Energy drinks and children
Energy drinks now represents 6% of total soft drinks sales in the UK in 2018, with revenues exceeding £2 billion. Consumption of energy drinks by children is a public health concern and is associated with headaches,
fatigue, tooth decay and type 2 diabetes.
Energy drinks are defined as soft drinks that are high in caffeine (over 150mg/litre). Over half of energy drinks products in 2015 & 2017 were also high in sugar. Parents and teachers support a ban on sales of energy drinks to children, linked to physical symptoms and adverse effects on behaviour. In 2018 all major UK supermarkets as well as the members of the Federation of Independent Retailers in Scotland introduced a voluntary ban on sales of energy drinks to under-16s, thus acknowledging that these products are potentially harmful to children. Read more about the energy drinks market, current regulation and public opinions in our energy drinks and children briefing.
Associated links, blogs, videos and publications
Publications
Our response to Scottish Government consultation on Ending the Sale of Energy Drinks to Children and Young People
Our response - Ending the sale of energy drinks to children (England)
Energy drinks and children
Obesity and Labelling - A Briefing
Reformulation - A Briefing
Soft Drinks Industry Levy - A Factsheet
Public support for healthy weight policies
Primary School Meals Report 2021