The Norway energy drink ban will take effect from 1 January next year, prohibiting the sale of caffeinated and sugary energy drinks to anyone under the age of 16, according to a government decision reported by state broadcaster NRK.
Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre explained that excessive consumption of such products is linked to anxiety, sleep problems, concentration difficulties, as well as risks for the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
According to the blog Ypervorioi, the Norway energy drink ban follows the example of Poland, Estonia and Latvia, which have already imposed similar restrictions. Denmark, by contrast, has no age limit for energy drink sales.
Mixed reactions from students
In schools, opinions are divided. Sixteen-year-old Emma Felde Færde argued the measure will not be effective: “As long as parents allow it, I don’t think age limits will make much difference.”
Her classmate, Tora Niemonen, disagreed: “I think it’s the right measure, because energy drinks contain a lot of caffeine and are not suitable for children.”
Surge in consumption
Norway’s energy drink market is expanding rapidly. In 2024, 78 million litres were sold- 7% more than in 2023, and 340% more than a decade earlier, according to the Norwegian Brewers’ Association.
Shops that violate the new age limit will initially receive verbal warnings, with fines to follow for repeated breaches.
Expert concerns
While the government’s proposal has gained support from many organisations, medical bodies argue the ban does not go far enough. The Norwegian Medical Association, the Dental Association and the Institute of Public Health all recommend raising the minimum age to 18.
Ståle Onsgård Sagabråten, head of the Public Health Institute’s scientific council, said the government had “disappointed them” by stopping short at 16.
Also read: Greece smoking ban measures aim to protect minors
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
