Helsinki, June 4, 2026 – The Europe Today: Finland’s health authorities have called for a nationwide ban on the sale of energy drinks to individuals under the age of 18, citing concerning consumption patterns and potential health impacts among adolescents.
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has raised alarms over growing reliance on energy drinks among young people, highlighting new data that shows nearly 70 percent of individuals aged 12 to 20 consume such beverages at least occasionally.
According to the institute, a significant number of young consumers report feeling dependent on energy drinks, often using them to combat fatigue and enhance alertness throughout the day.
Health experts have warned that these habits may be counterproductive. Sari Niinistö, a research director at THL, stated that high consumption—particularly later in the day—can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to increased daytime fatigue rather than reducing it.
The institute further highlighted troubling dietary trends among adolescents, noting that an increasing number of young people are skipping breakfast or school meals altogether and substituting them with energy drinks. Experts cautioned that this shift in nutrition could significantly undermine overall energy levels and impair concentration during school hours.
Health officials emphasized that the findings point to a broader public health concern, urging stronger regulatory measures to limit youth access to energy drinks and mitigate their potential long-term effects on well-being and academic performance.
