Energy Drinks

Since their introduction, annual sales of energy drinks have continued to grow. In Quebec, the proportion of people who consume them on a daily basis is on the rise.

• The proportion of people who consume energy drinks every day increased from 0.5% in 2014 to 1.1% in 2021¹.
• The proportion of people who consume energy drinks between 1 and 6 times per week increased from 2.7% in 2014 to 4.0% in 2021¹.

According to a Léger survey, in 2021 nearly four out of five young people aged 15 to 24 had previously consumed energy drinks and more than half of them reporting consuming energy drinks several times a year².

Energy drinks are sugary drinks first and foremost, but the presence of amounts of caffeine and stimulating ingredients is an additional cause for concern.

Given their composition and the health risks they pose, the Collectif Vital recommends implementing measures to reduce the availability and appeal of caffeinated energy drinks among youth.

• Ban the sale of energy drinks to individuals under the age of 18.
• Tax sugary drinks, including energy drinks, and reinvest the proceeds in prevention efforts.
• Regulate the marketing of energy drinks.
• Raise awareness about the health risks of energy drinks and promote water consumption.

Consult our policy brief

Energy drinks containing caffeine are supplemented foods. By January 1, 2026, supplemented foods will carry a table of supplemented food information.

Some supplemented foods contain ingredients that could pose a health risk if consumed in excess, or if consumed by vulnerable groups, like caffeine. They will display a warning symbol on the front of the package.

To learn more

1. Institut de la statistique du Québec. (2023). Enquête québécoise sur la santé de la population 2020‑2021.
2. Léger commandé à l’été 2021 par l’Association pour la santé publique du Québec (ASPQ) et réalisé auprès de 1 005 jeunes Québécois et Québécoises âgés entre 15 et 24 ans.