Some K-12 school districts across the United States are banning caffeine pouches, small packets placed in the mouth between the lip and gum, as health experts warn about the risks to children and teens. The products are marketed as a portable, discreet way to boost energy and focus, and they are drawing attention from school officials and parents.

Why are caffeine pouches a concern?

Caffeine is a stimulant that raises alertness, energy and brain activity, and it can be safe for most healthy adults in moderate amounts. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says up to about 400 milligrams a day, roughly two to three 12-ounce cups of coffee, is not generally linked to health problems.

The concern centers on young users. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a single pouch can contain as much as 200 milligrams of caffeine, about the amount in two cups of coffee, and because it is absorbed through the mouth's tissues, the effects arrive within minutes. Health experts warn that too much caffeine can cause serious side effects, including an increased heart rate, especially in children and teens.

How do schools manage caffeine pouches?

Unlike soda or energy drinks, pouches need no spitting and are easy to hide in the mouth, so staff may struggle to spot them in class. The pouches come in flavors such as coffee, mint, fruit and seasonal options like pumpkin spice, and some health officials worry young consumers could mistake them for candy or gum.

Their look also closely resembles nicotine products, which school officials say makes the two hard to tell apart. There is no federal minimum purchase age for caffeine pouches, so districts are acting on their own; students who break the rules could face disciplinary action. On social media, the pouches are sometimes called "lip pillows," "lip cushies" and "upper or lower deckies."

What happens next?

With no federal age limit in place, enforcement is likely to stay a district-by-district matter, and more schools may add pouches to existing caffeine rules. Parents can check whether their district has a policy and talk with students about how much caffeine they take in.

FAQ

What are caffeine pouches?

They are small packets placed between the lip and gum that release caffeine through the mouth's tissues, with the dose depending on the brand.

Can kids buy them legally?

There is no federal minimum purchase age for caffeine pouches, though individual school districts can ban them on campus.