US-based restaurant chain McDonald’s is selling California-based Monster Beverage Corporation’s energy drinks on a trial basis in around 20 of its US restaurants.
The hamburger chain has not disclosed its plans of introducing energy drinks in its other outlets. It has 14,000 restaurants in the US.
The test sales in its outlets began in five states this summer.
In case the hamburger chain enters into a wider distribution agreement with Monster, it would increase sales of Monster, which is considered to be a leading energy-drink player in the US in terms of volume, The Wall Street Journal reported.
This partnership with Monster could help boost McDonald's sales, which have been on a low since the past three years as consumers are demanding other options than the regular fare.
According to a research, the US consumption of energy drinks grew by 6.4% in 2014, The Wall Street Journal reported.
In June, Coca-Cola acquired 16.7% stake in Monster for around $2.15bn as part of its diversification strategy due to dip in soda sales in the US over the last one decade.
Like carbonated drinks, energy drinks too are marred in controversy over health issues, which include deaths, heart problems and convulsions, The Wall Street Journal reported.
The American Medical Association has called for a ban on the supply of energy drinks to those younger than 18 years of age.
Monster sells low-carb, chocolate shake and coffee-based energy drinks. The company also sells beverages with flavors of tea and lemonade.
At McDonalds, Monster's beverages will be sold as part of a value meal.
Monster and other energy drink makers claim that their products are safe and contain about half as much caffeine as a coffee on a per-ounce basis, The Wall Street Journal report said.
Usually, energy drinks include ingredients such as taurine and ginseng, but until now there has been no evidence that these ingredients are harmful on their own.
CKE Restaurants Holdings had also agreed to sell Monster's energy drinks in its Carl's Jr. and Hardee's restaurant chains.
