Caffeine craze warning after pouches gain in popularity with teens
The controversial energy alternative that teens are snapping up
- Experts and educators are raising concerns over the growing use of caffeine pouches, especially among teenagers, driven by social media marketing and their high caffeine content.
- School resource officers have noted students using these pouches, which can contain up to 200 milligrams of caffeine, sometimes in conjunction with nicotine pouches.
- Richard Mumby, a marketing executive previously involved with the e-cigarette Juul, is now launching Wip, a caffeine pouch startup, promoting them as a portable alternative to caffeinated drinks.
- Despite Wip's claims of responsible marketing and not targeting under-18s, health experts warn that these pouches may deliver caffeine more rapidly, potentially increasing the risk of overdose.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics advises teenagers to limit caffeine intake to 100 milligrams daily or avoid it altogether, and views pouches as another concerning delivery method.