Monster

Flavor:

Zero-sugar Ultra Red

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Citric Acid, Taurine, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Sorbate (Preservative), Caffeine, Acesulfame potassium (Ace-K, acesulfame K), Sucralose, Sodium benzoate (Preservative), Gum Arabic, Niacinamide (Vit. B3), Natural Flavors, D-calcium Pantothenate (Vit. B5), Salt, Ester Gum, L-carnitine L-tartrate, Inositol, Red #40, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vit. B6), Blue #1, Cyanocobalamin (Vit. B12).

Rating: We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Monster Zero-sugar Ultra Red energy drink falls short of cleaner food standards due to its composition of various non-organic, potentially harmful, and known harmful ingredients. This product is not organic and includes genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which immediately reduces its standing on the health-conscious scale.

The presence of added sugars, such as citric acid, further detracts from its score, despite the product’s zero-sugar claim. The inclusion of artificial sweeteners like acesulfame potassium and sucralose raises additional health concerns. These sweeteners, while calorie-free, have been scrutinized for their potential effects on the body.

Moreover, the energy drink contains a range of additives that are considered potentially harmful. Natural flavors, though common in many food products, remain a grey area due to their unspecified composition. Other additives like potassium sorbate, sodium citrate, and pyridoxine hydrochloride, commonly used as preservatives and flavor enhancers, contribute to the overall deduction of its rating.

The presence of known harmful additives such as sodium benzoate, a preservative that may react with other substances to form carcinogenic compounds, alongside artificial colors Blue #1 and Red #40, which have been linked to health issues, further compromise the product’s integrity. These colors are synthetic dyes and their inclusion is particularly concerning for those seeking natural and unadulterated food options.

Consumers looking for cleaner, healthier, and more natural food products would be advised to steer clear of Monster Zero-sugar Ultra Red. Its composition reveals a reliance on synthetic and controversial ingredients that do not align with the principles of clean eating. The low green leaf rating reflects the product’s position far from ideal choices for those prioritizing their health and wellness through mindful consumption of food and beverages.