Mysterious beverage Vody, laced with 22% alcohol, taurine, and caffeine, stirs controversy amidst its allure to the youth.
Sneaky Brew: Vody, the Astonishing Alcoholic Energy Drink Causing Stir Among French Youth
Photo by LEO VIGNAL/AFPWritten by Camille Harel, Category Lead - Food/Grocery Distribution
Published on
A slick can, a promise of fun... and teens, shockingly intoxicated. That's Vody's explosive cocktail, the new drink taking France by storm, causing alarm among health authorities. Although it dons a gleaming soda exterior, this beverage manufactured by Cody's Drink Group is, in reality, a volatile blend of vodka, rum, or gin mixed with caffeine, taurine, and sugar.
The range boasts seven versions (natural, lemon, tropical, herbal...) with alcohol content that can reach a staggering 22 degrees, close to double that of a glass of wine and up to five times stronger than a regular beer. Disturbingly, this potent beverage is marketed and sold as a non-alcoholic drink. Here's how the brand described Vody on its site: "To stay out late, partying or disco-ing, you'll need that perfect combo - of people, music, and drinks. The refreshing and fun fusion of energy drink and vodka sets the right vibe and keeps you going"."
€4 for a 250ml can
The drink's popularity with teenagers is ensured by its practical format, chic packaging, and sweet taste that successfully disguises the alcohol content. Originally popular in the Antilles and Africa, Vody is now on sale in French supermarkets and online, selling for around €4 for a 250ml can.
Besides its high alcohol content, health professionals express concerns about the concoction of taurine, caffeine, and sugar, which could be detrimental. Taurine and caffeine can cause tachycardia in sensitive individuals, while sugar results in dehydration and conceals the taste of alcohol, potentially leading teens to drink more without realizing their level of intoxication. Furthermore, the consumption of such products has become a competitive game on social media platforms, like TikTok, with the notorious Vody Challenge, challenging users to consume large quantities of Vody in short amounts of time. Though the brand advises against consuming more than two cans per day, cases of alcohol comas have been reported.
French Authorities Take Notice
In response to the concerning situation, French authorities have launched an investigation to trace the distribution network in France and verify whether the product's labeling complies with regulations. Selling alcohol under the guise of a soda is misleading and illegal. Plus, suspicions surround Cody Drink's, who claim to be a German import-export company based in Bremen, allegedly producing the drink overseas, but doubts linger about its authenticity and claims to manufacture in Germany. The company has previously raised red flags in West Africa, where it has been accused of not producing in Germany as it claims and with its registered office address not matching the one provided by the company[2].
The Allure of Sports Drinks and Underage Consumption
The fascination of sports and marketing also contributes to the temptation of Red Bull-like cocktails among young consumers.
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Enrichment Data:
- General concerns about energy drinks and young consumers: Energy drinks, frequently containing high levels of caffeine and sugar, pose significant health risks, particularly for young people. The consumption of such beverages can lead to disrupted sleep patterns, increased risk-taking behaviors, and potentially cardiac issues[1].
- Health risks associated with mixing alcohol and energy drinks: The consumption of energy drinks combined with alcohol can lead to increased risk of negative health effects, including faster alcohol absorption, dehydration, and increased intoxication[2].
- Regulation of alcoholic and energy beverages: In France and other countries, regulations control the distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages, particularly with regards to age restrictions and safety concerns.
- The deceptive nature of Vody's marketing, disguising the high alcohol content with a sweet taste and energy drink fusion, raises concern among health-and-wellness professionals about its potential health repercussions, especially for underage consumers.
- As the popularity of Vody soars, some scholars question the ethics of Cody's Drink Group in manufacturing a product that contains a volatile blend of alcohol, caffeine, and sugar marketed as a non-alcoholic drink, particularly given the concurrent rise of the Vody Challenge on social media platforms promoting excessive consumption.
