The Nutritional Reality: Is Celsius Still Safe to Drink?

October 25, 2025 •

4 min read

In 2022, Celsius settled a $7.8 million class-action lawsuit for falsely claiming its products were preservative-free. This legal action, combined with ongoing discussions about high caffeine content and viral misinformation, has prompted many to question: Is Celsius still safe to drink?

Quick Summary

This article examines the nutritional safety of Celsius energy drinks by analyzing their high caffeine content, debunking misleading cyanide rumors, and discussing past controversies and ingredient risks.

Key Points

Moderate Consumption: For most healthy adults, consuming 1-2 cans of Celsius per day is likely safe due to the high caffeine content.
High Caffeine Warning: Each can contains 200mg or more of caffeine, which can cause increased heart rate, anxiety, and insomnia, especially for sensitive individuals.
Cyanide Claims Debunked: The viral rumors alleging dangerous cyanide levels from Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) were false and have been retracted by the source.
Marketing Controversy: Celsius settled a lawsuit over misleading "no preservatives" claims, prompting a reassessment of its marketing as a health product.
Not a Health Elixir: Despite its marketing, experts advise that Celsius should be treated like other energy drinks, and not relied upon as a wellness supplement.
Consider Health Alternatives: Safer and healthier options for an energy boost include coffee, green tea, kombucha, and prioritizing sleep and proper hydration.

Understanding Celsius: The Basics of its Formula

Celsius markets itself as a "functional essential energy" drink, positioning itself as a healthier alternative to traditional energy drinks. The core of its formula is the proprietary MetaPlus blend, which includes ingredients like green tea extract with EGCG, guarana seed extract, ginger root, Vitamin C, B vitamins, and chromium. The drinks are also sugar-free, using artificial sweeteners like sucralose and stevia. While the inclusion of vitamins and a lack of sugar may seem beneficial, it is important to scrutinize the full ingredient list and consider potential side effects associated with high levels of stimulants.

The High Caffeine Content and Potential Health Risks

One of the most critical aspects of Celsius's nutritional profile is its significant caffeine content. A standard 12-ounce can contains 200mg of caffeine, while some varieties like Celsius HEAT pack up to 300mg. This is a higher concentration than many popular energy drinks on the market.

For reference, the FDA recommends a daily limit of 400mg of caffeine for most healthy adults, meaning a single can of Celsius accounts for a substantial portion of this allowance. Excessive caffeine intake can lead to a range of side effects, including:

Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Insomnia and restlessness
Anxiety and nervousness
Headaches and jitters
Digestive upset

More concerning are the risks for individuals sensitive to caffeine or those with pre-existing heart conditions. Studies have shown a link between high caffeine consumption and heart palpitations or irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), even in healthy individuals. Cardiologists have warned that the combination of caffeine with other stimulants like guarana and taurine, also found in Celsius, can exacerbate these effects.

Debunking the Cyanide and Other Viral Rumors

In early 2023, a viral video featuring influencer Gary Brecka spread the false claim that Celsius contained dangerous levels of cyanide due to its inclusion of cyanocobalamin, a form of Vitamin B12. These claims were quickly and thoroughly debunked by fact-checkers and Celsius itself.

Here’s what you need to know about the debunked claims:

Cyanocobalamin is not cyanide: Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic and completely safe form of Vitamin B12 commonly used in supplements, including other popular energy drinks. The body metabolizes it safely and excretes any trace amounts of cyanide.
Influencer recanted: The creator of the original claim has since removed the video and admitted his statements were inaccurate.
Not derived from sludge: Related rumors that the B12 is sourced from human sewage sludge are also false, stemming from misinterpretations of historical patents for animal feed production.

