Bang Energy VS Monster (An In-depth Comparison)
Energy drinks are becoming popular day by day. In 2020, worldwide sales of energy drinks reached $57.4 billion, and it is expected to grow 7% in compound annual growth (CAGR) between the next four years.
With the increasing demand for energy drinks, brands are in line to compete to make the best-caffeinated drinks. However, they also keep in view the importance of nutrients that consumers demand. Two big names that everyone is familiar with are Bang and Monster energy.
Short answer: Bang and Monster Energy have different caffeine and sugar levels. Bang contains a high amount of caffeine compared to Monster. Moreover, Bang has zero sugar while Monster’s serving contains 54 g of sugar. Monster contains almost 210 calories, and 54 grams of carbohydrates, while Bang contains zero calories and zero carbs.
In this article, I will compare both to determine which one provides you with the best energy boost. Stay with me till the end.
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Bang Energy
Bang is a company based in America with energy drinks as its main products, which are produced by the Vital Pharmaceuticals. Bang is considered the third most selling energy drink in the US after Red Bull and Monster.
Bang is available in as many as 40 different flavors.
It also comes in 16 ounces serving and contains 300mg of caffeine per serving. It is considered one of the highest caffeinated energy drinks. The maximum amount recommended by FDA is 400mg, so if you consume one can, you should avoid other caffeinated beverages or food such as coffee or tea.
Bang Energy Ingredients
Here is a list of ingredients in 16 ounces of Bang energy drink:
- Carbonated Water
- Citric Acid Anhydrous
- Natural Flavors
- Malic Acid
- Caffeine Anhydrous
- SUPER CREATINE® (Creatyl-L-Leucine [Creatine bonded to L-Leucine])
- Sodium Benzoate (preserves freshness)
- Potassium Citrate Monohydrate
- Sucralose
- Potassium phosphate dibasic
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
- Potassium sorbate (preserves freshness)
- Magnesium chloride
- Calcium chloride
- Calcium disodium EDTA
- Vitamin B3 (niacinamide)
- CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10)
- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride)
- Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin)
- EAAs (L-leucine, L-isoleucine, L-valine, L-lysine, L-threonine, L-phenylalanine, L-histidine, L-methionine, L-tryptophan)
Monster Energy
Monster is an energy drink that a company founded in 1985 based in California.
Monster is considered the second largest energy drink company after Red Bull, according to its market share of 39% with Red Bull.
The Monster comes in a 16-ounce serving can and 34 variant flavors. One 16 ounce can of Monster Energy contains 160mg synthetic caffeine, 80 mg taurine, amino acids, and about 55 g sugar per serving.
Monster Energy Ingredients
Here is an ingredient list of the monster energy drink:
- Carbonated water
- Sugar
- Salt
- ‘Natural Flavors’
- Citric acid
- Niacinamide
- Sucralose
- Sodium Citrate
- Color added
- Pyridoxine hydrochloride
- Riboflavin
- Cyanocobalamin
- Sorbic Acid (preservative)
- Benzoic Acid (preservative)
What is the difference between Bang Energy and Monster?
The main difference between Bang and Monster is sugar and caffeine content. Bang is a highly caffeinated drink, while Monster contains high sugar. Also, there are different vitamins and minerals in both energy drinks.
Bangs claim to have more minerals and vitamins, but Monster has vitamins in much higher quantity than Bang.
Let’s look at their nutrient fact before digging deep into other differences.
Here is a nutrients facts table for both Bang and Monster Energy.
Typical Values(Per 16 fl.oz) | Monster | Bang |
Energy | 210 calories | 0 calories |
Fat (Of which saturated) | 0g (0g) | 0g (0g) |
Carbohydrate (Of which sugars) | 54g (54g) | 0g (0g) |
Caffeine | 160mg | 300mg |
Protein | 0g | 0g |
Sodium | 370mg | 40mg |
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 3.6mg | – |
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 46mg | 5mg |
Vitamin B6 | 4.6mg | 0.5mg |
Vitamin B12 | 13µg | 1.5μg |
Vitamin C | – | 27mg |
Magnesium | – | 5mg |
Calcium | – | 5mg |
Now let’s talk about caffeine.
