Consumption of energy drinks among youth in Spain: trends and characteristics

The aims of this study were to describe the trend across 2014-2023 in the prevalence of the consumption of energy drinks among students aged 14 to 18 years in Spain and the shifting characteristics of consumers. Data source was the microdata of the Survey of Drug Use in Secondary Education in Spain (2014-2023). Prevalence of energy drink consumption was calculated overall, by sex and age, and in the 18 Autonomous Regions. To identify the factors linked to consumption, multivariate models were fitted. Prevalence and adjusted odds ratios are shown with their 95% confidence intervals; the geographic distribution of energy drink consumption was plotted on maps. The prevalence of consumption of energy drinks in the last 30 days ranged from 40.4% (2014) to 47.7% (2023). For any given year, prevalence was higher in boys and varied among regions. Being male, non-Spanish, a repeat student of 1 or more academic years, having no parent with higher education, or consuming tobacco, cannabis, or alcohol increased the likelihood of energy drink consumption.

The prevalence of energy drink consumption among Spanish students aged 14-18 years has shown an upward trend among both sexes, especially among girls. The characteristics of consumers have been stable since 2014. Understanding these trends, factors associated with consumption, and the differences among regions is critical to directing efforts to educate young people about the risks involved and to prevent the initiation of energy drink consumption.

• The energy drink market has grown since 2000. • Energy drink consumption is higher in adolescents. • Some European countries have taken regulatory measures, such as banning energy drink sales to minors.

• The prevalence of energy drink consumption among Spanish adolescents has shown an upward trend in 2014-2023. • Prevalence was higher in boys and varied among regions. • The characteristics of consumers were stable during this period.