The controversial energy alternative that teens are snapping up

Health & FitnessLifestyle
2 Aug 2025 • 4:43 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Experts and educators are raising concerns over the growing use of caffeine pouches, especially among teenagers, driven by social media marketing and their high caffeine content.
  • School resource officers have noted students using these pouches, which can contain up to 200 milligrams of caffeine, sometimes in conjunction with nicotine pouches.
  • Richard Mumby, a marketing executive previously involved with the e-cigarette Juul, is now launching Wip, a caffeine pouch startup, promoting them as a portable alternative to caffeinated drinks.
  • Despite Wip's claims of responsible marketing and not targeting under-18s, health experts warn that these pouches may deliver caffeine more rapidly, potentially increasing the risk of overdose.
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics advises teenagers to limit caffeine intake to 100 milligrams daily or avoid it altogether, and views pouches as another concerning delivery method.

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