Are Celsius drinks healthy for kids? — Malina Malkani (2024)

Teen and Tween NutritionPediatric Nutrition

Written By Malina Malkani

Are Celsius drinks healthy for kids? — Malina Malkani (1)

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In recent years, the energy drink market has seen a surge in popularity, with various brands competing for attention. Among them, Celsius energy drinks have gained significant traction in both adults and children. My girls are currently ages 14, 12, and 10 and they ask about Celsius energy drinks often, seeing them circulate constantly in the media and in their social circles.

In the realm of energy drinks, Celsius stands out for its purported focus on natural ingredients so it can seem like consuming these energy drinks would be a healthy choice for both kids and adults.

In other words, you’re not alone if you are wondering, “Are Celsius drinks a healthy choice for kids?” The short answer is no, energy drinks like Celsius are not recommended for children and especially not for children under the age of 12, and in this blog post, you’ll get a pediatric registered dietitian’s perspective on why.

We’ll cover Celsius drink side effects, Celsius drink ingredients, Celsius caffeine content, and whether Celsius energy drinks are a healthy choice for kids, so that you can make an informed decision as a parent about your child’s beverage choices.

What are Celsius drinks?

Celsius energy drinks are marketed as pre-exercise fitness drinks that claim to “accelerate metabolism, burn body fat, and provide essential energy” without the jitters or crashes associated with traditional energy drinks.

Celsius energy drink ingredients include green tea extract, ginger, and guarana. They are fortified with vitamins and minerals (including vitamins B and C and chromium), free from aspartame, and high-fructose corn syrup, and artificial preservatives (although this is debatable, given the presence of citric acid in some flavors), and sweetened with both natural sweeteners (stevia) and artificial sweeteners (erythritol).

Celsius highlights its “0 grams of sugar,” “amino acid content” (leucine, isoleucine, theanine), caffeine content, and vitamin B content to market its products as “energy-boosting, healthy energy drinks.”

For the majority of healthy adults, especially those who are trying to limit their calorie and sugar intake, drinking Celsius in moderation is likely fine and may even offer modest benefits in metabolism and performance based on small studies as long as cost isn’t a deterrent. (Celsius energy drinks are comparatively expensive, averaging about $2.50 per single can). For kids, it’s a different story.

How much caffeine is in Celsius drinks?

Celsius drinks typically contain around 200 milligrams of caffeine per 12-ounce can, which is about the same as drinking two cups of coffee, although Celsius Essentials contain about 270 mg of caffeine per 16-ounce can and Celsius Heat contains 300 mg caffeine per can (substantially more caffeine than a comparable amount of Red Bull).

One of the primary concerns with energy drinks, especially for children, is the caffeine content. Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and some other plants, like guarana. It works by blocking the action of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep and relaxation. This blocking effect leads to increased neural activity, which can help you feel more alert and awake.

The amount of caffeine in Celsius drinks is comparable to some other popular coffee or energy drinks on the market that appeal to kids, but aren’t necessarily healthy for them, such as Prime Energy Drinks. We all know how important sleep is when it comes to the health and wellness of kids, and given the potential risks of excessive caffeine intake during childhood and how deeply caffeine intake can disrupt sleep hygiene, it is important to know that according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), “stimulant-containing energy drinks have no place in the diets of children or adolescents.

What are some Celsius energy drink side effects?

Are Celsius drinks healthy for kids? — Malina Malkani (4)

Celsius energy drinks are high in caffeine, and caffeine consumption, specifically in children, can lead to sleep disturbances, increased heart rate, blood pressure and temperature, and other adverse health effects and health problems. Caffeine can increase anxiety in those with anxiety disorders and also may play a role in triggering heart arrhythmias.

Despite its claims about being a healthier beverage alternative, Celsius energy drinks may also have other potential negative side effects. Some consumers have reported experiencing jitteriness, increased heart rate, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Individual reactions to popular energy drinks and high doses of caffeine can vary depending on age, medical history, and gender.

