Celsius Holdings
Facts-only compliance record. Every entry is source-backed and dated.
Last reviewed: 2026-04-15
Research Note
Publicly traded (NASDAQ: CELH). PepsiCo distribution partner since 2022. Acquired Alani Nu 2025. Flo Rida won $82.6M verdict 2023 (reduced on appeal).
Event Timeline
Wrongful death: Alani Nu (Celsius-owned) linked to teen cardiac death
Larissa Nicole Rodriguez, 17, died October 20, 2025 of cardiomyopathy caused by excessive caffeine per Hidalgo County Medical Examiner. Family filed wrongful death suit April 2026 against Alani Nu (acquired by Celsius Holdings 2025) seeking $1M. Alani Nu contains 200mg caffeine per can.
FDA recall: Astro Vibe cans filled with vodka seltzer by mistake
High Noon voluntarily recalled Beach Variety 12-packs because shared packaging supplier mistakenly shipped empty Celsius Astro Vibe cans, which were filled with vodka seltzer and mislabeled. Alcohol-in-energy-drink consumer safety risk. No illnesses reported.
Class action: undisclosed influencer sponsorships violate FTC guides
Dubreu v. Celsius Holdings (C.D. Cal.). Proposed nationwide class action alleging undisclosed or inadequately disclosed paid sponsorships by influencers Devon Windsor, Emily Tanner, Erika Wheaton violate FTC Endorsement Guides. Damages sought: at least $450 million.
Securities class action: allegedly oversold inventory to PepsiCo
Multiple investor firms filed against Celsius alleging the company materially oversold inventory to PepsiCo far in excess of demand, creating a looming sales cliff. Q3 2024 revenue dropped 31% YoY. Insiders allegedly sold $1.4B+ of shares during inflated period.
Prior securities class action settled for $7.9M (accounting)
City of Atlanta Police Officers Pension Plan v. Celsius Holdings (S.D. Fla.). Alleged materially false financial reporting Aug 2021 – March 2022. Settlement: $7.9M cash. Approved January 31, 2024.
$7.8M settlement — "no preservatives" claim contained citric acid
Hezi v. Celsius Holdings (S.D.N.Y.). Final approval April 5, 2023. Celsius falsely marketed products as No Preservatives while containing citric acid (FDA-classified preservative under 21 CFR 184.1033). Settlement: $7.8M cash fund plus removal of claim. Payouts: $1/can, $5/powder pack.
Class action: Live Fit metabolism claims are unapproved drug claims
Class action alleging Celsius Live Fit drinks are misbranded and sold without FDA approval. Challenges metabolism-acceleration, fat-burning, hunger-reduction claims as unapproved drug claims under federal law.
NCAA banned substances: guarana, taurine, ginseng, L-carnitine
NCAA updated its 2022 banned substances list to include key Celsius ingredients (guarana, taurine, ginseng, L-carnitine). Notable for a brand marketed to athletes. No NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Sport certification found.