Attorney General Ken Paxton Announces Investigation into Celsius Energy Drink Company to Protect Texas Children from Dangerous Levels of Caffeine
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into Celsius Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Alani Nutrition, LLC, over concerns that its popular energy drinks may be marketed to children and teenagers despite containing high levels of caffeine.
The investigation centers on Alani Nu, a widely sold energy drink brand known for its colorful packaging, trendy branding, and popularity among young consumers. Each 12-ounce can of Alani Nu contains 200 milligrams of caffeine, an amount many medical professionals consider unsafe for children and adolescents.
According to the Office of the Attorney General, the investigation will examine whether Celsius and Alani have misled consumers about the safety of their products for teens and children, potentially violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA).
State officials say concerns have been raised over the company’s marketing practices, which feature bright colors, playful design elements, and branding strategies that appeal to younger audiences. Critics argue that such marketing may attract children and teenagers to products containing potentially dangerous amounts of caffeine.
Health experts have long warned about the risks associated with energy drink consumption among young people. The National Institutes of Health advises against energy drink use by children and teens, citing possible side effects that include elevated heart rate, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, anxiety, and dehydration.
The issue has gained additional attention following reports of adverse health effects linked to highly caffeinated energy drinks. One of the most notable cases involves the family of a 17-year-old girl from Weslaco, Texas, who has filed a lawsuit against the distributor of Alani Nu. The lawsuit alleges that excessive caffeine consumption contributed to the teen’s death from an enlarged heart and claims the product failed to provide adequate warnings about its caffeine content.
“The tragic death of a 17-year-old Texas girl allegedly caused by consuming a highly caffeinated energy drink is a sobering reminder of what is at stake when companies prioritize profit over the safety and wellbeing of our children,” Paxton said in a statement.
Paxton added that Texas families deserve transparency about products marketed to young people and that his office will work to ensure consumers are informed about any risks associated with energy drink consumption.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no findings or allegations of wrongdoing have been announced at this time. The Attorney General’s Office will determine whether Celsius Holdings and Alani Nutrition violated Texas consumer protection laws through their marketing and labeling practices.
