As the school bell rings and students rush to class, a common trend pops out among them; walk down any hallway of Coppell High School and you are bound to see at least a few cans of vibrant energy drinks in students’ hands.

Energy drinks, notably CELSIUS Sparkling Energy Drinks, have nearly become as common as water bottles on campus. While marketed as a drink providing added vitamins and maintaining energy, some students may buy it just to enjoy the flavor.

“I just like how it tastes. I don’t really notice much of a difference in my energy, but I’ll just grab one during the day,” senior Cameron Tipton said.

Regardless, experts warn that excessive consumption can be harmful.

According to UT Health Houston, teenagers should not consume more than 100 milligrams of caffeine per day. A 12-ounce can of CELSIUS has 250 milligrams, already doubling the recommended intake.

“I’ve noticed my sleep patterns changing,” sophomore Gaya Natarajan said. “Once you start staying up late with energy drinks, you feel tired the next day and want another one. It kind of becomes a cycle.”

This cycle keeps many teens reaching for a can, but does not necessarily boost performance.

“CELSIUS doesn’t make me do better on tests or homework,” Natarajan said. “It just lets me stay up and study longer.”

Human Growth and Development teacher Raneta Ansley has firsthand experience with the convenience of caffeine.

“I drink a couple of caffeinated drinks a day,” Ansley said. “I had to stop for a medical test and I got one of the worst headaches ever but it went away the moment I had caffeine again, and that’s when I realized how strong the withdrawal can be.”

Energy drinks demonstrate a trend of students pushing themselves to the limit for academics, often at the cost of their own mental and physical health.

“Instead of relying on energy drinks, prioritize your time, eat balanced meals, find outlets to manage stress and stay energized,” Ansley said.

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