Should Caffeinated Drinks Be Allowed to Contain More Juice?
Official title: Proposal to modify the List of Permitted Supplemental Ingredients to permit 30% juice in certain caffeinated beverages
Health Canada wants to let energy drinks and other caffeinated beverages contain up to 30% juice, up from the current 25% limit. The caffeine levels would stay the same. These drinks still couldn't call themselves "juice" on the label.
Why This Matters
Ever grab an energy drink thinking it's healthier because it has juice? This rule change could mean more juice in those drinks. The catch: they still can't market themselves as juice products, so you won't be fooled into thinking they're health drinks.
What Could Change
Beverage makers could add up to 30% juice to caffeinated drinks without reformulating for caffeine limits. The labelling rules stay strict—no "juice" claims allowed. This is optional for manufacturers; they can stick with the current 25% limit if they prefer.
Key Issues
- Should the juice limit in caffeinated beverages increase from 25% to 30%?
- Are there safety concerns with allowing more juice in high-caffeine drinks?
How to Participate
- Review the List of Permitted Supplemental Ingredients to understand current caffeine rules.
- Email your comments to food.ibr-ipr.aliments@hc-sc.gc.ca with "juice-caffeine (P-SIS-25-02)" in the subject line.