Key takeaways
- The UK government wants to ban sales of high-caffeine energy drinks in England: addressing health concerns
- Other markets in Europe have already made similar moves
- A consultation into the proposals launches this week: with manufacturers, health experts and other stakeholders encouraged to respond
Many major retailers already restrict sales voluntarily: but many smaller convenience stores continue to sell such drinks to children.
The ban would affect drinks containing 150mg caffeine per liter or more: and would apply in shops, restaurants, online, cafes and to vending machines.
It comes as pressure gathers across Europe to limit sales of energy drinks to children: several countries have already introduced similar restrictions.
Consultation launch
A ban on energy drink sales was part of the Labour Party’s 2024 election campaign: with the party elected into power in July 2024.
The government has now launched a consultation into its planned ban: the consultation will run for 12 weeks and gather evidence from manufacturers, health experts, education leaders, retailers, local enforcement authorities and the public.
Around 100,000 children consume at least one high caffeine energy drink each day. These are stimulating beverages that often include caffeine, taurine, vitamins and other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect.
They have long come under fire for the appeal they often hold for children: with high levels of sugar, caffeine and artificial ingredients.
A 250ml energy drink typically contains around 80mg of caffeine (comparable to a cup of coffee or three cans of cola). However, larger sizes can deliver a much larger caffeine punch, while children are often unaware that there should be a limit on how much they consume.
Energy drinks also typically contain around 65% more sugar than regular soft drinks.
The government estimates that – in stopping retailers from selling energy drinks to children – it can prevent obesity in up to 40,000 children and deliver health benefits worth ‘tens of millions of pounds’.
How much caffeine is in an energy drink?
- One 250 ml can of Red Bull contains 80 mg of caffeine, about the same amount as in a cup of home-brewed coffee. That equates to 320g per liter.
- Larger serving sizes mean consumers may consume more caffeine in one sitting: Monster Energy Original Green 500ml contains 160g of caffeine; also equating to 320g per liter.
Dr Kawther Hashem, Head of Research and Impact at Action on Sugar, Queen Mary University of London, welcomes the government’s consultation on high-caffeine energy drink sales.
“These drinks are unnecessary, harmful, and should never have been so easily available to children,” she said.
“The free sugars in these products increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and tooth decay: while the high caffeine content can harm young people’s mental health and wellbeing. By ensuring the ban applies across vending machines and convenience stores, the government has the chance to close loopholes and make this policy effective.”
She adds, however, that the success of the policy will depend on enforcement: which may be particularly difficult when it comes to vending machine sales.
Meanwhile, Dr Charlotte Eckhardt, the Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, calls for the UK to go further and expand its sugar tax for maximum effect (a consultation into the expansion of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy ended in July).
“High-caffeine drinks are often packed with sugar, with one popular brand containing the equivalent of nearly 14 teaspoons in a single can,” she said.
“In 2024, tooth decay was the cause of 62% of child tooth extractions, costing the NHS [National Health Service] £45.8m ($61.3m). Reducing this figure is critical not only for the health of future generations, but also our dental services.
“While the ban is welcome, it cannot stand alone. The Faculty of Dental Surgery calls for the expansion of the Soft Drinks Industry Levy, including expanding the levy to include milk-based drinks, and lowering the threshold to 4g of sugar per 100ml. This would be a significant step forward in protecting children’s oral health in England.”
The British Soft Drinks Association, meanwhile, points to voluntary efforts made by the industry for years.
“Our members have led the way in self regulation through our long-standing energy drinks Code of Practice,” British Soft Drinks Association Director General, Gavin Partington, said.
“Our members do not market or promote the sale of energy drinks to under 16s and label all high-caffeine beverages as ‘not recommended for children’, in line with and in the spirit of this Code.
“As with all government policy, it’s essential that any forthcoming regulation is based on a rigorous assessment of the evidence that’s available.”
Long road to energy drink children ban
- The Conservative government made plans to ban energy drink sales to children in 2018 : but these never got past the consultation phase.
- The Scottish Government consulted on the same issue in 2023, but did not move ahead with the ban
