More than 1 in 4 students in Greece consume energy drinks at least once a week, according to a 2026 study of more than 40,000 children from fifth grade through the third year of junior high school, cited by Kathimerini. Overall, 26.3% reported weekly consumption, raising concerns among pediatricians about minors consuming products high in caffeine.
Pediatricians stress that energy drinks are different from sports drinks, which are mainly intended for hydration. Energy drinks contain stimulants, primarily caffeine, often combined with sugar, taurine and guarana. Caffeine can affect heart rate and blood pressure, particularly during intense exercise, hot weather, dehydration or sleep deprivation. A large systematic review has also found associations between energy drink consumption and shorter, poorer-quality sleep, anxiety and lower academic performance, although observational data do not establish causation.
Energy drinks account for 6% of non-alcoholic beverage sales by volume, while the market is expected to reach €320 million by 2031.
The combination of energy drinks and alcohol is a particular concern. According to the 2024 ESPAD Greece survey, 45% of 16-year-olds said they had consumed alcohol with an energy drink at least once, while 27.6% had done so at least three times. In Attica, the corresponding figures were 43% and 25%. Meanwhile, 32% of 16-year-olds considered occasionally combining alcohol and energy drinks “harmless.”
The Association of Pediatricians recommends that minors avoid energy drinks. Countries including Lithuania and Poland have introduced age restrictions, while the United Kingdom is moving toward similar restrictions.
Source: Kathimerini
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