FSSAI label order forces energy-drink brands into 90-day packaging reset

Energy-drink makers including PepsiCo’s Sting, Red Bull and Monster face a rapid label and advertising overhaul after FSSAI ordered the removal of “energy” terminology. The shift could disrupt packaging pipelines, distributor inventories and category marketing in a fast-growing caffeinated-beverages market.

— Filed Thu, 6 Aug, 2026, 09:47 IST · Source ET Retail · Updated

FSSAI has ordered major energy-drink brands in India to remove “energy” from labels and advertising within 90 days. PepsiCo’s Sting will comply, while IBA members seek consultation. The move disrupts packaging, campaigns, distributor stocking and growth in India’s fast-growing caffeinated-beverage market.

Why this matters

FSSAI’s energy-label order follows its recent ban on select rum and whisky sales over non-permitted flavours and its flavoured-spirit relabelling clampdown, extending its scrutiny of beverage labels.

Retail-brand signals are accelerating, up 99,575% QoQ.