Kona Blend Energy Drink

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Kona Blend Energy Drink scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Glucose): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Artificial Sweeteners (Sucralose): Synthetic sweeteners are definitive UPF markers.
• Natural Flavors (Brewed Coffee (Filtered Water, Coffee), Natural Flavors): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
• Other Additives (Taurine, Caffeine): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
• Stabilizers & Gums (Microcrystalline Cellulose, Carrageenan, Sodium Alginate): Industrial stabilizers common in UPF.

Within Soda, this product is more processed than about 64% of the 6,804 products we've analyzed.

Processing classification reflects ingredient and additive analysis, not a judgment of any product's safety, quality, or healthfulness.

What These Ingredients Tell Us

We group Kona Blend Energy Drink's ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Sugar, Maltodextrin. Monster Energy Blend: Glucose, Maltodextrin.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Sodium Citrate, Tricalcium Phosphate.

Added minerals often compensate for processing.

Synthetic VitaminsProcessing indicator

In this product: Ascorbic Acid (Vit. C), Niacinamide (Vit. B3), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vit. B6), Riboflavin (Vit. B2).

Fortification often compensates for processing losses.