Which Energy Drink Gives You More Energy: Monster Or Rockstar?

Rockstar Energy Drink and Monster Energy Drink are two of the most consumed energy drinks in the United States. These two drinks use a combination of caffeine, sugar and other vitamins and minerals to provide a "boost" of energy throughout the day. They are similar in composition and provide roughly the same amount of energy when consumed.

About Monster

Monster cans typically are 16 oz., providing two 8 oz. servings. There are a total of 100 calories per serving, all from sugar. Monster comes with 100 percent of your daily recommended amount of riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6 and vitamin B-12. B vitamins are integral to the extraction of energy from the foods you eat. Lacking these vitamins can causes diseases such as anemia, where blood does not carry enough oxygen to your body. Monster energy drinks also contain 1,000 mg of taurine. Katherine Zeratsky, with the Mayo Clinic, states that taurine supplementation might improve athletic performance. Monster drinks also contain 80 mg of caffeine per serving. Caffeine is a known stimulant that keeps you more mentally alert and will help keep you awake.

About Rockstar

Rockstar Original also comes as two servings in a 16 oz. can. Rockstar has more calories per serving than Monster, at 140, also all form sugar. Rockstar contains twice the amount of riboflavin per serving at 34 mg, or 200 percent of your total daily recommended value. Rockstar energy drink also contains 100 percent of your daily recommended value of niacin, vitamin B-6 and vitamin B-12. Rockstar also has an equal amount of taurine as Monster drinks. The biggest difference between the two brands is the inclusion in Rockstar of 150 mg of ginko, 25 mg of inositol and 20 mg of milk thistle extract per serving. Research on these three supplements in unclear, but it is theorized that ginko and inositol help with mental alertness while milk thistle reduces a hangover effect.

Considerations

It might appear the Rockstar drink would provide more "energy" due to the higher number of vitamins, minerals and calories, but the differences are small, which makes the energy difference between the two negligible. However, for a quicker initial burst of energy, the Rockstar drink provides a larger dose of sugar. This will elevate your blood sugar more quickly and to a slightly higher level than the Monster drink; however, once the sugar is utilized, the level of sugar in your blood will drop from a higher level as well. This can cause the feeling of energy to fluctuate more when drinking a Rockstar drink while the energy the Monster drink will be a bit more stable.

Warnings

Energy drinks can have dangerous side effects and consumption should be done in moderation and only if you have been medically cleared. Rockstar states that its energy drinks are not designed for children, pregnant or nursing women, or those who have a sensitivity to caffeine. This warning applies to Monster drinks as well. Excess caffeine consumption can result in an abnormal heart beat and even death. Health Canada states that the adverse effects of caffeine can be limited if total intake does not exceed 400 mg per day.