Monster vs. Red Bull: Taste, Caffeine, and Value Compared

DRINK. This is a photo of the infamous energy drinks Monster and Red Bull, the rivalry between them is big. There is more information on both of them and why one is better than the other.  Photo courtesy of Corner Coffee Store.

There is controversy involving two very popular energy drinks: Monster and Red Bull. Some say that Red Bull is better, while others say that Monster is superior. Red Bull stands out for its balanced caffeine content, consistent quality and wide appeal. Monster, on the other hand, offers larger portions and a different range of flavors. While portion sizes, caffeine levels, benefits, and potential downsides may vary. In my opinion, I think that Red Bull is seen as a more reliable choice.

Red Bull is a better pick-me-up drink for the morning because too much caffeine makes me feel sick, jittery, and anxious. In my opinion, Monster is too sweet, even with the sugar free options because the sugar substitute they use in the blend is Splenda. Even as a sugar substitute, Splenda is still artificial and not the greatest for you long term because it can lead to a higher risk of lymphoma, a type of blood cancer if consumed excessively (according to an article from NHCR).

To start, the Monster energy blend is a mix of Taurine, L-Carnitine, Caffeine and Inositol. Taurine is essential for skeletal muscle function, said to improve physical endurance as well. L-Carnitine is known for improving metabolism and muscle mass. Caffeine boosts your energy, and Inositol reduces blood pressure. There are 150 milligrams of caffeine in every can. Compared this to a can of Red Bull which is 114 milligrams of caffeine also containing Taurine, B-group vitamins, water and sugar (unless sugar free). For the sugar free version, the sugar substitute that Red Bull uses is called Sucralose and Acesulfame Potassium, which improves teeth health and weight management.

Not only that, the portion sizes are also different. The amount of monster in every can is 16 ounces, whereas Red Bull has either 8.4 or 12 ounces. The portion size for Red Bull feels better because I don’t usually finish the entire drink if it’s more than 12 ounces, so the caffeine has kicked in and that is enough for my body. I don’t want to feel as if I have to drink the entire thing if it makes my stomach hurt, so I always just end up giving it to my friends and feel worse and worse as the day goes on. Monster is still the cheaper option compared to Red Bull, but I still don’t like to waste it.

Flavor-wise, I also prefer Red Bull because a lot of the Monster flavors have the same taste and Monster has a lot more flavor variety. Red Bull has seasonal flavors that eventually get discontinued. Per year, there are “Special Editions” depending on the type of flavor and season. There are fall, winter, summer and spring editions. Monster does not do those types of rotations, at least not very often. Right now, not including the limited edition flavors, there are 9 flavors: blueberry, watermelon, tropical, coconut berry, curuba elderflower, juneberry, strawberry apricot, white peach, and iced vanilla berry. But compared to Monster, there's over 40 different flavors, and while they do release some seasonal ones, it’s less consistent and unpredictable.

Red Bull sponsors famous athletes, honoring very extreme events. While Monster does not do that, it still has an edgy, bold brand that is more focused on gaming and motorsports.

Overall, I would choose to drink Red Bull, because of how they put themselves out there with their marketing style and the different flavors. My favorite flavors are the strawberry apricot (amber edition) because it doesn’t taste too sweet or artificial. I also like the curuba elderflower (green addition) because it has a floral aspect to it. I’d have a Monster if I’m that desperate for caffeine and if that’s the only option, but most of the time I’m not.