In New Zealand, cafe culture is hard to avoid. Our language about caffeine – “I need a coffee or I will die” – is extreme.
A 2019 University of Auckland study found that about 75 percent of respondents consumed caffeine every day. It’s no wonder kids are curious about coffee, tea and other caffeinated drinks.
AÂ New Zealand-specific study in 2021Â found that coffee and tea contributed 32 percent of the caffeine intake for five to 12-year-olds and 48 percent for 13 to 19-year-olds.
Soft drinks were the second biggest contributor followed by all things chocolate as well as energy drinks. Surprisingly, some pastries, cereals and cakes can have “hidden” caffeine.