So... should kids drink Celsius drinks?

In short, no. According to the AAP, the positive effects of caffeine on physical performance shown in adults are extremely variable, dose-dependent, and have not been studied in children and adolescents.

While Celsius distinguishes itself with natural ingredients and lower caffeine levels compared to some competitors, it's crucial for parents to exercise caution. As a registered pediatric dietitian, I understand the appeal of its claims to help boost your athlete’s energy levels and performance; however, Celsius drinks are NOT recommended for children under the age of 18.

Instead of drinking Celsius products, I recommend a balanced approach to nutrition and hydration, incorporating water and other healthy options, such as homemade electrolyte solutions using water or coconut water, a pinch of sea salt, and a touch of natural sweetener like honey or 100% juice.

If a child is involved in prolonged and intense physical activities, such as competitive sports or extended exercise lasting more than 2 hours, especially in hot weather, they might benefit from a sports drink that contains sodium, potassium, and a carbohydrate.

Pedialyle Sports Powder Packs* and Nuun Sports Hydration* dissolve in water and create a convenient sports drink that helps replenish lost electrolytes. Both are significantly lower in sugar than Gatorade or Powerade, which are other examples of sports drinks. They also do not contain sugar substitutes like those in Prime Hydration Drinks.

Are Celsius drinks healthy for kids? — Malina Malkani (5)

Pedialyte Sport Electrolyte Powder*

Are Celsius drinks healthy for kids? — Malina Malkani (6)

Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets*

For more information on your child’s nutritional needs, especially as an athlete, please check out my blog for further reading or schedule a virtual consultation with me for one-on-one advice. Please leave a comment below and share with a friend who may need this info. Thanks for reading!

Energy DrinksSports DrinksSports NutritionCaffeineSports Nutrition for Teens

Malina Malkani

Are Celsius drinks healthy for kids? — Malina Malkani (2024)

FAQs

Are Celsius drinks healthy for kids? — Malina Malkani? ›

As a registered pediatric dietitian, I understand the appeal of its claims to help boost your athlete's energy levels and performance; however, Celsius drinks are NOT recommended for children under the age of 18.

Is it OK for kids to have Celsius? ›

Is CELSIUS suitable for everyone? CELSIUS is not recommended for people sensitive to caffeine, children under the age of 18, or women who are pregnant or nursing. *CELSIUS, CELSIUS STEVIA, and CELSIUS ON-THE-GO are certified vegan.

Is Celsius actually healthy? ›

Are Celsius drinks bad for you? For most healthy individuals (healthy adults, not kids), Celsius is likely okay in moderation. But it's important to note that there's a pretty high amount of caffeine in all Celsius drinks. The can even comes with the warning “Do not exceed (2) servings per day.

Is Celsius healthier than Red Bull? ›

Celsius has significantly more ingredients than Red Bull, but two that stand out are vitamin C and green tea leaf extract. Vitamin C is a nutrient helps your body form blood vessels, cartilage, and the muscles and collagen in and around your bones. It also can improve your body's healing process (8).

Is Celsius healthier than coffee? ›

Celsius is undoubtedly the more complex choice, with added ingredients like taurine, guarana, and green tea extract that, according to the company, boosts weight loss and physical performance. But coffee contains its own beneficial substances, too, like naturally occurring antioxidants, B vitamins, and potassium.

What energy drink is safe for kids? ›

Energy drinks are not recommended for children and teens because of the amount of caffeine, sugars and other ingredients (like herbs and amino acids) they contain. Caffeine is a drug naturally found in the leaves and seeds of many plants.

