Safefood's latest analysis of the energy drinks market across the island of Ireland reports that some products contain over 17 teaspoons of sugar alongside caffeine levels comparable to two and a half espressos.

The study shows the average sugar content of energy drinks has increased by two teaspoons since 2019. It also notes a growing share of larger pack sizes, which in turn raises the amount of sugar and caffeine people consume per serving.

To support informed choices, Safefood has introduced an online tool that displays the sugar and caffeine content of popular energy drinks: www.safefood.net/healthy-eating/energy-drinks-checker The report highlights particularly high usage among young people in Northern Ireland, with six in ten aged 15–24 consuming energy drinks at least weekly and one in eight drinking them daily. An energy boost is the main motivation, cited by 64% of respondents in Northern Ireland.

Despite these consumption levels, almost all respondents (99%) were aware or somewhat aware of potential negative health effects, including 87% who said they were fully aware. However, the findings indicate that awareness alone is not sufficient to change behaviour.

Availability has also expanded since 2019, with the number of energy drink options on supermarket shelves across the island almost doubling from 42 to 77.

Among those surveyed by Ipsos B&A, three in four people in Northern Ireland said they would support introducing age restrictions on the sale of energy drinks to children.

Read the full report: www.safefood.net/professional/research/research-projects/energy-drinks-2026#researchreport