Soldiers’ Home Association Withdraws Its Own Energy Drink Due to Health Concerns
The Soldiers’ Home Association has withdrawn its own-branded energy drink from the market after just six months, citing concerns over the product’s harmful health effects. The decision was made in June, following internal discussions about the association’s ethical stance on selling such beverages.
Satu Mustalahti, Executive Director of the Soldiers’ Home Association, told Ruotuväki that the organisation did not want its name associated with a product known to cause harm. While Soldiers’ Homes sell energy drinks to adult customers, Mustalahti emphasised that any future in-house beverage would need to "refresh and support the well-being of the body" (Iltalehti).
The energy drink project began earlier this year, with a test batch released to the market. However, the association’s board ultimately decided to abandon the initiative, as reported by Ruotuväki (Yle).
Health Risks Drive Withdrawal and Regulatory Scrutiny
The withdrawal comes amid growing concerns about the health impacts of energy drinks, particularly among young people. The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has highlighted multiple risks, including increased blood pressure, dental problems, palpitations, and insomnia (Yle, Iltalehti).
A THL study found that two-thirds of Finnish youths aged 12–20 consume energy drinks, with many reporting feelings of dependence. Of those surveyed, 42% drank them at least once a week, while 6% consumed them daily or nearly daily. Usage patterns were similar among both boys and girls, with many drinking them in the afternoon or early evening (Iltalehti).
In June, THL proposed banning the sale of energy drinks to under-18s, citing excessive caffeine intake and other health risks. Susanna Raulio, THL’s Research Manager, noted that the drinks’ high caffeine content often exceeds safe limits (Yle).
The Soldiers’ Home Association’s decision reflects broader concerns about the role of such products in society, particularly in settings frequented by young adults. While the organisation continues to sell energy drinks to legal-age customers, its withdrawal from the branded product underscores the growing scrutiny of their health implications.
