Even the casual fan of energy drinks knows about Monster and Rockstar. Given the popularity of these beverages, we decide to complete the below comparison of the two. After you read this article, we think you’ll have a solid understanding of what sets these drinks apart.
Monster Vs. Rockstar
Nutrition
If nutrition is a major factor when deciding on an energy drink, you may wish to opt for Monster Original over Rockstar Original. It has fewer calories, carbs, total sugars, and added sugars. You may want to select Rockstar if you are watching your sodium. You will avoid an additional 300 milligrams of sodium by drinking Rockstar Original over Monster Original of the same size.
| Monster Energy – Original | Rockstar Energy – Original | |
|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 Can (16 fl. oz.) | 1 Can (16 fl. oz.) |
| Calories | 230 | 270 |
| Total Fat | 0g | 0g |
| Sodium | 370mg | 70mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 58g | 63g |
| Total Sugars | 54g | 63g |
| Includes Added Sugars | 54g | 63g |
| Protein | 0g | 0g |
| Riboflavin (vitamin B2) | 260% | 100% |
| Niacin (vitamin B3) | 250% | 100% |
| Vitamin B6 | 240% | 100% |
| Vitamin B12 | 500% | – |
| Pantothenic Acid | – | 100% |
Ingredients
Monster Energy Original – Carbonated Water, Sugar, Glucose, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Taurine, Sodium Citrate, Color Added, Panax Ginseng Extract, L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, Caffeine, Sorbic Acid (Preservative), Benzoic Acid (Preservative), Niacinamide (Vit. B3), Sucralose, Salt, D-Glucuronolactone, Inositol, Guarana Extract, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vit. B6), Riboflavin (Vit. B2), Maltodextrin, Cyanocobalamin (Vit. B12).
Rockstar Energy Original – Carbonated Water, Sugar, Glucose Syrup, Citric Acid, Taurine, Natural And Artificial Flavor, Sodium Citrate, Maltodextrin, Caffeine, Caramel Color, Glucuronolactone, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Potassium Sorbate (Preservative), Inositol, L-carnitine, Guarana Seed Extract, Niacinamide, D-calcium Pantothenate, Milk Thistle Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Yellow #5, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Cyanocobalamin
Caffeine
Energy drinks are notorious for having high caffeine levels. Monster and Rockster Original are no exceptions.
Both beverages have 160 milligrams of caffeine per 16 fluid ounce can.
The table below shows a comparison of the caffeine in Monster and Rockstar Original versus other popular beverages. Generally, the caffeine in Monster and Rockstar Original is much higher than most sodas, however, many coffees have higher caffeine these energy drinks.
| Beverage | Serving Size | Caffeine(mg) |
|---|---|---|
| Monster Original | 16 fl. oz. | 160mg |
| Rockstar Original | 16 fl. oz. | 160mg |
| Red Bull | 16 fl. oz. | 151mg |
| Nos Original | 16 fl. oz. | 200mg |
| Coca-Cola | 16 fl. oz. | 45mg |
| Pepsi | 16 fl. oz. | 51mg |
| Mountain Dew | 16 fl. oz. | 72mg |
| Starbucks Blonde Roast Coffee | 16 fl. oz. | 360mg |
| Tim Hortons Brewed Coffee | 16 fl. oz. | 216mg |
Who Makes Them?
Monster – Monster is owned by the Monster Beverage Corporation – a public company that trades under the symbol MNST. The Coca-Cola Company owns a minority stake in the company as of 2015.
Rockstar – PepsiCo has owned the brand since April 2020 when they acquired it for almost $4 billion.
Introduction Dates
Monster – Hansen’s Natural started the brand in 2002. The success of Monster resulted in the company changing its name from Hansen’s to Monster in 2012.
Rockstar – The brand was launched by Russ Weiner in 2001.
Popularity
The leading energy drink based on sales in the United States is Red Bull followed by Monster, VPX Bang, Rockstar, and then Reign. These five brands pulled in over $16 billion in sales for the 52 weeks ending May 15, 2022 [1].
Varieties
Monster and Rockstar both produce many beverages that appeal to differing tastes. Monster makes 59 varieties of beverages while Rockstar manufactures 31 varieties.
Monster
- Monster Energy – 8 varieties
- Monster Ultra – 12 varieties
- Monster Hydro – 9 varieties
- Java Monster – 12 varieties
- Rehab Monster – 6 varieties
- Dragon Tea – 4 varieties
- Juice Monster – 6 varieties
- Muscle Monster – 2 varieties
Rockstar
- Original – 2 varieties
- Pure Zero – 9 varieties
- Punched – 5 varieties
- Recovery – 4 varieties
- Xdurance – 4 varieties
- Unplugged – 3 varieties
- Boom – 2 varieties
- Throwback – 2 varieties
Poll: Monster Vs. Rockstar
Do you have a favorite between Monster or Rockstar? Vote for it in our poll!
Sources:
1. Alverson, C. (2022, July 6). 2022 state of the beverage industry: Energy Drinks are still all the buzz. Beverage Industry RSS. Retrieved September 22, 2022, from https://www.bevindustry.com/articles/95146-2022-state-of-the-beverage-industry-energy-drinks-are-still-all-the-buzz
2. pepsicobeveragefacts.com
3. monsterenergy.com
4. Rockstar Image Credit – Mike Mozart/flickr
5. Monster Image Credit – Mike Mozart/flickr
