Energy drink market grows in Poland; health risks highlighted, while other countries implement varied regulations.
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The Polish energy drink market was valued between 3.2 and 3.8 billion PLN last year, growing by 46 percent recently, with consumers purchasing 283 million liters in 2023; popularity is increasing among younger consumers. Surveys show that before restrictions, children and adolescents aged 10-18 were the primary consumers, with consumption being even higher among those aged 15-18. While adult consumption (18-29) increased by 53 percent, increases are also noted in younger groups (6-10 years old at 19 percent and 3-10 years old at 18 percent). Doctors warn that energy drink consumption can cause health issues in youth, including mood swings, irritability, anxiety, high blood pressure, bone development problems due to caffeine’s effect on calcium metabolism, and potential damage to the circulatory system, liver, and nervous system. In Poland, a ban on selling caffeinated or taurine-containing energy drinks to minors is in effect with fines up to 2,000 PLN for consumers and up to 200,000 PLN or imprisonment for producers who fail to label correctly; however, an attempt to ban advertising during certain hours was dropped due to expected European Commission protests.
In Austria, advertising energy drinks to children is banned, though enforcement varies as regional governments are responsible, and there is no formal sales ban for minors, although consumer organizations caution against consumption. Spain allows broad autonomy, with regions setting regulations; currently, only Galicia has a ban, but the central government recently announced a new law restricting sales of drinks with over 15 grams of caffeine per 100 milliliters, which will affect most market offerings. Spanish statistics show nearly half of those aged 14-18 reported drinking an energy drink in the previous month, and 20 percent admitted to mixing it with alcohol.
Bulgaria has faced ongoing unsuccessful attempts to legally ban sales to minors, with one in ten teenagers (aged 14-18) reporting daily consumption. The political instability hinders legislative action. Following an incident involving singer Diona promoting a legal herbal energy powder, the Bulgarian government recommended an immediate ban on this powder, although various versions remain available in Spain, Austria, and Poland.
