Food
Vodka Seltzer Cans Labeled as Celsius Energy Drink Spark FDA Warning
In a startling packaging blunder with serious health implications, beverage company High Noon has issued a voluntary recall after discovering that vodka seltzer cans were mistakenly labeled as non-alcoholic Celsius energy drinks. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the warning on Wednesday, cautioning consumers about the potential for accidental alcohol consumption.
According to the FDA, two lots of High Noon Beach Variety 12-packs were found to contain cans mislabeled as “CELSIUS® ASTRO VIBE™ Energy Drink, Sparkling Blue Razz Edition.” Although the cans bear the branding of the popular Celsius energy drink, they actually contain alcoholic vodka seltzer—a dangerous mix-up for anyone expecting a caffeine boost, not a buzz.
The mislabeled cans are identifiable by their silver lids, as opposed to the standard black lids used for genuine Celsius energy drinks. The affected products were distributed to retailers in Florida, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Virginia, and Wisconsin, though retail sales in Michigan and Oklahoma were not confirmed.
High Noon says the issue was caused by a shared packaging supplier who accidentally shipped empty Celsius cans to its facility. These cans were then filled and sealed with vodka seltzer, unaware of their misleading labels.
As of now, no injuries or illnesses have been reported, but the risk of underage or unintended alcohol consumption—especially from what appears to be a functional beverage—is significant.
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Consumers in possession of the recalled products are advised to dispose of the cans immediately and not drink the contents. Refunds and further instructions are available via consumerrelations@highnoonvodka.com.
This incident raises broader questions about packaging oversight and supply chain accountability, especially when alcohol is involved. It also highlights how brand confusion in the booming energy drink and ready-to-drink alcohol markets can lead to potentially dangerous outcomes.
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As the beverage industry grows more crowded—and packaging suppliers handle multiple high-profile clients—quality control failures like this one could become more common unless stricter safeguards are implemented.
For now, if you see a silver-lidded Celsius can, it may be more than an energy kick—it might be vodka in disguise.
