Health

England to Ban High-Caffeine Energy Drinks for Children Under 16

The UK government has confirmed that from April 2027, energy drinks containing more than 150 mg of caffeine per liter will be illegal to sell to anyone under 16 in England, a move backed by growing evidence of their negative health effects on young people.

• The ban applies to drinks such as Red Bull, Monster, and Prime that exceed 150 mg of caffeine per liter, roughly the equivalent of a standard cup of strong coffee. The law will cover sales in shops, supermarkets, vending machines, and online retailers.
• Research shows that high-caffeine energy drink consumption among children is linked to sleep disruption, anxiety, headaches, increased heart rate, and poorer academic performance. A 2025 government consultation found that teenagers who regularly consume energy drinks are 35 percent more likely to report mental health difficulties.
• England joins Scotland and several other European countries that have already restricted energy drink sales to minors. The government has given retailers a 9-month transition period from July 2026 to April 2027 to adapt labeling and point-of-sale systems before enforcement begins.