Drink Comparison and Recommendations

Name:

Date:

Part 1: Understanding Drink Types

Energy drinks usually contain caffeine and added sugar. They are designed to increase alertness, but are not suitable for younger students.

Soft drinks are fizzy or non-fizzy sweetened drinks. They may contain a lot of sugar but usually do not contain electrolytes.

Sports drinks may contain sugar and electrolytes. They are intended for replacing fluid and salts during prolonged, vigorous exercise, not for ordinary daily drinking.

1. Which drink type usually contains caffeine to increase alertness?

Energy drink

Soft drink

Sports drink

2. Which drink is generally designed for prolonged, vigorous exercise?

Energy drink

Soft drink

Sports drink

3. Tick two possible concerns about having energy drinks.

They may contain caffeine.

They always contain electrolytes.

They may contain a lot of sugar.

They are the best everyday drink for children.

4. In your own words, explain one difference between a sports drink and an energy drink.

Part 2: Compare Three Drink Labels

Read the sample labels below. Compare the amount of caffeine, sugar and electrolytes, and consider the recommended age guidance.

Drink A: “Power Burst” energy drink

Per 250 mL: caffeine 80 mg; sugar 27 g; electrolytes: none listed. Recommended age guidance: not recommended for children under 16 years.

Drink B: “Active Move” sports drink

Per 500 mL: caffeine 0 mg; sugar 32 g; electrolytes: sodium and potassium. Recommended age guidance: for use during prolonged, vigorous exercise; not an everyday drink.

Drink C: “Fizz Pop” soft drink

Per 330 mL: caffeine 0 mg; sugar 35 g; electrolytes: none listed. Recommended age guidance: occasional drink; not recommended as a regular drink for children.

5. Complete the comparison notes.

Highest caffeine: ____________________________

Highest sugar amount per serving: ____________________________

Drink that lists electrolytes: ____________________________

Drink with guidance about being under 16: ____________________________

6. Which label gives the strongest reason for not choosing the drink as an everyday drink? Explain using evidence from the label.

Part 3: Situations and Recommendations

For each situation, write the most suitable choice: water, Power Burst, Active Move or Fizz Pop. Give a brief reason.

7. You are thirsty during a normal school day.

Most suitable drink: ____________________________

Reason: ________________________________________________________________

8. You are completing a long, vigorous training session in hot weather.

Most suitable drink: ____________________________

Reason: ________________________________________________________________

9. You want a drink before going to bed.

Most suitable drink: ____________________________

Reason: ________________________________________________________________

10. Write a health-informed recommendation for a younger student who is thinking about trying an energy drink. Use at least two facts from this worksheet.