What Was the Alcohol in the Celsius Scandal? The 2025 Mix-Up Explained

In July 2025, a nationwide recall was announced after a manufacturing error resulted in High Noon vodka seltzer being mistakenly filled into cans of Celsius energy drink. This surprising mix-up quickly became known as the Celsius alcohol scandal, prompting the FDA and manufacturers to issue warnings about unintentional alcohol consumption.

Quick Summary

A manufacturing error in July 2025 caused High Noon vodka seltzer to be placed in Celsius Astro Vibe cans, leading to a major recall. Consumers in several states were at risk of unintentionally drinking alcohol, and a joint investigation was launched to address the supplier mix-up.

Key Points

• The Alcohol Was High Noon Vodka Seltzer: The Celsius scandal was caused by a manufacturing error where High Noon vodka seltzer was accidentally filled into Celsius energy drink cans.

• Specific Flavor Affected: The mix-up impacted the Celsius Astro Vibe: Sparkling Blue Razz Edition.

• Manufacturing and Distribution Error: A shared third-party packaging supplier accidentally sent empty Celsius cans to High Noon's facility, leading to the mislabeling.

• Consumers Warned to Check Cans: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and High Noon advised consumers to check for specific lot codes and look for cans with silver tops instead of black ones.

• Multiple States Were Affected: The mislabeled drinks were shipped to distributors and retailers in eight states, including New York, Florida, and Ohio. For a list of affected states, see {Link: The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/31/celsius-energy-drinks-recalled-alcohol} and {Link: Pensacola News Journal https://www.pnj.com/story/entertainment/dining/2025/07/31/celsius-recall-some-energy-drink-cans-mistakenly-filled-with-alcohol/85454112007/}.

• Prompt Recall Initiated: The recall was quickly initiated after the discovery to prevent unintentional alcohol ingestion by consumers.

The 2025 Product Mix-Up Involving High Noon Vodka

The alcohol involved in the Celsius scandal in late July 2025 was identified as High Noon vodka seltzer. This incident stemmed from a supply chain error involving a third-party packaging manufacturer used by both Celsius Holdings, Inc. and High Noon's parent company, E. & J. Gallo Winery. Empty Celsius cans, intended for the energy drink, were mistakenly sent to the High Noon facility and subsequently filled with the vodka-based seltzer. As a result, consumers purchasing what they thought was a non-alcoholic Celsius energy drink were at risk of consuming alcohol. The recall specifically affected the Astro Vibe: Sparkling Blue Razz Edition of Celsius and the mislabeled cans were primarily found within High Noon Beach Variety 12-packs.

The Recall's Expansion and Affected Areas

Distribution of the mislabeled products occurred between July 21 and July 23, 2025, in several U.S. states. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was aware of the recall, which High Noon initiated. For a full list of affected states and product identification details, please refer to {Link: The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/31/celsius-energy-drinks-recalled-alcohol} and {Link: Pensacola News Journal https://www.pnj.com/story/entertainment/dining/2025/07/31/celsius-recall-some-energy-drink-cans-mistakenly-filled-with-alcohol/85454112007/}. The alcohol mix-up raised concerns for vulnerable consumer groups, though no adverse events were reported in connection with the recall. The event serves as a case study in effective crisis management and product safety.

Conclusion

The Celsius scandal of 2025 involved High Noon vodka seltzer, resulting from a manufacturing error at a shared packaging facility. The recall, initiated by High Noon and announced by the FDA, was crucial in protecting consumers from unintentional alcohol consumption. Although no injuries were reported, the incident underscored the importance of stringent quality control and clear communication. Both Celsius and High Noon collaborated to address the error. Consumers were advised to check product codes and dispose of affected items.

Celsius and High Noon Investigate Supply-Chain Snafu

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the alcohol in the Celsius scandal?

The alcohol involved in the scandal was High Noon vodka seltzer, which was mistakenly bottled into Celsius energy drink cans due to a manufacturing error.

Which Celsius flavor was recalled for containing alcohol?

The recalled flavor was the Astro Vibe: Sparkling Blue Razz Edition of Celsius energy drink.

How did vodka seltzer end up in Celsius cans?

A shared packaging manufacturer mistakenly shipped empty Celsius-branded cans to the High Noon facility, where they were inadvertently filled with the alcoholic seltzer.

Were any injuries reported from the Celsius alcohol mix-up?

No illnesses or adverse reactions were reported in connection with the recall, according to statements from the FDA and High Noon.

Which states were affected by the recall?

For a list of the states affected by the recall, please see {Link: The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/31/celsius-energy-drinks-recalled-alcohol} and {Link: Pensacola News Journal https://www.pnj.com/story/entertainment/dining/2025/07/31/celsius-recall-some-energy-drink-cans-mistakenly-filled-with-alcohol/85454112007/}.

How can I tell if my Celsius can is affected?

Consumers should check for specific lot codes on the bottom of the can and look for a silver top instead of the standard black one on Celsius Astro Vibe cans.

Who was responsible for the recall?

The recall was initiated by High Noon, with full cooperation from Celsius Holdings, and was monitored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Is this Celsius scandal related to other lawsuits against the company?

No, this manufacturing error and subsequent recall are not related to previous lawsuits, such as the 2023 settlement regarding 'no preservatives' labeling or the legal action with rapper Flo Rida.