New 'Energy Shots' Products

Energy shots are small bottles containing caffeine, vitamins and other bio-active substances (including taurine, guarana, glucoronolactone)

Under the current food standards, caffeine drinks in New Zealand are required to contain no more than 320mg/L of caffeine (eg. 160mg caffeine per 500ml can). Energy shots are currently being sold in New Zealand as ‘dietary supplements’ (which are subject to different regulations) and contain around 200mg of caffeine in a small 60ml bottle, the same as in two espresso coffees.
 
Recent media reports centre around who is able to buy these products, which are often located on the sweet counter, a potential encouragement to children. It is these young people, who are most at risk of ill-effects. There is no research that can tell us about the long term effects of caffeine on the growth and development of children.
 
Too much caffeine in the short term can cause irritability, anxiety, an increase in heart rate and insomnia. In children, it has been linked also to sleep problems, aggressive behaviour and attention and conduct problems.
 
Although not required by law, these products usually contain a warning informing the consumer that the increased caffeine content of these products are not suitable for children, pregnant or lactating women or individuals sensitive to caffeine. The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) is currently developing a standard and has commissioned an updated risk profile on these products.
 
For more information, visit:
New Zealand Nutrition Foundation webpage: Caffeine
New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) update: Energy shots
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) fact sheet: Caffeine