Swedish authorities, led by the National Food Agency, are launching a Nordic research project to understand why teenagers prefer energy drinks over soda. Youth aged 15 to 19 will be involved to propose measures to lower consumption. The project is led from Sweden and expected to conclude in 2027 or early 2028.
Last week, the National Food Agency (Livsmedelsverket) proposed that people under 16 should not consume more than 70 milligrams of caffeine per day. However, a typical can of energy drink contains 80 to 200 milligrams of caffeine, posing potential health risks for youth.
To address this, the agency is now initiating a Nordic research project focused on why young people drink energy drinks. Youth aged 15 to 19 will participate actively. They will review results from a preliminary study, meet experts, and under the guidance of facilitators, discuss solutions to reduce consumption.
"They will take part in the results of a preliminary study, meet experts, and then together with discussion leaders discuss a solution," says the agency's toxicologist Sabina Litens Karlsson.
The project is led from Sweden as a collaboration among Nordic countries. The aim is to develop concrete proposals based on the youth's own perspectives, which could lead to better guidelines and campaigns against energy drink consumption among teenagers. The background is a rising trend where energy drinks are chosen over traditional soda, despite higher caffeine content and potential effects on sleep and health.