What is the cleanest energy drink? ›

9 Healthy Energy Drinks to Consider
  • Guayaki Sparkling Organic Lima Limon.
  • Marquis Citrus Yuzu.
  • Zevia Energy Pineapple Paradise.
  • Ethan's Clean Energy Hydration Drink Mix.
  • Hiball Energy Seltzer Peach.
  • Clean Cause Energy Cherry Lime.
Oct 17, 2023

Is Alani or Celsius better for you? ›

You'll find trace amounts of sodium here (5 mg per serving), plus 70% of your daily vitamin C. Alani's energy drinks, however, don't have any vitamin C, and they contain 180 mg of sodium per serving. You'll also find less biotin in these cans than in Celsius', but they still have 100% of your daily value.

Why is Celsius so popular? ›

Having said this, some consumers are attracted to Celsius simply as a better-for-you option, Fieldly notes: “They consider Celsius to be a functional soda they pair with food and meals because it tastes so good, and with zero sugar, Celsius doesn't come with all the calories a traditional fountain soda could have, but ...

Is 200mg of caffeine a lot? ›

Consumption of 200 milligrams of caffeine doesn't cause any significant harmful effects in healthy people. However, a variety of factors can influence that number, including pregnancy, use of other drugs and sleep deprivation. Pregnant women are recommended not to take more than 200 mg of caffeine per day.

Does Celsius burn fat? ›

When combined with exercise, our formula is clinically proven to boost your metabolism and help you burn body fat. Whether you need an extra boost at the gym or a delicious pick-me-up to help you hustle through your workday, CELSIUS is here to help you stay active and focused on your goals.

Is Celsius better for you than Monster? ›

Therefore, Celsius may be more effective in providing an energy boost. Additionally, there is a notable difference in sugar content between the two drinks; while Celsius has zero sugar content, a 16-ounce can of Monster contains as much as 54g.

Is one energy drink a day ok? ›

“People who are young and otherwise healthy who drink energy drinks in moderation - meaning no more than one drink a day - won't experience long-term health issues due to energy drinks,” Dr. Sue said. “But patients who are hypertensive or have heart irregularities, when they take stimulants, they get more palpitations.

What is a healthier alternative to Celsius? ›

Similar to Celsius, Zoa contains essential vitamin C to boost immunity and additional B vitamins for mental energy and focus, along with potassium, magnesium for hydration, branched-chain amino acids for muscle growth support, and natural caffeine for energy.

How much sugar is in Celsius? ›

Sip on a refreshing can of cola guilt-free knowing that CELSIUS Sparkling Cola has no sugar and is low in sodium! Made with clinically proven ingredients, this carbonated flavor of CELSIUS has the perfect balance of flavor and energy that serves as an awesome pick-me-up for active lifestyles.

Is Celsius highly caffeinated? ›

As you can see, most Celsius drinks contain between 200-300 milligrams of caffeine per 12-ounce can. The amount of caffeine in Celsius products doesn't change with different flavors, so all Celsius Original flavors contain 200 milligrams of caffeine, all Celsius Heat flavors contain 300 milligrams, and so forth.

Why can't people under 18 drink Celsius? ›

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, individuals between the ages of 12 and 18 should not consume more than 100 mg of caffeine a day, and it even recommends that adolescents avoid energy drinks altogether. Three cans of Celsius is the equivalent of 600 mg of caffeine.

What degree Celsius for kids? ›

Healthy children have a body temperature between 36.5°C (97.7°F) and 37.5°C (99.5°F). This temperature changes over the course of the day: It is usually about 0.5°C higher in the evening than it is in the morning. Temperatures between 37.5 (99.5°F) and 38.5°C (101.3°F) are referred to as an elevated body temperature.

Is it bad for 13 year olds to drink energy drinks? ›

The current recommendation for adolescents ages 12-18 is less than 100 mg of caffeine per day, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Energy drinks can contain 100-200 mg of caffeine per serving. Consuming high amounts of caffeine can be risky for adolescents.

Can 12 year olds drink prime hydration? ›

For children (9-13 years old) the Recommended Daily Intake of Vitamin A is 600µg, which is significantly less than what is contained in a single 500mL bottle of PRIME Hydration. Labelling on the PRIME Hydration drinks suggest that these drinks shouldn't be consumed by children under 15 years.

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