Some popular drinks contain more caffeine than two cups of coffee. Excessive consumption has also been linked to headaches and sleep problems.
Some students said they felt no noticeable effects from drinking energy drinks, even unexpected ones.
“I didn’t feel more energised,” George said. “Sometimes I actually felt more sleepy.”
Chloe said they actively avoided energy drinks because of concerns about what they contained.
“I’m more aware of what’s in them,” they said. “I don’t think having one would be the best thing for me.”
Despite this, young people said energy drinks remained highly visible and attractive.
“The bright colours and branding are eye‑catching,” Charlotte said. “They’re always at eye level, so you notice them straight away.”
Others pointed to promotions as a factor.
“They’re part of meal deals,” Chloe said. “So you just get one because it’s included, not because you were planning to.”
Asked whether drinking them was “cool”, Chloe replied simply: “No,” but pressure to try them remained.
“You might not even like them but you say you do, just to fit in,” they said.
