With the rise of health consciousness, more and more people are looking for ways to maintain their energy levels without consuming excessive sugar. In this context, Monster Energy Zero Ultra seems like an attractive option: a zero-sugar energy drink that promises to provide a burst of energy without the negative health consequences of sugar. But is it really as healthy as it seems? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Monster Energy Zero Ultra and explore whether it’s good or bad for you.
Table of Contents:
- Ingredients in Monster Energy Zero Ultra
- Caffeine in Monster Energy Zero Ultra
- The nutritional values of Monster Energy Zero Ultra
- Calories in Monster Energy Zero Ultra
- Does Monster Energy Zero Ultra have any side effects?
- Can Monster Zero cause weight gain?
- Is Monster Zero Ultra keto-friendly?
- Can diabetics drink Monster Zero?
- Monster Zero vs coffee: how do they compare?
- Is Monster Energy Zero Ultra bad for you?
What ingredients are in Monster Energy Zero Ultra?
Monster Energy Zero Ultra drinks contain the following ingredients:
1. Sweeteners:
- Citric Acid
- Sucralose
- Acesulfame Potassium
Zero-sugar drinks replace natural sugar with artificial sweeteners which are calorie-free, but not necessarily a healthy choice.
Monster Energy Zero Ultra drinks contain two common artificial sweeteners (sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium) and citric acid—an organic acid which occurs naturally in citrus fruits.
2. Stimulants:
- Caffeine
- Panax Ginseng Root Extract
- Taurine
- Guarana Seed Extract
The reason we consume energy drinks is for the fast stimulation they give us. There are four stimulants in Monster Energy Zero Ultra, which are all-natural.
Caffeine occurs in the cacao bean, ginseng and guarana are plants that can help to reduce fatigue— and taurine is an amino acid that’s important for brain and body development.
3. Preservatives:
- Sorbic Acid
- Benzoic Acid
These acids are common food preservatives which help to prevent the growth of microbes.
4. Other ingredients:
- Carbonated Water
- Sodium Citrate – acidity regulator
- Salt
- Natural and Artificial Flavours
- L-Carnitine L-Tartrate – fat-burning compound
- Vitamins B3, B5, B6, B12 – important for energy production, metabolism and blood cell production
- Inositol – brain and hormone support
- D-Glucronolactone – Energy-boosting supplement ingredient
Caffeine in Monster Energy Zero Ultra
The most well-known stimulant in all energy drinks is caffeine. It’s the most widely used stimulant in the world and is used to improve concentration and give our body and brain a boost when we feel tired.
The NHS recommends that adults should not exceed 400mg of caffeine a day, which is roughly four cups of coffee. If a woman is pregnant or breastfeeding, then it is advisable to reduce caffeine levels to not exceed 200mg a day.
Here’s how the caffeine levels of Monster Energy Zero Ultra compares to other popular drinks.
| Drink | Caffeine Per Can / Cup |
| Regular Monster | 220mg |
| Monster Energy Zero Ultra | 150mg |
| Coca-Cola | 34mg |
| Coffee | 96mg |
| Tea | 47mg |
Compared to the Regular Monster Energy Drink the Zero version contains much less caffeine, but still has four times as much caffeine as a regular can of Coke and three times more than a cup of tea.
The nutritional values of Monster Energy Zero Ultra
Monster Energy Ultra Zero does not contain many nutrients. 500ml of the classic recipe (in a white can) will give you:
- 4.4g carbohydrates
- 0g sugar
- 1g salt
- 11 calories
There are very few calories in this drink considering your total daily energy expenditure (you can calculate your TDEE using this TDEE calculator).
There are negligible amounts of protein, fat and saturated fat in the drink.
The drink does contain some B vitamins, which have a positive impact on energy levels, general physical health and mental well-being:
- Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
- Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
- Vitamin B5 (D-Calcium Pantothenate)
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride)’
You may not be able to pronounce the names of these important vitamins easily, but their inclusion in the ingredients of Monster Energy Zero Ultra means you do get a boost of B vitamins.
100ml of the drink contains 53% of an adult’s Recommended Intake (RI) of Vitamin B3 and 100% RI of Vitamin B12.
Calories in Monster Energy Zero Ultra
As the name suggests, the drink has zero sugar, which helps to make it low in calories at just 11 calories per 500ml.
The Ultra Blue flavour is slightly higher at 15 calories per 500ml, but when compared to other drinks in the Monster range, all seven Ultra flavours are a low-calorie option.
