Caffeine Pouches Gaining Popularity Among US Teens, Experts Warn

There’s an increasing trend in the US where teenagers are using caffeine pouches for quick energy boosts, and experts believe this could soon spill over to the UK.

These small, teabag-like pouches, which are placed between the lip and gum, deliver caffeine directly into the bloodstream. Social media influencers are promoting these products, especially targeting gym enthusiasts looking to enhance their performance or students needing to stay alert during exams.

Platforms like TikTok Shop are full of brands that could attract younger audiences, according to Dr. Rob van Dam from George Washington University. However, a single pouch can pack as much caffeine as two cups of coffee, raising concerns about the risk of excessive consumption and potential side effects.

In the UK, worries are already brewing about young people using nicotine pouches or snus. Caffeine pouches are discreet, making it hard for parents and teachers to tell if someone is using one. Some users even brag online about combining two pouches for an even stronger caffeine buzz. Given that caffeine is absorbed quickly, its effects can kick in within minutes and may last for several hours, which can lead to an overload.

Dr. van Dam warns, “Young people might not have the same tolerance for caffeine, and taking too much could land them in the emergency room.”

Understanding Caffeine and the Risks of Overconsumption

Caffeine is a well-known stimulant that helps increase alertness and lessen feelings of tiredness by affecting the brain and nervous system. Lewis James from Loughborough University’s School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences mentions that there’s solid evidence showing caffeine can make exercise feel more manageable, making it a common supplement among athletes.

When exercising, the body produces adenosine, a chemical that contributes to fatigue. Caffeine interferes with adenosine receptors, allowing the brain to perceive less pain and exhaustion. However, it also impacts other systems, like the cardiovascular system, which poses various risks.

High caffeine levels can lead to rapid heart rates, irregular heart rhythms, and even seizures. Rarely, excessive caffeine consumption has been linked to fatalities. Individual sensitivity to caffeine varies; some may experience nausea, anxiety, irritability, or headaches even at lower doses.

For most healthy adults, consuming up to 400mg of caffeine a day is generally safe—equivalent to about four cups of instant coffee. With tea, five cups daily is usually acceptable. Pregnant women are advised to limit their intake to 200mg or less. Children and teenagers may be more vulnerable to risks associated with caffeine, which is one reason EU law mandates that energy drinks with high caffeine levels include warnings against consumption by children and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Be Mindful of Other Caffeine Sources

Dr. van Dam points out that caffeine overload can be easy since it’s found in many beverages and certain foods. So, it’s essential to keep track of total consumption. He adds that while overdosing on coffee might be less of a concern, some products can lead to higher doses, especially when young people consume energy drinks alongside caffeine pouches.

• Coffee: A mug typically contains about 100-140mg of caffeine, but this can vary.
• Tea: Contains around 75mg per mug.
• Energy drinks: Often around 80mg in a 250ml can.
• Soft drinks: Generally hold about 40mg per can.
• Chocolate: A 50g bar of dark chocolate has approximately 25mg, while milk chocolate has about 10mg.

Dentists are concerned that frequent use of caffeine pouches can irritate the gums, similar to the effects of snus and nicotine pouches. Experts warn that these pouches may lead to an increase in stimulant use among teens. Bini Suresh, head of dietetics at Cleveland Clinic, London, expresses concern about the normalization of stimulant consumption in younger populations, potentially fostering dependency.

While caffeine may offer a temporary energy boost, it can disrupt sleep patterns and worsen fatigue over time, especially in children and teenagers who are particularly sensitive to its effects. The BDA and NHS advise caution for young caffeine consumers. According to the European Food Safety Authority, a limit of 3mg/kg body weight is considered safe for children and adolescents. Therefore, a 30kg child should not consume more than 90mg of caffeine daily.

Instead of reaching for caffeine, Suresh emphasizes the importance of regular meals, hydration, and nutrient-dense foods to support sustained energy throughout the day. A balanced diet rich in iron, protein, and slow-releasing carbohydrates is likely a more effective approach.