Monster Lo-Carb Original

Monster Lo-Carb Original

SHARK SCORE · ENJOYABLE · SHARK SCORE · ENJOYABLE · 71

Enjoyable · A solid grab.

Ranked #152 of 267 drinks · #23 of 35 Monster

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140 mgCaffeine
16 ozCan size
8.8mg per oz · Moderate

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The Sharks’ verdict

Average of 2 Shark reviews. Each category is scored 0–10; Overall is its own call, not an average.

Look6.9/10
Taste7.3/10
Kick4.5/10
Overall7.1/10
CamReviewed Nov 30, 2020
6.9/10
“Essentially a low sugar version of the original Monster. If you enjoy Monster Original beverage, you will like this one.”
Look7
Taste7
Kick3
Overall6.9

Cam’s full review

Introduction

Have you ever had the original Monster? This is exactly like that, but only with 30 calories. There is essentially no difference in taste from the OG Monster to Monster Lo-Carb Original. There are additional sweeteners to make up for lack of sugar, but you cannot tell as there is no more of an artificial flavor detectable than in the original. It has 30 Calories (fewer than original) and 140mg (8.75mg/floz) caffeine per can (less than the original). The kick is very slightly less than the original, but it is still virtually indistinguishable.

Upside

The upsides are almost identical to those of the original Monster. This is a unique flavor that is not found in any beverages outside of Monster, and allows the consumer to focus on the task at hand. The main difference is the can. The original Monster has a cool green logo with a black background. Monster Lo-Carb Original has the same logo in blue, but some also have the Halo Infinite promo code on the back with the Halo avatar. It also does not provide as much of a crash as the original Monster because there is not as much sugar.

Downside

The downside is that Monster Lo-Carb Original does not share the pedigree of the original Monster. This is not a “must-try’ in my opinion simply because it is not the original. This may seem to make very little sense to new Monster enthusiasts, but I assure you the old-timers here with experience know exactly what I am talking about.

Upshot

Monster Lo-Carb Original is essentially the same as Monster Original. The taste and mouthfeel are nearly identical, but it has less sugar and therefore fewer Calories and less of a crash after consumption. It is not a must-have, but it is a better option for your health to consume in bulk than the original Monster.

MattReviewed Jan 9, 2021
7.3/10
“traditional Monster flavor comes with an added berry flavor and fewer carbs and sugar”
Look6.7
Taste7.5
Kick6
Overall7.3
Read Matt’s full review

Appearance

The shape of the can is unremarkable. Despite the somewhat outdated can, the Monster logo still shines against the blank, black background. The light blue that Monster chose as an accent color is striking, and reflects well on the can tab. It is not the most exciting design from Monster, although I find it suitable for a classic.

Taste

Low in carbs does not equate to minimal flavor. The classic Monster formula is present, with its usual syrupy flavor. Unique to the Lo-Carb Monster are the hints of berry embedded in the classic flavor. The resulting combination is a sweet and complex flavor. It may not be for everyone as it is very heavy, closer to a soda from the fountain. This is common for most syrupy energy drinks, but does not feel as light and refreshing as other options.

Kick

Monster Lo-Carb has 140mg of caffeine. This is approximately equivalent to just under two cups of coffee.

Overall

Monster Lo-Carb is a nice variation of a classic. It’s simple can design (relative to Monster’s standards) hints at its traditional Monster flavor, which isn’t wrong. That being said, the traditional Monster flavor comes with an added berry flavor and fewer carbs and sugar. That’s a pretty solid package if you ask me. No, it isn’t a world beater but it’s an excellent option to have.

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Monster Lo-Carb Original: quick answers

How much caffeine is in Monster Lo-Carb Original?

Monster Lo-Carb Original has 140 mg of caffeine in a 16 fl oz can (8.8 mg per fluid ounce). That's about as much as 1.5 cups of brewed coffee (8 oz each, about 95 mg per cup), 35% of the 400 mg a day the FDA cites for healthy adults. It ranks #208 for caffeine among the 267 drinks we've rated.

Is Monster Lo-Carb Original good?

The Sharks give Monster Lo-Carb Original a Shark Score of 71 (Enjoyable: “A solid grab.”), ranking it #152 of 267. The short version: “Essentially a low sugar version of the original Monster. If you enjoy Monster Original beverage, you will like this one.”

What is the best Monster Energy flavor?

Of the 35 Monster Energy drinks we've rated, the best is Monster Ultra Gold (91). Monster Lo-Carb Original ranks #23. The lowest-rated is Monster Mule (24). See every Monster Energy flavor ranked.

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