Young people consume large amounts of energy drinks and many already report feeling dependent on them – THL recommends banning sales to under-18s
According to the Youth Nutrition Survey conducted by THL, 67% of young people aged 12–20 reported consuming energy drinks at least occasionally, 42% at least once a week, 15% 3–5 times per week, and 6% daily or almost daily. Consumption levels were similar among girls and boys. Many young people who consume energy drinks report feeling dependent on them or otherwise feel they drink too much.
Energy drinks were consumed at different times of the day, but particularly in the afternoon and early evening. Boys in particular also consumed energy drinks in the evening.
“Young people justify their use of energy drinks by aiming to increase alertness, but high consumption, especially in the evening, may have the opposite effect – impairing sleep and increasing fatigue,” says research manager Sari Niinistö.
“If energy drinks replace meals, such as breakfast or school lunch, the quality of the diet deteriorates, which in turn affects energy levels and concentration,” she continues.
Energy drinks pose health risks to young people
Energy drink consumption among children and young people has been associated with several adverse health effects, including increased blood pressure, changes in heart rate and palpitations, dental health problems, sleep disturbances, various psychological symptoms, and poorer self-perceived health.
Among young people, energy drink consumption is also linked to headaches, abdominal pain, and stress. Sleep disturbances contribute to difficulties in concentration and learning.
These adverse health effects are largely due to the high levels of caffeine and acids in energy drinks, as well as, in some cases, high sugar content.
According to the Youth Nutrition Survey, 78% of caffeine intake among energy drink users under 18 came from energy drinks.
A safe daily intake of caffeine for under-18s is considered to be less than 3 mg/kg. In the survey, this threshold was exceeded by 9% of girls and 17% of boys who consumed energy drinks, when caffeine intake from other beverages was also taken into account.
A large proportion of energy drink consumers perceived their consumption as excessive or reported some degree of dependency. Among those consuming energy drinks at least once a week, 24% felt they drank too much. In addition, 70% reported experiencing dependency on energy drinks.
“The results raise concern and show the need for prevention and youth-targeted information on the effects of caffeine and the risks associated with its use. Effective prevention also requires more detailed knowledge of the factors that promote and prevent energy drink consumption,” says research manager Susanna Raulio.
THL supports banning the sale of energy drinks to children under 18 years
In addition to individual factors, energy drink consumption is influenced by product availability, pricing, portion sizes, and sales-related practices and guidelines.
THL already recommended over ten years ago that sales of energy drinks should be restricted for those under 15. According to this and other Finnish studies, that has not been sufficient to curb rising consumption among young people.
THL supports legislation that would ban the sale of energy drinks to individuals under 18. There is also a need to restrict the marketing of unhealthy foods targeted at children and young people. Together, these measures would support the health and wellbeing of children and young people in a broad way.
THL conducted the Youth Nutrition Survey in schools and educational institutions during the 2024–2025 academic year. The survey included 22 municipalities from across Finland. Participants were recruited by class or group from grades 7–9 of lower secondary school and from the first and second years of upper secondary education.
The study on food consumption and nutrient intake included a background questionnaire and two dietary interviews. In total, 1,975 young people participated in the interviews (33% of those invited), and 1,839 completed the background questionnaire (31% of those invited).
The first results of the Youth Nutrition Survey will be published during the summer and autumn.
Source:
Raulio S, Haario P, Takkinen H-M, Ahonen S, Hulshof I, Virtanen SM, Niinistö S. (2026) Energy drink consumption and caffeine intake among young people – results from the Youth Nutrition Survey (in Finnish). Research in brief 18/2026. Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki.
Further information:
Susanna Raulio
Research Manager
THL
tel. +358 29 524 8574
[email protected]
Sari Niinistö
Research Manager
THL
tel. +358 29 524 7249
[email protected]
Peppi Haario
Senior Researcher
THL
tel. +358 29 524 7672
[email protected]