Monster to Change Label to be Categorized as Drink

CORONA, Calif. -- Changes are coming to Monster energy drink cans.

Monster Beverage Corp. is changing the labeling on its cans so that its energy drinks will no longer be considered dietary supplements and instead be in line with the federal guidelines that drinks must follow. A report in Beverage Digest said the cans will now list "Nutrition Facts" instead of "Supplement Facts." They will also now feature the caffeine content.

The move comes as the Food and Drug Administration begins to take a closer look at energy drinks after several reported deaths linked to the products, as CSNews Online previously reported.

The change also sheds light on the confusion consumers may encounter when it comes to checking the labels on energy drinks. Currently, companies have the choice to categorize their products as either dietary supplements or traditional drinks, the news agency reported. For example, Monster has been categorized as a dietary supplement, but Red Bull is categorized as a traditional beverage.

A spokesman for Monster Beverage was not able to confirm the report in Beverage Digest or whether the Corona, Calif.-based company will remove any ingredients as a result of the reported labeling changes.