Energy drinks risk for teens
Jun 17, 2026, 4:09 PM
How Much Caffeine Is Really in Your Teen’s Energy Drink? Jolts of caffeine contain 2-3x the daily caffeine limit. Teens may be especially vulnerable.
Energy drinks are a $27 billion industry in the U.S., and teenagers are fueling a huge part of that growth. But a new Consumer Reports investigation should give every parent pause.
The organization tested 23 popular energy drinks and shots and found caffeine levels ranging from 76 mg to 305 mg per can. The recommended daily limit for teens? Just 100 mg. That means a single can of Bang Energy, Celsius, or Prime can deliver two to three times what’s considered safe for anyone under 18. Worse, some drinks contained up to 16% more caffeine than their labels even claimed.
Why it hits kids harder: Caffeine acts faster in younger bodies because of their smaller size and still-developing brains. And it’s not just the energy drink — teens are also loading up on caffeine from sodas, iced coffees, and even some medications. All of it adds up, and too much has been linked to insomnia, anxiety, jitters, and heart-related symptoms.
The concern is real: poison center calls involving kids under 20 and energy drink overconsumption jumped more than 20% in a single year, and ER visits by middle- and high-school students for caffeine side effects roughly doubled between 2017 and 2023.
The bottom line from doctors: The American Academy of Pediatrics says children and adolescents should avoid energy drinks entirely.
Consumer reports say that parents should be in the drivers seat. Check labels and pay attention to sleep. Using caffeine to regulate sleep can be dangerous.
Start by checking in with your kids about what they’re drinking — and read those labels together. For the full breakdown of every brand tested, check out the complete list here
