Category: Legal

Over one in five college students reported mixing energy drinks with alcohol in the past year, highlighting a common misconception that their regulatory frameworks are similar. In fact, energy drinks are not regulated like alcohol, falling under very different and often less stringent legal standards, which impacts labeling, sales, and health warnings.

While most people associate beer, wine, and spirits with alcohol, the legal and practical definitions of what ABV is considered alcohol can be complex and vary significantly depending on your location. Globally, there is no single universal standard; instead, thresholds are set by governing bodies based on how much ethanol is present.

A 2009 study found that nearly 90% of tested energy drinks contained low concentrations of ethanol, which could cause false positives on portable breath tests, particularly within a minute of consumption. Beyond these beverages, many other common foods contain naturally occurring or added alcohol that can lead to surprising results.

In 2025, a popular protein bar company called David acquired a key ingredient supplier, only to be hit with a lawsuit alleging monopolistic behavior from competitors. The David protein bar lawsuit centers on a controversial acquisition that effectively cut off access to a critical fat substitute for other food startups.

In many countries, a beverage with as little as 0.5% ABV is legally classified as an "alcoholic beverage" for labeling and regulatory purposes, yet for practical effects, a significantly higher alcohol percentage is needed to cause intoxication. Understanding how much ABV is considered alcohol involves looking beyond a single number to include legal definitions, drink types, and individual factors.

Coca chewing in Peru is a practice with deep historical roots, dating back over 3,000 years, and for travelers, a common question arises: is chewing coca leaves legal in Peru? Yes, chewing coca leaves is completely legal within Peru, as it is considered an important part of the country's cultural heritage and is commonly used for its mild stimulating effects and for combating altitude sickness.

According to a 2012 report by The Pew Charitable Trusts, states with strong laws restricting the sale of unhealthy snack foods in schools saw students gain less weight over a three-year period. The seemingly strict ban on selling snacks in school is not a random rule but a result of federal regulations and local wellness policies designed to protect student health and support nutrition education.

In 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued warning letters to several companies, deeming the added caffeine in their alcoholic malt beverages an "unsafe food additive". This action has led many to question the legality of consuming both stimulants and depressants, wondering: is it illegal to have caffeine and alcohol in the same drink?

In November 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning letter to manufacturers, declaring the combination of alcohol and caffeine in beverages like Four Loko an "unsafe food additive". Following this regulatory action, the original formula was taken off shelves, leading many to believe the product was permanently banned, but today's non-caffeinated Four Loko is legal and widely available.

Did you know that all fermented foods contain some level of alcohol, including kombucha? The trace alcohol content in kombucha raises a critical question for many: can kombucha show up as alcohol on a drug test?