Understanding the Confusion: Which "Beast" Product Are You Looking For?
The term "The Beast" has been associated with several different products over the years, leading to significant confusion about its ingredients. The most prominent and currently marketed product is The Beast Unleashed, an alcoholic malt beverage from Monster Brewing. However, older and discontinued energy drinks, as well as separate hydration powders, also bore the "Beast" name. This article breaks down the ingredients for each major product to provide clarity.
The Beast Unleashed (Alcoholic Beverage)
Created to celebrate Monster Energy's 21st anniversary, The Beast Unleashed is a flavored malt beverage and should not be confused with a non-alcoholic energy drink. Its formulation is designed to provide flavor and alcohol content without the typical energy drink additives. Crucially, The Beast Unleashed contains no caffeine and no sugar.
Core Ingredients in The Beast Unleashed
- Malt Beverage: The base of the drink, providing the 6.0% alcohol by volume (ABV).
- Natural Flavors: Used to create the different flavor profiles, such as Mean Green, White Haze, and Scary Berries.
- Artificial Sweeteners: Used to provide sweetness without sugar, which explains why the beverage has 130 calories per 12 oz serving.
- Certified Colors: Added to match the visual branding and flavor profile.
- Varying Ingredients: Specific flavors may contain additional ingredients. For example, Peach Perfect uses FD&C Yellow 5.
Discontinued "The Beast" Energy Drink
Before the alcoholic version, an energy drink called "The Beast" existed, manufactured by companies like Prima Drinks. This product has been off the market for years, and its ingredient list is very different from The Beast Unleashed.
Typical Ingredients in the Old Energy Drink
- Carbonated Water: The primary liquid base.
- Sugar and Glucose: Sources of simple carbohydrates for energy.
- Taurine: An amino acid commonly found in energy drinks.
- Caffeine: A central nervous system stimulant used to boost energy and focus.
- B-Vitamins: A complex of vitamins often included to aid metabolism.
- Inositol: A sugar alcohol that can improve focus.
- Glucuronolactone: Another common ingredient in classic energy drink formulations.
- Artificial Flavor and Color: Used for taste and appearance.
Beast Pharm Hydro Electrolyte Powder
This is a completely separate product from the beverage brands, developed with strongman Eddie Hall. It is a hydration powder mix, not a ready-to-drink beverage, and is aimed at fitness enthusiasts.
Ingredients in Beast Pharm Hydro
- CocoMineral® (Coconut Water): A key ingredient for hydration.
- Taurine: Included for hydration and athletic performance.
- Electrolytes: Essential minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium, vital for rehydration.
- Rednite® (Beetroot Concentrate Powder): A natural nitrate source.
- Enovita® (Grape Seed Extract): An antioxidant.
- Sweetener (Sucralose): Provides sweetness without sugar.
- Cranberry Extract and Citric Acid: Used for flavor.
Ingredient Comparison Table
| Feature | The Beast Unleashed | Discontinued Beast Energy Drink | Beast Pharm Hydro (Powder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Alcoholic Malt Beverage | Carbonated Energy Drink | Hydration Supplement |
| Caffeine | No | Yes (typically) | No |
| Sugar | No | Yes | No (uses sucralose) |
| Taurine | No | Yes | Yes |
| B-Vitamins | No | Yes | No (contains specific vitamin/mineral blends) |
| Electrolytes | No | No (typically) | Yes (key feature) |
| Primary Function | Relaxation/Adult Beverage | Energy/Stimulation | Hydration/Replenishment |
| Availability | Widely available (USA) | Discontinued | Sold online/in UK stores |
Why the Different Products Exist
The evolution of the "Beast" brand reflects a common trend in the beverage industry, where popular names and branding are extended to new product categories. Monster Energy, the parent company of The Beast Unleashed, already dominates the energy drink market but wanted to enter the booming alcoholic seltzer and malt beverage space. By leveraging the familiarity of its brand, it could attract a new market segment while differentiating the products by their intended use.
Meanwhile, niche brands like Beast Pharm focus on a specific market (sports and fitness), creating a highly specialized product with ingredients tailored to athletic performance. This diversification strategy helps brands capture more market share and cater to varied consumer needs.
The Role of Key Ingredients
- Taurine: Found in both the old energy drink and the hydration powder, taurine is an amino sulfonic acid that can improve athletic performance and hydration. It's absent from the alcoholic version, which has a different purpose.
- Caffeine: The most significant difference between the energy and alcoholic versions. Caffeine is a stimulant, and its removal from The Beast Unleashed was a deliberate decision to create a distinct, non-energizing alcoholic beverage.
- Artificial Sweeteners (Sucralose): The presence of artificial sweeteners in both The Beast Unleashed and Beast Pharm Hydro allows them to offer a low-calorie or zero-sugar profile, appealing to health-conscious consumers or those on restricted diets.
Conclusion: Know Your Beast Before You Buy
"The Beast" is not a single product but a brand name used across different beverage categories. Consumers must be vigilant about which product they are purchasing to ensure they get the desired effect. The Beast Unleashed is a sugar-free, caffeine-free alcoholic malt beverage, distinct from the classic energy drinks and modern hydration supplements that have historically shared the name. Knowing the specific ingredients for each version is crucial for making an informed choice, whether you're seeking a stimulant boost, rehydration, or an alcoholic beverage.
For more information on the alcoholic beverage, visit the official website: The Beast Unleashed.
