Energy or Illusion? The Growing Debate Over Extreme Energy Drinks in Nepal

"Water is not enough; we need Extreme!" This highly energetic and appealing slogan has become widely recognized across Nepal, from major urban centers to remote rural communities. Through large roadside billboards, social media campaigns, mainstream media platforms, tea shops, and luxury hotels, Extreme Energy Drink has been aggressively marketed throughout the country. Produced by Agro Thai Foods Pvt. Ltd. in Lalitpur, the 330-milliliter beverage is promoted as a "game-changing energy drink" and has gained significant popularity through sports sponsorships, promotional giveaways, and advertising campaigns such as "World Cup Extreme Energy Drink Fan."

However, questions remain regarding the actual benefits of the product. Is it truly a source of enhanced energy, or merely a cleverly marketed beverage that may pose health risks to consumers? Health professionals, nutritionists, and consumer advocates have expressed growing concern over potentially misleading advertising practices and the health implications associated with energy drink consumption.

The product packaging includes a warning in small text stating that individuals with diabetes, children, pregnant and lactating women, and those sensitive to caffeine should avoid consumption. Nevertheless, these warnings may not be easily noticed or understood by many consumers, particularly children, elderly individuals, and those with limited literacy. As a result, many people consume the drink assuming it is simply another soft beverage.

While energy drinks are often associated with instant energy, modern lifestyles, and social status, health experts caution that their stimulating effects are temporary. According to specialists, the short-term boost is often followed by adverse health consequences. They warn that products marketed today as "game changers" may contribute to serious health problems in the future.

Extreme is not the only energy drink available in Nepal. International brands such as Red Bull, along with other products like Sting, have also established a strong presence in the market. These beverages commonly contain combinations of caffeine, taurine, sugars, and vitamins. Despite their popularity, health experts argue that excessive consumption of such drinks can negatively affect human health.

Composition and Potential Health Risks

According to health professionals, Extreme Energy Drink contains more than eleven chemical ingredients in addition to caffeine. A 330-milliliter bottle reportedly contains approximately 100 milligrams of caffeine, an amount comparable to a strong cup of coffee. Regular consumption of multiple bottles per day may significantly affect the nervous system, particularly among young consumers.

Experts note that taurine, another key ingredient, may amplify the effects of caffeine. Excessive intake has been associated with irregular heart rhythms, elevated blood pressure, and sleep disturbances. Furthermore, dextrose and glucose-fructose syrup, commonly used in energy drinks, are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. While the World Health Organization recommends limiting daily sugar intake to approximately 25–36 grams for adults, a single bottle of some energy drinks may approach or exceed this threshold, potentially increasing the risk of obesity, fatty liver disease, and type 2 diabetes.

Health experts have also raised concerns about preservatives such as sodium benzoate. Under certain conditions, sodium benzoate may react with citric acid or ascorbic acid to form benzene, a chemical compound that has been linked to serious health risks.

Public Health Concerns

Public health specialists warn that energy drink consumption has become a widespread trend across both urban and rural Nepal. In some cases, individuals are replacing traditional and nutritious beverages such as milk, yogurt, and buttermilk with commercially marketed energy drinks. Many people engaged in physical labor, gym workouts, trekking, or agricultural activities mistakenly perceive these beverages as effective hydration sources. However, energy drinks generally do not provide adequate hydration and may increase the risk of dehydration and related health complications.

Experts further caution that children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable. Excessive consumption may negatively affect cognitive development, concentration, memory, and overall physical health. Long-term use has also been associated with increased risks of liver, kidney, and cardiovascular diseases, as well as digestive issues such as gastritis and acid reflux.

Health professionals therefore recommend healthier alternatives, including water, milk, buttermilk, fresh fruits, and coconut water.

Dr. Aruna Upreti and other health experts have observed a growing demand for products such as Extreme and Red Bull. While these beverages may provide temporary stimulation and satisfy consumer preferences, experts emphasize that they may compromise long-term health. Consequently, many nutritionists and medical professionals advise limiting or avoiding energy drink consumption whenever possible.

Regulatory Challenges and Calls for Policy Reform

Nepal imposed a ban on the import of caffeinated energy drinks in 2019. However, following the restriction, the market reportedly experienced an increase in domestically produced alternatives, some of which have faced criticism regarding quality standards and regulatory oversight.

Currently, Nepal lacks comprehensive regulations governing maximum caffeine levels, sugar content, or restrictions on sales to minors. Although the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control is responsible for monitoring food products, concerns have been raised regarding the effectiveness of enforcement and oversight.

At a recent program organized by the Nepal Development Research Institute, several prominent figures, including former Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Shah, former Health Minister Dr. Toshima Karki, and Education, Health and Information Technology Committee Chair Dr. Ojaswi Sherchan, advocated for significantly higher health taxes on sugary beverages, tobacco, and alcohol. They proposed introducing a sugar-based taxation system while exempting healthier options such as drinking water, unsweetened milk, and sugar-free beverages. Revenue generated from such taxes, they argued, could support diabetes prevention, school health programs, health insurance initiatives, and efforts to combat non-communicable diseases.

The proposal was not incorporated into the national budget for the fiscal year 2083/84 despite growing concerns about the burden of non-communicable diseases, which account for more than two-thirds of deaths in Nepal.

Allegations of Revenue Evasion

In addition to health-related concerns, Extreme Energy Drink has recently faced allegations of tax and revenue irregularities. Law enforcement authorities reportedly discovered a large quantity of the product in Banepa, Kavrepalanchok, being distributed without compliance with required legal and revenue procedures.

Critics argue that while the company benefits from aggressive marketing and limited public awareness regarding health risks, it may also be engaging in practices that undermine state revenue collection. Relevant authorities have initiated further investigations into the matter, and the findings may have important implications for both public health and regulatory compliance.

Conclusion

The rapid expansion of energy drink consumption in Nepal has generated significant debate among health experts, policymakers, and consumer advocates. While these products are marketed as sources of instant energy and modern lifestyle enhancement, concerns regarding excessive caffeine and sugar content, potential health risks, insufficient regulation, and alleged financial irregularities continue to attract public attention. As consumption increases, experts stress the importance of stronger regulatory oversight, greater public awareness, and the promotion of healthier beverage alternatives.