Anxiety from sugary drinks? A new study warns of another risk for teenagers

A recent review study suggests that among young people there is a clear link between the regular consumption of high-sugar beverages — such as fizzy soft drinks, energy drinks, flavoured milks, or sweetened fruit juices — and the frequency of anxiety symptoms.

Until now, sugary drinks have mostly been associated with weight gain, tooth decay, and an increased risk of diabetes. However, a new evidence-based review prepared by researchers at Bournemouth University found that teenagers who consume large amounts of sugary drinks are also more likely to report anxiety symptoms.

Too much “refreshment” can leave a mark on wellbeing

The Bournemouth team carried out a review of multiple studies, analysing data from earlier research conducted among adolescents. These studies typically used self-reported questionnaires to measure how often teenagers consumed sugary drinks, and assessed mental wellbeing using standard scales designed to capture anxiety-related symptoms.

Across the combined findings, higher sugary drink intake was consistently associated with a greater likelihood of anxiety symptoms in the groups studied.

What counts as a sugary drink?

In the review, the category of “sugary drinks” included:

• fizzy soft drinks
• energy drinks
• sweetened fruit juices and syrups
• sweetened teas and coffees
• flavoured milks

The researchers also pointed out that these beverages provide a large amount of energy, while offering very little nutritional value.

A single 330 ml can of cola contains close to 35 grams of sugar — an amount that can almost reach, or even exceed, the recommended daily sugar intake for an average adult.

This large amount of sugar is absorbed quickly, which can lead to a rapid rise in blood sugar levels followed by a sudden drop in many people. Such fluctuations may be linked to tiredness, irritability, or difficulties with concentration, especially when sugary drinks are consumed regularly.

Over time, this kind of instability may contribute to a more sensitive stress response in the body, which can also intensify anxiety symptoms.

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health challenges in young people. In 2023, estimates suggested that around one in five children and adolescents struggled with a mental health disorder, and anxiety was one of the most frequently reported issues.

While the findings show a consistent pattern across multiple studies, the researchers stressed that the review drew largely on questionnaire-based, observational research.

For more on energy drinks and regulation, see our earlier report on Hungary’s ban on energy drink sales to minors.

The WHO is calling for stricter measures

In separate developments, the World Health Organization has recently urged governments to significantly raise taxes on sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages in new global reports.

According to Economx, the WHO argues that these products contribute to the spread of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, especially among children and young adults.

In connection with the WHO’s proposal, Hungary’s National Food Chain Safety Office (Nébih) also highlighted that although 116 countries currently tax sugary drinks, in many places the rules apply only to carbonated soft drinks. Other high-sugar beverages — such as 100% fruit juices or ready-to-drink coffees and teas — are often left outside the scope of these taxes.

Overall, researchers say the link between sugary drinks and anxiety is worth paying attention to, particularly because mental health problems in adolescence have risen sharply in recent years.

While the review does not prove that sugary drinks directly cause anxiety, the consistent pattern across multiple studies suggests the issue should be taken seriously.