The “No Preservatives” Lawsuit and Marketing Controversy

In 2022, Celsius settled a $7.8 million class-action lawsuit over claims of false advertising. The suit alleged that Celsius deceptively labeled its products as containing “no preservatives,” despite listing citric acid—an ingredient that functions as both a flavoring agent and a preservative. While Celsius did not admit wrongdoing, the company agreed to the settlement and has since removed the “no preservatives” claim from its marketing.

This incident highlights a broader criticism of Celsius's marketing, which has been accused of creating a "health halo" effect. Experts caution that while Celsius avoids sugar, its high concentration of caffeine and stimulant additives prevents it from being considered a truly healthy or wellness product.

Comparison: Celsius vs. Common Alternatives


Feature	Celsius (Standard Can)	Black Coffee (12 oz)	Plain Water	Kombucha (12 oz)
Caffeine	200mg	~120-150mg	0mg	~15-20mg
Sugar	0g	0g	0g	Varies (check label)
Artificial Sweeteners	Yes (sucralose, etc.)	No	No	No
Added Nutrients	Yes (B/C vitamins, chromium, etc.)	No	No	Probiotics
Stimulant Additives	Yes (guarana, taurine)	No	No	No
Hydration	Carbonated, can be dehydrating	Mildly dehydrating	Excellent	Hydrating

Final Thoughts: The Bottom Line on Celsius’s Safety

So, is Celsius still safe to drink? For most healthy adults without caffeine sensitivity, consuming Celsius in moderation (up to 1-2 cans per day) is likely safe. However, it is crucial to recognize that it is a highly caffeinated energy drink, not a health tonic, and should be treated as such. Misinformation regarding cyanide has been debunked, and past lawsuits involved misleading advertising, not unsafe products.

For those seeking a more balanced, sustainable energy boost, natural alternatives are often preferable. Relying on adequate sleep, a nutrient-rich diet, and regular exercise is the most effective long-term strategy for energy. For those who still prefer a caffeinated beverage, options like coffee, green tea, or yerba mate offer similar benefits with fewer added stimulants and artificial ingredients.

Ultimately, the safety of Celsius depends heavily on individual tolerance, health status, and consumption habits. Being an informed consumer and consulting a healthcare professional with any concerns is always the best approach. More information on safe caffeine intake can be found in guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For FDA guidance on caffeine intake, visit the FDA website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, this claim is false. Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic but safe form of Vitamin B12 commonly found in dietary supplements. The body safely metabolizes it, and the small trace amounts of cyanide are quickly eliminated. The influencer who spread this rumor has since retracted the statement.

A standard 12-ounce can of Celsius contains 200mg of caffeine, while some HEAT products have up to 300mg. The FDA recommends a daily limit of 400mg for most healthy adults, so a single can is a significant portion of this. For many, especially those sensitive to caffeine, this amount may be too much and cause side effects.

People with pre-existing heart conditions, anxiety disorders, and high blood pressure should be particularly cautious or avoid Celsius. Its high stimulant content can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which poses a risk for these individuals. It is not recommended for children, adolescents, or women who are pregnant or nursing.

Yes, in 2022, Celsius settled a class-action lawsuit for $7.8 million over misleading "no preservatives" claims. The drinks contained citric acid, which can act as a preservative. As part of the settlement, Celsius agreed to remove the claim from its marketing.

While Celsius is sugar-free and includes vitamins, experts caution that its heavy caffeine content and inclusion of artificial sweeteners prevent it from being a true 'wellness product'. The company's "health halo" marketing has been criticized as misleading, as natural, whole-food alternatives are often a more nutritious choice.

For sustained energy, consider options like black coffee, green tea, or matcha, which offer a natural caffeine boost without additional stimulants. Proper hydration with water or coconut water is also effective, as is incorporating regular exercise and a nutrient-rich diet.

While the manufacturer suggests it can be consumed daily in moderation (not exceeding 2 cans), relying on high doses of stimulants like those in Celsius daily may not be advisable for long-term health. Over time, this can lead to dependence, disrupted sleep, and other health issues, especially for sensitive individuals.