Why is Monster Energy Ultra Sunrise classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and what specific additives does it contain?

The drink is labeled NOVA 4 because its formulation relies on many industrial ingredients rather than whole foods. It includes artificial sweeteners (sucralose, erythritol, acesulfame potassium), synthetic colorants (yellow #5, yellow #6), preservatives (potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate), caffeine, several vitamin fortifiers, and flavor extracts, all of which are typical of ultra‑processed products.

How does the caffeine and sweetener content in Monster Energy Ultra Sunrise affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

The product contains virtually no sugar, so it does not raise blood glucose levels directly, which is favorable for diabetes management. However, it does contain caffeine, which can temporarily increase blood pressure, so individuals with hypertension should monitor their intake and consider limiting consumption.

Is the artificial color Yellow #5 in this drink a health concern?

Yellow #5 (tartrazine) is approved for use in foods but can trigger allergic reactions or asthma symptoms in a small subset of sensitive people. Regular consumers without known sensitivities generally tolerate it, but those with a history of reactions should avoid products containing this dye.

Monster Energy • 16oz

Ultra Sunrise

Beverages

Product Insights

Monster Energy Ultra Sunrise is a carbonated, artificially sweetened energy drink marketed under the Monster Energy brand. It belongs to the "Beverages" and "Artificially sweetened beverages" PNNS groups, carries a Nutri‑Score of C and is classified as NOVA 4, indicating it is ultra‑processed with multiple additives such as sucralose, acesulfame potassium, colorants E102/E110, preservatives, and caffeine. Nutritionally it is low in fat, sugar and salt and provides only about 10 kcal per 100 g, but the presence of caffeine, artificial sweeteners and colorants may be considered drawbacks for health‑concious consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Saturated Fat

low

Sugars

low

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Added Sugars0 g

Fruits & Vegetables2.5 %

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average soda (5.69 g sugar, 1.04 g fat, 1.06 g salt and 70 kcal per 100 g), this drink contains 0 g sugar, 0 g fat, 0.07 g salt and roughly 10 kcal, making it substantially lower in calories, sugar and fat.

Ingredients

Carbonated water, natural flavors, erythritol, lemon pulp, citric acid, taurine, sodium citrate, panax ginseng extract, l-carnitine l-tartrate, potassium sorbate (preservative), caffeine, sucralose, sodium benzoate (preservative), niacinamide (vit. b3), acesulfame potassium, d-calcium pantothenate (vit. b5), salt, guarana extract, d-glucuronolactone, inositol, pyridoxine hydrochloride (vit. b6), yellow #5, yellow #6, cyanocobalamin (vit. b12).

84%

35%

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