Zero sugar Monster energy drinks have become increasingly popular in recent years as more people look to reduce their sugar intake. But are these zero sugar energy drinks actually a healthier option? Here are some quick answers to common questions about zero sugar Monster:
Is it completely sugar free? Yes, zero sugar Monster contains no sugar. It’s sweetened with artificial sweeteners instead.
Does it have calories? Yes, zero sugar Monster still contains calories, around 10-15 calories per serving. The calories come from the artificial sweeteners.
Does it have caffeine? Yes, zero sugar Monster has about the same amount of caffeine as regular Monster, around 160 mg per 16 oz can.
Is it keto friendly? Yes, zero sugar Monster can fit into a keto diet since it has no carbs or sugar. But the artificial sweeteners may cause an insulin response in some.
Is it better than regular Monster? Potentially. It eliminates the high sugar content of regular Monster. But the artificial sweeteners come with their own concerns.
Ingredients in Zero Sugar Monster
While zero sugar Monster doesn’t contain any actual sugar, it does include several artificial sweeteners and other ingredients:
Artificial Sweeteners
The main sweeteners used in zero sugar Monster drinks are:
– Erythritol – A sugar alcohol that provides sweetness without calories or carbs. Generally considered one of the more natural artificial sweeteners.
– Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K) – An artificial sweetener around 200 times sweeter than sugar. Considered safe by FDA but some studies link it to cancer risk.
– Sucralose – An artificial sweetener 600 times sweeter than sugar. Deemed safe by FDA but may alter gut bacteria.
– Glycerol – A sugar alcohol added for sweetness and texture. Contains calories but minimal effect on blood sugar.
Other Ingredients
Other ingredients in zero sugar Monster include:
– Citric acid – Adds tart, fruity flavor. Also used as a preservative.
– Natural flavors – Extracts and compounds derived from fruits or vegetables that provide flavor.
– Sodium citrate – Helps provide tart, salty flavor.
– Taurine – An amino acid added for energy.
– Caffeine – Provided by caffeine anhydrous, caffeine content is around 160mg per 16oz can.
– Vitamins – Added vitamins like niacin, vitamin B6 and B12.
– Colors – Artificial food dyes like Red 40 and Blue 1 to provide color.
Benefits of Zero Sugar Monster
There are some potential benefits that zero sugar Monster offers compared to regular Monster:
No Sugar
Eliminating all sugar means zero sugar Monster avoids the high sugar content found in regular Monster, which contains 54g of sugar per 16oz can. Consuming less sugar can help manage calories, blood sugar levels, dental health, and more.
Fewer Calories
Without calories from sugar, zero sugar Monster only contains around 10-15 calories per serving compared to 190 calories in regular Monster. This makes it a lower calorie option.
Can Fit Low Carb or Keto Diet
With no carbs or sugar, zero sugar Monster can fit into a low carb diet or keto diet. People following these diets often drink zero sugar energy drinks as an alternative to sugary beverages.
Provides Energy
Zero sugar Monster still provides energy from its caffeine content (around 160mg per can). The taurine and B vitamins also aim to provide an energy boost.
Downsides of Zero Sugar Monster
However, there are also some potential downsides of zero sugar Monster to consider:
Artificial Sweeteners
The artificial sweeteners like aspartame, Ace-K and sucralose may cause negative effects such as headaches, gut issues and even insulin response in some people. There are also mixed studies on their safety.
Lack of Nutrients
Unlike drinks with natural sugar, zero sugar Monster has no beneficial nutrients. The lack of nutrients like vitamins, minerals and antioxidants may be seen as a downside.
High Caffeine
While the caffeine provides energy, the 160mg per can is considered a high amount. Too much caffeine can cause jitteriness, anxiety, rapid heartbeat and trouble sleeping in some.
Contains Artificial Colors
The artificial dyes like Red 40 and Blue 1 have been linked to allergic reactions and hyperactivity in some studies, especially in children.
Non-Nutritive Sweeteners
The sweet taste of the artificial sweeteners may increase cravings for sugary foods and drinks. Relying on sweetness instead of nutritive value to satisfy hunger may have negative effects.
Alternatives to Zero Sugar Monster
For those looking to avoid artificial sweeteners or high caffeine drinks, here are some alternatives:
Unsweetened Iced Tea or Black Coffee
Beverages like plain iced tea or black coffee provide caffeine without sweeteners or calories. Adding lemon, mint or milk can provide flavor.
Sparkling Water
Flavored sparkling waters like La Croix offer carbonation without sweeteners or calories. They can satisfy cravings for bubbly, flavored drinks.
Low Sugar Sports Drinks
Lower sugar sports drinks like Gatorade Zero provide electrolytes with minimal sweeteners and calories. They can hydrate after workouts without spiking blood sugar.
