Celsius Products are Non-Alcoholic
As a company, Celsius Holdings, Inc. develops and distributes a range of functional energy drinks that are explicitly non-alcoholic. The brand markets itself as a better-for-you, premium alternative to traditional energy drinks, and its products are formulated with ingredients like green tea extract, guarana seed extract, and essential vitamins, not alcohol. The misconception and recent scrutiny stem from a specific product recall event.
The High Noon and Celsius Recall of July 2025
In July 2025, a significant manufacturing error occurred involving a shared packaging supplier between Celsius and High Noon, a company that produces vodka seltzers. A number of empty Celsius Astro Vibe Sparkling Blue Razz Edition cans were mistakenly shipped to a High Noon facility. There, these mislabeled cans were filled with High Noon's vodka seltzer and subsequently shipped to retailers as part of High Noon Beach Variety 12-packs. This was not a Celsius product recall but rather a High Noon recall of mislabeled products.
Key details of the mix-up:
- High Noon recalled specific production lots of its Beach Variety 12-packs.
- The mislabeled cans contained High Noon's vodka seltzer, not an alcoholic version of Celsius.
- The affected cans were the Astro Vibe flavor with a specific silver top, though most Celsius Astro Vibe cans have a standard black lid.
- Distribution occurred between July 21 and 23, 2025, in specific states, including Florida, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
The Dangers of Mixing Energy Drinks and Alcohol
Outside of this specific and rare mix-up, intentionally combining energy drinks and alcohol is not recommended and comes with significant health risks. The caffeine in the energy drink can mask the depressant effects of alcohol, leading to a state known as being "wide-awake drunk". This false sense of sobriety can cause a person to consume more alcohol than intended, increasing the risk of alcohol poisoning and engaging in risky behavior. The combination also puts added stress on the cardiovascular system.
A Look at Celsius's Non-Alcoholic Product Portfolio
To further clarify, here is a breakdown of Celsius's main product lines, none of which contain alcohol:
- Celsius Originals: The foundational line of sparkling and non-carbonated functional energy drinks, powered by a proprietary MetaPlus® blend of ingredients.
- Celsius Essentials: Designed for performance, this line includes amino acids and the MetaPlus® formula to support active lifestyles.
- Celsius Heat: A performance energy drink line specifically targeted at fitness enthusiasts and athletes, containing a higher caffeine content and L-citrulline.
- Celsius On-the-Go: Portable powdered drink packets with the same core ingredients as the ready-to-drink options, designed for convenience.
- Celsius Hydration: A newer, caffeine-free line formulated with electrolytes for hydration and replenishment.
Comparing Celsius to Alcoholic Energy Mixes
To highlight the difference, here is a comparison of standard Celsius with a popular alcoholic mix.
| Feature | Standard Celsius Energy Drink | High Noon Vodka Seltzer (Mislabeled) | Vodka + Energy Drink Mix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Functional Energy Drink | Alcoholic Seltzer | Alcoholic Cocktail |
| Alcohol Content | 0% ABV | 4.5% ABV | Variable (typically >5% ABV) |
| Caffeine Content | 100-200 mg (depending on line) | 0 mg | 80+ mg |
| Sugar | 0 grams | 2.6 grams | Variable (high sugar possible) |
| Key Purpose | Boost metabolism, provide energy, pre-workout | Recreational alcoholic beverage | Recreational alcoholic beverage with stimulant effect |
| Manufacturing | Produced by Celsius Holdings | Produced by High Noon (in this recall) | Mixed individually |
Conclusion
While a specific 2025 recall did result in mislabeled Celsius Astro Vibe cans accidentally containing vodka seltzer, it is crucial to understand that Celsius itself does not produce alcoholic beverages. The company's entire product portfolio is dedicated to providing non-alcoholic, functional energy drinks. The incident was a isolated manufacturing error from a shared supplier that caused confusion, not a shift in Celsius's product strategy. Consumers should remain aware of the potential for product mislabeling and always check recall notices, such as the one described in a New York Times article: Oops, There May Be Vodka in That Energy Drink. The primary takeaway for consumers is that any standard, properly labeled Celsius drink is, and always has been, non-alcoholic.
