Frappuccinos and Pink Drinks: Safe for Teens and Tweens?

More and more middle schoolers and high schoolers are treating themselves to frappuccinos, boba teas, pink drinks and other specialty beverages. Not only do these sweet, frothy drinks taste delicious, they can make teens and tweens feel more trendy and grown-up.

But are these drinks a healthy choice for young customers? Courtney Batt, MD, an adolescent medicine expert at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s, shares more.

Too Much Caffeine

“There are health concerns for young people related to these highly marketable coffee and tea drinks,” says Dr. Batt. “The biggest concern is that the beverages tend to be high in both caffeine and sugar.”

The recommended daily caffeine intake for teenagers is less than 100 milligrams (mg). Some popular specialty drinks contain 300 to 400 mg of caffeine, depending on the ingredients and size. And while some teens find that caffeine helps them concentrate or feel more awake, consuming too much caffeine can have negative health consequences, including increased heart rate, sleep issues and digestive problems.

Sugar Overload

Most specialty drinks are also loaded with added sugars. For example, some Starbucks specialty beverages contain more than 70 grams of sugar in one Grande (16 fluid ounces). The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends children and teens consume less than 25 grams, or 6 teaspoons, of added sugar per day.

“Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages is linked to excess weight, which can lead to a number of long-term health problems, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease,” says Dr. Batt. “Too much added sugar can also cause dental cavities.”

What Fancy Coffee Drinks Don’t Have

Another drawback of sugary, caffeinated drinks is the low level of nutrients they contain in comparison to other foods and beverages. Dr. Batt says that many consumers, including some teenagers, get in the habit of substituting coffee and other drinks for nutrient-rich breakfasts or lunches.

This is particularly unhealthy for teenagers, because foods that are high in vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats and other nutrients are so important to their growth and development.

Caffeine Is Addictive

Specialty drinks are marketed to appeal to teenagers, with seasonal offerings and sugary syrups, slushy textures and a variety of toppings. Once an adolescent begins consuming these beverages, they may find it difficult to stop.

A teen may come to rely on sugary, caffeinated drinks to feel more awake and alert during the day. Some teens may also experience withdrawal symptoms like headaches, fatigue, decreased energy, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating and irritability if they stop consuming them, making quitting or limiting their favorite drinks that much more challenging.

Moderation and Healthy Alternatives

Dr. Batt says it’s ok for most teenagers to have specialty drinks in moderation or as an occasional treat. As a general guideline, for most teens the daily equivalent of 80 to 100 mg of caffeine (an eight-ounce cup of coffee) is ok, while not exceeding the daily recommended 25 grams of sugar.

Parents can help their children limit consumption of these beverages by offering healthier alternatives. For example, water flavored with fruit is a good way add flavor without caffeine, sugar and artificial sweeteners. So are smoothies made with plain yogurt and fruit.

“It’s also a good idea to talk to your kids about the potential harm of these beverages, since many teens (and adults, too!) don’t realize how much caffeine and sugar are in them,” says Dr. Batt. “They may not be aware of the negative health effects of these drinks.”

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As a part of UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, the Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine provides primary pediatric care to children and teenagers throughout Northeast Ohio.