40 Monster Energy Flavors, Ranked
When younger generations—like millennials and Gen-Z—are in need of a quick-fix pick-me-up, there’s an alternative caffeine source that’s often favored instead of coffee: energy drinks. In fact, the global energy drink market is expected to reach $86 billion by 2026, and college students are fueling that increase with 25 percent of them using energy drinks as a mixer for alcohol. Undeniably one of the biggest sellers in the energy drink space is Monster and that’s mostly because there’s a vast array of Monster drink flavors in comparison to other energy drink brands.
In large part, Monster can thank college-aged guys for that. By far and away, men 18 to 24 are the most passionate energy drink drinkers with 34 percent reaching for a bright green caffeine boost on the regs.
Whether you fall into that highest-grossing demographic or not, people love Monster and though it’s no secret that Red Bull rakes in the most sales, Monster’s flavor range is absolutely unparalleled amongst its competitors. So, today, Parade is ranking the best Monster drink flavors of all time.
Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
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What is a Monster energy drink?
Even if you’re unsure what a Monster energy drink is, you’ve probably seen (and would be able to recognize) that iconic neon-green “M” logo that literally looks like a monster slashed it with its claws. Does that ring a bell? That’s the Monster energy drink logo.
Monster energy drinks have been around since 2002 and were created by Hansen Natural Company. They’ve soared in popularity—especially during the early aughts. Nowadays, Hansen has been known as Monster Beverage since 2012, so clearly, Monster has made quite a splash.
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In fact, Monster has nearly 39 percent of the $5.7 billion energy drink market in the U.S., preceded only by Red Bull, as of 2020.
Even with that context about Monster’s parent company, you may still be wondering what exactly a Monster energy drink is. Listen, we don’t want to burst your bubble, but energy drinks aren’t exactly good for your health. In fact, they’re actively bad.
According to Brookshires Food & Pharmacy, a Monster’s ingredients consist of:
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 (vitamin B3), Sucralose, Salt, D-Glucuronolactone, Inositol, Guarana Extract, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (vitamin B6), Riboflavin (vitamin B2), Maltodextrin, Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12)
AKA—a whole lot of things we can’t pronounce. Monster energy drinks usually come in a 16-ounce can and according to reporting by Livestrong.com, also contain the following per single serving:
- 100 calories
- 27 grams of sugar
- 1.7 milligrams of vitamin B-2
- 20 milligrams of vitamin B-3
- 2 milligrams of vitamin B-6
- 6 micrograms of vitamin B-12
- 180 milligrams of sodium
- 1000 milligrams of taurine
- 200 milligrams of Panax ginseng
Does Monster energy drink have taurine?
Over the years, one of the more controversial aspects of Monster—and energy drinks in general—is the inclusion of an ingredient called taurine, which is why it’s a frequently-asked question. A common “narrative,” if you will, is that taurine is bull urine or sperm.
Um, excuse me, what?! Shocking as it is, that’s been the rumor since day one. In actuality, taurine is an amino sulfonic acid found in the brain, retina, heart and reproductive cells—naturally occurring. However, it was originally found in and isolated from the semen of bulls. Nowadays though, the taurine in energy drinks is synthetic.
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And now you know why Red Bull is called Red Bull.
The U.S. Federal Drug and Food Administration (FDA) does not currently have any guidelines for a suggested amount of daily intake of taurine. Health Canada, however, recommends a maximum daily limit of 3,000 milligrams.
Despite taurine’s origin story, there’s another reason (besides the bull) that it remains controversial. While many energy drinks position taurine as having a positive effect on endurance, research shows that it can contribute to a subsequent “crash effect” similar to sugar and caffeine consumption.
What are the most popular Monster energy drink flavors?
Everyone has different preferences, a different palette and so favorite flavors really vary. Since its inception, the Original Green Monster Energy flavor reigns supreme.
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Other flavors with cult-like followings include some of the fruitiest—White Pineapple, Mango Loco, Watermelon and Orange Dreamsicle. Lemonade-adjacent flavors are also very high up there including Tea + Lemonade and Strawberry Lemonade.
40 best Monster drink flavors—ranked
40. Aussie Lemonade
Pure chaos. It’s lemonade trying to be soda trying to be an energy drink and not in a way that works. If this is your only flavor option at the local gas station, we strongly recommend forgoing it. (And we really wanted to like it, too, given its exotic, marine life artwork.)
39. Watermelon
While Aussie Lemonade was undoubtedly the worst flavor—and by a landslide—the standard Watermelon flavor was also spit-out-able. It’s got a strange aftertaste and it’s just not at all enjoyable (even for fans of watermelon).
