Monster and Red Bull are two of the biggest names in the energy drink industry and both are popular brands.
Therefore, people often end up comparing them to draw a conclusion about which is the best energy drink of all time? Is it Monster or Red Bull?
There are many contradicting opinions about Monster and Red Bull, but both energy drinks have their distinct place. While Red Bull stands out for some, others might find Monster more appealing. It all depends on your taste and preference!
However, I’ve compared both the drinks in various aspects to help you decide which will work the best for you!
Let’s get straight into it!
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Monster vs Red Bull
Nutrition Facts
Here is a comparison between the nutrients present in Monster and Red Bull.
| Value (Standard Serving) | Monster (16 fl.oz) | Red Bull (8.4 fl.oz) |
| Energy | 210 calories | 110 calories |
| Protein | 2.28 g | <1 g |
| Carbohydrates (Of which Sugars) | 60 g (54 g) | 28 g (27 g) |
| Sodium | 370 mg | 105 mg |
| Caffeine | 160 mg | 80 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 3.5 mg | – |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 51.5 mg | 22 mg |
| Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) | – | 5.05 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 10.7 mg | 5.05 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 13 µg | 5.1 µg |
| Vitamin C | – | – |
| Calcium | – | – |
Check this analysis of Red Bull’s Nutrition Facts.
Ingredients
Monster Energy comprises 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)
Red Bull is made up of the following ingredients:
- Carbonated Water
- Sucrose
- Glucose
- Citric Acid
- Taurine
- Sodium Bicarbonate
- Magnesium Carbonate
- Unspecified Natural and Artificial Flavors and Colors
Caffeine Content
A 16 fl. oz can of Monster Energy contains 160 mg of caffeine while an 8.4 fl. oz of Red Bull stands at 80 mg of caffeine.
A 16 fl. oz can of Monster Energy drink is two servings per can.
At first glance, the caffeine content in Monster Energy seems relatively higher. But based on fluid ounce, both energy drinks contain almost the same amount of caffeine.
Caffeine is an essential component of an energy drink because of its stimulating properties and it eliminates fatigue and makes you feel more active as it blocks the adenosine receptors.
Even though caffeine provides a physical and mental boost, you can’t consume too much of it.
Overconsumption of caffeine leads to side effects like:
- headache
- dehydration
- diarrhea
- restlessness
- anxiety
- insomnia
Therefore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends limiting the daily caffeine intake to 400 mg max for healthy individuals.
You’d be happy to know both Monster and Red Bull contain a safe amount of caffeine per serving.
Sugar Content
A 16 fl. oz can of Monster Energy contains 52 g of sugar (26 g per serving), while an 8.4 fl. oz can of Red Bull packs 27 g of sugar.
Sugar is an instant source of energy rush, but consuming a high amount raises many health concerns. One of the major health issues related to sugar intake is weight gain, leading to various other health problems.
Sugar consumption is way riskier than it is beneficial for your health. Therefore, consumption of energy drinks is often criticized as they’re known for their high sugar values.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends a daily sugar intake of 24 g and 36 g for women and men, respectively.
With almost 27 g of sugar per serving of both Red Bull and Monster, consuming any of those regularly or over one serving per day will lead to health issues in the long run. As a result, moderate consumption is preferable.
Other Ingredients
B-Vitamins
The B-Vitamins present in Red Bull Energy includes B3, B5, and B12 while Monster contains B2, B3, B6, and B12.
B-Vitamins are present in most energy drinks because they’re responsible for the energy production in the body.
Apart from the various role that each B-Vitamin plays in the body, its overall impact on the body results in:
- improved brain function
- enhanced energy levels
- toned muscles
- better metabolism
Taurine
Red Bull contains 1,000 mg of taurine per serving while the quantity of taurine present in Monster Energy is unknown.
Apart from caffeine and sugar, taurine and B-Vitamins give you that long-lasting and effective energy boost when you drink a can of Red Bull or Monster.
Taurine is an amino acid present in the body and is essential for various body functions. It is one of the key components in most energy drinks since it enhances energy production and improves muscle strength.
The taurine present in an energy drink is prepared synthetically.
Since the amount of taurine present in Monster Energy is unknown, it’s hard to say how effective it impacts the body.
Here’s some good news:
When combined with caffeine, taurine enhances the effects of the stimulant and makes them more long-lasting.
Panax Ginseng Extract
Apart from taurine and B-Vitamins, Monster Energy drink contains ginseng extract.
