Monster energy drinks are a go-to for countless people around the world as a delicious, thirst-quenching way to shake off fatigue and boost energy. Fans of the beloved Original Green Monster might have side-eyed the brand’s newer Monster Juice range, wondering if they should make the switch. If you’re wondering the same, let’s find out! What’s the difference between Monster Energy and Monster Juice?
Monster Energy and Monster Juice contain similar amounts of calories, sodium, and sugar. The main difference between the two is that Monster Juice contains sucrose, derived from fruit juices, and dextrose, whereas Monster energy contains cane sugar and Glucose syrup. Monster Energy also has an approximately 17% higher carbohydrate content.
While similar, there are differences between these two popular energy drinks.
Do you want to know a little bit more about the nutritional and flavor differences between Monster Energy and Monster Juice? Read on for a more detailed comparison.
What’s the Nutritional Difference Between Monster Energy and Monster Juice?
| Values based on a 500ml serving | Monster Energy* | Monster Juice** |
| Calories | 245 | 220 |
| Sweetener | Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Sucralose, | Sucrose, Dextrose, Sucralose, |
| Sugar Content | 57g | 51g |
| Carbohydrates | 62g | 51.5 |
| Sodium | 390mg | 400mg |
| Caffeine | 160mg | 160mg |
* Original range – based on the Original Green flavor
** Juice range – based on the Pipeline Punch Flavor
Monster branded drink products come in several flavors and sizes. This article compares information based on a 500ml serving of the Original Monster Energy Green flavor and the Pipeline Punch Monster Juice flavor.
Note: Some countries have restrictions on energy drink ingredients which can change the nutritional information. Please check the back of the can for information before consuming.
What Company Owns Monster Energy and Monster Juice, and Where is it Made?
The Coca-Cola Company purchased the Monster brand in 2015, and it operates out of the USA. Monster Energy and Monster Juice drinks are bottled and distributed worldwide and are popular in over 165 countries.
What Ingredients are in Monster Energy?
- Sugar
- Glucose Syrup
- Acidity Regulators
- Natural Flavors
- Taurine
- Natural Colors
- Ginseng
- Preservatives
- Caffeine
- B Vitamins
- Salt,
- Inositol,
- Guarana
- D-Glucuronolactone,
- Sweetener
- Maltodextrin
What’s Positive About Monster Energy?
Monster Energy has a high caffeine level
The Monster range boasts some of the highest caffeine levels in the energy drink market. Nevertheless, this is a great choice if you want an extra strong pick-me-up; just make sure you don’t exceed the maximum daily caffeine recommendations!
The flavor of Monster Energy is beloved by its fans
Though the Monster marketing team happily claims their original drink flavor, ‘Tastes like Monster!’, a more helpful description is that it is a heavily carbonated drink with a slightly tangy, apple-flavored taste.
Its fans have loved the flavor since its introduction to the market in 2002, and it is currently one of the best-selling energy drinks in the world.
What’s Negative About Monster Energy?
It’s high in calories and sugar
With 245 calories and 57 grams of sugar, a single 500ml serving of Monster Energy will take up a fair percentage of most people’s daily recommended caloric and sugar intake. This is not a problem for active people with an otherwise healthy diet and lifestyle, but those who aren’t physically active or already have a high-calorie diet may need to consider drinking Monster Energy only as an occasional treat.
What Ingredients are in Monster Juice?
- Acidity Regulators
- Sweeteners
- Concentrated Juices: Apple, Orange, Guava, Pineapple, Passionfruit
- Taurine
- Natural Flavors
- Ginseng
- Preservatives
- Caffeine
- B Vitamins
- Natural Colors
- D-Glucuronolactone,
- Guarana
- Inositol
What’s Positive About Monster Juice?
A portion of its sugars are derived from juice, not glucose syrup
Most of the sugar in Monster Juice comes from concentrated juice instead of straight sugar or glucose. Although the calories and effects on the body are the same either way, some people prefer to consume products with sugar made from fruit juice.
Its flavor is not as sharp due to using fruit juices
The addition of fruit juices changes the flavor to a sweeter but more natural, muted taste. It’s not as heavily carbonated, and its fans often say they prefer it to other energy drinks’ slightly more artificial flavors.
What’s Negative About Monster Juice?
It’s higher in sodium
A 500ml serving of Monster Juice packs a whopping 400mg of sodium. The American Heart Association recommends that the average American consume no more than 2,300mg daily, so it’s quite a lot for a single drink to take up.
What Do the Reviews Say?
Reviews for both drinks appear to vary depending on the individual reviewers’ personal flavor tastes. However, both drinks scored well for their consistency and their ability to boost energy.
Monster Energy Reviews
Monster Energy reviews are plentiful and very positive, with one amazon listing showing an 89% 5-star rating over a dizzying 22,008 reviews!
Good reviews
Amongst the positive reviews were several people who drink it daily for its energy benefits, and many mentioned its nice strong flavor. Others enjoyed the highly carbonated mouthfeel of the drink.
One enthusiastic Amazon reviewer even said: “This has been my drink for literally 20 years. I can’t move on from it.”
Bad reviews
On the negative side, a handful of reviewers mentioned an overly artificial taste, and others found the high sugar content off-putting.
Monster Juice Reviews
Monster Juice reviews are also positive, with most reviews also giving it a 5-star rating.
Good reviews
Positive reviews repeatedly mention its crisp, light flavor and nice energy boost.
One person said, “I’ve been addicted to pipeline punch for about 6 years, and IMO, it is the best flavor by far. The others either taste like medicine and/or vitamin overkill”.
Bad reviews
Negative reviews are few but varied, with some saying the product was too sweet and others saying the flavor wasn’t strong enough.
If you’re looking for a quick boost to get you through the afternoon, pick up a can of Monster Energy or Monster Juice. The slight differences between them only come down to the different sugars used in the recipe.
In the end, whichever one you choose will ultimately come down to the flavor you prefer.
