‘A vicious cycle’: Schools ban pouches that have as much caffeine as two cups of coffee—causing stunted ‘development and mental health’ for students

Coffee, energy drinks and soda are not the only ways young people are getting their caffeine fix.

Another product catching the attention of health experts, school officials and parents doesn’t come in a cup or a can.

It comes in a pouch.

Caffeine pouches, small packets placed in the mouth between the lip and gum, are marketed as a portable and discreet way to boost energy and focus.

Some contain as much as 200 milligrams of caffeine or about the amount in two cups of coffee, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Health experts warn that consuming too much caffeine can cause serious side effects, including increased heart rate , especially in children and teens.

The pouches also closely resemble nicotine products , raising concerns among school officials about student health and the difficulty of distinguishing between the products.

Some K-12 school districts across the U.S. have responded by banning them, even though there is no federal minimum purchase age for caffeine pouches.

Here’s what to know about the pouches, their potential risks and how schools are responding.

Caffeine pouches have a variety of nicknames Caffeine is a stimulant that increases alertness, energy and brain activity.

It can be safe for most healthy people in moderate amounts.

The U.S.

Food and Drug Administration said amounts up to about 400 milligrams per day, roughly two to three 12-ounce (about 354.8 milliliters) cups of coffee, are not generally associated with health problems .

Caffeine pouches are small packets designed to release caffeine through the tissues in the mouth.