38. Ultra Violet
It’s hard to exactly put a finger on what Ultra Violet tastes of, but it’s a familiar taste (albeit not really a delicious one). Given the only choice available, it’s still drinkable, but the truth is that there are so many other better flavors out there so it’s hard to rate this one too high.
37. Ultra Peachy Keen
Peach meets carbonation, but it’s almost too peachy and almost too bubbly. The Ultra Peachy Keen could taste, well, keener because really it just tastes super synthetic and super fake. Let’s just say it could never pass for a brunchtime bellini.
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36. Strawberry Lemonade Monster Rehab
Another flavor that tastes especially contrived—as in, straight out of the lab—Strawberry Lemonade Monster Rehab has an aftertaste that makes one eye close. Enough said. By comparison, Tea & Lemonade and Peach Tea Rehabs are infinitely better.
35. Raspberry Tea Monster Rehab
When it comes to the tea varieties in Monster’s repertoire, most of us were unimpressed. Still, most of Monster’s lemonade flavors are some of their best-selling fan favorites. Maybe Raspberry Tea Monster Rehab’s popularity is due to its Snapple-reminiscent nature?
34. Ultra Sunrise
All in all, the Ultra variety fared pretty well. The Ultra Sunrise is one of the more unremarkable of the line, but it’s still a fine choice. Certainly drinkable, it evokes tangy orange flavors. While some of the flavors that ranked better tend to be the fruitier, more sugary ones, the Ultra Sunrise is what you’ll want to reach for if you want fruity but not too fruity.
33. Chocolate Muscle Monster Energy Shake
It’s not as bad as you may necessarily think. Though most people don’t exactly look at Monster as the top purveyor of protein-packed energy drinks, the Chocolate Muscle Monster Energy Shake is rather impressive. It has 27 grams of protein and a heavy amount of caffeine, and it’s certainly not as chalky as some other shake brands. That being said, there is still a detectable (if not necessary?) level of chalkiness, so it hasn’t fully risen above protein shake stereotypes.
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32. Killer Kiwi Monster Hydro
The Monster Hydro is Monster’s Super Sport line and out of all of the Hydros, the Killer Kiwi one is the least aggressive. It’s not terribly kiwi-forward—only subtle enough to evoke a more refreshing feeling than some of the other flavor options. Besides, does anyone really want a heavy pour when it comes to kiwi flavoring?
31. Watermelon Monster Hydro
Right on the heels of the Killer Kiwi is the Watermelon Monster Hydro. While it certainly has more of a kick than its kiwi counterpart, it’s still subtle enough for it to work. It is, however, not the best Hydro out there. For that, jump to #22.
30. Green Tea Monster Dragon Iced Tea
The Green Tea Monster Dragon Iced Tea is a decent—not by any means perfect—marriage of a Monster energy drink and an Arizona green tea. That being said, you’d really have to like—perhaps even love—green tea in order for this flavor to do it for ya. If you don’t, we suggest picking another flavor before you find yourself gagging.
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29. Zero-Sugar Ultra Black
Zero-Sugar Ultra Black is like the Cherry Dr. Pepper of the Monster world. And to be frank, it’s about time Monster had a cherry option. Full-bodied and totally tart—in a good, likable way—the Zero-Sugar Ultra Black has to be one of the better Ultras.
28. Original Zero-Sugar Monster Energy
Back in the day, there was a green Monster, a red Monster and a blue. This—the Original Zero-Sugar Monster Energy—was the blue. And unlike other OG flavors that haven’t stood the test of time, this one’s still delicious. The fact that it has zero sugar is just another plus.
27. Irish Blend Java Monster
It’s clear from how this list is going so far that coffee-flavored Monsters didn’t exactly come out on top. But the Irish Blend Java Monster is one of the tastier ones for sure. Of course—like most of the flavors on here—it’s dependent on your personal palette. Should you have an affinity for coffee and specifically, Irish blend coffee, then this should be the Monster of your choice on a rough morning.
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26. Zero-Sugar Ultra Blue
Another delectable zero-sugar option, the Zero-Sugar Ultra Blue is all the best parts of a blue Gatorade—plus the fizz and energy aspect. It’s also got a very Frozen-esque can design that we’re definitely on board with.
25. Zero-Sugar Ultra Rosá
Just a smidge better than the Zero-Sugar Ultra Blue, the Zero-Sugr Ultra Rosá wins by a hair. Only a hair! It’s got notes of strawberry and guava, but its most prominent flavor by far is that of the grapefruit. As such, this drink isn’t for all Monster lovers and we could absolutely see how someone could love the Ultra Blue more.
