The 'Health Halo' vs. High Caffeine
Celsius has been wildly successful, partly due to its branding as a healthier alternative to traditional energy drinks. It's marketed as a fitness and wellness beverage, promoting benefits like boosted metabolism and fat burning, with features like B vitamins, ginger, and green tea extract. However, this "health halo" marketing has drawn significant criticism. A dietitian in one report noted, "caffeine, carbonation, and synthetic vitamins don't make it a wellness product," calling the health claim a "reach".
A primary concern is the drink's very high caffeine content. At 200-270 mg per can, it contains significantly more caffeine than many competitors, including Red Bull (80 mg) and Monster (160 mg). For context, a standard 8-ounce cup of coffee has about 95 mg of caffeine. This high dosage can lead to several adverse side effects, including:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Jitters, restlessness, and anxiety
- Sleep disturbances and insomnia
- Dependence and withdrawal symptoms like headaches or fatigue when stopping
While the company advises a limit of two cans per day, many consumers disregard this, leading to potentially dangerous levels of caffeine consumption.
Lawsuits and Legal Troubles
Celsius's rise in popularity has been accompanied by a slew of lawsuits and legal challenges, raising questions about its business practices and product claims.
The 'No Preservatives' Settlement
In 2022, Celsius agreed to a $7.8 million class-action settlement over deceptive marketing. The lawsuit alleged the company falsely claimed its drinks had "no preservatives" despite containing citric acid. Celsius argued the citric acid was for flavoring, but the settlement required them to remove the misleading claim from marketing materials.
Investor Class-Action Lawsuits
In 2024, Celsius faced multiple securities class-action lawsuits from investors. The lawsuits alleged that the company misrepresented its financial performance and concealed information, specifically concerning its distribution partnership with PepsiCo. The complaint suggested Celsius had significantly oversold inventory to PepsiCo, creating an unsustainable sales rate and hurting future financial prospects.
Deceptive Flavoring Lawsuit
An earlier 2021 class-action lawsuit targeted Celsius's flavoring claims. The suit alleged that products like the Sparkling Orange beverage were deceptively labeled as having "natural flavor" when they contained "highly processed, lab-synthesized flavoring packets" and no actual orange.
FDA Compliance Challenge
In February 2024, another class-action lawsuit was filed alleging that Celsius Live Fit drinks were misbranded and sold as an "unapproved new drug" because the company had not obtained FDA approval for its product claims.
The 2025 Product Recalls
The summer of 2025 brought further turmoil for the brand with two separate recalls.
- Vodka Seltzer Mix-Up (July 2025): The most publicized incident involved a production mix-up where empty Celsius cans were mistakenly filled with High Noon vodka seltzer at a shared packaging facility. This led to a recall of certain High Noon variety packs and a warning for Celsius Astro Vibe cans, as they contained alcohol, posing a risk of unintentional consumption.
- Labeling and Ingredient Issues (August 2025): Shortly after, a separate recall occurred for specific batches of Celsius products due to labeling issues and undeclared ingredients. This raised additional concerns about transparency and quality control, especially for individuals with allergies or sensitivities.
Debunking the B12/Cyanide Myth
One of the most persistent, yet debunked, rumors surrounding Celsius has been a viral social media claim that its vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) contains dangerous levels of cyanide derived from human sewage. This claim is false. Cyanocobalamin is a safe, synthetic form of B12 widely used in supplements and fortified foods. The human body naturally processes the minuscule amount of cyanide released. The influencer who spread the claim later admitted it was inaccurate and took down the videos.
Celsius vs. Healthier Alternatives
For those seeking energy and wellness, it's helpful to compare Celsius's offerings against truly healthy alternatives. The following table contrasts Celsius with beverages that provide similar effects without the high stimulant load or synthetic additives.
| Feature | Celsius (Example Can) | Black Coffee (8 oz) | Green Tea (8 oz) | Kombucha (8 oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caffeine | 200-270 mg | ~95 mg | ~47 mg | ~15 mg |
| Energy Source | High synthetic caffeine, guarana | Natural caffeine | Natural caffeine, L-theanine | Probiotics, B vitamins |
| Sugar | 0g (artificial sweeteners) | 0g (plain) | 0g (plain) | 2-8g (natural) |
| Added Vitamins | B, C, Chromium | Minimal | Antioxidants | B vitamins, probiotics |
| Metabolic Effect | Questionable alone, relies on high caffeine | Modest, natural | Modest, natural | Gut health support |
| Potential Side Effects | Jitters, anxiety, heart issues | Jitters, insomnia (less severe) | Calming effects, sustained energy | Digestive sensitivity |
The Nutritional Bottom Line: Moderation and Awareness
For healthy adults who consume Celsius infrequently and in moderation, the drink is likely safe. However, relying on it daily is not a healthy nutrition strategy. Experts agree that the supposed metabolic benefits only occur when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise, and can be achieved more effectively through whole foods and healthier habits. The consistent stream of lawsuits and the recent product recalls underscore the need for consumer vigilance. The brand's "healthy" positioning should be viewed as clever marketing, not a nutritional guarantee. A more robust and sustained energy boost can be achieved through adequate sleep, proper hydration, and a nutrient-rich diet.
For further information on supplement safety, consult the National Institutes of Health's LiverTox website.
Conclusion: More Than a 'Health Halo'
Celsius drinks have experienced immense market success by cultivating a "health halo" image, but the shine has been tarnished by a litany of legal, product, and health-related issues. From settlements over false advertising and investor lawsuits to the very public vodka recall in 2025, the brand's reputation faces ongoing scrutiny. Consumers are wise to look beyond the slick marketing, understand the potential side effects of high caffeine consumption, and remember that true wellness comes from a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, not from a can. While most Celsius products are safe for occasional, moderate use, the controversies surrounding the company highlight the importance of transparency and critical thinking when choosing supposedly healthy beverages.
