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

The drink is considered ultra‑processed because it is made from refined sugars, high‑intensity sweeteners, flavorings, preservatives and colourants rather than whole food ingredients. Its additive list includes sucralose (E955), sorbic acid (E200), benzoic acid (E210), citric acid (E330), sodium citrate (E331) and anthocyanin colour (E163).

How does the high sugar and salt content in this product affect a diabetic or hypertensive diet?

The 55 g of sugar per 100 ml can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, making the drink unsuitable for people managing diabetes, while the 0.94 g of salt per 100 ml can raise blood pressure, which is risky for individuals with hypertension.

Is Monster Energy suitable for vegan, keto, or gluten‑free diets?

All listed ingredients are plant‑based, so the drink is vegan‑friendly and contains no gluten, making it safe for gluten‑free diets. However, its very high sugar content disqualifies it from keto or low‑carb dietary plans.

Monster

Monster Energy

Beverages

Product Insights

Monster Energy is an energy drink that falls under the artificially sweetened beverages category and is classified in the PNNS groups Beverages and Artificially sweetened beverages. It carries a Nutri‑Score of E and is labeled as NOVA 4, reflecting an ultra‑processed product with very high sugar (55 g per 100 ml) and high salt (0.94 g per 100 ml). The formulation includes six additives such as sucralose, sorbic acid, benzoic acid, citric acid, sodium citrate and anthocyanin colour, which aid preservation and flavor but may be a concern for some consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

low

Sugars

high

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g/ml

Energy Kcal47 kcal

Fat0 g

Carbohydrates12 g

Sugars11 g

Proteins0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average beverage (≈5.7 g sugar, 1.0 g fat, 1 g salt per 100 g), Monster Energy provides roughly ten times more sugar and nearly double the salt while containing virtually no fat or protein.

Ingredients

CARBONATED WATER, SUCROSE GLUCOSE SYRUP, ACID (CITRIC ACID), FLAVOURINGS TAURINE (0.4%), ACIDITY REGULATOR (SODIUM CITRATES), PANAX GINSENG ROOT EXTRACT (0.08%) L-CARNITINE L-TARTRATE (0.04%), PRESERVATIVES (SORBIC ACID, BENZOIC ACID), CAFFEINE (0.03%) COLOUR (ANTHOCYANINS), VITAMINS (83, 86 82, B12), SWEETENER (SUCRALOSE), SODIUM CHLORIDE, D-GLUCURONOLACTONE, GUARANA SEED EXTRACT (0.002%), INOSITOL, MALTODEXTRI

84%

35%

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