The benefits of ginseng extract includes:
- has antioxidants
- rejuvenates mental performance
- gives strength to the immune system
- decreases fatigue
- increases energy production
L-Carnitine L-Tartrate
Monster Energy contains L-Carnitine L-Tartrate which isn’t present in Red Bull.
It functions by transporting fatty acid to mitochondria, which increases energy production. This ingredient also enhances brain function and helps delay fatigue.
Some other benefits of L-Carnitine L-Tartrate are the following:
- reduces muscle soreness
- boosts muscle recovery
- increases oxygen supply to muscles
- enhances stamina
Flavors
Flavors of Monster
- Original
- Lo-Carb
- Zero Sugar
- Mule Ginger Brew
- Energy Assault
- Import
- Mean Bean
- Loca Moca
- Salted Caramel
- Swiss Chocolate
- Kona Blend
- Irish Blend
- Vanilla Light
Flavors of Red Bull
- Cranberry
- Grapefruit
- Blueberry
- Tropical fruit
- Orange/Mandarin
- Green/Kiwi
- White/Coconut
- Peach
- Pear Sugar-Free
- Lime Sugar-Free
- Purple/Acai Sugar-Free
- Acai berry
- Lime
- Orange Sugar-free
- Yellow/Tropical Sugar-free (tropical)
- Plum-cinnamon
The original versions of both the drinks taste quite similar with Monster being slightly sweeter than Red Bull. However, both the drinks have a taste that you can get the hang off after the first sip.
Price
On Amazon, Red Bull is available for $0.27-0.32 per fluid ounce, and Monster at $0.17-0.21 per fluid ounce.
From the price perspective, Monster Energy wins for sure since it will cost you less than Red Bull.
These prices are taken from Amazon and may vary when you buy them in-store.
Is Monster Better Than Red Bull?
Both the drinks are similar in many aspects, and therefore it isn’t possible to state whether one is better than the other. It depends on the preference of each individual.
Monster and Red Bull are both energy drink giants, and are famous for the right reason.
If you haven’t had any of these beverages before, I would suggest trying out both and deciding which works better for you, depending on how each makes you feel.
Which Is Healthier: Monster or Red Bull?
Both contain almost the same amount of caffeine and sugar. Therefore, if consumed healthily, both are safe for consumption.
Energy drinks aren’t necessarily healthy. They just help you feel more energetic by altering specific body processes. If consumed in excess, they can lead to various health issues.
With a 16 fl. oz can of Monster Energy, you likely end up drinking the whole can in one day. This can cause a sugar crash or other side effects related to excess intake of sugar.
Does Monster Give You More Energy Than Red Bull?
When comparing both based on energy provided per can, Monster Energy drink provides more energy than Red Bull.
But this is only because a single can of Monster contains double the caffeine and sugar content as compared to a can of Red Bull.
A high amount of caffeine and sugar results in a crash or other side effects like:
- dehydration
- nausea
- severe headache
- anxiety
Therefore, it is better if you stick to one serving per day with both drinks.
Because of similar ingredients with few differences per serving, both provide a relatively similar energy boost.
Similarities Between Monster And Red Bull
Red Bull and Monster are similar in many aspects.
These drinks contain almost the same amount of caffeine and sugar per serving. Therefore, the energy boost is quite similar.
Both the brands offer three different versions of the drink, an original, a zero-sugar, and a low/zero carb version.
If the high sugar content of each of these drinks concerns you, then you can go for their sugar-free version.
Monster vs Red Bull (Key Differences)
Monster and Red Bull mainly vary in calories, taste, and price point.
Monster Energy contains 190 calories in 16 fl. oz can; while Red Bull is infused with 110 calories in an 8.4 fl. oz can.
In terms of taste, Monster Energy drink is sweeter. However, it’s something you’ll get used to after the first few sips.
With Red Bull, the flavor is relatively subtle, but you can still taste the sweetness due to the high sugar content.
In terms of price, Monster is cheaper than Red Bull.
Another differentiating factor is the active ingredients.
Monster Energy contains ginseng extract and L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, while Red Bull doesn’t. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean Monster is more effective.
Moreover, it’s also worth noting that Red Bull contains 1000 mg of taurine, while taurine in Monster isn’t mentioned.
Final Verdict
Both Monster and Red Bull provide an effective physical and mental boost.
They’re similar in many aspects, while having differences simultaneously.
Therefore, it’s hard to say which is better than the other. You might like one or even both, depending on your preferences.
Overall, I think both the drinks are great in terms of effectiveness and quality.