Sports drinks help to hydrate and replace electrolytes that may have been lost during physical activity. Energy drinks make the consumer feel more energized by using a stimulant, caffeine. They are not meant for hydration and should not be used as a sports drink.
Energy Drinks
Energy drinks are sweetened beverages that contain high amounts of caffeine and other supplemental ingredients. They may have added vitamins, herbal extracts, or amino acids. Though these ingredients may sound healthy, there are risks especially for children and teens. From exceeding daily recommended intakes of vitamins, to interacting with medications, to unexpected side effects – energy drinks aren’t without risks.
Energy drinks are not recommended for children or adolescents. If teens do choose to consume energy drinks, talk to them about the risks and encourage them to do so responsibly and in moderation.
Did you know?
Energy drinks are not the same as coffee or soda. Their marketing makes them seem fun and harmless but as little as one beverage can have adverse effects, especially on children and teens.
Energy drinks are marketed to increase energy, alertness, and concentration. Some are even marketed as a way to get fit or fuel your exercise – but they are not like sports drinks either.
How are energy drinks different from sports drinks?
Health Canada advises that these products should not be used by anyone under 14, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or people who are sensitive to caffeine. Energy drinks have been associated with negative health effects in children, teens, and people with pre-existing health conditions, especially when consumed in excess. Many of their ingredients have not been well studied.
If teens choose to consume energy drinks, Health Canada suggests no more than 2.5 mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight. For a child that weighs 45 kg (100 pounds), they should consume no more than 113 mg of caffeine. This applies to all sources of caffeine, including coffee, tea, chocolate, and soft drinks. Energy drinks are supposed to contain 180 mg or less per serving, but some beverages on the market exceed this allowable limit.
It’s also important to consider personal tolerance and to watch for symptoms.
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- Fast heart rate or heart palpitations
- Headaches
- Increased anxiety, irritability, or mood swings
- Restlessness or jitteriness
- Heart and blood pressure issues
- Energy drinks can cause rapid heart rates, increase blood pressure, and in some cases, more severe cardiovascular problems.
- Sleep disruption
- Caffeine can interfere with normal sleep patterns, which are critical for growth and brain development.
- Anxiety and mood changes
- Caffeine may increase anxiety and irritability or may worsen existing mental health conditions.
- Medication interactions
- Certain ingredients in energy drinks may interact with prescription medication, over-the-counter medications, and other substances.
- Serious health effects
- Consuming energy drinks rapidly, in excess, or mixing with exercise or alcohol can increase health risks.
While there is no legal age restriction to buy energy drinks in Ontario, schools are not permitted to sell energy drinks on school property. Energy drinks are considered “supplemented foods” under Canadian law, and new labelling rules will take effect in January 2026 will require clear information on caffeine and other added ingredients.
Caffeinated energy drinks | Health Canada
Learn more about energy drinks regulation in Canada.
Caffeine in Foods | Health Canada
Learn more about caffeine content in foods and beverages and recommended limits.
Talking to teens about energy drinks | Northern Health Stories
Practical tips and conversation starters to help parents discuss energy drink use with their teens.
Learn about Canada’s supplemented foods labelling (video) | Health Canada
A short video explaining new Canadian labelling rules for caffeinated and supplemented foods, including energy drinks (coming in 2026).
Contact Us
Huron Perth Public Health
Huron Office
77722B London Road, RR #5, Clinton, ON
N0M 1L0
Perth Office
653 West Gore St., Stratford ON N5A 1L4
Toll-free 1-888-221-2133
askhpph@hpph.ca