Interventions for excessive energy drink use

Given the increased and sometimes excessive consumption of energy drinks containing caffeine and other drugs, often sugar-sweetened, especially among young people, interventions that reduce consumption are needed. We review current findings related to interventions at the individual, outlet and regulatory levels to reduce energy drink consumption.

Few interventions to reduce excess energy drink consumption have been tested. Interventions to reduce consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and caffeinated beverages are reviewed. A manual-only intervention to reduce caffeinated beverages shows promise, whereas reducing availability at outlets and in communities as a whole shows some effectiveness.

Although some recent studies can provide guidance on interventions to reduce energy drink consumption, no clear 'best practice' has emerged to reduce energy drink consumption. The literature reviewed points toward interventions at different levels which need further testing and could benefit from adaptation to the youth and young adult consumer.