Monster Scare
We will expose the detrimental effects of Monster energy drinks and offer a rebranded, health-conscious alternative.
What is Monster Energy?
Monster Energy offers a wide selection of highly caffeinated, high-sugar energy drinks targeted towards young, adventurous consumers seeking an adrenaline boost. Their edgy branding and flavors like Mango Loco and Ultra Red aim to differentiate Monster in the competitive energy drink market. With over a third of US market share, Monster is a dominant player, available in over 140 countries worldwide.
The history of Monster Energy:
1997
Hansen Natural Company created their first energy drink. They sold drinks containing 100% juice, targeted toward children.
2002
Hansen's Energy decided to re-brand and launch a new drink called Monster Energy. Energy drinks accelerated to popularity in the early 2000s, and shareholders wanted to capitalize on the surge of energy-drink craze. So, Monster began adding high-fructose corn syrup to their drinks.
2003
The Monster Beverage Corporation expanded to 16oz cans and added new flavor varieties like Monster Assault, Monster Khaos and Monster Lo-Carb, resulting in a need for artificial flavors.
2015
Monster Energy was flourishing so much that Coca-Cola purchased a 16.7% minority stake in Monster Beverages Corp for $2.15 billion.
2023
As of 2023, Monster Energy is reaching international levels, being sold in over 50 countries and generating over six billion dollars per year.
Though Monster is recommended for 18+, there are no federal laws prohibiting the sale of energy drinks to children and teens.
Hidden in the Dark
Monster Energy is a popular energy drink that has faced criticism for potential health risks associated with its consumption. While some people enjoy the quick energy boost and enhanced alertness that energy drinks provide, there are several reasons why many health professionals and researchers believe that Monster Energy and similar products may be bad for you:
Caffeine - Contains 160 mg of caffeine per 16 oz can. This is a high amount compared to a cup of coffee.
These graphs show how caffeine affects blood pressure. One hundred subjects either took 0, 200, or 400 mg of caffeine. The left graph shows the deviation from systolic blood pressure baselines, while the right shows the diastolic blood pressure deviations. When subjects took 200 mg of caffeine, their blood pressure rose 6mmHg more than their baseline BP for systolic blood pressure, and 4mmHg more than baseline BP for diastolic.
Caffeine is a stimulant that blocks adenosine receptors in the brain causing increased neuron firing. Excess intake can cause jitteriness, headaches, and insomnia. Not only does caffeine affect the nervous system, but it can stimulate acid production in the stomach causing indigestion and cause a temporary increase in blood pressure, putting extra strain on the heart.
Sugar - Contains 54 g of sugar per can, in the form of sucrose and glucose. This is an unsually high amount of added sugar.
This graph depicts the effect of sugar on blood glucose levels. Subjects took either 0, 50, or 100 mg of sugar, while their blood glucose levels were recorded in 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 120 minutes. Monster Energy has 54 mg of sugar and the average spike in blood glucose levels for this sugar intake was 15mg/dL more than the average baseline for blood glucose levels.
The 54g of sugar in a 16oz Monster can cause a rapid spike in blood glucose levels and a burst of energy and insulin response. But it leads to a "crash" later when levels dip.
Frequently consuming sugary drinks is associated with an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes by disrupting normal insulin function.
The most dangerous part is that sugary Monster drinks activate the brain's reward pathways, leading to cravings and addiction-like responses.
Antioxidants / Flavorings - Monster Energy drinks contain 400 to 500 mg of citric acid in a 16 oz can.
Various citric acid doses were administered to 30 people daily for a period of 30 days. The tooth enamel erosion severity scores were measured at the end of the one-month dosing period. Every subject received either 0 mg (control), 100 mg, 300 mg, 500 mg, 700 mg, 900 mg or 1100 mg citric acid doses taken orally once per day.
The tooth enamel erosion was then evaluated on a 1-5 severity scale after the 30 day dosing period and compared between dose groups.
According to the data, the citric acid dose has a direct relationship with tooth enamel erosion scores. Monster drinks contain a high enough citric acid dosage to cause a "3" on the tooth enamel erosion scale.
Tooth enamel is made up of hydroxyapatite crystals containing calcium and phosphate, resulting in the tough durability of our teeth. Yet, the low pH of citric acid can dissolve the enamel through a process known as demineralization.
