According to Norrländska Socialdemokraten, school nurse Bellami Maier Chavez at Luleå youth clinic has observed a marked increase in energy drink use over the past five years, with consumption rising sharply in the last year alone. She described seeing 12- and 13-year-olds carrying cans at secondary schools, calling the drinks a status symbol and fashion among young people. Research indicates that energy drinks are consumed in social settings, during sports, and while gaming, with strong brand awareness driven by taste and perceived value.
The relatively low price and widespread availability, along with gendered marketing, are key factors in consumption. Health experts warn of significant risks. Livsmedelsverket advises that those under 16 should not exceed 70 milligrams of caffeine daily, yet a single energy drink can contain between 80 and 200 milligrams—far more than a typical cup of coffee's 45 milligrams.
I have noticed that incredibly many more have started drinking energy drinks in the last five years.
Excessive intake can cause sleep problems, heart palpitations, dizziness, nausea, and concentration difficulties. A 15-year-old student experienced heart palpitations requiring an ambulance after consuming an energy drink and a cigarette. Researcher Mia Ericson noted that many schoolchildren replace breakfast with energy drinks, and the combination of caffeine and taurine can lead to health complications.
Doctor Kai Knudsen of Sahlgrenska Hospital said he would support an age limit of 15, warning that the drinks act like amphetamine light and pose particular risks for young people, including heart palpitations and collapse. Toxicologist Ulla Beckman Sund of the Food Administration reiterated longstanding advice that energy drinks should not replace fluids, quench thirst, or be mixed with alcohol. Beyond immediate symptoms, research links energy drink consumption to broader health deterioration.
Consumption has increased markedly in the past year.
A 2010 study in northern Sweden found that consumption may provoke various health problems in adolescents, especially when combined with other factors. Studies show associations with psychosomatic issues, anxiety, self-harm risk, suicidal thoughts, reduced sleep, and school stress. Research indicates that socioeconomic background plays a strong role: not living with both parents, lacking teacher support, negative body image, skipping school lunch, smoking, and drinking alcohol all correlate with higher consumption.
For boys, low parental and teacher support were stronger predictors, while for girls, consumption was tied to norm-breaking behavior, according to studies. Research suggests energy drink use appears to accelerate both health decline and norm-breaking over a year. Studies show young people themselves demonstrate some critical awareness of manufacturers' claims and many want better information, often through school or peer programs.
Energy drink consumption is creeping down in age; 12-13-year-olds are walking around with cans in their hands at secondary schools.
Potential interventions include age restrictions, voluntary retailer schemes, and improved labeling, according to research. However, research suggests no single factor drives consumption, meaning no simple solution exists. Studies indicate policy should target manufacturers and retailers as well as consumers, and actively involve young people.
Sweden already enforces age limits on many products. 5% requires buyers to be 20, with sellers facing fines or imprisonment for violations. Marketing must not encourage use or target those under 25.
Energy drinks are a status symbol and a fashion among young people.
Gambling ads cannot be directed at minors, though a 2021 study found two-thirds of 16-17-year-olds had seen such commercials. In late 2022, tobacco-free nicotine pouches were restricted to over-18s. Yet enforcement is inconsistent: a survey of 600 shops by Convenience Stores Sweden and the Swedish Service Station Organisation found that more than half fail to check ages for white snus purchases.
White snus use has grown popular among youth, with almost 20% of upper secondary school second-year students using it in the past month. Bengt Hedberg, CEO of Convenience Stores Sweden, said the age limit for smokeless products exists not primarily due to major health risks, but because those under 18 lack sufficient judgment to assess addiction consequences. The energy drink market continues to expand.
50 million. 53% expected through 2029. Despite this, Sweden has no national age-of-sale law for energy drinks.
Many Eastern European and Central Asian countries prohibit sales to under-18s, but Sweden relies on EU-mandated caffeine warning labels and voluntary retail policies. Some retailers restrict sales to minors voluntarily, but compliance rates are unknown. Public-health bodies in several countries advise against children consuming high-caffeine drinks.
Experts are calling for action. Mia Ericson urged caution with taurine. Doctor Kai Knudsen advocated for a 15-year age limit.