Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into Celsius Holdings, Inc. and its Alani Nu brand over allegations of marketing high-caffeine energy drinks to children and teenagers. The investigation seeks to determine if the companies’ branding and packaging violate Texas consumer protection laws by appealing to younger audiences with products containing up to 200 milligrams of caffeine per 12-ounce can.
Concerns Over Youth Safety
This investigation comes in the wake of the tragic death of 17-year-old Larissa Nicole Rodriguez from Weslaco, Texas. Her family filed a wrongful death lawsuit in April 2026 against distributors of Alani Nu energy drinks, claiming that excessive caffeine consumption contributed to her fatal cardiac event. The Hidalgo County medical examiner attributed her death to an enlarged heart caused by stress and high caffeine intake.
Attorney General Paxton emphasized the importance of consumer safety, stating, “Texas families deserve to know that the products marketed to their children are safe and not filled with dangerous levels of certain ingredients.”
Caffeine Consumption and Health Risks
Caffeine, a natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, and chocolate, is often added in concentrated amounts to energy drinks and sodas. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers up to 400 milligrams per day safe for healthy adults, recommended limits are significantly lower for younger individuals. Health authorities advise no caffeine for children under 4, and progressively higher limits for older children, with a maximum of 100 mg daily for those aged 12-18.
Excessive caffeine intake can lead to increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, anxiety, sleep disruption, and, in rare cases, severe cardiac complications. Energy drinks like Celsius, which contain 200 mg per can, can quickly exceed safe levels for adolescents and children.
Investigation Focus
The Texas investigation will scrutinize the marketing practices, labeling, and compliance with state deceptive trade laws of these energy drink companies. As of now, no charges have been filed, but the investigation highlights the ongoing concern about the impact of high-caffeine products on youth health and safety.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
