No, Celsius Drinks Are Not Alcoholic
For health-conscious consumers and athletes who favor Celsius, the normal product lineup is strictly non-alcoholic. The incident in mid-2025 was a rare event and a clear mistake, not a change in the company's product offering. Celsius is marketed as a functional, 'Essential Energy' drink designed to support an active lifestyle, and its ingredients reflect this purpose. A quick check of the standard ingredients list reveals no alcohol content whatsoever. Instead, the beverages contain a blend of caffeine, vitamins, and other ingredients intended to boost energy and metabolism.
The Mislabeled Can Incident: An Anomaly
In July 2025, reports surfaced of a recall affecting certain High Noon Beach Variety packs. A shared packaging supplier for both Celsius and High Noon had mistakenly sent empty Celsius cans to the High Noon facility. As a result, some of the Celsius-branded cans were filled with High Noon vodka seltzer. The affected cans, specifically the 'Astro Vibe: Sparkling Blue Razz Edition,' were found with a silver top instead of the standard black top, indicating the potential mix-up. This was not a Celsius production error but a supplier mistake, leading to a voluntary recall by High Noon to protect consumer safety.
Key Ingredients in a Standard Celsius Drink
To understand why Celsius is a non-alcoholic product, it's helpful to look at its typical composition. A standard Celsius drink contains a variety of functional ingredients, none of which are alcohol.
- MetaPlus® Blend: A proprietary mix that includes green tea with EGCG, guarana seed extract, and ginger root.
- Caffeine: The primary stimulant for energy, with a typical can containing around 200mg.
- Vitamins: Contains several B vitamins and vitamin C for energy production and immune support.
- Sucralose: An artificial sweetener used to provide flavor without sugar.
- Other Ingredients: Carbonated filtered water, citric acid, and natural flavors complete the drink.
Why Mixing Alcohol and Energy Drinks is a Bad Idea
The company's own FAQ and health experts strongly advise against mixing Celsius with alcoholic beverages. This is due to the potential health risks associated with combining stimulants like caffeine with a depressant like alcohol. The stimulant effect of the caffeine can mask the intoxicating effects of the alcohol, leading to a dangerous 'wide-awake drunk' state where a person may feel less impaired than they actually are. This can encourage excessive drinking, increase the risk of alcohol poisoning, and lead to poor judgment.
Comparison Table: Celsius vs. Alcoholic Beverages
| Feature | Celsius Energy Drink | Alcoholic Beverage (e.g., High Noon) |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol Content | 0% (Except during specific, recalled incidents) | Varies, typically 4-5% ABV (Alcohol by Volume) |
| Primary Function | Provides energy and boosts metabolism with caffeine and vitamins | Produces an intoxicating, depressant effect on the central nervous system |
| Key Ingredients | Caffeine, guarana, green tea extract, vitamins, filtered water | Ethanol, water, and various flavorings depending on the product |
| Intended Consumer | Active, health-conscious adults seeking a pre-workout or energy boost | Adults of legal drinking age seeking a social or recreational drink |
| Mixing with Alcohol | Not recommended due to health risks and masking of intoxication | Often consumed on its own or mixed with other non-caffeinated drinks |
How to Verify a Celsius Can's Contents
Following the recall, it's wise for consumers to know how to identify potentially mislabeled products. The affected 'Astro Vibe: Sparkling Blue Razz Edition' cans containing vodka were distinguished by having a silver top, whereas the authentic, non-alcoholic Celsius cans have a black top. Consumers can also check the lot codes printed on the bottom of the can for verification. The recall was primarily linked to High Noon variety packs, but caution is warranted when purchasing single cans as well. If a can from the impacted lots is found, it should be disposed of and not consumed.
Conclusion: A Rare Event with Clear Distinctions
While a specific, isolated product recall did result in a handful of mislabeled cans of Celsius containing alcohol, the standard answer to the question, 'Do any Celsius have alcohol in them?', is a definitive no. Celsius produces energy drinks free of alcohol, and the mix-up was a rare and specific manufacturing issue involving a shared supplier. The incident served as a powerful reminder of the importance of checking product labels and lot codes. For consumers, the key takeaway is that authentic Celsius beverages are strictly non-alcoholic, and mixing them with alcohol is ill-advised for health reasons.
For more information on the official recall notice, consumers can visit the Celsius website or the FDA's website for specifics on the affected lot numbers and flavors.
