The Emery Celsius Epidemic

As the clock hits 8:25 AM, I rush through the upper school halls still tired from the hours of studying I did the night before. Yet, my eyes are laser-focused on the carpeted ground below me, carefully ensuring one foot is stepping one in front of the other, trying not to trip over the vibrant metal cans with fruit and nutrition labels that are stationed near the overly fatigued students sitting across lockers. My eyes still slightly stuck together from the boogers crafted in my sleep are able to read: “Celsius” on that can. But the question remains, why are Emery students caught in such a chokehold with these drinks?

Like other energy drinks, Celsius is often highly addictive to weary, unmotivated teenagers. But with Celsius’ highly applaudable labels and nutritional facts, many believe they are ‘better for you’ than other caffeinated energy drinks and can therefore be drunk in high quantities. However, this rumor has been publicly debunked in a class action lawsuit against the brand. Jordan Mendoza, writer for USA Today mentions, “The settlement stems from a lawsuit filed in November, alleging Celsius drinks had misleading labels that said the drink contained ‘no preservatives’’ but contained citric acid. The company denied the allegations, saying citric acid was added to products as a flavor, not as a preservative. Eventually, the parties agreed to a settlement instead of proceeding with the lawsuit.” Despite this controversy, Emery students continue to proudly hold a can of this preservative-filled drink many times a week.

Freshman, athlete, and Celsius connoisseur Eva Dow mentions, “I drink them [celsius] when I’m tired, and I use them as a backup source of energy when I can’t get enough sleep the night before.” She continues, “Not having a Celsius with me makes me feel more tired and less focused. I think that they are more harmful than beneficial, however, the benefits that are there feel more important to me.” 

 Sophomore Emily Williams, notes that she drinks Celsius, “three times a week,” and not because she believes they are single-handedly granting her with the magical energy she needs to stove in school but, “it’s more of a mind game.” 

Junior Charley Rambin drinks them because “I believe I can’t function correctly without them.” She continues, “As a Junior, I am working so hard every day which causes me to stay up late every night, which in turn, leads me to buy one the next morning to stay alert during school hours.”

While students feel inclined, and almost compelled to drink a Celsius drink to retain energy throughout long high school days, and after-school activities, Laura Larkin, the school’s counselor and mental health expert wants to note that she is, “not a huge fan, especially for teenagers.” She continues, “I totally get why they are popular, I think they taste good, and they are easy, and gives people a little boost. But, the caffeine is around 200 mg in a can and no more than 100 mg are recommended. It is giving everyone excessive caffeine.” Larkin begins to mention more of the plausible problems with high school students constantly sipping on liquid energy,  “A lot of people are struggling with anxiety, and if anyone has underlying anxiety issues, drinking these will not help.” She advises, “there are healthier ways to produce energy: food and fruits. For overall health, it’s important to get a solid amount of sleep during the night which is much better than the big caffeine spike.” 

So, next time you see someone holding one, or you yourself even question picking one up before school, think about what you are actually doing to you’re body that makes you think you need more energy. Stop the problem at the source.