Schools Clash with Energy Drinks

The energy drink market continues to grow rapidly, with sales in the U.S. surging from $12 billion to $19 billion over the past five years. Companies are targeting health-conscious consumers by offering no-sugar, low-calorie drinks that promise to boost energy while replenishing fluids with electrolytes. The trend has raised concerns about excessive caffeine consumption in children and teenagers, leading to some schools banning such beverages. Although energy drink cans often label that they're "not recommended for children under 18", many students, parents, and school officials confuse these with caffeine-free sports drinks. Despite the American Beverage Association voluntarily agreeing to label the amount of caffeine in products and not recommending them for children, critics argue that some energy drinks are still appealing to younger customers.