A Texas teen's death linked to energy drink caffeine has renewed concerns about the safety of caffeinated beverages for young people, with a lawsuit alleging excessive caffeine contributed to the death and grieving families calling for stronger safeguards; the case also recalls Anais Fournier's 2011 death to highlight potential preventable risks.
McDonald's will roll out refreshers and crafted sodas nationwide starting in May, with energy drinks to follow later this year, as part of a broader beverage push after the CosMc's closure; reports note possible items like a Dirty Dr Pepper and Mango Pineapple Refresher and indicate pricing may undercut rivals such as Starbucks and Dutch Bros.
McDonald's will roll out refreshers and crafted sodas in the U.S. this month after testing via the CosMc’s concept, with items like Dirty Dr Pepper and Mango Pineapple Refresher. Energy drinks are planned for August, and pricing is expected to be below rivals to support a broader value strategy aimed at attracting price-conscious diners.
The parents of 17-year-old Larissa Rodriguez filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against Glazer's Beer and Beverage, alleging Alani Nu energy drinks contributed to her fatal cardiomyopathy from excessive caffeine, citing inadequate warnings on the cans and marketing aimed at youth; they seek $1 million in damages and expect additional defendants.
The family of 17-year-old Larissa Rodriguez filed a wrongful-death lawsuit in Hidalgo County, Texas, alleging her death was caused by an enlarged heart due to excessive caffeine from Alani Nu energy drinks and accusing the distributor of inadequate warnings; the suit seeks more than $1 million and notes the drink contains 200 mg of caffeine per 12-ounce can, with marketing to youths cited as a concern, while Celsius owns Alani Nu and additional defendants may be added as the case proceeds.
Paraxanthine, the body’s primary byproduct when caffeine is metabolized, is being added directly to some coffees and energy drinks as a potential caffeine substitute. Brands promise steadier, “clean” energy with fewer jitters, but evidence is limited to small studies and long‑term human data are scarce. Regulators in Europe are evaluating paraxanthine as a novel food, and many products deliver about 200–300 mg per serving, raising questions about total daily stimulant intake. While early research hints paraxanthine could match or even exceed caffeine for certain cognitive benefits, it is not yet proven to be safer or more effective, so cautious use—lower doses, avoiding late-day consumption, and protecting sleep—is advised until more data emerge. Trials underway should help translate lab findings into everyday use.
A review of nine observational studies (ages 10–19) finds teens who consume more sugary drinks have about 34% higher odds of an anxiety disorder, but causation can’t be established and reverse factors may play a role; reducing sugary intake could support adolescent mental health.
Rising use of energy drinks—especially among teens—pairs high caffeine (100–300 mg per serving) with extra ingredients like B vitamins and plant extracts, but experts say there’s little scientific evidence these additives boost energy, focus, or fatigue reduction beyond caffeine.
A healthy man in his 50s experienced a stroke likely caused by excessive consumption of high-potency energy drinks containing high levels of caffeine, which led to high blood pressure and vascular constriction. Quitting energy drinks resulted in the normalization of blood pressure and full recovery, highlighting the potential cardiovascular risks associated with energy drink overconsumption.
Celsius Holdings' stock surged after a $585 million deal with PepsiCo, expanding their partnership and increasing PepsiCo's stake to 11%, which includes distribution rights for Celsius and acquisition of the Rockstar Energy brand in North America. The deal strengthens Celsius's market position and is seen as a positive move for its growth prospects, with the stock reaching its highest level in 14 months amid a strong rebound in sales and earnings.
Effective pre-workout preparation emphasizes consuming carbs and protein a few hours before exercise, limiting fats and fiber to avoid discomfort, and using caffeine from coffee for a boost. Hydration with water is generally sufficient, and fasting before workouts is not recommended, especially for longer or more intense sessions. Overly complex supplements are often unnecessary for most people.
Celsius reported strong Q2 earnings with an 84% revenue increase driven by acquisitions and demand, leading to a 21% stock surge, while Peloton showed improved earnings but declining revenue, resulting in a 10% stock increase.
A growing trend among US teenagers using caffeine pouches for quick energy raises health concerns due to high caffeine content and potential for overdose, with experts warning about risks like heart issues and dependency, and emphasizing healthier energy sources.
The FDA has recalled certain lots of High Noon vodka seltzers in the US after they were mistakenly labeled as non-alcoholic energy drinks, leading to unintentional alcohol ingestion, with no reported illnesses so far.
USFDA warns consumers to check their Celsius Astro Vibe Blue Razz energy drink cans for specific lot codes after a packaging error led to some cans being filled with vodka, prompting a recall of affected products shipped to several states, though no illnesses have been reported.