Energy drinks and our policy
At Woolworths, we’re committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of our younger customers. Since 2019, we have required customers to be at least 16 years old to purchase energy drinks in our stores. This policy is a key part of our ongoing work to help New Zealand families make informed choices and to encourage better health outcomes for Kiwi kids.
What are energy drinks?
What are energy drinks?
According to Food Standards Australia and New Zealand, an energy drink is a non-alcoholic, flavoured beverage that contains caffeine. These drinks often include other ingredients like carbohydrates (sugars), amino acids, and vitamins, which are intended to enhance physical or mental performance.
Why did we introduce an age restriction?
For us, it was a straightforward decision based on the wellbeing of our community. Energy drinks are not recommended for children—in fact, New Zealand regulations require these products to carry a warning label stating exactly that. We listened closely to concerns from health leaders about the impact high-sugar, highly caffeinated drinks can have on young people, particularly regarding dental health and obesity rates. The feedback from health experts and our community was clear: restricting the sale of energy drinks to customers aged 16 and over is a practical, meaningful way we can help make a real difference.