24. Peach Tea Rehab
Like most of the Rehab line, Peach Tea Rehab is extremely reminiscent of an Arnold Palmer or Snapple. Devoid of any carbonation, it tastes more like a true tea than an energy drink, so while you’re sipping, you might just forget that you’re getting a big hit of caffeine, taurine, glucose, and the rest of Monster’s proprietary energy blend.
23. Triple Shot French Vanilla Java Monster
Slowly but surely, we’re making our way down to bigger and better coffee-related Monster flavors. The Triple Shot French Vanilla Java Monster is the most approachable. Fans of lattes and french vanilla-flavored coffee (or even hot cocoa) will enjoy this one a lot—especially as a breakfast or brunch treat. It’s got 300 milligrams of caffeine, so it’s much more than your standard cuppa joe at Starbucks, but it’s very close in flavor. Our one caveat that makes this drink lose some brownie points? It’s really, very thick. You know, like a latte.
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22. Zero-Sugar Monster Hydro
Honestly, it’s impressive how delicious Monster’s zero-sugar options are. Oftentimes with beverages, you take the sugar out and you get left with a drink that just tastes lacking. But the Zero-Sugar Monster Hydro is hardly unsatisfactory. Part cherry, part raspberry (maybe? it’s unclear, actually), this—the best of the Hydros—is most akin to a blue Gatorade.
21. Kona Blend Java Monster
Undeniably one of the tastier of the Java Monsters, we appreciate how the Kona Blend Java Monster is named after Hawaii. One of the epicenters of fabulous coffee (at least in the U.S.), it deserves to have a coffee-flavored energy drink named after it!
But just like the Kona Blend Java Monster, Hawaiian coffee is not for the faint of heart. It’s not a milk-and-cream situation; in fact, it’s more black coffee than anything, so if that doesn’t sound like your coffee order, it probably shouldn’t be your Monster order either.
Bonus points: Kona beans are (allegedly, per the label) added into the mix of this Monster.
20. Mango Matic Monster MAXX
Mango fanatics will really appreciate this burst of fruity flavor. The Mango Matic Monster MAXX is unlike any other energy drink we’ve ever seen and tasted before and that’s because Monster quite literally injects laughing gas into this stuff. Right… come again? This drink actually has a small amount of nitrous oxide, the loopy gas that’s meant to make you happy at the dentist’s office. It’s called nitrogenated.
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While it’s definitely good, there are a few criticisms. First, why wasn’t laughing gas or nitrogen put in the name? Like, come on, missed opportunity here. Second, it can be a little too foamy at times. At least the flavor’s solid.
19. Original Green Monster Energy
Did you think this would be closer to the #1 ranking? We don’t blame you, but here’s the honest truth: There are a lot of Monster flavors that have come out in the years since it was first launched that are ions better than the original. It’s everything, of course, that OG Monster fans love, but still. You can do better.
18. Pacific Punch
It’s for punch lovers and punch lovers only. Those who don’t go gaga for punch won’t love the Pacific Punch flavor, but if a rum punch is your go-to drink or Hawaiian Punch was your childhood dream drink, then this is the one for you.
17. Zero-Sugar Ultra Fiesta
The zero-sugar Monster flavors just keep winning! Despite other Monster flavors with “mango” literally in the name, the Zero-Sugar Ultra Fiesta is the mangoiest mango flavor of all. Dare we say it’s even as good as the mango-flavored White Claw…
16. Pacific Punch Juice Monster
Insert the earlier punch-flavor disclaimer here, but that aside, the Pacific Punch Juice Monster, you know, packs a big punch. In a good way. It’s an effortless, fruity kind of punch that’s neither too sweet nor too muted. Also, it’s more like the bright red Hawaiian Punch of your childhood than the Pacific Punch in that it’s far fruitier. Pair this with a tasting of Dunk-a-Roos for ultimate nostalgia.
15. Papillon
If you’ve had Monster while abroad and fell in love with the Monster Juiced Monarch, this is your big day. The Papillon is just the American version of the European favorite. Fans of both the Papillon and Monarch will also enjoy Khaotic (down there at #2) for its fruity blend of nectarines, peaches and apples.
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Plus, peach dissenters don’t have a reason to hate the Papillon like some other peach-forward flavors. This one mixes in with the other balance of fruits just right.
13. Zero-Sugar Ultra Watermelon
Hands down the better watermelon flavor, the Zero-Sugar Ultra Watermelon tastes like a cool drink on a hot summer day—no matter the season. Reminiscent of a watermelon Jolly Rancher—sans the sugar—it kind of tastes like a root beer float made with watermelon juice.
