Finland’s health authority proposes legal ban on energy drink sales to under-18s
Wednesday 3rd June 2026 on 23:15 in
Finland
Finland’s National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) is pushing for a legal ban on selling energy drinks to anyone under 18, citing sharp increases in consumption among minors and widespread reports of dependence, the public broadcaster Yle reports.
The proposal follows THL’s latest youth nutrition study, which found that one in six underage boys exceeds safe daily caffeine limits—defined as less than 3 mg per kilogram of body weight. Among girls of the same age, 9 percent surpassed the threshold. For those consuming energy drinks, nearly 80 percent of their caffeine intake came directly from these products.
Susanna Raulio, THL’s research manager, warned that excessive energy drink consumption is linked to elevated blood pressure, heart palpitations, dental problems, sleep disturbances, psychological symptoms, and perceived poor health. “We’ve also seen connections to headaches, stomach pain, and stress,” she said.
The study revealed that 67 percent of 12- to 20-year-olds drink energy drinks at least occasionally, with 42 percent consuming them weekly. Among regular users, one in four admitted drinking too much, while 70 percent reported some degree of dependence—a trend Raulio called “alarming.”
Energy drink use has surged particularly among girls: weekly consumption by 15-year-old girls sextupled between 2014 and 2022. Boys, however, tend to drink larger quantities. Many minors also replace meals with energy drinks, creating a cycle of poor sleep, skipped breakfasts, and further reliance on the beverages.
THL previously recommended restricting sales to under-15s, but Raulio said voluntary measures have failed. “Usage has grown so significantly that we now need a legal ban,” she stated, noting that retailers have also called for clearer regulations to avoid inconsistent enforcement.
The study, conducted in 22 municipalities during the 2024–2025 school year, surveyed students in grades 7–9 and first- and second-year upper-secondary programs.