Millions of kids have caffeine in their diet. It’s not all coming from soda.

A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that nearly two-thirds of American children aged 2-19 consume caffeine daily, averaging 19.4 milligrams, roughly two-thirds of a can of Coke. Despite the American Academy of Pediatrics advising against caffeine for children, it remains prevalent in their diets. For kids aged 2-11, the primary caffeine sources are chocolate-containing baked goods like brownies and cookies, followed by flavored milk, candy, soda, and tea. In contrast, teenagers aged 12-19 primarily get caffeine from soda, with sweet bakery products, tea, coffee, and candy also contributing. CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Céline Gounder highlights that caffeine can disrupt children’s sleep, especially if consumed in the evening. A 2021 study found that 24% of teens consuming high caffeine amounts slept less than six hours a night. This underscores the importance of monitoring caffeine intake and timing for better sleep health. QUESTION: How might increased awareness of caffeine’s impact on sleep influence dietary choices among young people?