17 Jun 2026 700 days on: It’s time to deliver on the promise to protect children from energy drinks
Today, Wednesday 17th of June, marks 700 days since the Government committed to banning the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children in the 2024 King’s Speech. Yet, nothing has changed.
Food Active (part of the Health Equalities Group) joins a coalition of health organisations, academics, youth campaigners and public figures calling on the Government to honour its commitment and introduce legislation without further delay.
Since the promise was made, children have consumed an estimated 280 million energy drinks. During the same period, energy drinks have become the UK’s largest soft drinks category, overtaking cola in sales. As consumption continues to rise, so too do concerns about the impact these products can have on children’s sleep, behaviour, concentration and overall health.
The case for action is clear:
- Teachers report that excessive energy drink consumption is a significant concern in schools
- Parents overwhelmingly support restrictions on sales to children
- Retailers have called for legislation to provide consistency across the sector.
Importantly, the groundwork has already been done. The consultation has taken place, the evidence is clear, and policy options have been identified. Decisive action is now needed more than ever.
Nicola Calder Food Active Programme Lead says:
“Local research with school aged children demonstrates how exposure to energy drinks via inappropriate marketing is also commonplace even for children as young as eight or nine. Protecting children’s health should be a public health priority. Introducing a ban on the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under-16s would be a simple and effective step towards creating healthier environments for children and young people.”
700 days after the commitment to introduce regulation of energy drink sales to children, we are calling on the Government to now deliver on its promise.
