All Your Monster Energy Drink Questions, Answered

There’s nothing quite like Monster Energy drink: The evocative simplicity of the name, the unusual design and shape of the can, the unique flavors and branding. Yet how much do you know about this beastly beverage brand? Here are some frequently asked questions about Monster, and their answers. 

Who makes Monster Energy drinks?

Monster is manufactured by a company originally known as the Hansen Natural Food Company which, due to the success of its energy drink, was renamed Monster Beverage Corporation. They sold off most of their non-energy drink holdings to Coca-Cola, and Coca-Cola currently owns a little less than 20% of the energy drink company as well.

When did Monster Energy drink come out?

Monster first hit shelves in 2002. Since then, it’s achieved a high level of market dominance and is currently the penultimate energy drink brand in the U.S., second only to Red Bull.

What is in Monster Energy drink?

Let’s check the label of the original Monster Energy (the green one), shall we? Apart from what has to be one of the better beverage logos of the last decade, Monster Energy contains “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).” So, fizzy water, sugar, sour flavor, some color, and a whole lot of words that will really tire your mouth out. And salt. There’s some salt in there. 

Is Monster Energy drink alcoholic?

Nope, despite the litany of ingredients in this beverage, a classic Monster Energy contains no alcohol. But there is alcohol in The Beast Unleashed, Monster’s malt beverage. It comes in at 6% ABV (about the same as a beer) but contains no caffeine. The boozy beverage made its debut in 2023 and is currently available in four flavors: Mean Green, White Haze, Peach Perfect, and Scary Berries. 

How much caffeine is in Monster Energy drink?

A can of the original Monster variety contains a whopping 160 milligrams of caffeine. By contrast, a 12-ounce can of Red Bull contains 111 milligrams. There are also about ten million or so different variations of Monster (or at least 34) so be sure to check the label. 

Do Monster Energy drinks expire?

The short answer to this question is yes. Monster Energy comes with an expiration date printed on the bottom of the can—typically two years from the date of manufacture. However, if you google, “Can I drink an expired Monster Energy?” a lot of people online will tell you that it’s fine as long as the can is intact and not bloated or bent. So, if you want to take a walk on the wild side, you can probably drink one past its expiration date, but it might be best to consume it before then. Once opened, it should be drunk pretty quickly as its carbonation will begin to dissipate. 

Does Monster Energy secretly contain a bunch of Satanic images?

If you haven’t seen the video I’m referencing, you probably have no idea why anyone would ask that, but also, if you haven’t seen this video, congrats, you now have the opportunity to watch a really delightful piece of internet ephemera. No, despite what this woman might tell you, it’s unlikely that Monster has a bunch of evil Satanic imagery associated with it. 

There you go, now you’re a Monster master. Happy energizing!


About the Author

Matt Crowley

Matt Crowley is a comedy writer living in Los Angeles. He likes maple-flavored snacks, loves every kind of cheese, and is slowly learning to accept mushrooms.

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  • should we really trust an article written by a Crowly?

    Reply
  • More of my questions are how the ingredients affect people. The ginseng, taurine and others…

    Reply