New rules for the sale of energy drinks: banned for children, remains safe for adults

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 04. 29. 11:58

New regulations came into effect in Hungary at the end of April regarding the sale of energy drinks: it is now prohibited for those under 18 to purchase these products. Adult consumers can continue to enjoy the opportunity to consume them safely, the Hungarian Energy Drink Association (MESZ) warned in its statement.

The MESZ statement emphasizes that energy drinks are designed to meet the rapid energy needs of healthy adults, supplemented with vitamins. According to the recommendation of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), healthy adults can safely consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day – that is, approximately five cans of energy drinks.

The Association emphasizes that commercially available energy drinks comply with all Hungarian and EU food safety regulations, which is also supported by the tests of the National Food Chain Safety Office (NÉBIH).

The purpose of introducing the regulation is to protect children: caffeine – in any form – is not recommended for them. The MESZ reminds us that caffeine in all caffeinated drinks – be it coffee, cola or energy drinks – has the same effect.

According to a comprehensive study from 2025, the main sources of caffeine for people under 18 are coffee (48.6 mg/day), cola (21.2 mg/day) and tea (9.6 mg/day), while energy drinks are in fourth place (8.2 mg/day). According to the Association, it would therefore be worth considering regulations to encourage conscious consumption for other high-caffeine drinks.

The MESZ welcomes the steps taken to protect children and remains committed to promoting science-based dialogue, credible consumer information and the safe consumption of energy drinks.