Energy drink consumption in the Capital Region of Denmark: Prevalence and population characteristics

Background

Energy drink consumption has been associated with unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and adverse health outcomes. To inform public health monitoring and targeted prevention, population‑based data are needed. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and time trends in energy drink intake in persons aged 16+ years in the Capital Region of Denmark and characterize persons consuming energy drink frequently (≥3 times per week).

Methods

Energy drink intake was assessed in the Danish Capital Region Health Survey 2025, including 41.822 participants from the general population aged ≥16 years (response rate 41.8 %). Data from the survey from 2021 and 2017 were included to examine trends in energy drink intake. Characteristics of persons consuming energy drink minimum three times a week were assessed using national registries (socio-demographics). Descriptive analyses and multivariate logistic regression models weighted for survey design and non-response were performed.

Results

In 2025, 5.7% of persons aged 16+ years in the Capital Region of Denmark reported consuming energy drinks frequently (≥3 times per week), representing an almost twofold increase compared with 2017 (2.9%), with the largest increase occurring between 2021 and 2025. Frequent energy drink intake was more prevalent among men and persons aged 16–24 years. Moreover, frequent intake was more prevalent among persons with non-western background, low education, and health-related work absence, indicating social inequality. Across most sociodemographic groups, increases were mainly observed from 2021 to 2025, particularly among the youngest age groups.

Conclusions

Frequent energy drink intake has increased significantly in the Capital Region of Denmark from 2017 to 2025. High prevalences were observed among young adults, men and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. These findings highlight a growing public health concern and indicate the need for continued monitoring and targeted prevention.

Key messages

• Frequent energy drink consumption has nearly doubled from 2017 to 2025, with the highest prevalence observed among men and young adults.

• Observed social inequalities in frequent energy drink intake highlight the need for targeted prevention among young adults and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups.