In recent years, Monster Energy has been a cornerstone drink of the current generation, being well-liked among teens, tradesmen, students, and all youth alike. The drink brand has amassed a staggering fanbase, and since being first released in April of 2002, many new and diverse flavors have been made available, from classic to zero-sugar to strawberry and even teas. This legendary selection has downsides, however, as a person newer to the Monster scene might be overwhelmed at the seemingly limitless number of choices they may have. So to calm these concerns, I set out to answer the question of “What flavors available at the average gas station are the best, and which ones should I prioritize in trying?” I will answer this throughout this article, but first, I will explain how I will go about doing so. I will be mainly focusing on the top flavors, providing a description based on taste, can-art, or really anything that sets itself apart from other flavors. I will talk about the top 10 available at the gas station, with a comprehensive tier list, ranking every flavor in general at the end, after I talk about my number one pick. Remember, my ranking and top 10 are just my opinion, but hopefully by the end, if you are a newer drinker, this article can serve as a good guide/recommendation!
A newcomer starts out my list as the 10th best available. A flavor that was just released a few months ago, in November of last year. Monster Ultra Wild Passion. This refreshing, balanced flavor that takes after passion fruit is a wonderful pick. When drunk cold, like most Monsters, this flavor can really surprise you if you give it a try. Though, you probably don’t need much convincing when the striking purple can is enough to lure in any newcomer.
On the opposite end of time, is my absolute sleeper pick for the list. In my ninth spot is Monster Khaotic, a tasty juice flavor first released in 2020, but its origin is a rebrand of Monster Khaos released in 2005. Unfortunately, given its long life, it is likely this flavor is being discontinued this year in favor of the new Voodoo Grape Juice flavor. Despite this unfortunate situation, I found the flavor to be great, as a sweet orange that reminded me most of SunnyD. I highly recommend this flavor and suggest that anyone who is interested try it before it gets pulled!
Continuing strong with this trend of juices in the top spots, I have Monster Pacific Punch in number eight. This is the go-to flavor for those seeking out a sharp, sweet, tropical, fruit punch flavor. While very good, it is indeed really sweet, so those who are put off by the sweeter flavors may want to stay away from this one. But for those who are willing to give it a try, they will be pleasantly surprised.
My seventh placement is a more experimental flavor, I would say. Monster Viking Berry is a delicious but odd flavor. When asked about this flavor, a student by the name of Derek Dehlinger-Burnett said the flavor was “a great, balanced, and unique flavor,” and he continued, saying, “The berry flavor is really unlike any other berry flavors out there, and I totally recommend it.” With a significantly prominent berry flavor, as the name suggests, and a very smooth aftertaste, I find the flavor worth a try at least once, though I would only really drink it when chilled and cold, as it isn’t as enjoyable at room temperature.
For my sixth pick, the one before the really heavy hitters, I have possibly the most controversial selection of the list. I believe Monster Ultra Ruby Red to be deserving of a high spot. This flavor is possibly one of the sharpest, most refreshing, and clear flavors available. When asked to list a flavor he thought was his favorite, student Jaxon Riendeau immediately thought of Ruby Red, saying, “The Ruby Red one is really good. I like the balance of the sharpness and sweetness in the flavor.” Its clean and crisp taste is perfect on cooler days and mornings, and while some don’t like it, I believe it to be an adequate flavor that pairs well with specific scenarios.
Now we are getting to the best of the best. From here on out, I recommend these flavors as paramount to the others. Here we go with number five, my pick is Ultra Strawberry Dreams. This flavor captures the refreshing, crisp flavor of the previous flavor and mellows it out a little more, providing a top-tier aftertaste. The strawberry flavor comes through, but is not overpowering and leaves a clean finish. The taste is a little strong compared to the juices, but it never tastes too artificial, and this makes it easy to drink. This flavor is truly alluring, paired with easily one of the prettiest cans of the ultra lineup.
Number four is a very hard hitter for the juice series. Pipeline Punch takes my fourth spot and is a fan favorite. By far the smoothest Monster out there, Pipeline Punch takes what was good about Pacific Punch, and makes it smoother, balances out the sweetness, and gives it perfect tropical undertones that steal away the aftertaste. This flavor is truly one of the best Monsters out there, but it isn’t even the best juices.
Number three is another controversial pick. Ultra Peachy Keen is more of a divisive flavor amongst those who enjoy Monsters frequently, but if given the chance, it has the potential to impress greatly. It has a great, sweet flavor, and the peach taste is strong throughout, which makes this flavor bold and refreshing.
My number two pick is another fan favorite, and the best Juice Monster, Monster Mango Loco. This flavor is sweet, smooth, and refreshing in ways any other Monster isn’t. This flavor is best cold and is absolutely perfect for any time of year, but is particularly refreshing during the summer. If you are looking for a juice Monster that is just pure delicious, and want a flavor that will truly impress you, look no further than Mango Loco.
And in my number one pick is one of the most famous and widely known flavors out there. This is a flavor that has garnered a well-earned reputation for being the go-to flavor for veterans and newcomers alike. Of course, I am talking about Monster Zero Ultra, or better known as the White Monster. This Monster is the flavor that kicked off Monster’s most popular lineup: the Ultra series. Being released in 2013 as a zero-sugar alternative to the regular Monster, this flavor has surpassed its original counterpart tenfold. And there is a reason for that. This flavor is the epitome of what you could want in an energy drink, with its smooth, crisp flavor and delicious, light, sweet taste that truly never gets old, unlike other flavors released. When asked about this ultra-popular flavor, Monster connoisseur Virginia (Ginna) Robberts praised the drink, saying, “White Monster is probably the most ‘go to’.
I’ve never met a person who dislikes it. I could have one every day and probably never get tired of it.” Above all other flavors, this Monster has dominated the market, becoming one of the most recognizable energy drinks out there. And because of this, and its delicious flavor, it deserves number one on the list, and I wholeheartedly recommend picking it up if you have never had it before!
In conclusion, here is my ranking of the top ten Monsters available at an average gas station. I hope this serves as a good guide for those newer to drinking this brand of energy drink, or even just those who haven’t tried many of the flavors yet. I hope you take the time to try the ones I have recommended and even try other ones that aren’t on the tier list, nor mentioned in this article.
