Over a third of Bradford teenagers drink energy drinks every week - survey
Born in Bradford asked 13,000 local teens about their food and drink habits
Last updated 10th Apr 2026
A new survey has found over a third of Bradford teenagers between 12 and 15 have at least one energy drink a week, with just 1 in 5 getting more than two portions of fruit or veg a day.
The Born in Bradford research study surveyed 13,000 local young people on their dietary habits.
Among the findings was that just 39% of teens are getting breakfast every day, with that percentage falling as young people get older.
44% of 12-to-13-year-olds sit down for breakfast everyday, compared to 36% among 14-to-15-year-olds.
There was also a difference between the genders, with girls more likely to skip breakfast than boys.
36% of teens who took part in the study reported having at least one energy drink a week, with a full 60% saying they drink sugary drinks regularly.
Interviews with some of the young people involved found that many see what they eat and drink as a form of social status, with energy drinks being seen as 'something to brag about'.
Influencers on social media also have an impact on food and drink choices, with young people more likely to try a product if they see someone showing it off online.
Dr David Ryan, Research Fellow at Born in Bradford, said: “When over a third of teenagers are drinking energy drinks and more than half are having sugary drinks each week, and when those drinks can carry real social currency, this is no longer just a nutrition issue."
"It’s a public health issue. We need stronger policies alongside education to address the pressures driving their popularity.
"Without co-ordinated action, we risk normalising habits that could harm young people’s health in the long term.”
Tim Howells, Head of Public Health at Bradford Council stated: “In Bradford district we keep rolling out our healthy schools' programme ‘Living Well schools’ which, among other initiatives, supports schools with food nutrition and a new circular food growing project through the #GrowWelltoEatWell campaign.”
"We are also working alongside the York University ‘Fix Our Food’ team to improve school food menus, and with increasing uptake of Free School Meals.
"The latter of which has led to the increased uptake of 2,733 families into Free School Meals, which is an additional £2 million investment into schools thanks to the Pupil Premium investment.”