A dangerously caffeinated drink promoted by YouTube personalities is driving a black market in Sydney after it was banned from sale for not complying with safety standards.
Bottom Line: Don't buy into the influencer hype. For older kids, Prime Hydration can be safe once in a while, however it does pose a risk of vitamin toxicity if consumed in excess. Prime Energy drink is much too high in caffeine and should be avoided by children under the age of 18 years old.
Unsurprisingly, schools were not so keen. A report by CBBC Newsround last month found several banning it, because of the distraction it caused. When a second version, Prime Energy, was launched earlier this year, there were concerns about its high caffeine content.
Senator Schumer said Prime Energy had “so much caffeine in it that it puts Red Bull to shame.” He added that Prime differed from other highly caffeinated energy drinks in that its advertising campaign appeared to target those under 18.
Several countries, including Australia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand have already banned Prime Energy drinks or its caffeine-free version, Prime Hydration, in some schools.
Although Prime Hydration can be legitimately sold in Australia, its bottle bears a warning label advising it is not suitable for children under 15 due to its supplement-heavy ingredients list. The drink is available on the shelves of major supermarket chains.
It is available for purchase in Australia through retailers and bottles have a disclaimer saying it's not suitable for children aged under 15. Prime Energy: A carbonated drink that contains 200mg of caffeine per 355mL can – double the Australian legal limit of caffeine per 100mL.
Branded as "the fastest growing sports drink in history" by two famous YouTube influencers, investors, and Super Bowl ad campaign stars Paul Logan and KSI, PRIME energy drink has more caffeine than beverages like Red Bull and has become a must-have drink for preteens and teens.
The PRIME website and PRIME Energy label both warn that the drink is not recommended for children under age 18, people sensitive to caffeine, pregnant women or women who are nursing.
It's become an online sensation since being launched, with its limited UK availability causing a craze. KSI denies that limiting the drink was a deliberate marketing ploy but the result of keeping it in short supply has been.... predictable. Aldi first stocked Prime as a one-off special in December.
According to the official website, Prime Energy is not recommended for children under the age of 18, which is stated on the labels of Prime Energy drinks.
Prime Energy, the influencer-backed drink that has become a viral playground hit, is facing scrutiny over its potentially dangerous levels of caffeine.
PRIME drinks, founded by internet personality Logan Paul, are a popular choice for energy drink consumers. The beverages claim to have zero added sugar, and contain a high amount of caffeine per serving—as much as 200 mg for 12 ounces.
Be aware that Prime drinks contain a source of artificial sweeteners, which have been linked to some negative health consequences, especially when consumed frequently. Keep in mind that Prime energy contains a high dose of caffeine, which may not be suitable for those sensitive to caffeine.
The FDA has been asked to investigate PRIME, an influencer-backed energy drink that contains nearly double the amount of caffeine as a can of Red Bull.
PRIME Energy is not recommended for children under the age of 18, women who are pregnant or nursing, or individuals who are sensitive to caffeine. Are PRIME bottles and cans recyclable?
With 200mg of caffeine, or that in a double shot of espresso, Prime Energy is certainly a concentrated source of the stimulant caffeine, and as such has been deemed unsafe for anyone under the age of 18.
However, the quantity of caffeine in supplements, such as PRIME Energy are largely unregulated and could exceed the reported 200mg/can. Labelling on PRIME Energy suggests that these drinks shouldn't be consumed by children under 18 years old.
Despite warnings that it's only for adults, Prime drinks are popular with kids and teens. Experts say too much caffeine can be dangerous, and young people are especially at risk.
The study authors found that Red 40 can be contaminated with carcinogens (cancer-causing substances). Overall we believe that Prime is a healthier option than Gatorade because it's free of added sugar and artificial food dye.
Energy drinks are heavily marketed to kids, but energy drinks and kids don't mix. Some parents may not know that energy drinks can actually be harmful for kids' health. Most health professionals agree that energy drinks should be avoided among children and limited for adults.
Where to buy Prime Hydration in Australia. Prime Hydration is available to purchase at both Coles and Woolworths supermarkets, local convenience and supplement stores, as well as online retailers, after the brand officially launched in Australia in late February.
Sports drinks are not appropriate for children as the high electrolyte content can cause imbalances in your child's system, which can be dangerous.
As well as the addition of Prime Hydration to Aldi stores, the shopper favourite Prime Energy Drink will also be returning to shelves for a third time.