Flavor Review
Monster Energy Vanilla Shot Review: Cody Ranks It Against OG and Strawberry Shot
Monster puts a vanilla twist on its original formula with Vanilla Shot, and Bevlab's Cody ranks it against the OG and Strawberry Shot.
Monster's new Monster Energy Vanilla Shot adds a vanilla flavor to the original green-can lineup. Monster describes it as the original formula with a creamy vanilla twist, and it comes in the same 16 fl oz can as the classic Monster Energy Drink.
Vanilla Shot follows Strawberry Shot, and it comes in two versions: the full-sugar can and a Zero Sugar Vanilla Shot. Both Shot flavors build on the OG instead of starting from scratch. So Cody put them up against the original in a quick Bevlab taste test to see whether either one beats it.
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Cody's take is simple. Vanilla Shot tastes like a toned-down OG with vanilla on top. He found that the vanilla plays well with the carbonation instead of fighting it, and the can ends up with a creamy feel.
Strawberry Shot didn't do as well. Cody found it a bit too sweet, and that decided the ranking:
- Original Monster Energy (OG)
- Vanilla Shot
- Strawberry Shot
That's a strong result for a flavor extension. Vanilla Shot beat the flavor that came before it and finished right behind the can it's based on. If the original green Monster hits a little hard for you, Cody's notes suggest Vanilla Shot gives you the same basic profile with softer edges.
These are Cody's impressions. Taste is personal, and sweetness tolerance matters a lot here: if Strawberry Shot already tasted right to you, you might rank these differently.
Vanilla Shot has started showing up at grocery retailers. The PricePlow-powered buttons on this page show current pricing and availability.
Quick Formula Check
Monster says Vanilla Shot is built on the original formula, so the active lineup should match the classic green can. The numbers below come from the original Monster Energy Drink label. Vanilla Shot's sugar and calorie counts may be a little different, and the Zero Sugar version drops the sugar. For the full ingredient-by-ingredient breakdown, read our Monster Energy Drink explainer.
- Caffeine (160mg) - The main energy driver, and a moderate dose for a 16 fl oz can. It works out to 10mg per fluid ounce.
- Guarana extract - A plant caffeine source. It counts toward the 160mg total and doesn't add caffeine on top of it.
- Taurine - Part of the classic Monster Energy Blend. It may support muscle performance alongside caffeine. Monster doesn't disclose the dose.
- Panax ginseng extract - Ginseng research has looked at memory and perceived fatigue. The dose isn't listed, so treat it as a supporting ingredient.
- L-Carnitine L-Tartrate - Helps move fats into your cells to be burned for energy. The dose isn't disclosed.
- Glucuronolactone - A longtime energy drink ingredient that researchers almost always study together with caffeine and taurine. The label doesn't give an amount.
- Inositol - Part of the Monster Energy Blend since launch. The dose isn't listed, and the direct effect at drink-level amounts is likely small.
- Sugar (54g added sugar in the original) - Sucrose and dextrose give the can its sweetness and fast fuel. Vanilla Shot's number may differ.
- B vitamins - The original can lists Niacin at 46mg (290% DV), Vitamin B6 at 4.6mg (270% DV), Vitamin B12 at 13mcg (540% DV), and Riboflavin at 3.6mg (280% DV).
- Other ingredients - Carbonated water, citric acid, natural flavors, sodium citrate, added color, sucralose, salt, sorbic acid, benzoic acid, and maltodextrin handle taste, fizz, and shelf life.
Overall, this is the same 160mg, full-sugar Monster formula that people have been drinking for more than two decades, with a vanilla flavor. If you liked how the OG works for you, nothing here should surprise you.
Where Vanilla Shot Fits in the Lineup
Vanilla Shot is the latest flavor built on the original Monster formula, not part of a separate sub-line. That's why it's fair to compare it straight against the green can. If you want less sugar, the Zero Sugar Vanilla Shot keeps the flavor name, and the Monster Ultra lineup is the other zero-sugar option in Monster's fridge.
- Vanilla Shot (Not in stock at any PricePlow partner stores)
- Original (24 16oz Cans: $50.75)
Who Should Grab a Can
Vanilla Shot is for people who like the original Monster but want it smoother and creamier. If Strawberry Shot was too sweet for you, this is the one to try next.
