Course:FNH200/Assignments/2023/Monster EnergyDrink Original

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Monster Energy Drink Regular vs Monster Energy Drink Zero Sugar

Monster Energy Drink
Monster Energy Drink (Zero Sugar)

Monster Energy is a caffeinated energy beverage that contains approximately 160mg of caffeine per 16oz can(1). Marketed and included in multiple sponsorships, Monster Energy has grown exponentially in the energy drink market. With 34 flavours to choose from, this energy drink is gluten-free and is normally sweetened with sugars sucrose and glucose. However, there is a variety of zero sugar options that roam the shelves, replacing sugars with calorie safe sweeteners such as sucralose and acesulfame K. Here, we will be comparing the two Monster Energy products:



Regular Monster Energy Drink Ingredients List
Monster Energy Drink (Zero Sugar) Ingredients

Ingredients List:

Regular Zero Sugar
Carbonated Water Carbonated Water
Citric Acid Citric Acid
Glucose Erythritol
Flavors Natural flavours
Taurine Taurine
Sodium Citrate Sodium Citrate
Panax Ginseng Root Extract Panax Ginseng Flavour
Caffeine Caffeine
Sugar Sucralose
Sorbic Acid Sorbic Acid
Benzoic Acid Benzoic Acid
D-Glucuronolactone Fruit juice (colour)
Niacinamide Niacinamide
Grape Skin Extract (Colour) Acesulfame-K
Salt Salt
Guarana Seed Extract Guarana Seed Extract
Inositol Inositol
Pyridoxine Hydrochloride Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
Riboflavin Riboflavin
Cyanocobalamin Cyanocobalamin
Maltodextrin D-Calcium Pantothenate
Sucralose

Compare and contrast the lists of the two products and explain differences:

One of the main differences between the regular drink and the sugar-free drink is the addition of regular sugar. However, the two drinks still taste similar because of a number of sweeteners and other ingredients that are used in the making of the sugar-free type. In the regular drink, due to the presence of regular sugar, it is associated to cause more glucose spikes as compared to the normal type. This also causes the teeth to be susceptible to dental caries. On the other hand, the sugar-free type is made by adding sweeteners such as acesulfame-K and sucralose. It also makes use of sugar alcohols, such as erythritol, as a sugar alternative to achieve similar taste. The other ingredients such as taurine, caffeine, B-vitamins, and flavouring agents are found in both drinks. Niacinamide is found in both drinks, a form of vitamin B3 (niacin) and it is essential for cell health and energy metabolism. The main active ingredient present in the regular and sugar-free Monster energy drink are caffeine, taurine, ginseng, and guarana seed extract. In essence, Monster energy drinks are a concoction of sugar, caffeine and vitamin supplements that give you an energy boost. Niacinamide is found in both drinks, a form of vitamin B3 (niacin) and it is essential for cell health and energy metabolism (6). It is a common ingredient in most energy drinks and is found in high quantities in the beverages, which can be dangerous if it's too high (6). Similar to the regular, the sugar free Monster drink is energized with 160 mg of caffeine which helps battle fatigue, enhance concentration and provides an energy boost (7).

Fat Substitutes, Sugar Substitutes, Additives

Identify fat substitutes, sugar substitutes, and/or additives used, if there is any: In order to fulfill the zero sugar marketing, Monster Energy zero sugar replaces sucrose and glucose sugars with acesulfame-K, sucralose and erythritol. These additives constitute as sugar substitutes since they are either low calorie or non-caloric. Preservatives such as riboflavin, benzoic acid, and sorbic acid are noticeable additives in both the regular and zero sugar products. Caffeine is also added in the regular Monster Energy as an additive.

Role of fat substitutes, sugar substitutes, and/or additives used in terms of the functional properties they contribute to the product: Sugar substitutes such as Acesulfame-K, sucralose, and erythritol represent non-caloric sweeteners. Acesulfame-K and sucralose are highly sweeter than sucrose and provide a sweetening effect to products without changing blood glucose levels nor contributing to calories(4). Similarly, erythritol can replace sugar components due to its low calorie value and similar sweetness to sucrose. This sugar substitute found in Monster Energy zero calorie does not affect blood glucose levels nor enhances tooth decay(4). Organic acids such as benzoic and sorbic acid are seen as additives in both Monster Energy products. Both are included as preservatives and act as antimicrobial agents. This prevents the product from oxidizing or spoiling early on. In addition, riboflavin acts as a colouring agent to enhance and restore the original color of the product. Riboflavin also acts as a preservative in order to onset food spoilage(5). Caffeine falls under “miscellaneous agents,” where it is permitted but does not fall under any other additive category.