12. Zero-Sugar Ultra Gold
A controversial Monster flavor, nothing brings out the opinions in people like the Zero-Sugar Ultra Gold. Whether you love it or hate it, its flashiness cannot be denied. Sure, it tastes a lot like the Original Green—we’ll give it that. But it tastes a step up from that. A little more regal. A little more, more. Despite the controversy, we’re here for it.
11. Swiss Chocolate Java Monster
The best of all the coffee-flavored Monsters, the Swiss Chocolate Java Monster had sounded like nothing we’d ever want to try, but it was surprisingly good. If you have your doubts about having “chocolate” and “energy drink” in the same sentence, this is the flavor that will rock your world and change your mind. It’s chocolatey enough (though not to a fault) and it almost tastes more like cocoa than it does a latte. Coffee purists might prefer one of the other Javas for that exact reason.
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10. Monster Energy Assault
Not our favorite name truth be told, but the Monster Energy Assault is actually an OG that holds water and that’s because it’s most akin to a cola. If a cola could get even more bubbly than it already is!
9. Tea & Lemonade
If you really want to disguise the “quintessential energy drink taste,” the Tea & Lemonade Rehab flavor is it. To draw a similar comparison, it’s almost like an Arnold Palmer Half-and-Half, so it’s not hard to see why people love it.
8. White Pineapple
Pineapple can be a tricky flavor to get everyone to agree on but where other energy drinks (or even alcoholic drinks) fail, Monster’s White Pineapple gets it right. It’s in no way an assault of pineapple on the taste buds and it’s surprisingly not as sugary as you may think (at least in taste). The “white” pineapple is a distinct flavor in that it’s not extremely too pineappley to a fault. And you know what? It’s good.
7. Zero Ultra
While some Monster flavors can grow tiresome, it’s near-unanimous that the Zero Ultra gets better and better with time. Like a fine wine or a quality cheese. An easy-to-down crowd-pleaser that unites the Monster masses, it’s light and delicious despite the fact that zeroing in on the actual flavor is downright indiscernible.
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6. Ultra Paradise
A far cry from the Zero Ultra, the Ultra Paradise definitely has a heavier kick to it. Where the Zero Ultra is more subtle and abstract, the Ultra Paradise wants you to know it’s good. Like, if we had to quantify it, the Ultra Paradise has an ego. And we don’t hate it. With just the right balance of tropical goodness, this Monster flavor feels universal.
5. Original Lo-Carb Monster Energy
Keto-friendly, the Original Lo-Carb Monster Energy is surprisingly better than its Original Monster Green counterpart. It’s low-carb (or Lo-Carb) but it’s jam-packed with citrus notes that strike an ideal balance between sweet and sour. Despite its low-calorie status, the level of caffeine—140 milligrams—won’t exactly allow you to sleep any time soon so as with most Monster flavors, drink this earlier in the day rather than later.
4. Mango Loco
The masses go loco for Mango Loco and one sip will show you why. Bear with us—we must have a particularly fruity palette because most of the flavors in these top spots are on the more sugar side. If that’s not your preference, fair enough. But we have to say, the Mango Loco is as good as a mango margarita served poolside. It makes us want to bask in the summer sun and work on our tan. It makes us want to put a salt rim on it. It makes us want to smell our sunscreen as we apply it. It’s that good.
3. Ginger Brew Monster Mule
Quick pivot in flavor profiles here… The Ginger Brew Monster Mule ranks so well because of its indisputable similarity to ginger ale. Move over Canada Dry—the Monster Mule takes the gingery cake. Anyone who’s known for ordering a Moscow mule at the bar will also go head over heels for this bevy.
2. Khaotic Juice Monster
It was definitely tough narrowing it down between Khaotic Juice Monster and Orange Dreamsicle as both have such similar notes. Still, Khaotic landed in the #2 spot for good reason. All the best parts of an orange juice (or even a mimosa), the Khaotic does what the Juice Monster line is supposed to do and quite literally evokes the taste of juice. It’s as sweet as it is sour though so it’s not for everyone. If you’re looking for something more savory, revert back to #3.
1. Orange Dreamsicle
It feels risky to announce Orange Dreamsicle at #1 (don’t come for us!!!!) but for all its over-the-top sweetness, it really is the best of the bunch. It’s a creamsicle, a mimosa, a glass of OJ and a bit of sorbet all wrapped into one drink. We said what we said!
Next up, we’re ranking the best Gatorade flavors, too.
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