Why are teens trying them?

A growing number of US teenagers are turning to caffeine pods to get an energy boost, say experts, who are concerned the trend could soon spread to the UK.

Small tea bag-like sachets placed between the lip and gum deliver a quick hit of caffeine directly into the bloodstream.

Some social media influencers promote products recommending them to gym-goers to improve performance or to students who want to be prepared for exams.

The TikTok store sells a variety of brands and flavors that may appeal to young people, says Dr. Rob van Dam of George Washington University.

But if one packet contains as much caffeine as two cups of regular coffee, it's easy to take too much and experience serious side effects, he says.

There is already growing concern in the UK about young people using nicotine pouches or snus.

Caffeine packets are also discreet—you may not be able to tell if someone has it in their mouth—making it easy to hide from parents and teachers.

Some fans of this product boast online that they get a “high” from using two packets at once for an extra-large caffeine rush.

Because caffeine is quickly absorbed, the effects can begin within minutes of ingestion and last for several hours. Levels can get out of control.

Dr van Dam told BBC News: “Younger people may have a lower tolerance to caffeine and there is a chance they could end up in the emergency department if they have too much caffeine.”

Caffeine is a stimulant that can make you feel more alert and less sleepy due to its effects on the brain and nervous system.

Lewis James, from Loughborough University's School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, says there is good evidence that caffeine can help make exercise easier.

It has become one of the most commonly used supplements among athletes.

When you exercise, your body produces a chemical called adenosine, which causes you to feel tired. Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors in the nerves, so the brain perceives pain and fatigue less.

But it also affects other parts of the body, including the cardiovascular system, which can be risky.

High levels can cause rapid heartbeat, abnormal heart rhythms, and seizures.

Although rare, there are documented cases of death from excess caffeine.

Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others and may experience nausea, anxiety and irritability, as well as headaches even at lower doses.

Typically up to 400 mg caffeine per day seems safe for most healthy adults—that's about four cups of instant coffee.

Tea contains slightly less, so five cups a day is usually enough.

Pregnant women are advised to halve their daily intake to 200 mg or less.

Children and teenagers are also more at risk of overdose.

This is why, for example, energy drinks containing more than 150 mg of caffeine are already required to carry a label on the label that reads: “High caffeine content. Not recommended for children, pregnant or lactating women.”

Dr. van Dam says it's easy to get overwhelmed. Caffeine is found in many drinks and some foods, so it's important to check how much you consume.

“Although it is more difficult to overdose on coffee, it is easier with these products, especially if young people also drink energy drinks.”

He says some products, when you test them in a lab, contain more caffeine than what's listed on the label.

• Coffee: There is about 100-140 mg of caffeine per mug, but this can vary greatly.
• Tea: Contains approximately 75 mg per cup.
• Energy drinks: often contains 80 mg per 250 ml jar.
• Soft drinks: Typically contains about 40 mg per jar
• Chocolate: A 50g dark chocolate bar contains about 25mg of caffeine, and a 50g milk chocolate bar contains about 10mg.

Dentists say their long-term use can cause gum irritation, similar to snus and nicotine pouches.

Some experts worry that caffeine pods may be the way to go.

Bini Suresh is director of dietetics at the Cleveland Clinic in London and a spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association.

She says using pods may seem “trendy” or harmless, but there is a real risk of normalizing stimulant use among teenagers and young adults, potentially creating patterns of addiction.

She told the BBC: “Although caffeine may provide a temporary boost, it can disrupt sleep and increase fatigue over time, especially in children and teenagers who are more sensitive to its effects.”

If young people are considering consuming caffeine, the BDA and NHS advise caution.

The European Food Safety Authority suggests 3 mg/kg body weight as the upper limit for children and adolescents, meaning a child weighing 30 kg should receive no more than 90 mg per day.

Instead of consuming caffeine, Ms. Suresh says it is much better to focus on regular meals, fluid intake and nutrient-dense foods that keep energy levels consistent throughout the day.

A healthy diet with enough iron, protein and slow-release carbohydrates should help, she says.