Energy drinks are a popular beverage choice, particularly among people of all ages. They are often marketed as providing an energy boost, increasing focus and alertness, and improving physical performance. However, many different brands and varieties of energy drinks are available on the market, making it challenging to settle for one.

Monster and Rockstar Energy are among the most popular brands of energy drinks. So, which energy drink is better? In this energy drinks comparative guide, we’ll compare Monster and Rockstar energy drinks to help you decide.


Nutrition

Nutrition

Regarding energy drinks, the caffeine content is typically what’s most discussed. However, looking at the overall nutritional content is also a good idea. Here is a summary of the nutritional content of a 16-ounce can of Monster and Rockstar energy drinks.

Monster Energy – OriginalRockstar Energy – Original
Serving Size1 Can (16 fl. oz.)1 Can (16 fl. oz.)
Calories230270
Total Fat0g0g
Sodium370mg70mg
Total Carbohydrate58g63g
Total Sugars54g63g
Included Added Sugars54g63g
Protein0g0g
Riboflavin (vitamin B2)260%100%
Niacin (vitamin B3)250%100%
Vitamin B6240%100%
Vitamin B12500%
Pantothenic Acid100%

In general, Monster Original is slightly better than Rockstar Energy drinks. This is because it has fewer calories, carbs, total sugars, and added sugars. However, if you’re limiting your sodium intake, it would be best to choose Rockstar over Monster, which has an additional 300mg of sodium.


Ingredients

Ingredients

As energy drinks, Monster and Rockstar have various ingredients designed to boost energy and alertness. While they may have some similar ingredients, they have other unique ingredients that differentiate them based on taste and quality.

Here are the ingredients in Monster and Rockstar energy drinks.

Monster Energy Original Ingredients

Carbonated Water, Sugar, Glucose, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Taurine, Sodium Citrate, Color Added, Panax Ginseng Extract, L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, Caffeine, Sorbic Acid (Preservative), Benzoic Acid (Preservative), Niacinamide (Vit. B3), Sucralose, Salt, D-Glucuronolactone, Inositol, Guarana Extract, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vit. B6), Riboflavin (Vit. B2), Maltodextrin, Cyanocobalamin (Vit. B12).

Rockstar Energy Original Ingredients

Carbonated Water, Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Citric Acid, Taurine, Natural And Artificial Flavor, Sodium Citrate, Maltodextrin, Caffeine, Caramel Color, Glucuronolactone, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Potassium Sorbate (Preservative), Inositol, L-carnitine, Guarana Seed Extract, Niacinamide, D-calcium Pantothenate, Milk Thistle Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Yellow #5, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Cyanocobalamin.

Generally, both Monster and Rockstar have similar ingredients like guarana, ginseng, caffeine, citric acid, sugar, and taurine. However, these ingredients’ specific amounts and formulations are not always disclosed and may vary between the two brands.


Caffeine

Monster and Rockstar are both energy drink brands; therefore, they have high caffeine levels. Typically, Bothe these drinks have the same amount of caffeine. A 16-ounce can of Monster contains around 160 mg of caffeine, the same amount as a 16-ounce can of Rockstar. Here is a comparison of the caffeine level in Monster and Rockstar energy drinks and other popular beverages.

BeverageServing SizeCaffeine
Monster Original16 fl. oz.160mg
Rockstar Original16 fl. oz.160mg
Red Bull16 fl. oz.151mg
Nos Original16 fl. oz.200mg
Coca-Cola16 fl. oz.45mg
Pepsi16 fl. oz.51mg
Mountain Dew16 fl. oz.72mg
Starbucks Blonde Roast Coffee16 fl. oz.360mg
Tim Hortons Brewed Coffee16 fl. oz.216mg

While Monster and Rockstar Original have a higher caffeine content than sodas, the amount of caffeine is lower than what you would consume in coffee.


Sugar Levels

Sugar Levels

When choosing energy drinks, you may be concerned about the sugar content levels. Typically, both Monster and Rockstar energy drinks have high sugar levels. However, it’s important to note that Rockstar has a slightly higher sugar level than Monster.

A 16-ounce can of Monster Energy Drink usually contains 54 grams of sugar, while a 16-ounce can of Rockstar contains 31 grams of sugar.

If you’re looking to reduce your sugar intake, it’s worth considering sugar-free options or lower-sugar energy drinks. Both Monster and Rockstar offer low-carb and zero-sugar options, which may be a better choice if you would like to limit your sugar intake.


Who Makes Them?

Monster

Monster Energy is a popular energy drink brand that was introduced in 2002. It is produced and distributed by Monster Beverage Corporation. The Coca-Cola Company acquired a minority stake in this company in 201. Monster Energy is known for its signature green and black can.

Rockstar

Rockstar Energy is another popular energy drink brand that was launched by Russ Weiner in 2001. However, this brand is owned by PepsiCo, which acquired it in April 2020 at about $ 4 billion.


Varieties

Varieties

Both Monster and Rockstar brands offer a variety of flavors. However, Monster has a wider range of options, which are 59 varieties of beverages compared to the 31 varieties offered by Rockstar.

Monster

  • Monster Energy – 8 varieties
  • Monster Ultra – 12 varieties
  • Monster Hydro – 9 varieties
  • Java Monster – 12 varieties
  • Rehab Monster – 6 varieties
  • Dragon Tea – 4 varieties
  • Juice Monster – 6 varieties
  • Muscle Monster – 2 varieties

Rockstar

  • Original – 2 varieties
  • Pure Zero – 9 varieties
  • Punched – 5 varieties
  • Recovery – 4 varieties
  • Xdurance – 4 varieties
  • Unplugged – 3 varieties
  • Boom – 2 varieties
  • Throwback – 2 varieties

Popularity

Currently, Red Bull is the leading energy drink, followed by Monster, VPX Bang, Rockstar, and then Reign. Therefore, both Rockstar and Monster Energy are among the most popular energy drinks. However, Monster Energy has the second highest market share, just behind Red Bull, while Rockstar is a strong yet distant number three on the market share.


Alternatives to Rockstar and Monster

monster rockstar red bull

There are thousands of energy drink alternatives that you can try out. While most energy drinks are slightly the same, here are a few alternatives to Rockstar and Monster energy drinks:

  • Red Bull
  • Bang Energy
  • Celsius Energy Drink
  • Bing Energy Drink
  • XS Drinks

Conclusion

While some people prefer one brand over the other, both are popular and widely available. Typically, the choice between Monster and Rockstar energy drinks comes down to personal preference. This is because the differences are not significant. They both have similar caffeine levels and generally use many similar ingredients. Additionally, both brands offer similar benefits and risks, so it’s important to consume them in moderation and be aware of the potential health risks associated with energy drinks.

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