New Report

More than one in three young people drink energy drinks, and many risk sleep disturbances

Sales of energy drinks have risen significantly in recent years, and many young people drink so much that it can disrupt their sleep, according to a new study from the DTU National Food Institute.

Hands of two young people holding a beverage can
Between 2010 and 2024, sales of energy drinks rose from 0.8 to 10.1 litres per capita per year, representing an increase of almost 1200%. Photo: Colourbox

Thursday 16 April 2026

Lene Hundborg Koss

The DTU National Food Institute has analysed Danes’ intake of caffeine and energy drinks for the Danish Veterinary, Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Agency, with a particular focus on children and young people. The study is based on data from The Danish National Survey of Diet and Physical Activity (DANSDA) 2021–2024.

The study shows that 15% of young people (aged 10–17) drink energy drinks regularly. 

Overall caffeine intake among young people is generally low. However, among those who regularly drink energy drinks, many consume so much caffeine from these drinks that it can affect their sleep.

Young people exceed EFSA’s caffeine intake limits

Among regular consumers of energy drinks aged 10 to 17, 88% exceed the caffeine limit established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) at least once a week, which may cause sleep disturbances.

“We are particularly concerned about young people who regularly drink energy drinks. They are typically the ones who frequently exceed the limits at which caffeine intake can cause sleep disturbances and become generally harmful to health, leading to symptoms such as palpitations, headaches and restlessness,” says Anja Biltoft-Jensen, senior researcher at the DTU National Food Institute.  

According to EFSA, children and young people should consume no more than 3 mg of caffeine per kg of body weight per day. However, even a single intake of 1.4 mg of caffeine per kg of body weight close to bedtime can affect sleep. 

This means, for example, that a 14-year-old weighing 52 kg who drinks half a litre of energy drink containing around 160 mg of caffeine in a single serving will exceed EFSA’s limits for both sleep disturbance and general adverse health effects. 

“It can become a vicious circle if you drink energy drinks to stay awake. When the effect wears off, you can become even more tired, and therefore drink more energy drinks. But the need for sleep doesn’t just disappear,” says Anja Biltoft-Jensen. 

In addition to sleep disturbances, previous studies have shown that the most common side effects after drinking energy drinks are restlessness and palpitations.

 

Findings from the study

  • Among young people (aged 10–17) and adults (aged 18–44) who regularly consume energy drinks, these drinks account for 53% and 33% respectively of their usual caffeine intake. 
  • From 2010 to 2024, sales of energy drinks rose from 0.8 to 10.1 litres per capita per year, representing an increase of almost 1200%.
  • Among 10–17-year-olds who do not drink energy drinks regularly, it is typically soft drinks such as cola, and coffee that contribute to their caffeine intake.
  • Among 10–17-year-olds who regularly drink energy drinks, 88% exceed the EFSA’s caffeine limit, which can cause sleep disturbances, at least once a week.
  • Usual daily caffeine intake increased with age, from a low intake among children (4-9 years, 13 mg/day) and adolescents (10-17 years, 42 mg/day) to a higher intake among adults (18-44 years, 175 mg/day) and middle-aged/older adults (45-81 years, 252 mg/day). Caffeine came primarily from soft drinks among children and adolescents (43–53%) and from coffee among adults and middle-aged/older adults (74–86%). 
  • The proportion of Danes who drink energy drinks has risen significantly between 2013/2014 and 2024. Among children aged 7-12, the figure rose from 1-4%; among young people aged 10-17, from 31-38%; and among adults aged 18-65, from 12-31%. 
  • Among 4-14-year-olds, 14% drink energy drinks, even though they are advised to avoid them.

Caffeine from energy drinks is added to other sources of caffeine among children and young people

Exceeding the EFSA’s upper limits for caffeine intake is particularly common among 10–17-year-olds who regularly drink energy drinks. Many children and young people add caffeine from energy drinks to their overall diet, which increases the risk of consuming too much. 

Caffeine from soft drinks and energy drinks together accounts for almost 80% of caffeine intake among 10–17-year-olds who regularly drink energy drinks.

A psychoactive substance

Caffeine is a psychoactive substance that affects the brain and can alter behaviour and mood. Children and young people may be more sensitive to the effects of caffeine, partly because their brains are still developing.

“Caffeine increases dopamine production, which can contribute to the development of addiction. And we do not yet know what long-term consequences the increased dopamine production and the associated reward effect may have for children and young people,” says Lea Bredsdorff, Senior Advisor at the DTU National Food Institute. 

Energy drinks for breakfast

60% of those who regularly drink energy drinks across all age groups consume them as a snack, whilst 40% drink them with a main meal. 

“What surprises me most is that 12% of those who drink energy drinks actually drink them for breakfast. From a nutritional point of view, that’s a really bad start to the day,” says Anja Biltoft-Jensen, senior researcher at the DTU Food Institute. 

The average energy drink intake at a meal is around 300 ml, whilst high single intakes can exceed 700 ml.

The researchers conclude in the study that healthy beverage choices should be promoted, particularly during between-meal snacking, when energy drink consumption is highest.

Targeted preventive measures, such as a statutory age limit for purchase, restrictions on advertising aimed at children and young people, clear warning labels regarding caffeine content, and taxes on energy drinks, are likely to reduce the risk of exceeding EFSA’s caffeine limits.

Read more

Read the report (in Danish) Koffein- og energidrikkeindtag i Danmark medfokus på børn og unge (Caffeine and energy drink consumption in Denmark with a focus on children and young people, red.) and the Fact Sheet about the report.

Read about The Research Group for Nutrition, Sustainability and Health Promotion. 

Contact

Anja Pia Biltoft-Jensen

Anja Pia Biltoft-Jensen Senior Researcher DTU National Food Institute

Lea Bredsdorff

Lea Bredsdorff Senior adviser DTU National Food Institute

Food production Nutrition and dietary habits Food safety