Green Tea or Yerba Mate
Unsweetened caffeinated teas like green tea or yerba mate provide antioxidants and gentle caffeine. They offer a more natural energy boost.
Caffeinated Nut or Seed Milk
Making nut milks or seed milks with a shot of espresso or caffeinated tea adds caffeine with nutrients and natural sweetness.
Is Zero Sugar Monster Keto Friendly?
Zero sugar Monster can fit into a keto diet since it contains no sugar or carbs. However, there are a few caveats:
May Cause Insulin Response
Some artificial sweeteners like sucralose have been shown to create an insulin response even without actual carbs. This insulin effect could potentially knock you out of ketosis.
Affects Gut Bacteria
Artificial sweeteners may negatively impact gut bacteria. Since a healthy gut is important for the ketogenic diet, this could be counterproductive.
Promotes Sweet Cravings
The sweet taste of zero calorie sweeteners may increase cravings for high carb, sugary foods which would interfere with ketosis.
Limited Nutrition
While technically “keto friendly,” zero sugar Monster provides limited nutrition. Focusing instead on low carb, high fat foods with more nutrients may be better for keto.
Overall, an occasional zero sugar Monster on keto is likely fine, but it shouldn’t be a daily habit. Prioritizing mineral water, green tea, or nut milks may be healthier options.
Zero Sugar Monster Nutrition Facts
Here is the nutrition information for a 16oz zero sugar Monster energy drink:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 15 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Total Carbs | 0g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Caffeine | 160mg |
| Niacin (Vitamin B3) | 40mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 40mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 40mcg |
As you can see, zero sugar Monster has no sugar, carbs or protein. The calories come from the artificial sweeteners. It also contains a hefty caffeine content along with added B vitamins.
Is Zero Sugar Monster Bad For You?
Like most things, zero sugar Monster is fine in moderation but can be unhealthy in excess. Some specific concerns:
Artificial Sweeteners
Frequent consumption of sweeteners like aspartame and Ace K may have negative long term health effects according to some studies. Moderating intake is wise.
Caffeine Content
While 160mg of caffeine can provide an energy boost, consuming multiple zeros sugar Monsters per day could lead to jitteriness, anxiety, and sleep issues from excess caffeine.
Lack of Nutrients
Zero sugar Monster contains very minimal nutrients. Regularly choosing it over beverages with more nutritional value like fruit juices or milk could lead to deficiencies long term.
Promotes Unhealthy Eating
The sweet taste of artificial sweeteners may increase cravings for sugary junk foods and drinks. Relying on non-nutritive sweetness can promote unhealthy eating behaviors.
Acidic and Corrosive
With a pH around 3, zero sugar Monster is highly acidic. This acidity can erode tooth enamel and irritate digestive systems when consumed frequently.
Overall, an occasional zero sugar Monster likely won’t cause harm in healthy adults. But regular excessive intake may negatively impact health, especially in sensitive groups like children or pregnant women. Moderation is key.
Zero Sugar Monster vs Regular Monster
How does zero sugar Monster compare to regular, sugar-sweetened Monster energy drinks? Here’s a quick comparison:
Sugar Content
Zero sugar Monster has 0g of sugar, while regular Monster has a whopping 54g of sugar per can.
Calories
Zero sugar Monster contains only 10-15 calories, versus 190 calories in regular Monster from the sugar.
Carbs
Zero sugar Monster has 0g of carbs, while regular Monster has 46g of carbs, all from sugar.
Sweeteners
Zero sugar Monster is sweetened with artificial sweeteners like erythritol and sucralose. Regular Monster uses actual cane sugar.
Ingredients
Both contain caffeine, B vitamins, taurine, and citric acid. Zero sugar Monster uses extra artificial sweeteners.
Flavor
Fans report zero sugar Monster has a slightly different, less sweet flavor profile compared to regular Monster.
Overall, while neither are healthy options, zero sugar Monster eliminates the high sugar content of regular Monster, making it somewhat of a better choice.
Conclusion
Zero sugar Monster removes the high sugar content found in regular Monster, which is beneficial for reducing calories, carbs, and blood sugar impact. However, the use of artificial sweeteners instead comes with its own drawbacks and possible health concerns.
While an occasional zero sugar Monster is unlikely to cause harm in moderation, regular excessive consumption may negatively impact health due to the caffeine content, artificial sweeteners, acidity, and lack of nutrients. For most people, unsweetened beverages like coffee and mineral water, low sugar sports drinks or unsweetened teas make for healthier daily choices over zero sugar Monster. But anyone following a keto or very low carb diet may find zero sugar Monster a helpful zero carb, low calorie beverage alternative in moderation.
