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Pretty much everyone has seen the infamous White Monster, but surprisingly few have also tried its older, blue, and Lo-Carb sibling.
Flavor Comparison
Both beverages are very citrus forward, but Monster Energy Lo-Carb is much closer to the original monster flavor, slightly less sweet than the OG and somewhat savory while Ultra Zero is "bright" with what I perceive as tangerine or clementine. I would summarize Lo-Carb as being more candy-like and Ultra Zero as veering more fruit-like, though they're definitely both on the same flavor spectrum. A similar comparison would be that the blue monster is to the white monster what Sprite is to Fresca.
On the tongue, Lo-Carb feels a bit smoother with less of the electric lightning bite of Ultra Zero.
Under the Tab - Comparison of Ingredients
Looking at the two side-by-side, you see that Lo-Carb has 20 more calories per 16oz. can which still only leaves you at a total of 30. Peeping the ingredients list, you'll see that this is primarily from the six grams of added sugars in the form of good of standard glucose, the most abundant monosaccharide on the planet. Note that maltodextrin is also used for sweetness to augment the glucose. Ultra Zero Sugar relies on Erythritol and sucralose for its sweetness which are almost entirely non-caloric. Most of the remaining ingredients are shared, but Lo-Carb uses grape skin extract for its color and there are some differences in the vitamin content. Lo-Carb is slightly higher in B12 and has Riboflavin (B2) in place of Pantothenic acid (B5). Both Riboflavin and Pantothenic acid are related to energy production, with Riboflavin serving as a precursor to enzymes crucial to generating ATP (powers cells) and Pantothenic acid's related enzymes aiding in breakdown an synthesis of fatty acids. Variations in B-complex are common across energy drinks, so my layman's understanding of this is to better fit with marketing of "Low-Carb" as a quick boost of energy while Ultra Zero may be more of a "Fat Burn" or diet conscious aesthetic. Lastly, Lo-Carb includes D-Glucuronolactone and Guarana Extract (natural caffeine) whereas Ultra Zero Sugar relies on panax ginseng and inositol.
Which one is for you?
For me, it is tough to say one is outright better than the other. Though aimed at very similar groups and use-cases, the two products are actually quite different in practice. I have an overall preference for the smoothness and main-line flavor profile of Lo-Carb, and I think it gives me more of an immediate pick-me-up than Ultra Zero does, though I'd imagine this will very person-to-person. While the ingredients do have some differences, the tiny difference in calories and presence of traditional artificial sweeteners in both steer me towards a flavor focused decision. If you're looking for more citrus fruit flavor and a sparkling mouthfeel, go with the White Monster otherwise Lo-Carb could be a great fit.
My Ratings
Monster Energy Zero Ultra (White): 4/5 Great - The Bar by Which All are Measured.
Monster Energy Lo-Carb: 4/5 Great - A worthy alternative with a classic flavor.
⚖️Scale:
1 | Bad | Don't Drink it | I Wouldn't Drink it
2 | Poor | I would drink it if there was nothing else or it was free
3 | Good | Serviceable | Buy it on sale
4 | Great | A Cut Above | White Monster | Buy at full price
5 | Excellent | Standout in the Category | Pay venue prices