I hate Celsius drinks.

Many around me during the school day seem to be genuinely addicted to the beverage. However, I don’t understand the appeal surrounding Celsius. As the fruit taste is harsh while leaving a wicked aftertaste. The taste of Celsius drinks has made me nauseated. I’ve personally suffered from the amount of energy that surged into me from these drinks. Celsius can easily be compared to the effect of nicotine.

The Celsius flavors range from wild berry, and peach mango green tea, to a simple orange. Regardless, these flavors fail to resemble the fruit they advertise. While drinking Celsius, a bitter taste erupts after every sip. This could be accounted for by the drinks’ zero-sugar claim. However, there are zero-sugar drinks that do not have this bitter effect. Sparkling Ice and BodyArmor Lyte serve as refreshing drinks that do not leave the drinker in immediate disgust. This is proof “zero sugar” does not have to equate to bitter, borderline un-drinkable beverages.

The one time I drank Celsius on my own accord, I had a presentation later that afternoon. During my presentation, I began shaking past the average presenting nerves. My heart felt like it was going to pump out of my chest and onto the floor. I realized this increased anxiousness was from my Celsius. From that day I realized that no drink should have that much power over me.

Medical experts agree. “Caffeine can lead to dangerous abnormal heart rhythms or lead to neurologic symptoms of hallucinations or seizures,” wrote Dr. Catherine Miller, who specializes in adolescent medicine specialist at the University of Michigan.

A can of Celsius has 200 milligrams of caffeine.

According to the University of Michigan Health Lab, adolescents ages 12 to 18 should cap daily caffeine intake at 100 milligrams of caffeine. Teens who drink Celsius double the safe threshold for caffeine intake with each can.

These caffeinated drinks plaguing teens can easily be compared to the nicotine intake seen across teens in America. Vaping became insanely common among adults and teens in America. In 2021 the Food and Drug Administraton reported that “14.1% (2.14 million) of high school students and 3.3% (380,000) of middle school students reported current e-cigarette use.”

The use of nicotine has undeniable addicting qualities. Caffeinated Celsius drinks that students can’t go without are just drinkable EscoBars. Taking away a vape or a Celsius from someone addicted to either would most likely cause irritability and lack of motivation within the user or drinker.

Celsius is liquid nicotine – licotine.