn more about each vitamin here.
What Are The Harmful Ingredients of Monster Energy Drink?
The main harmful ingredient that Monster Energy Drink contains is the added sugar. And the caffeine in Monster Energy can be harmful upon overconsumption.
54 grams of sugar goes into a single serving of Monster Energy, which about double the recommended daily sugar intake by the AHA.
Excessive sugar consumption poses severe health threats and makes you prone to various long-term and short-term side effects and diseases.
The 160 g caffeine content of Monster Energy Drink isn’t normally a threat to your well-being as it’s quite an average amount. But Monster contains Guarana seed extract, which also has caffeine in it.
Therefore, while the caffeine in one serving of Monster may not cause any problem, consuming multiple cans at once or exceeding the FDA-advised daily intake may expose you to several side effects.
Other ingredients of Monster Energy apart from the above-mentioned ones are not known to be responsible for any potential health effects. However, the side effects of caffeine and sugar can also be avoided simply by consuming the drink in moderation.
Should You Drink Monster Energy Drink With Alcohol?
Absolutely not! You shouldn’t drink Monster Energy Drink with alcohol at any cost.
It is not a smart idea to mix alcohol with Monster or any energy drinks, as the combination is very dangerous and could lead to alcohol poisoning and other serious health issues.
According to this study, mixing alcohol with energy drinks raises blood pressure which can be very dangerous and lethal at the same time.
Therefore, I’d highly discourage combining alcoholic beverages with energy drinks.
How Bad is Monster Energy Drink For You?
Monster Energy Drink is not necessarily bad for you if drunk in moderation.
Monster Energy Drink has been linked to cardiovascular risks like cardiac arrest and heart attack over the years. But most of it was often due to pre-existing heart conditions or people overdosing on caffeine.
Mild intake of Monster Energy Drink, on the other hand, rarely has any negative health consequences.
Consuming anything in excess can negatively affect your health, especially when you don’t regulate your intake and lead a sedentary lifestyle.
Take a look at the table below to see how Monster Energy’s nutritional value compares to the daily maximum limit.
| Daily Values | Monster Energy Drink (Per 16 fl.oz) | Daily Maximum Limit (Female/Male) |
| Calories | 210 calories | 2400 calories / 3000 calories |
| Sugar | 54 g | 25 g / 36 g |
| Caffeine | 160 mg | 400 mg |
You should be aware of the vast amount of sugar contained in a can of Monster Energy. Consuming it regularly can result in long-term health consequences like heart and blood vessel complications.
It is a wise idea to check with the doctor before incorporating a high-performance energy drink like Monster Energy into your daily diet.
Is Monster good for caffeine?
Monster energy drinks have a high caffeine content, providing a significant energy boost. However, the effects and “goodness” of caffeine vary based on individual tolerance, health, and consumption habits.
While moderate consumption can enhance alertness, excessive intake or combining it with other caffeinated products can have negative effects like increased heart rate and sleep disturbances.
How does Monster Energy work?
Monster Energy drinks work by combining caffeine, sugar, and stimulating ingredients. The caffeine acts as a central nervous system stimulant, reducing fatigue and promoting alertness.
The high sugar content provides a quick source of energy, leading to an initial burst of energy. Excessive or prolonged consumption of Monster Energy drinks may pose health risks. It’s important to consume them in moderation and be aware of individual sensitivities and health conditions.
Side Effects of Monster Energy Drink
Along with providing you with an energy boost, Monster Energy Drink consumption poses certain threats to your health, particularly when consumed in excess.
According to the CDC, the possible side effects of energy drinks like Monster Energy include insomnia, dehydration, jitteriness, anxiousness, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular risks like heart attack and cardiac arrest.
The ingredients responsible for these negative health effects are mainly caffeine and sugar, and both of them have their own set of health risks.
However, if you’re a healthy adult and consume Monster Energy ensuring moderation and keeping your age and tolerance levels in mind, then the chances of these side effects occurring would be comparatively lower.
Alternatives For Monster Energy Drink
Check out these alternatives if you’re looking for something similar to Monster:
Conclusion
A 16 fl.oz. can of Monster contains 210 calories, 160 mg of caffeine, 54 g of sugar, and other energy-boosting ingredients including 200 percent regular B-Vitamins and guarana extracts.
It is indeed a perfect energy drink formula that can keep you energized, awake, and alert for a couple of hours.
However, you need to be aware of its high sugar content because it can become harmful if you consume the drink in unhealthy amounts.
Overall, Monster Energy Drink is one of the best energy drink brands I personally endorse if consumed in moderation.
So go ahead and unleash the beast in you with your favorite Monster Energy Drink!