Caffeine and Kids

When thinking about caffeine, coffee, energy drinks, and soda may come to mind first. But for children and teenagers, caffeine can show up in some less obvious places too, including everyday foods such as sweet bakery products, flavored milk, and candy.

A new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, provides a closer look at caffeine consumption among U.S. youth ages 2 to 19. The analysis used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, or NHANES, collected from August 2021 through August 2023.

More Than 6 in 10 Young People Consumed Caffeine

The numbers may catch parents by surprise but about 62.6 percent of U.S. youth ages 2 to 19 consumed caffeine on a given day during the study period.

Caffeine consumption became more common with age. About 50.0 % of children ages 2 to 5 consumed caffeine on a given day, compared with 66.2% of children ages 6 to 11 and 65.5 % of adolescents ages 12 to 19. The rate of caffeine consumption has been the same for boys and girls.

Caffeine Use In Youth:

The new study found that average daily caffeine intake for ages two to 19 was 19.4 milligrams (mg).

• Ages Two to Five: 5.0 mg per day.
• Ages Six to 11: 12.0 mg per day.
• Ages 12 to 19: 30.7 mg per day.

The CDC notes that caffeine intake increased with age. For adolescents ages 12 to 19, the average intake was similar to the amount of caffeine in a 12-ounce can of soda.

The Surprising Sources of Caffeine

Here is where the findings get particularly interesting.

For children ages 2 to 11, sweet bakery products were the biggest source of caffeine, accounting for 28.1 percent of caffeine intake. They were followed by flavored milk, candy, soda, and tea.

Among adolescents ages 12 to19, soda was the leading source, followed by sweet bakery products, tea, coffee, and candy.

This means that looking only at coffee or energy drinks may not give parents the full picture. Caffeine can come from a variety of foods and beverages consumed throughout the day.

Where Are Children Getting Their Caffeine?

Most caffeinated products were consumed at home, accounting for 67.8 % of caffeine intake.

Grocery stores were the leading source where caffeinated products were obtained, accounting for 65.6 % of caffeine consumed. Fast-food restaurants, school cafeterias or day care centers, convenience stores, and vending machines contributed smaller amounts.

Why Does This Matter?

Caffeine can affect sleep, and the CDC report notes that many caffeinated products consumed by young people also contain added sugar. Eating too many foods and drinks high in sugar can lead to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and tooth decay.

The CDC says we do not know how much caffeine is safe for children. Parents should know which foods and drinks have caffeine and how often children have them.

A Simple Takeaway 

Caffeine consumption among children and teenagers is more widespread than many families may realize, and it does not always come in an obvious cup or can.

Helping families make healthy choices by reading food labels, understanding where caffeine is found, and choosing caffeine-free foods and drinks. Parents with concerns about a child’s caffeine, sleep, or diet can speak to a doctor.

Caffeine is not just in coffee. Many foods and drinks contain caffeine that kids and teens can consume. Knowing where it comes from, families can make healthier choices.