Monster

Monster Energy

Barcode 5060166690007

Scanned 14 times by Nomi users

Yes — Monster Energy is ultra-processed.

The product is ultra-processed because it contains industrial ingredients and additives including glucose syrup (an industrially processed sugar), natural flavourings (industrial flavouring agents), preservatives (sorbic acid, benzoic acid), and an artificial sweetener (sucralose). These additives and refined ingredients classify it as UPF according to NOVA.

Ingredients

10 ultra-processed markers

OK

carbonated water

A basic beverage ingredient consisting of dissolved CO2 in water, providing fizz without flavor additives.
OK

sucrose

Common table sugar; a basic single-ingredient sweetener.
UPF

glucose syrup

A processed syrup made from starch (usually corn) consisting mainly of glucose; commonly used as a sweetener and thickener.
UPF

citric acid

A sour-tasting organic acid used as an acidulant and preservative in foods. Commonly added in small amounts to adjust acidity.
UPF

natural flavourings

Flavorings derived from natural sources used to impart taste or aroma; typically a mix of essential oils, compounds, or extracts.
UPF

taurine

A sulfur-containing amino sulfonic acid used as a supplement and common additive in some foods and beverages, often for energy drinks and functional products.
UPF

sodium citrate

Sodium citrate is a mineral salt used as an acidity regulator and buffering agent in foods and drinks.
UPF

panax ginseng root extract

Botanical extract derived from Panax ginseng, a processed ingredient used for flavoring or health claims.
OK

l-carnitine l-tartrate (0.04%)
OK

caffeine

A bitter, white, naturally occurring alkaloid commonly used as a stimulant in beverages and foods.
UPF

sorbic acid

A widely used food preservative that inhibits mold, yeast, and some bacteria, added to many processed foods.
UPF

benzoic acid

A common food preservative used to inhibit microbial growth in a range of foods and beverages.
UPF

color (anthocyanins)

Plant-derived natural pigment used as a food colourant; anthocyanins are extracted pigments giving red to blue hues.
OK

vitamins (b2, b3, b6, b12)
OK

sodium chloride

Common table salt; basic culinary ingredient and essential mineral used for flavor and preservation.
OK

d-glucuronolactone
OK

guarana seed extract

Extract from guarana seeds containing caffeine; used as a flavor/functional ingredient and stimulant.
OK

inositol

A sugar alcohol (cyclohexane polyol) commonly used as a supplement and sometimes as a stabilizer in foods; naturally occurring in many foods. Generally considered a dietary supplement ingredient; inositol is a simple, single-ingredient substance.
UPF

sucralose

A synthetic artificial sweetener used to sweeten foods and beverages; extremely sweet, often used in low-calorie products.

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Common questions about Monster Energy

Is Monster Energy ultra-processed?

Yes — Monster Energy by Monster is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product is ultra-processed because it contains industrial ingredients and additives including glucose syrup (an industrially processed sugar), natural flavourings (industrial flavouring agents), preservatives (sorbic acid, benzoic acid), and an artificial sweetener (sucralose). These additives and refined ingredients classify it as UPF according to NOVA.

Which ingredients in Monster Energy are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 10 ingredients in Monster Energy as ultra-processed markers: glucose syrup, citric acid, natural flavourings, taurine, sodium citrate, panax ginseng root extract, sorbic acid, benzoic acid, color (anthocyanins), sucralose. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What does "ultra-processed" (UPF) mean?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations made with ingredients and additives you wouldn't find in a home kitchen — such as emulsifiers, artificial flavourings, colourings and modified starches. The classification is based on the NOVA system used by researchers and dietitians worldwide.

How can I check whether other foods are ultra-processed?

Scan any barcode — or photograph the ingredients label — with the free Nomi app for iOS and Android. You'll get an instant ultra-processed verdict with every ingredient explained in plain English.

Product information comes from public databases and Nomi's own analysis, and may contain errors. Always check the packaging. Ultra-processed classification is based on the NOVA food processing system.