The Swedish National Food Agency is introducing new dietary guidelines on the caffeine consumption of children and adolescents.

The guidelines state that adolescents under 16 years of age should limit their intake to a maximum of 70 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day, while children under 6 years of age should avoid caffeine altogether. For context, there is approximately 70 mg caffeine in a small cup of brewed coffee or two cans of cola.

The new advice responds to the sharply increased consumption of energy drinks among young people, as well as a greater availability of other caffeinated products. Per the Swedish Food Agency, children and adolescents are significantly more sensitive to caffeine than adults because they weigh less and have a greater need for undisturbed sleep for their development.

“We see that many young people today are consuming amounts of caffeine that can negatively affect their health,” said Swedish Food Agency toxicologist Sabina Litens Karlsson. “Through clearer advice on caffeine consumption, we want to increase young people's knowledge and awareness. The advice can also serve as support for parents, school staff, and other adults in their work to protect young people's health.”

The new advice serves as a complement to the industry's voluntary age limits for energy drinks.

Nordic Countries Target Energy Drink Consumption

The Swedish Food Agency is also leading a new project, funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers and involving the competent authorities from all Nordic countries, to mitigate young people’s exposure to energy drinks and caffeinated beverages.

Through surveys and youth panels, the project is investigating young people's habits, attitudes, and experiences related to energy drinks, as well as what measures young people themselves believe would work best to reduce consumption. Preliminary results will be presented after summer 2026.

The project will provide knowledge that can inform future decision-making and public health initiatives.