Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced on Thursday an investigation into Celsius Holdings, Inc. and its Alani Nu brand for allegedly marketing high-caffeine energy drinks to children and teenagers.
The probe examines whether the companies’ branding and packaging violate Texas consumer protection laws by targeting younger audiences with products containing up to 200 milligrams of caffeine per 12-ounce can.
This action builds on concerns The Dallas Express has covered in recent months, including the tragic death of 17-year-old Larissa Nicole Rodriguez of Weslaco, Texas. Her family filed a wrongful death lawsuit in April 2026 against distributors of Alani Nu energy drinks, alleging excessive caffeine consumption contributed to her fatal cardiac event.
Hidalgo County medical examiner ruled the cause of death as an enlarged heart “due to stress and large amounts of caffeine.”
“Texas families deserve to know that the products marketed to their children are safe and not filled with dangerous levels of certain ingredients,” said Paxton.
Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in coffee, tea, and chocolate, and is added in concentrated amounts to energy drinks and sodas. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration states that up to 400 milligrams per day is generally not associated with dangerous effects for healthy adults.
Recommended limits are much lower for younger people. Health authorities advise no caffeine for children under 4; less than 45 mg daily for ages 4-6; less than 60 mg daily for ages 7-9; less than 85 mg daily for ages 10-11; and less than 100 mg daily for ages 12-18.
Excessive intake can lead to increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, anxiety, sleep disruption, and, in rare cases, severe cardiac complications.
Top caffeine sources in the American diet include coffee (69% of intake), soft drinks (15.4%), tea (8.8%), and energy drinks (6.3%). Studies indicate that 69% of Americans aged 2 and older consume at least one caffeinated beverage daily, with an average intake of around 210 mg per day. Adults aged 50-64 have the highest average at 246 mg daily, according to ScienceDirect.
Energy drinks like Celsius (200 mg per can) and some Celsius Essentials variants (up to 270 mg) can quickly push intake beyond safe levels for adolescents and children.
The Texas investigation will review marketing practices, labeling, and compliance with state deceptive trade laws. No charges have been filed at this stage.
