Monster launches new drink 'for women' - people are divided

An energy drink brand's attempt to be 'gender inclusive' has somewhat backfired this week, following the controversial release of a 'female' spin-off.

According to reports, Monster Energy - a much-loved caffeinated beverage firm founded over 23 years ago - is set to release a new line of sugar-free products in the coming weeks that'll go by the name 'FLRT'.

Pronounced like 'flirt', the range will reportedly be available to purchase from early next year, and is purposed at roping in more female consumers.

You know, because women previously didn't need energy? Or is it that Monster's original branding was just too startling for us gentle lady-folk? Hmm.

Anyway, the girly collection will apparently come in four different flavours - 'Strawberry Fling', 'Guava Lava', 'Berry Tempting' and 'Sunset Squeeze'.

I know, pretty different from the flavours of the original 'men's' brand, like 'Full Throttle', 'Assault' and 'Monster Mule'.

The line hasn't gone down too well with consumers (FLRT)

Each drink, coloured in shades of pink, purple and baby blue, supposedly promotes benefits like collagen and immunity support, and contains no artificial colours. On top of this, promoters are advertising the beverage as 'your new crush in a can'. Aww, I guess?

"FLRT was born from a simple idea: energy should be as vibrant, fearless, and fun as the women who drink it. Better-for-you ingredients, with zero-sugar, no crashes, and no compromises," the website's description reads.

If you hadn't sussed by the sarcastic tone of this article so far, the upcoming beverage have sparked quite the controversy online, with critics questioning whether there truly was a gap in the market for an especially-effeminate energy drink.

After the news was shared on Instagram, one user hit out: "I just want to know who was sitting in on these strategy meetings….".

Another claimed: "This is the modern version of 'Bic for Her' - ballpoint pens for women."

The drinks reportedly promote healthy hair and skin (FLRT)

"We already drink the reg ones those look cooler," a third, female user went on.

"How patronising," another complained, whilst a fifth jibed: "Can you make the captions pink and sparkly i don’t understand."

One other continued: "No one asked for ts bruh why are we over here gendering drinks."

Others, however, claimed they couldn't be more thrilled by an extension of the already-popular drinks line.

"I’d drink the guava lava thing," one pleased user confessed.

Another went on: "Now this is the new matcha."

"The girls are gonna love this," a third also predicted, whilst another continued: "Is it sus if I drink it?"

Tyla contacted Monster Energy for comment.