The short and straightforward answer is no, a standard Celsius energy drink does not contain liquor or any form of alcohol. Celsius is a non-alcoholic, caffeinated beverage marketed for fitness and energy. The recent wave of questions regarding its alcohol content stems from a very specific and isolated incident involving a manufacturing and labeling error, which led to a product recall announced in July 2025.
The 2025 High Noon Labeling Mix-up
The confusion began when alcoholic beverage company High Noon voluntarily recalled two production lots of its Beach Variety Packs. The recall was issued after a shared packaging supplier mistakenly sent empty Celsius energy drink cans to the High Noon facility. These cans, intended for Celsius, were then filled with High Noon vodka seltzer.
Which Products Were Affected?
The mix-up specifically affected cans of the 'CELSIUS® ASTRO VIBE™ Energy Drink, Sparkling Blue Razz Edition' found within the High Noon Beach Variety 12-packs. While the issue primarily involved the alcoholic High Noon packs containing a mislabeled Celsius can, it created a ripple effect of uncertainty for consumers of the standard Celsius energy drink.
How to Identify Mislabeled Cans
To help consumers identify the mislabeled products, specific details were provided during the recall:
- Specific Flavor: The recall was limited to the Astro Vibe, Sparkling Blue Razz Edition.
- Can Top Color: Standard Astro Vibe cans have a black top, but the recalled cans containing vodka seltzer were packaged with a silver top.
- Lot Codes: Specific lot codes were associated with the recalled products.
- Packaging: The mislabeled cans were originally part of a High Noon Beach Variety 12-pack, though they could have been sold individually after distribution.
Key Ingredients in a Standard Celsius Drink
To understand why Celsius is non-alcoholic, it's important to look at its standard ingredients. The beverage is formulated as a fitness drink and contains a proprietary blend of ingredients designed to provide energy and boost metabolism. A typical can lists ingredients such as:
- Carbonated filtered water
- MetaPlus® Proprietary Blend: This typically includes Taurine, Guarana Seed Extract, Caffeine, Glucuronolactone, and Green Tea Leaf Extract with EGCG.
- Essential vitamins (such as B vitamins and Vitamin C).
- Natural flavors
- Sucralose (a non-nutritive sweetener)
- Ginger Root Extract
As this list shows, alcohol is never included in the standard formulation of Celsius. The drink is also marketed as containing no sugar, no artificial colors, no aspartame, and no high fructose corn syrup.
Celsius vs. High Noon Seltzer (The Mislabeled Product)
| Feature | Celsius (Standard Energy Drink) | High Noon Seltzer (Found in Mislabeled Cans) |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol Content | 0.0% ABV (Non-alcoholic) | 4.5% ABV (Alcoholic) |
| Main Function | Provides essential energy, promotes metabolism | Ready-to-drink vodka cocktail |
| Key Ingredients | Caffeine, Guarana, Green Tea, Vitamins | Vodka, real fruit juice (base for seltzer) |
| Caffeine | Contains caffeine (e.g., 200mg in some versions) | None |
| Market | Fitness and healthy lifestyle beverage | Hard seltzer/alcoholic cocktail market |
The Dangers of Combining Alcohol and Energy Drinks
Even though Celsius itself does not contain liquor, the recall highlighted the potential dangers of mixing caffeinated energy drinks with alcohol, especially for those who consume them regularly. Energy drinks are stimulants, while alcohol is a depressant. This combination can mask the feeling of intoxication, leading people to drink more alcohol than they normally would. The high caffeine content can also cause heart palpitations, increased blood pressure, and anxiety, effects that are exacerbated when combined with alcohol. This is why the mix-up was taken so seriously by the FDA and the involved companies.
Conclusion: No Liquor in Standard Celsius
In conclusion, the popular energy drink Celsius is unequivocally a non-alcoholic beverage, and it does not contain liquor. The significant public inquiry stemmed from an isolated and rare manufacturing error involving High Noon vodka seltzer in July 2025, which led to a product recall. Consumers should be assured that standard cans of Celsius are safe to consume as an energy drink, but always remain vigilant for product recalls and check packaging details if unsure. The swift action by High Noon and the FDA ensured the problem was addressed and consumers were informed, highlighting the importance of clear labeling and quality control in the beverage industry.
For more information on the recall, visit the FDA's website for official statements and details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Does Celsius contain alcohol? Answer: No, standard Celsius energy drinks do not contain alcohol. They are non-alcoholic beverages containing a blend of caffeine and vitamins.
Question: What happened with the Celsius and High Noon recall? Answer: A packaging supplier mistakenly shipped empty Celsius cans to High Noon, where they were filled with vodka seltzer. This resulted in some cases of High Noon being mislabeled as Celsius energy drinks, leading to a product recall in July 2025.
Question: How could I tell if my Celsius had alcohol in it during the recall? Answer: The mislabeled cans were a specific flavor (Astro Vibe, Sparkling Blue Razz) and, notably, had a silver can top instead of the standard black top. Consumers were advised to check for specific lot codes as well.
Question: Are other flavors of Celsius affected by the recall? Answer: No, the recall was very specific to the Astro Vibe, Sparkling Blue Razz Edition that was packaged incorrectly within High Noon variety packs. All other Celsius products and flavors were unaffected and did not contain alcohol.
Question: Can you mix Celsius and alcohol? Answer: While not specifically a product warning, mixing caffeinated energy drinks with alcohol is not recommended. The combination of a stimulant (caffeine) and a depressant (alcohol) can have dangerous health effects, including masking the signs of intoxication.
Question: Where can I find official information about the High Noon-Celsius recall? Answer: The official recall information was posted by the FDA following High Noon's announcement. Details can be found on news sites like Today.com, Entrepreneur, and AboutLawsuits.com, referencing the FDA statement.
Question: What are the main ingredients in a typical Celsius drink? Answer: A typical Celsius drink includes carbonated filtered water, caffeine, guarana seed extract, green tea extract, and a blend of essential vitamins like Vitamin B and Vitamin C.
Question: Is Celsius an alcoholic beverage alternative? Answer: No, Celsius is not an alcoholic beverage or an alternative. It is an energy drink designed for fitness and energy, separate from alcoholic products.
Question: Can I get a refund for a mislabeled can? Answer: Yes, during the recall, consumers with affected cans were advised to contact High Noon's consumer relations for information on next steps and refunds.
Question: What was the alcohol content of the mislabeled cans? Answer: The mislabeled cans contained High Noon vodka seltzer, which has a 4.5% Alcohol By Volume (ABV).