Labels

Common Name Monster Energy Regular Monster Energy Zero Sugar
Bilingual Labeling English and French, separated by a “/” within the nutrition table while the ingredient lists settled on top of one another. English and French, separated by a “/” within the nutrition table while the ingredient lists settled on top of one another.
Country of Origin United States United States
Date Markings and Storage Instructions Shelf life is over 90 days, there are no storage instructions. Best before date is printed at the bottom of the can. Shelf life is over 90 days, there are no storage instructions. Best before date is printed at the bottom of the can.
Identity and Principal Place of Business United States manufactured by Monster Beverage United States manufactured by Monster Beverage
Irradiated Foods N/A N/A
Legibility and Location Nutritional facts and ingredients list clearly legible covering the entirety of the back of the can. Nutritional facts and ingredients list clearly legible covering the entirety of the back of the can.
List of Ingredients In descending order of proportion located under the nutritional table. In descending order of proportion located under the nutritional table.
Net Quantity 473mL 473mL
Sweeteners Sucrose and Glucose Acesulfame-K, Sucralose and Erythritol
Claims, Warnings, Statements Excessive or repeated consumption should be avoided, specifically, more than 1 can per day. It is not recommended for children, women who are pregnant, plan to be pregnant, breastfeeding, or individuals who are caffeine sensitive. Not recommended with alcohol consumption or to replace food or fluid intake. Excessive or repeated consumption should be avoided, specifically, more than 1 can per day. It is not recommended for children, women who are pregnant, plan to be pregnant, breastfeeding, or individuals who are caffeine sensitive. Not recommended with alcohol consumption or to replace food or fluid intake.

Looking at the regulatory requirements that are set in Canada, we can see the following requirements:

  1. Bilingual Labeling - In French and English (Official Languages)
  2. Common Name of the Food - Prescribed in the Food and Drugs Regulations
  3. Country of Origin (May be mandatory for certain foods and beverages)
  4. Date Marking and Storage Instructions (For foods with 90 days or less)
  5. Identity and Principal Place of Business
  6. Irradiated Foods
  7. Legibility and Location
  8. List of Ingredients
  9. Net Quantity of the Food
  10. Sweeteners
  11. Other Mandatory Information

Now based on the packaging that is seen on the image above as well as the details that are highlighted in the table above, we can see that the standards and regulatory requirements in Canada are being satisfied.

Personal Choice (5 points)

Please submit your individual component of this assignment on Canvas to protect your privacy and your personal opinion

References

[1] Wikipedia. (2023, July 10). Monster Energy. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monster_Energy

[2] No Gluten. (2023, June 13). Is monster gluten-free?. No Gluten. https://nogluten.com/is-monster-gluten-free/

[3] Wikipedia. (2023a, July 1). Erythritol. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erythritol

[4] NIH. (2022, May 11). Riboflavin. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Riboflavin-HealthProfessional/#:~:text=This%20vitamin%20is%20an%20essential,steroids%20%5B1%2D3%5D

[5] Walle, G. V. D. (2018, November 16). Niacinamide: Benefits, uses and side effects. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/niacinamide#:~:text=Niacinamide%20is%20one%20form%20of,side%20effects%20at%20appropriate%20doses.

[6] Renee, A. (2016, November 3). A vitamin in your energy drink is linked to hepatitis. abc10.com. https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/a-vitamin-in-your-energy-drink-is-linked-to-hepatitis/103-346499753

[7]Corona, C. (2023, January 9). Monster Energy Launches Monster Energy Zero Sugar. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/monster-energy-launches-monster-energy-zero-sugar-301715741.html

  1. ↑ Wikipedia. "Monster Energy". Wikipedia. Retrieved 18 July, 2023. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  2. ↑ No Gluten. "Is Monster Gluten-Free". No Gluten. Retrieved 18 July, 2023. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  3. ↑ Wikipedia. "Erythritol". Wikipedia. Retrieved 18 July, 2023. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  4. ↑ NIH. "Riboflavin". NIH. Retrieved 18 July, 2023. Check date values in: |access-date= (help)
  5. ↑ Van De Walle, Gavin (16 November, 2018). "Niacinamide: Benefits, Uses and Side Effects". Healthline. Retrieved 18 July, 2023. Check date values in: |access-date=, |date= (help)
  6. ↑ Renee, Alex (11 February, 2016). "A vitamin in your energy drink is linked to hepatitis". ABC 10. Retrieved 18 July, 2023. Check date values in: |access-date=, |date= (help)
  7. ↑ Corona, C (2023, january 9). "Monster Energy Launches Monster Energy Zero Sugar". Check date values in: |date= (help)
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