Monster

Flavor:

Zero-sugar Ultra Strawberry Dreams

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Erythritol, Citric Acid, Taurine, Sodium Citrate, Natural Flavors, Panax Ginseng Flavor, L-carnitine L-tartrate, Potassium Sorbate (Preservative), Caffeine, Sucralose, Sodium benzoate (Preservative), Niacinamide (Vit. B3), D-calcium Pantothenate (Vit. B5), Beta Carotene (Color), Inositol, Vegetable Juice Color, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vit. B6), Cyanocobalamin (Vit. B12). 0% Juice

Rating: We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

Green Leaf Rating: 1/5

The Monster Zero-sugar Ultra Strawberry Dreams is a product that has earned the lowest green leaf rating on our scale, which reflects a strong recommendation to avoid it. This beverage is neither organic nor does it use non-GMO ingredients, factors that significantly impact its score on our scale. The inclusion of added sugars, such as citric acid and erythritol, further reduces its standing. More concerning is the presence of sucralose, a sweetener that we categorize as a more harmful sugar alternative.

Beyond sweeteners, the product contains a range of additives that raise health concerns. Ingredients like natural flavors and sodium citrate are considered potentially harmful, while sodium benzoate is recognized as a known harmful additive. These components contribute to the product’s low rating, as they do not align with our criteria for cleaner food options.

The product also includes a mix of preservatives and artificial colors, such as potassium sorbate and beta carotene for color, as well as vegetable juice for color. These are common in many processed foods but are often scrutinized for their potential health implications. Vitamins such as niacinamide (Vit. B3), D-calcium pantothenate (Vit. B5), pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vit. B6), and cyanocobalamin (Vit. B12) are also present, which may be seen as beneficial. However, the context of these vitamins within a product containing numerous additives detracts from their value.

The beverage’s formulation, with 0% juice, underscores its focus on artificial ingredients rather than natural fruit content. This aligns with the product’s overall composition, which prioritizes shelf stability and flavor enhancement over nutritional quality.

The Monster Zero-sugar Ultra Strawberry Dreams, with its array of additives and lack of organic or non-GMO ingredients, has been assessed as a product to avoid for those seeking cleaner, healthier food options. Our green leaf rating system is designed to guide consumers toward better choices, and this product does not meet the standards we advocate for.