Even though it might not be apparent, let’s face it, Red Bull is costlier than Monster. Curious why Red Bull is more expensive than Monster?
Red Bull is more expensive than Monster because Red Bull provides fewer drinks per can. One 8.4 fl oz Red Bull costs around $2, and one 16 fl oz monster costs around $3. However, when this cost is calculated per fl oz, for Red Bull, it is $0.29, whereas, for Monster, it is $0.19.
So as you can see above, for the same one, fl oz Red Bull is about $0.09 more expensive than Monster.
To match up with the cost of Monster, Red Bull would have to either reduce the price or offer more drink quantity for the same price. But that is not the case, and that’s why we find Red Bull more expensive.
If you have ever wondered about the small Red Bull cans, don’t forget our complete analysis of why red bull cans are so small.
More cool facts about Red Bull and Monster are waiting for you below. Don’t forget to read till the end!
Why Is Red Bull So Expensive?
The most likely reason Red Bull is so expensive is that it is a well-reputed brand that uses a good marketing strategy to promote its products. Red Bull energy drinks are made with good ingredients, and the customers are ready to pay for the energy boost they get from them.
Red Bull as a company spends a lot on marketing and advertising. Why? Because that is what creates brand awareness.
After all, the amount they spend on marketing and advertisements is also their expense.
As a company (especially as a private company), they have to look for their profits and make up the cost. So as you may have guessed, being the end consumer, you are absorbing some of the cost directly or indirectly.
Red Bull is one of the first companies in terms of energy drinks introduction. Since they have been in this industry for a long time, they have successfully developed authority.
You can’t have a conversation about energy drinks without including Red bull. They are the OG of energy drinks!
As Red Bull has developed a good reputation, people tend to recognize and buy their products (yes, even when the product’s prices are relatively higher compared to other brands).
And Red Bull knows this stuff. So why won’t a private company (that spends a lot on marketing) charge more if they know people will be willing to pay for the higher price?
We also recommend you check out our complete analysis of why energy drinks are pricey.
Red Bull Vs. Monster: Nutrition, Ingredients, Strength, & Flavor
#1. Nutrition
Here’s a chart that shows the comparison of nutrition in both Red Bull and Monster per 8-ounce serving:
| Nutrition: | Red Bull: | Monster: |
| Caffeine | 75 mg | 85 mg |
| Calories | 112 | 121 |
| Carbs | 27 g | 29 g |
| Protein | 1 g | 1 g |
| Vitamin B6 | 282% of the DV | 130% of the DV |
| Fat | 0 g | 0 g |
[Source]
In a recent article, I compare Red Bull to KSI and Logan Paul’s new Prime energy drink. (Less than 6-minutes read)
So as you can see from the above chart, the protein, carbs, calories, and caffeine content are pretty similar to Red Bull and Monster.
Although there is much similarity in terms of nutrients between Red Bull and Monster, there are some differences in the ingredients, strength, and flavor.
#2. Ingredients
Monster primarily has sugar, caffeine, and different vitamins and extracts in terms of ingredients.
To be more precise, the ingredients of Monster Energy drink are Carbonated Water, Caffeine, Sugar, Citric Acid, Glucose, Natural Flavors, Sodium Citrate, Taurine, Color Added, Panax Ginseng Extract, L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6).
Also, it has Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Maltodextrin, Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12), Sorbic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Sucralose, Salt, D-Glucuronolactone, Inositol, and Guarana Extract.
In comparison, the ingredients of Red Bull are Carbonated Water, Sucrose, Glucose, Taurine, Citric acid, Natural Flavors, Artificial Flavors, Colors, Sodium Bicarbonate, Magnesium Carbonate, Caffeine, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Vitamin B12, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), and Pyridoxine HCl.
Although it might seem similar to you, Monster energy drink does contain a few additional energy-boosting ingredients.
For instance, Red Bull has B vitamins, sugar, taurine, and caffeine. All of that may give you an energy boost for a short time. Monster also contains these components. But in addition, it includes ginseng root, L-carnitine, and guarana, which may also raise the energy levels.
So when it comes to ingredients, Monster does offer special features.
#3. Strength
When it comes to the strength of energy drinks, Monster is slightly ahead of Red Bull. Why? Well, caffeine has a major role in determining strength.
| Energy Drink Name | Caffeine Content: |
| Monster Energy | 10.00 mg per fl oz |
| Red Bull | 9.46 mg per fl oz |
#4. Flavor
In terms of flavor, you get lots of flavor variety with Monster.
With Monster energy drink, you get nearly 34 different flavors along with some additional coffee-based flavors.
On the contrary, with Red Bull, you get only around 16 flavors, and that too, mostly fruit-based flavors.
Check out our detailed guide on the taste analysis of energy drinks to know the taste of Red Bull, Monster, and other Energy drink brands.
Red Bull Vs. Monster: Quick Recap
| Comparison Topic: | Result: |
| Nutrition | Almost Tie (Because they are nearly similar based on nutrition) |
| Ingredients | Monster Wins (Because of additional ingredients) |
| Flavor | Monster Wins (Because of variety, but yes, this can be subjective) |
| Cost | Monster Wins (Because it is cost less and per fl oz cost is less) |
| Strength | Monster Wins (Because it is slightly stronger than Red Bull) |
Why Does Red Bull Outperform Monster In The Market?
After reading all the above comparisons, you might have noticed Monster wins in many aspects compared to Red Bull. But at the same time, you may wonder about the market popularity of Red Bull.
According to caffeine informer, Monster is the second most popular drink, while Red Bull still dominates as an energy drink leader.
So your curiosity is genuine.
What’s the reason for Red Bull outperforming Monster?
Answer: Marketing! Investing! Advertising! Brand Reputation!
Lower Cost Energy Drink That Compare To Red Bull
The Red Thunder Energy Drink is one of the low-cost energy drinks compared to Red Bull.
It has been designed to taste and function similar to the Red Bull. And the best thing, you can get the Red Thunder Energy drink for only $1 or sometimes even cheaper. (Red Bull’s cost is around $2 per can)
Red Thunder is an energy drink from Aldi supermarkets. Sugar-free versions of this drink are available that are sugar-free Red Bull.
The Caffeine content of the Red Thunder is around 10 mg per fl oz. You can find the drink in 12 fl oz cans.
We also suggest you look at our post on cheap Red Bull alternatives.
Final Thoughts
Red Bull is more expensive than Monster because it costs more per fl oz. Also, Red Bull is one of the most popular Energy drink brands that invest heavily in marketing.
Ultimately, nutrition-wise, both Red Bull and Monster are almost the same. The difference is that Monster is cheaper than Red Bull per fl oz.
However, those who consume energy drinks generally tend to drink the whole can at one go.
So with that in mind, comparatively, you could consume more calories, sugar, and caffeine when you drink Monster.
Long story short, if you are looking for an effective energy drink that is a bit lighter, you can use Red Bull. On the other hand, if you are looking for a cheaper energy drink to get the boost and are okay with the high sugar intake, Monster would be your best bet. Hope that helps!
