Kids Pumped On Coffee
Every day, Americans drink more than 300 million cups of coffee, according to the Specialty Coffee Association of America. Dr. Cyrus Rangan, medical toxicologist at the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, said: "Among teenagers and preteens, we're seeing a lot of coffee drinkers, more than we've ever seen. There are 12-year-olds going to Starbucks and coming out with these huge drinks."
And the sales growth shows no sign of slowing. The market research firm Mintel expects the specialty coffee retail market to top $18 billion by 2010. In addition to chains like Starbucks, Caribou Coffee and Peet's Coffee and Tea that deal primarily in coffee drinks, fast-food establishments are stepping up their premium coffee offerings as well. Dunkin' Donuts recently announced plans to revamp its 5,000 stores to include espresso bars and more upscale offerings. McDonald's unveiled a premium coffee in March, and Burger King has had a premium coffee on its menu since last fall.
Starbucks' milkshake-like concoctions, Frappuccinos, are particularly appealing to young customers. They lack the bitterness of coffee or espresso and get topped with tasty whipped cream clouds. The taste may be more appetizing, but the caffeine is still there.
According to nutrition specialists at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, short-term side effects of caffeine can include heartburn, headaches, stomach troubles and a jump in blood pressure. Caffeine can also aggravate heart problems or nervous disorders, and children and parents might not even be aware of the risk. Since caffeine is a stimulant, it can also produce symptoms like jitters, irritability and hyperactivity. See the full story at TwinCities.com.
