Addicted to Energy: Jericho Students Hooked on Celsius

BY ZOYA KHAN ’26

The undeniably popular Celsius, a sweet, caffeine-loaded energy drink, has taken over the halls of Jericho High School. While students have long used caffeine as a boost during busy school weeks, Celsius’s high caffeine levels are raising concerns about whether students are developing a dependence on the drink. 

With more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per can (almost three times the amount in a typical cup of coffee), Celsius promises “essential energy” without sugar or a “caffeine crash.” The product is marketed as a health and fitness drink, using platforms such as Instagram and TikTok to promote itself. They guarantee a boost in metabolism, endurance, and focus, giving it a competitive edge over other energy drinks like Red Bull or Monster. 

Some students at Jericho drink Celsius to help balance their busy lives. “When I am up so late studying for a test I have, or doing college essays, Celsius helps me get through the day and stay awake,” said Kayla E. ‘26. “It tastes good, and feels healthier than coffee or even soda that I see people drinking in school.”

Others, however, admit that the drink can have intense side effects. “Sometimes my hands literally shake after I drink it,” said Harnoor J. ‘26. “It definitely wakes me up, but I can feel my heart racing, and sometimes it’s a little scary,” she added.

Health professionals view Celsius with some concern. Hofstra Nutrition and Public Health professor, Dr. Lana Zinger, warns that Celsius poses risks to children and teenagers. While she says moderate use may be safe for adults, the 200mg of caffeine per can is well above safe levels for younger people, whose growing bodies are significantly more sensitive to stimulants. “These stimulants go straight to your heart, especially after drinking them on an empty stomach, which most teenagers do,” she said. Excess caffeine, she added, can trigger “jitters, anxiety, insomnia, and rapid heart rate,” in adolescents who are “already anxious enough.” 

Despite its ‘healthy’ image, Dr. Zinger calls the branding misleading. “The ‘health halo’ around Celsius is great marketing, but calling it healthy is just not the truth,” she said. Relying on such drinks to stay awake or focus, she warned, can mask deeper issues, like poor sleep and stress. They encourage unhealthy habits for teens who are learning to manage their energy naturally.

Celsius continues to seep into convenience stores and students’ social media feeds, but the drink’s long-term effects on students remain uncertain. Still, many Jericho students say they aren’t ready to give it up. “I know it’s probably not great to drink every day,” said Kayla. “But it does keep me awake, and with the amount of work I have, I need the help.”

As late nights and early mornings continue to be a staple of high school life, Celsius is seemingly here to stay, offering quick energy for tired students—even if that burst of energy comes with a cost.