Consumption. Why does "Vody," a vodka- and caffeine-based drink, worry health authorities?

Caffeine, taurine, sugar, and... vodka: beneath its energy drink guise, "Vody" soda has everything to worry health authorities. Drinking it is very trendy, especially among young people. The colorful, sugary cans are presented as energy drinks.

But this drink, produced in Germany and sold in particular in Africa and the Caribbean, is now the subject of an investigation by the French Fraud Control Agency (DGCCRF) at the national level. Authorities are concerned about cans that explicitly target young people, with their tangy colors and misleading "soda" format, according to France Inter .

18 to 22% alcohol

Because these are not "simple" energy drinks. The latter - regulated - are already often criticized for their high sugar content (30 grams per can), caffeine or even taurine. Vody also contains vodka, and ultimately displays between 18 and 22 degrees of alcohol in each 25 centiliter can . A high level, not insignificant for health and above all subject to specific regulations and taxation.

With such a drink, professionals fear that the intoxication produced by the beverage is attenuated by the caffeine: "This mixture masks fatigue and the effects of intoxication, which can lead to overconsumption. The drink also encourages risk-taking situations, because the person overestimates their abilities. In addition, due to its high alcohol content, it is a dehydrating drink," explains dietician-nutritionist Catherine Poggi on RMC .

A dangerous “Vody challenge”

Another health concern: despite the label stating "do not consume more than two cans per day," "Vody challenges" are multiplying on social media, with the sole objective of drinking as much as possible. Several accidents and hospitalizations have already been recorded, following alcoholic comas. In the longer term, the cocktail is dangerous for the heart, kidneys, liver, and brain. It also presents risks of psychological disorders: anxiety, nervousness, irritability, etc.

Then there's the legislation. According to the DGCCRF, which opened an investigation in early May, there's at least one labeling problem: "Since the product contains vodka and its alcohol content is higher than 15%, it is not an energy drink but a spirit," says the Fraud Control Agency in Guadeloupe-La ^1ère . The investigation is being conducted jointly with Germany, where the cans are produced by Cody's Drinks.

More and more available

Until now, this drink was mainly popular in Africa and then in the Caribbean, where it is also consumed by young teenagers. Ivory Coast has already banned all sales and consumption of Vody since 2023. But today, Vody is increasingly easy to find in France.

Many grocery stores have started offering Vody... but it's also sold online, for between 3 and 5 euros a can. That's a low price point for an ultra-processed, alcoholic, and ultra-sweet drink, theoretically subject to special taxes and contributions .