Celsius Energy Drinks recalled for alcohol contamination: What consumers should know

In a startling development, Celsius Holdings has issued a voluntary recall after multiple cans of its energy drinks were found to contain alcohol instead of the intended non-alcoholic formula. The contaminated products, which were mistakenly filled with High Noon hard seltzer, have prompted safety concerns and warnings across the United States. This incident, first reported on July 31, 2025, has left many consumers questioning how such a mix-up occurred, and what they should do if they’ve purchased the affected drinks.

What Caused the Celsius Recall?

The issue stems from a labeling and production error during canning at a shared manufacturing facility that also produces High Noon vodka seltzers. According to statements from both Celsius and High Noon, a limited batch of hard seltzer was mistakenly packaged in Celsius energy drink cans. As a result, consumers who believed they were drinking a zero-sugar, non-alcoholic energy beverage may have unknowingly consumed alcohol, posing significant risks, especially for minors, pregnant women, drivers, and individuals with alcohol sensitivities.

Which Products Are Affected?

The recall specifically affects a batch of Celsius cans distributed in several states throughout the U.S., although officials have not released exact figures. The mislabeled cans appear identical to standard Celsius products but contain High Noon’s 4.5% ABV alcoholic beverage inside. Consumers are urged to check the lot codes on their cans and avoid consuming any drinks that taste or smell unusual. Full details on the affected batches are expected to be published on Celsius’ and the FDA’s official websites.

What Should Consumers Do Now?

Celsius has advised customers to:

• Stop drinking any Celsius beverages purchased recently if there is suspicion of alcohol content
• Contact the company via their official website or customer support channels
• Report any adverse health effects to a medical professional and file a complaint with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The company has promised to cooperate fully with regulators and provide refunds or replacements for affected products.

Consumer Safety and Industry Response

Food safety experts have flagged this as a serious manufacturing oversight, stressing the importance of proper quality controls when multiple beverage types, especially alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are produced in the same facility. Although the number of affected cans is limited, the case has drawn attention from regulatory bodies and consumer watchdog groups, who are calling for more stringent safeguards to prevent future contamination.

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Celsius and High Noon Issue Public Statements

In separate statements, both companies apologized for the incident and emphasized their commitment to consumer safety. A spokesperson for High Noon noted that while the cans were incorrectly labeled, the beverage itself remained within quality and safety standards, albeit inappropriate for its intended packaging. Celsius Holdings stated that “consumer trust is our top priority” and assured the public that corrective actions, including revised packaging protocols and new inspection procedures, are already underway.

Stay Vigilant

This unexpected recall serves as a reminder of the risks involved in large-scale food and beverage manufacturing. For Celsius consumers, especially those with alcohol restrictions, vigilance is critical. If you’ve recently purchased Celsius, check your cans carefully and stay updated via official announcements. While the issue appears to be under control, it has certainly shaken confidence in what should have been a trusted energy drink brand.