The phrase "the beast monster" can refer to two very different beverages under the Monster brand, leading to significant confusion about the calorie count. The key distinction is between The Beast Unleashed, a newer alcoholic hard seltzer, and the classic Monster Energy drink. Knowing which one you are consuming is crucial for understanding its nutritional content.
The Beast Unleashed Calories and Nutrition
For those referring to The Beast Unleashed, the calorie count is straightforward and relatively low. As a hard seltzer from Monster Brewing, it was designed to be a lighter, zero-sugar alternative in the alcoholic beverage market.
- A single 12 fl oz can of The Beast Unleashed contains 130 calories.
- It features 6.0% ABV (alcohol by volume).
- It contains zero sugar.
- Importantly, it contains no caffeine.
Flavors like Mean Green, White Haze, Peach Perfect, and Scary Berries all feature this same nutritional profile. The primary source of the 130 calories is the alcohol itself, which contains roughly 7 calories per gram.
Classic Monster Energy Drink Calories and Nutrition
In contrast, the classic Monster Energy drink is a high-sugar, high-caffeine energy booster that is not an alcoholic beverage. Its calories are derived primarily from sugar.
- A standard 16 fl oz can of original Monster Energy typically has between 210 and 230 calories.
- These calories come from a large amount of sugar, with some 16oz cans containing 54 grams of added sugar, which is over 100% of the recommended daily value.
- The drink also contains a significant amount of caffeine, around 160 mg per 16oz can, which is comparable to a few cups of coffee.
There can be variations depending on the exact source or formulation, with some listings showing calorie counts as high as 298 for a 16oz can. It is always best to check the product's nutrition label for the most accurate information.
Other Monster Drink Calorie Variations
Not all Monster energy drinks have high calories. The brand offers a wide range of options, including many with low or zero calories.
- Monster Ultra: This line, including flavors like Ultra Blue, Ultra Red, and Ultra Fiesta, is explicitly zero sugar and contains only a handful of calories per serving (e.g., around 11-15 calories per 500ml can).
- Lo-Carb Monster: As the name suggests, this version is lower in calories. A 16oz can has only 30 calories.
- Monster Rehab: This line of non-carbonated tea and juice blends also tends to be lower in calories, though specific amounts vary by flavor.
Comparison: Beast Unleashed vs. Classic Monster
To highlight the key differences, here is a breakdown comparing The Beast Unleashed and the classic Monster Energy drink.
| Feature | The Beast Unleashed (12 fl oz can) | Classic Monster Energy (16 fl oz can) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 130 | 210-230 |
| Alcohol | Yes (6% ABV) | No |
| Caffeine | No | Yes (~160mg) |
| Sugar | Zero Added Sugar | High (54g in some versions) |
| Drink Type | Alcoholic Hard Seltzer | Non-alcoholic Energy Drink |
Why the Calorie Count is so Different
The reason for the dramatic caloric discrepancy lies in the primary ingredients. The calories in a standard Monster Energy drink come almost entirely from the added sugar. The high sugar content provides a quick energy boost, and the concentration of sugar in a 16oz serving adds up quickly.
In contrast, The Beast Unleashed is a hard seltzer, and like other alcoholic beverages, its calories are derived from the alcohol. By removing both the caffeine and the sugar, Monster Brewing was able to create a product with a much lower calorie count than the energy drink it is based on, even with the presence of alcohol. This difference is by design, catering to two distinct consumer markets—those seeking a jolt of energy and those looking for a lower-calorie, sugar-free alcoholic drink.
Conclusion: Understand Your "Beast"
Ultimately, figuring out "how many calories are in the beast monster" requires clarifying which product is in question. If you are drinking The Beast Unleashed, a 12oz can contains a modest 130 calories with no sugar and no caffeine. If you are consuming a classic 16oz Monster Energy drink, you are looking at more than 200 calories and a high dose of sugar and caffeine. Always check the specific can you are holding, as the Monster product family is large and diverse, with many variations and nutritional profiles. Making this distinction is essential for anyone tracking their caloric or sugar intake.
To learn more about the alcoholic line, you can visit the official Beast Unleashed website: beastunleashed.com.
