Ketogenic lifestyles can be confusing for people who are unfamiliar with what to eat or drink. Among the most frequently asked questions is what type of beverages are keto-friendly.
In order to avoid calories and added sugars which could impact your ketosis, beverages with artificial sweeteners can be an acceptable option.
Among people's favorite brands, Monster is one of the most known around the world. They are known for their specialty in selling energy drinks. However, are their drinks keto-friendly?
In this article, we will examine two of their popular products known as Monster Lo-Carb and Absolutely Zero. Can one be more effective than the other when it comes to keto? Do the carbs in Monster Lo-Carb and Absolutely Zero differ in any way?
These two popular beverages will be discussed in detail to determine which is better for a low-carb ketogenic diet.
It is a low-calorie and low-carb alternative to the standard Monster Energy drink. It contains caffeine, taurine, glucuronolactone, and inositol, as well as a blend of B-vitamins.
The drink is available in two flavors: Original and Zero Sugar. The Zero Sugar flavor is sweetened with sucralose, an artificial sweetener, while the Original flavor is unsweetened.
The Monster Lo-Carb Energy Drink is intended for adult consumption only. It should not be consumed by children, or when pregnant or nursing.
It is an energy drink that was introduced in the 2000s. The drink is marketed as being zero sugar and calorie free. It is available in a variety of flavors, including original, fruit punch, and green tea. Monster Absolutely Zero contains a blend of energizing ingredients, including caffeine, taurine, guarana, and B-vitamins.
The drink also includes the Monster Energy blend, which is a proprietary mix of herbs and nutrients. It is intended for healthy adults over the age of 18 who are looking for an energy boost. This beverage is not recommended for pregnant women or people with medical conditions.
Although both the drinks are from the same brand, there are some differences between them. Which one contains the most calories? How are the macronutrients distributed?
Here is a comparison table of the nutritional information pertaining to one can of each product which is provided in the table below.
All 3 have the same amounts of micronutrients:
All 3 have a significant amount of sodium (370-380 mg accounts for 16-17% of Daily Value).
It’s important to be aware of the risks associated with energy drinks. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health website states that energy drinks can have serious effects on health, due in part to the large amounts of caffeine they contain. It is also dangerous to mix energy drinks with alcohol or drugs.
Both of these drinks are popular beverages among people who are looking for an energy boost without a huge amount of sugars or carbs. Both versions contain caffeine, taurine, and B-vitamins, but there are some essential differences between them.
As you can see in the nutrition information table above, both alternatives have far fewer carbohydrates than the original, but Monster Absolute Zero has even fewer carbs than the Lo-Carb version (3 g vs 9 g), as well as fewer calories (10 kcal vs. 30 kcal).
In terms of taste, the low-carb version is slightly sweeter than the zero version.
The best time to drink both drinks is earlier in the day, such as in the morning or afternoon. Remember, these energy drinks are loaded with stimulants such as caffeine.
Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase alertness and energy levels. However, it can also cause sleeplessness if consumed in the late evening hours. Therefore, it is best to have these types of drinks in the morning or afternoon or timed properly before a run or your workout, when its stimulating effects can be beneficial.
Avoiding energy drinks late at night is important because they might disrupt your sleeping pattern and make it difficult for you to fall asleep due to their high caffeine content.
They should also be avoided if you are pregnant or nursing.
After comparing both the products, it is safe to say that Monster Absolutely Zero is better for a keto diet than the Lo-Carb version since it contains fewer carbs and fewer calories. One 16-oz can of Absolutely has 3 grams of carbs and no added sugars.
However, if you like the taste of Lo-Carb better, you can occasionally include it in your keto diet in moderation. Make sure to add the 9 carbs per 16-oz can to your daily carb count.
It is essential to keep in mind that while these energy drinks are ok for keto in terms of carbs, they are highly processed and not good for your health. You may want to consider caffeinated natural alternatives like tea or coffee.
Monster Absolutely Zero is lower in carbs and calories than Lo-Carb Monster, making Absolutely more keto-friendly. While either drink can be included in your diet in moderation, it’s best to avoid these highly processed beverages for cleaner, healthier eating.
Since they don’t provide much nutritional value it is best to combine them with a nutritious ketogenic meal such as chicken, pork, or seafood with veggies on the side.
