Three in four support age restrictions on energy drink sales, Safefood research finds
Safefood research highlights rising energy drink consumption and growing product sizes, as 77% back age restrictions on sales to children
Print22 September 2026
More than three in four adults (77%) support introducing a legal age restriction on the sale of energy drinks to children, according to new research published by Safefood.
The research, published on 21 September, also highlights high levels of consumption among younger people, with 54% of 15- to 24-year-olds saying they drink energy drinks at least once a week and 12% consuming them every day.
An energy boost was the most commonly cited reason for consumption among this age group, at 51%, followed by taste at 45%. Among parents of children under 18, 11% said their child drinks energy drinks at least weekly.
The research also points to significant growth in the number and size of energy drinks available in Irish supermarkets.
There are now 77 energy drink products available to buy in Ireland, compared with 39 in 2015 and 42 in 2019.
At the same time, larger cans have become increasingly common. In 2026, 55% of energy drinks surveyed were sold in 500ml cans, compared with 38% in 2019. Over the same period, the proportion sold in 250ml cans fell from 60% to 37%.
Higher sugar and caffeine intake
Safefood said the increase in serving sizes means consumers can take in more sugar and caffeine in a single sitting.
Average sugar content has risen from 22.6g per serving in 2019 to 30.9g in 2026 – an increase equivalent to around two teaspoons of sugar.
Three products included in the survey contained between 65g and 70g of sugar per serving, equivalent to 17.5 teaspoons.
Caffeine levels also remain high, with the average energy drink containing 115mg per serving, equivalent to around 1.4 espressos. Some products contain up to 200mg of caffeine, or approximately 2.5 espressos.
While caffeine concentration per 100ml has remained stable since 2015, Safefood said the growth in serving sizes means consumers can be exposed to higher amounts of caffeine in a single drink.
Despite the levels of consumption identified, 97% of those surveyed were aware that energy drinks can negatively affect sleep, concentration and mood, particularly among children and young people.
Safefood calls attention to availability
Dr Joanne Uí Chrualaoich, CEO of Safefood, said the findings showed a gap between awareness of potential health effects and consumer behaviour.
“One of the most striking findings from this research is that almost all those surveyed know energy drinks can have negative health effects, yet many people continue to drink them regularly,” Chrualaoich said.
She added: “It’s notable that the number of energy drink brands on sale in supermarkets has almost doubled over the last 11 years. This is a significant increase in availability.”
Dr Aileen McGloin, director of Nutrition at Safefood, said consumers may not realise how much sugar and caffeine some products contain.
“As serving sizes have grown, some products now contain the equivalent of up to 17.5 teaspoons of sugar and as much caffeine as two and a half espressos,” McGloin said.
Safefood has also highlighted its online energy drinks checker, which allows consumers to compare the sugar and caffeine content of individual products.
McGloin said children and young people are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than adults and recommended regular balanced meals, adequate hydration and sufficient sleep as alternatives for maintaining energy levels.
Government response
The research has been shared with the Department of Health.
Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy – Jennifer Murnane O’Connor said the report provides important information on consumption patterns, availability and public attitudes towards energy drinks.
“The sale and consumption of stimulant drinks remains a concern, especially given how popular these products are with younger age groups,” O’Connor said.
She added: “Energy drinks can be high in caffeine and sugar, and this research offers important insights into how they are consumed, how widely available they are, and public attitudes towards them.”
The minister said the findings would help inform evidence-based measures to protect and improve public health.
The research comes as the Irish energy drinks market continues to expand, with the number of products surveyed by Safefood increasing from 42 in 2019 to 77 in 2026.
Read more: Safefood appoints Joanne Uí Chrualaoich as new CEO
© 2026, ShelfLife by Patryk Goron
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