Energy drinks make a minor contribution to the daily consumption of caffeinated beverages among Québécois and Canadians, including adolescents, compared with coffee and tea.* Just like with tea or coffee, parents and adults are best placed to decide when children and adolescents may consume functional beverages and what role they can play in a balanced diet.
A typical energy drink contains between 80 mg and 160 mg of caffeine, depending on serving size—significantly less than a small cup of drip coffee from a coffeehouse. Energy drinks in Canada are subject to a maximum caffeine limit of 180 mg per serving. Multiple health authorities around the world have confirmed that up to 400 mg of caffeine per day from all sources is a safe, moderate daily intake for healthy adults, including Health Canada, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). For younger consumers, Health Canada considers 2.5 mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight per day to be a conservative estimate and recognizes that older and heavier adolescents may be able to consume caffeine in a similar manner to healthy adults.
In Canada, energy drinks are regulated by Health Canada as Supplemented Foods and must comply with robust labelling requirements, including front‑of‑package labelling, total caffeine disclosure, and a “high in caffeine” statement. The regulations also require advisories noting that these products are not recommended for individuals under 14 years of age, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those sensitive to caffeine.
Singling out energy drinks with blanket sales restrictions is not supported by scientific evidence, nor do these measures address overall caffeine intake or achieve any clear health goals. Clear labelling and accurate information, as required by Health Canada, are more effective tools for advancing measurable public health objectives. The beverage sector is committed to working collaboratively with governments, health authorities, and stakeholders in Quebec to promote consumer education and informed decision‑making regarding the products they choose to consume.
2026.19.03