If you were to opt for the Regular Monster Energy the calorie count would jump to 237 for a 500ml glass, while the Monster Espresso range averages 170 calories per 500ml.
FAQs
Does Monster Energy Zero Ultra have any side effects?
The drink can provide a welcome boost of energy if you occasionally need a quick pick-me-up, but some of the ingredients can have side effects if consumed regularly or in large quantities.
Ginseng can affect blood pressure and also cause headaches and digestive issues in some people.
Caffeine in large quantities can also cause digestive issues and a rapid heartbeat.
The Monster Zero version has less caffeine than the Regular Monster, so if you need a quick fix for tiredness, Monster Zero is a better option.
Can Monster Zero cause weight gain?
While Monster Zero may not directly cause weight gain, consuming large amounts of artificial sweeteners, such as those found in Monster Zero, can potentially lead to increased cravings and sugar dependency, which in turn may contribute to weight gain over time.
It’s also worth noting that consuming excessive amounts of caffeine can have negative effects on sleep, which in turn can impact weight management.
Is Monster Zero Ultra keto-friendly?
Monster Energy Zero Ultra is a low-calorie and low-carbohydrate beverage that may be suitable for individuals following a low-carb or keto diet. The drink contains zero calories, which can be helpful for those trying to manage their overall calorie intake.
Additionally, with only 4.4 grams of carbohydrates per 16oz (500ml) can, Monster Energy Zero Ultra can be a good option for those who are limiting their carb intake as part of a low-carb or keto diet. However, it’s important to ensure that the carb content of the drink fits within your individual daily carb intake.
Can diabetics drink Monster Zero?
Monster Zero is an energy drink that is marketed as a low-calorie and sugar-free alternative to regular energy drinks. It contains artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and acesulfame potassium, as well as caffeine and other ingredients.
For people with diabetes, it is important to be mindful of the impact of any food or drink on blood sugar levels. While Monster Zero does not contain sugar, the high quantity of artificial sweeteners and caffeine in the drink might cause issues for some diabetics.
Artificial sweeteners can have different effects on blood sugar levels depending on the individual, with some people experiencing an increase in blood sugar after consuming them. Caffeine can also have an impact on blood sugar levels, potentially causing them to rise or fall depending on the person’s sensitivity.
If you have diabetes and are considering consuming Monster Zero, it is recommended that you check with your dietician or doctor first. They can provide personalized advice on whether or not the drink is safe for you to consume, and help you make informed choices about managing your blood sugar levels.
Monster Zero vs coffee: how do they compare?
When comparing Monster Zero and coffee, it’s important to consider their respective ingredients and nutritional values. Monster Zero is an energy drink that contains artificial sweeteners, caffeine, and other ingredients such as vitamins and amino acids. On the other hand, coffee is a natural beverage made from roasted coffee beans.
In terms of sugar content, Monster Zero is marketed as a sugar-free drink, but it contains artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and acesulfame potassium. While these sweeteners are low in calories, some studies have suggested that they may have negative health effects when consumed in large quantities. In contrast, black coffee contains no sugar or artificial sweeteners.
In terms of caffeine content, Monster Zero contains more caffeine than coffee with 150mg per 500ml can. A typical cup of coffee contains around 80-100mg of caffeine. However, it’s important to note that caffeine content can vary widely depending on the specific brand and type of coffee, as well as the size of the cup. For example, some specialty coffees or espresso drinks can contain significantly more caffeine than a standard cup of coffee. In general, though Monster Zero contains more caffeine than coffee.
If you are on a budget, coffee is also a cheaper option than Monster Zero – and has the added benefit of warming you up on a cold winter’s morning!
Conclusion: Is Monster Energy Zero Ultra bad for you?
Monster Zero is a low-calorie energy drink which contains less caffeine than the regular version.
However, we would not recommend excessive consumption of any energy drink, as gut health can be compromised by artificial sweeteners and reduce the amount of ‘good bacteria’ in the stomach.
It’s important to maintain healthy bacteria in the gut to build a strong immune system and aid digestion.
To keep your body balanced and to minimise the risk of forming a sugar dependency as a result of consuming artificial sweeteners, we believe that Monster Energy Zero Ultra is not good for you and should not be consumed on a daily basis.
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Is Lucozade bad or good for you?
Author Bio
Kerry Garner has an interest in nutrition and is always on the lookout for new, healthy and exciting snacks for her son’s packed lunch to ensure he gets a balanced diet that’s not boring. She is a keen home cook and loves nothing more than experimenting in the kitchen and inventing nutritious, yet tasty meals for her family to enjoy.
