McDonald’s Starts Selling Monster Energy Drinks

OAK BROOK, Ill. — McDonald's Corp. is testing sales of Monster energy drinks in approximately 20 U.S. restaurants across five states, according to a Nasdaq report. The company did not comment on whether it planned to expand the test, which began this summer.

"We're always gathering feedback from customers on the food and beverages they'd like to be served at McDonald's and this is another example," the company said.

The test follows The Coca-Cola Co.'s June acquisition of a 16.7-percent stake in Monster Beverage Corp. McDonald's has a long-term beverage supply contract with Coca-Cola and sells its sodas as well as Dasani water and Minute Maid juice, according to the report.

Restaurants participating in the test are selling 16-ounce cans of Monster for $2.29 or two cans for $4. Test restaurants are located in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan and Ohio.

McDonald's declined to comment on health concerns regarding energy drinks or potential age restrictions on energy drink sales. Coca-Cola and Monster declined to comment on the test.

Other fast-food restaurants that offer Monster include Carl's Jr. and Hardee's, both owned by CKE Restaurant Holdings Inc., which added Monster to its menu in 2009.