Taurine is generally considered a safe substance, yet intense research is yet to be done. Taurine may benefit the cardiovascular system by lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and improving the metabolism of fat. The amino acid is safe to ingest occasionally in moderate amounts.
Taurine - Contains 2,000 mg of taurine, an amino acid that is thought to enhance the effects of caffeine.
This graph is exhibits how taurine effects systolic blood pressure. When subjects took zero mg of Taurine, they had healthy systolic blood pressure, less than 120 mmHg. However as subjects took more taurine, they had higher systolic blood pressure. Subjects that took taurine had an average systolic blood pressure of 166.4 mmHg, while healthy levels are 120mmHg.
Case Study: What Monster Energy Drinks do to You
Millions of people drink a monster energy drink daily. They drink it "to give an “energy boost” by a combination of stimulants and energy boosters" (National Library of Medicine)..
The graph below shows total revenue of Monster Energy each year from 2015-2021. The sales are increasing, showing an upward trend for the amount of Monster Energy drinks being consumed.
Monster Total Revenue in Millions
People understand that it is not good for you, but how bad is it really? We had 20 participants drink a 16 oz Monster Energy drink and work at their desk for one hour. Many people drink Monster for work rather than for physical activities, so our data would apply to most consumers. Tracking the effects of Monster during exercise would be difficult, as the blood pressure when performing physical activities is going to naturally be higher due to increased cardiovascular demand and oxygen uptake from working muscles.
Our equipment for monitoring blood pressure
We first measured our blood pressure before drinking the Monster energy drink. After that, we drank the can and measured our blood pressure every ten minutes for one hour. These are results that we got:
Measured our blood pressure at 3:52pm and then finished the drink at 3:57. Measured in 10 minute increments.
The blood pressure spiked at around 10-15 minutes after drinking the monster, reaching 150mmHg/75mmHg and 145mmHg/90mmHg.
Unable to get a blood glucose reader, we decided to use data from a Robert Aguh, a tiktoker that reads blood glucose after drinking popular drinks.
According to Robert Aguh, drinking a single Monster can lead to a dramatic blood sugar spike above the baseline. The graph demonstrates how the sugar levels dramatically elevated. Thus, Monster Energy detrimentally affects both blood pressure and blood glucose levels.
Physiological Effects of Energy Drink Consumption
Shortly after consuming a 16 oz can of Monster energy drink containing approximately 160 mg of caffeine, noticeable physiological changes were observed.
I remained seated during the subsequent 2 hours. During this time, I experienced the following effects:
- Heart palpitations described as an acute pounding awareness in my chest that I could feel pulsing with my heartbeat rhythm.
- Chest tightness characterized as a mild constriction and pressure in my chest area.
- Lightheadedness defined as a sensation of dizziness and feeling faint despite remaining stationary in a seated position.
Monster Energy Rebrand
The multitude of health detriments have led us to rebrand the Monster Energy drink. Not only will the design be more pleasing for health-conscious individuals, but we will propose a healthier alternative recipe. The following rebrand has been done in mind with the fact that 50% of Americans are actively trying to eat healthier" (Statistica.com).
Monster Energy Design Comparison
Our new design reflects a minimalistic, healthier alternative to Monster Energy drinks.
This simple design emphasizes purity and simplicity within the drink. We incorporated the color green more to indicate that the ingredients are all derived from nature.
The previous logo's sharp, claw-like design and bold font can be seen as overly aggressive. While this aligns with the brand's image of intensity, it might not appeal to those seeking a more health-conscious energy product.
Reformulated Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of lime juice (citrus flavor)
- 1/4 cup of 100% pure pomegranate juice (natural sweetness and antioxidants)
- 1 cup of coconut water (electrolytes and hydration)
- 1 tablespoon of honey (touch of sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon of matcha green tea powder (caffeine and flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon of green tea extract (caffeine boost)
- A pinch of sea salt (electrolytes)
- Ice cubes (chilling the drink)
- 1/2 cup of sparkling water (carbonation)
Instructions:
- Prepare matcha green tea powder and green tea extract in a small bowl.
- Combine all ingredients (coconut water, pomegranate juice, lime juice, honey/agave, matcha mix, salt) in a blender or shaker.
- Blend or shake vigorously to mix well.
- Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
- Pour over ice and top with sparkling water or seltzer for a fizzy, homemade energy drink.
Research
Our research and planning was organized through Milanote. See plan here:
Monster Scare
