Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into Celsius Holdings Inc. over allegations that the company marketed potentially dangerous energy drinks to children and teenagers.
Alani Nu is a popular low-calorie energy drink with over 200 milligrams of caffeine in a 12 oz can.
Despite the high levels of caffeine in each can, Celsius retains colorful marketing directed towards young adults. This has raised concerns about whether the company is marketing potentially deadly drinks to an at-risk population.
In October 2025, 17-year-old Weslaco teenager Larissa Rodriguez died due to an enlarged heart. The cause was directly linked to the Alani energy drinks she consumed that day.
Benny Agosto Jr., the family’s attorney, stated in an interview with NBC that the cans “had inadequate warnings about the serious cardiac risks” that the beverage brings.
The National Institute of Health warns against the underaged consumption of energy drinks due to a myriad of potential health issues, including elevated heart rate, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, anxiety, and dehydration.
“The tragic death of a 17-year-old Texas girl allegedly caused by consuming a highly caffeinated energy drink is a sobering reminder of what is at stake when companies prioritize profit over the safety and wellbeing of our children. I am looking into Celsius and Alani Nu to prevent more cases like this one and to ensure Texans are made aware of any risks that come with consuming certain energy drink products,” stated Paxton when announcing the investigation.
Celsius’s Alani Nu is being investigated for potential violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, which protects consumers from misleading marketing practices and unconscionable actions.
Texas Scorecard has reached out to Celsius Holdings, but it did not respond to the request for comment before publication.
