Monster and the Red Bull Energy Drinks - How they really compare?

Energy Drinks exist in an entirely different world of their own. Made for just one purpose "to energize", these aluminum cans full of extraordinary energy make it possible every day to do what people think to be impossible.

Per the NCCIH, (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health), Excerpt, Energy Drinks, 2021)

"Energy drinks are widely promoted as products that increase energy and enhance mental alertness and physical performance. Next to multivitamins, energy drinks are the most popular dietary supplement consumed by American teens and young adults. Men between the ages of 18 and 34 years consume the most energy drinks, and almost one-third of teens between 12 and 17 years drink them regularly.

There are two kinds of energy drink products. One is sold in containers similar in size to those of ordinary soft drinks, such as a 16-oz. bottle. The other kind, called “energy shots,” is sold in small containers holding 2 to 2½ oz. of concentrated liquid. 

Caffeine is a major ingredient in both types of energy drink products—at levels of 70 to 240 mg in a 16-oz. drink and 113 to 200 mg in an energy shot. (For comparison, a 12-oz. can of cola contains about 35 mg of caffeine, and an 8-oz. cup of coffee contains about 100 mg.) Energy drinks also may contain other ingredients such as guarana (another source of caffeine sometimes called Brazilian cocoa), sugars, taurine, ginseng, B vitamins, glucuronolactone, yohimbe, carnitine, and bitter orange.

Consuming energy drinks raises important safety concerns.

Between 2007 and 2011, the number of energy drink-related visits to emergency departments doubled. In 2011, 1 in 10 of these visits resulted in hospitalization.

About 25 percent of college students consume alcohol with energy drinks, and they binge-drink significantly more often than students who don’t mix them.

The CDC reports that drinkers aged 15 to 23 who mix alcohol with energy drinks are four times more likely to binge drink at high intensity (i.e., consume six or more drinks per binge episode) than drinkers who do not mix alcohol with energy drinks.

Drinkers who mix alcohol with energy drinks are more likely than drinkers who do not mix alcohol with energy drinks to report unwanted or unprotected sex, driving drunk or riding with a driver who was intoxicated, or sustaining alcohol-related injuries.

In 2011, 42 percent of all energy drink-related emergency department visits involved combining these beverages with alcohol or drugs (such as marijuana or over-the-counter or prescription medicines).

Bottom Line

A growing body of scientific evidence shows that energy drinks can have serious health effects, particularly in children, teenagers, and young adults.

In several studies, energy drinks have been found to improve physical endurance, but there’s less evidence of any effect on muscle strength or power. Energy drinks may enhance alertness and improve reaction time, but they may also reduce the steadiness of the hands.

The amounts of caffeine in energy drinks vary widely, and the actual caffeine content may not be identified easily. Some energy drinks are marketed as beverages and others as dietary supplements. There’s no requirement to declare the amount of caffeine on the label of either type of product.

Safety

Large amounts of caffeine may cause serious heart and blood vessel problems such as heart rhythm disturbances and increases in heart rate and blood pressure. Caffeine also may harm children’s still-developing cardiovascular and nervous systems.

Caffeine use may also be associated with anxiety, sleep problems, digestive problems, and dehydration.

Guarana, commonly included in energy drinks, contains caffeine. Therefore, the addition of guarana increases the drink’s total caffeine content.

People who combine caffeinated drinks with alcohol may not be able to tell how intoxicated they are; they may feel less intoxicated than they would if they had not consumed caffeine, but their motor coordination and reaction time may be just as impaired.

Excessive energy drink consumption may disrupt teens’ sleep patterns and may be associated with increased risk-taking behavior.

A single 16-oz. container of an energy drink may contain 54 to 62 grams of added sugar; this exceeds the maximum amount of added sugars recommended for an entire day.

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged.

NCCIH has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider(s). We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCIH."

Source: Thrift Store Reseller

When you go to the energy drink aisle in your favorite grocery or corner store, what do you look for in an energy drink? Flavor balance, an absolute rush, no downtime, sweetness, or carbonation?

Two of today's most popular energy drinks are Monster Energy Drinks(recognized for their aggressive monster like M) and Red Bull Energy Drinks (recognized for their petite "red bull" on a slender grey can). 

Let's for a moment consider just the energy drinks can size. The minimalist style of the Red Bull can is slender and petite, leaving one with the feeling that less waste, less drink and less calories may be better and just as effective. The massive Monster can is 2 - 3 times the size and dressed in dark black, one might think the generous size of this can will definitely get the job done.

Inside these clean cans lie a whole other world, a world of condensed flavorful liquids composed of citric acid, liquid nutrients, amino acids, herbal supplements and a bountiful supply of caffeine. The traditional or standard flavor choices of these two rivals are not for everyone, and some even say much like other fine liquids they are an acquired taste.

Above image: Canna Energy Drink "Better for You"

But why, and is it possible to create an herbal, vitamin, and caffeine enhanced drink with an exceptional flavor? Many manufacturers have eagerly attempted to follow in the footsteps of these massive giants, and although there are many drinks that taste much better than these two, the difference lies deep in their company involvement and being at the right place at the right time. Observe the overcrowded beaches on hot days that are filled with youth and college kids, who shows up to the rescue? 

Monster and Red Bull's reputation for showing up with hot chicks in bikinis to save you from a parched energy drain maybe just what you needed to fall in love with a brand and become accustomed the raw flavors. They show up at every popular sporting event, and before you know it you have developed a palette for their taste and the lifestyle.

We can all only live for so long with minimal sleep and influential advertising, so what's next?