England is set to outlaw the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks like Red Bull to anyone under 16, the government said Wednesday, unveiling a new plan aimed at curbing health risks among young people.
"By preventing shops from selling these drinks to kids, we're helping build the foundations for healthier and happier generations to come," health minister Wes Streeting said in a statement.
Officials estimate that up to a third of teenagers aged 13 to 16 in England consume energy drinks, many of which pack more caffeine than two cups of coffee, despite supermarkets already operating a voluntary ban.
"How can we expect children to do well at school if they have the equivalent of a double espresso in their system on a daily basis?" Streeting asked.
"We're acting on the concerns of parents and teachers and tackling the root causes of poor health and educational attainment head on," he added.
The proposal will now undergo a 12-week consultation, gathering input from health experts, the public, retailers, and manufacturers.
At present, drinks containing more than 150 milligrams of caffeine per litre must carry a label warning that they are not suitable for children.
"Energy drinks might seem harmless, but the sleep, concentration and wellbeing of today's kids are all being impacted, while high sugar versions damage their teeth and contribute to obesity," Streeting said.
Energy drinks are typically marketed as products that boost alertness, stamina, and performance, but their contents raise concerns for younger consumers. Along with high levels of caffeine, they often contain stimulants such as guarana and taurine, which can amplify caffeine’s effects and place extra strain on the heart and nervous system.
Research has linked frequent consumption in adolescents to higher risks of headaches, stomach problems, palpitations, and even risky behaviours when combined with alcohol.
Another issue is that teenagers often underestimate how much caffeine they are consuming. A single large can may contain well over an adult’s recommended daily limit, yet packaging and branding can make these drinks seem no more harmful than soft drinks.
Critics argue that children are especially vulnerable to this kind of marketing, as bright designs and associations with sports or gaming normalise heavy consumption.
For these reasons, several countries, including Lithuania and Latvia, have already restricted sales of energy drinks to minors, and others, such as Norway and Sweden, enforce partial bans or warning labels.
"By preventing shops from selling these drinks to kids, we're helping build the foundations for healthier and happier generations to come," health minister Wes Streeting said in a statement.
Officials estimate that up to a third of teenagers aged 13 to 16 in England consume energy drinks, many of which pack more caffeine than two cups of coffee, despite supermarkets already operating a voluntary ban.
"How can we expect children to do well at school if they have the equivalent of a double espresso in their system on a daily basis?" Streeting asked.
"We're acting on the concerns of parents and teachers and tackling the root causes of poor health and educational attainment head on," he added.
The proposal will now undergo a 12-week consultation, gathering input from health experts, the public, retailers, and manufacturers.
At present, drinks containing more than 150 milligrams of caffeine per litre must carry a label warning that they are not suitable for children.
"Energy drinks might seem harmless, but the sleep, concentration and wellbeing of today's kids are all being impacted, while high sugar versions damage their teeth and contribute to obesity," Streeting said.
Energy drinks are typically marketed as products that boost alertness, stamina, and performance, but their contents raise concerns for younger consumers. Along with high levels of caffeine, they often contain stimulants such as guarana and taurine, which can amplify caffeine’s effects and place extra strain on the heart and nervous system.
Research has linked frequent consumption in adolescents to higher risks of headaches, stomach problems, palpitations, and even risky behaviours when combined with alcohol.
Another issue is that teenagers often underestimate how much caffeine they are consuming. A single large can may contain well over an adult’s recommended daily limit, yet packaging and branding can make these drinks seem no more harmful than soft drinks.
Critics argue that children are especially vulnerable to this kind of marketing, as bright designs and associations with sports or gaming normalise heavy consumption.
For these reasons, several countries, including Lithuania and Latvia, have already restricted sales of energy drinks to minors, and others, such as Norway and Sweden, enforce partial bans or warning labels.
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