Caffeine
As we already know, Bang has a much higher caffeine content than Monster. In fact, one can of Bang energy contain as much as twice the caffeine as Monster.
Bang contains 300mg of caffeine per serving, while Monster has only 160 mg.
Caffeine is the main stimulant ingredient that is used in energy drinks. It enhances focus and alertness that help combat tiredness.
Now, it may seem like more caffeine means more energy, but that’s not always the case. Bang does have more caffeine, but the source of caffeine is not natural. It contains highly concentrated caffeine known as anhydrous, which is a more potent powder form of caffeine than natural caffeine.
On the flip side, Monster contains natural caffeine sourced from coffee beans and leaves.
The caffeine in Bang energy provides a more potent energy effect than Monster.
However, not everyone can handle Bang’s caffeine content. If you are highly sensitive to caffeine, then Bang is not for you.
Other than that, both types of caffeine improve physical performance and enhance cognitive function, and has many more benefits.
Sugar
Bang is sugar-free, while Monster contains about 54g of sugar, which is not a healthy consumption according to health experts.
American Health Association recommends a healthy intake of 25g and 36 grams for women and men, respectively. High sugar intake has been linked with overweight and many other health issues like:
- Fatty liver disease
- Chronic inflammation
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
Apart from high sugar level, Monster also contain more calories. It has 210 calories per serving can.
That’s why I personally think Bang is a much better option as it is an entirely sugar-free drink and also has zero calories.
Have a look at this video for a clear understanding on what sugar can do to your body:
Super Creatine
Another highlighted ingredient in Bang energy drink is Super Creatine, bonded to L-leucine, an amino acid known to improve mental abilities.
Now creatine is an amino acid, but no chemical compound is named super creatine. Because the term Super creatine is self-made by brand and close inspection by some labs doesn’t show any merit that makes the ingredient “super,” I can say it is more of a marketing ploy and has nothing to do with reality.
Ginseng Extract
What makes Monster different from Bang is its ingredient of ginseng extract, an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties.
Ginseng extract has many health benefits, such as:
- Improvement of brain function
- Improves immune system
- Protection against cancer
- May improve erectile dysfunction
- Boost energy levels
The addition of ginseng makes Monster a more beneficial drink.
Which drink is healthier: Bang or Monster?
Energy drinks aren’t health drinks. They are simply drinks that can help us wake up or provide an extra energy boost. But if we were to talk about which drink is healthier between Bang and Monster, I’d say they’re both tied.
Bang claimed to offer more nutrient value, but it is high in caffeine and not suitable for everyone. Monster is the second most favorite energy drink in the US, but it contains a high amount of sugar.
However, as long as you consume these beverages in moderation, both are safe. Energy drinks are not meant to be taken regularly. They are power-packed with high stimulants, mainly caffeine and sugar. Regular or excessive intake of these drinks can lead to various side effects such as:
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- High blood pressure
- Heart arrhythmias
Does Bang give you more energy than Monster?
Yes, Bang gives you more energy than Monster. That’s because Bang contains more caffeine than Monster, and caffeine is the primary source of energy in these drinks.
More caffeine means more energy.
From a health perspective, Bang offers much better nutrients than Monster, and it is also a calorie-free energy drink. But if calories are your primary concern and you want to benefit from Monster’s high level of vitamins, switch to Monster Zero Ultra.
Lastly, Bang offers a perfect combination of electrolytes, amino acids, and many minerals and vitamins.
Final Verdict
Both Monster and Bang offer incredible health benefits, so I think it is not fair to say one is better than the other. You should consider which health concerns have and what’s best for you.
Both Bang and Monster’s primary purpose is to increase your mental and physical performance and provide better focus and alertness.
If you are caffeine sensitive, avoid Bang as it has a high amount of caffeine. Similarly, if you have diabetes or a weight issue, then avoid Monster as it contains a high sugar level. But whichever brand you choose, make sure to consume it in moderation.