Spain Bans Energy Drink Sales to Minors: New Regulations & Age Limits
Madrid – The Spanish government announced Wednesday it will restrict the sale of energy drinks to minors, a move driven by growing concerns over the health effects of high caffeine consumption among young people. Consumer Affairs Minister Pablo Bustinduy stated the recent regulation will prohibit sales to those under 16, with a stricter age limit of 18 for beverages containing more than 32 milligrams of caffeine per 100 milliliters.
The initiative represents a significant step in efforts to protect children and adolescents from the potential harms associated with energy drink consumption, according to the ministry. A recent barometer commissioned by the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) revealed widespread public support for tighter regulations, with 91 percent of respondents favoring a ban on energy drink sales to minors. The survey also indicated that nearly 40 percent believe the ban should extend to individuals under the age of 16.
The government’s action builds on existing regional regulations. In Galicia, a rule banning both the sale and consumption of energy drinks for those under 18 is slated to seize effect soon, while authorities in Asturias are currently drafting similar legislation. Madrid aims to establish a unified, national framework, harmonizing criteria across the country.
Beyond the sales restrictions, the government is preparing to unveil a broader proposal to regulate advertising of unhealthy foods, aligning Spain with recommendations from the World Health Organization and mirroring measures already adopted in countries including Portugal, Norway, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Sweden, Bustinduy said. Last week, the Consumer Commission added energy drinks to a list of products subject to advertising restrictions targeted at minors.
The move follows a 2024 Royal Decree on Healthy and Sustainable School Meals, which already prohibited the sale of energy drinks in schools and colleges nationwide. According to a report cited by Bustinduy from the Gasol Foundation, 80 percent of children and adolescents in Spain regularly consume unhealthy foods and drinks, framing the issue as a critical public health priority.
The AESAN barometer also showed strong support – 79 percent – for prohibiting advertising of unhealthy foods aimed at children. The agency’s data indicates that support for a ban on energy drink sales remains high across demographic groups, with 88.3 percent of respondents aged 18-35 in favor of the measure.
Javier Sánchez Perona, a senior scientist at the Fat Institute-CSIC, explained that energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine, equivalent to almost one and a half espressos in a 330 ml can. He added that the combination of caffeine, taurine, and sugar provides no health benefits for children and adolescents and can lead to health problems. He also cautioned that the marketing of these drinks as “energy” providers can mislead consumers into replacing nutritious meals with them.
The draft legislation is currently being finalized and must complete the formal drafting process and meet Cabinet deadlines before final approval, ministry sources confirmed.