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A lawsuit has been filed alleging that Alani beverages contain caffeine levels equivalent to two to two-and-a-half cups of coffee, exceeding the FDA’s recommended limits for teenagers.
In Weslaco, Texas, a family is pursuing legal action against an energy drink distributor, asserting that their product was a factor in their daughter’s untimely death.
Seventeen-year-old Larissa Rodriguez, a cheerleader attending Weslaco High School, passed away on October 20, 2025. Attorneys for her family informed Texas ABC affiliate KRGV that her death was attributed to an enlarged heart, caused by stress and excessive caffeine intake.
The Rodriguez family has filed a lawsuit against Glazer’s Beer and Beverage, accusing the distributor of playing a role in their daughter’s death by distributing these energy drinks.
Reported by KRGV, the lawsuit focuses on Alani energy drinks, alleging that the distributor sells products that are “dangerously formulated and inadequately labeled,” contributing to the fatal outcome.
The lawsuit claims Alani beverages contain as much caffeine as two to two-and-a-half cups of coffee, more than what the FDA recommends for teenagers.
It also says the drinks contain undisclosed amounts of stimulants which can cause cardiac issues and death, KRGV reported.
While Alani cans contain a warning on the side saying the energy drink isn’t recommended for children, people sensitive to caffeine and those who are pregnant, the family’s legal team said the drink is marketed to young consumers without clear warnings of the risks.
The lawsuit is seeking damages of more than $1 million, according to KRGV.
“Never would I think that I would be in this situation,” Alicia Rodriguez, the teen’s mom, told KRGV. “This is the hardest thing that I’ve ever gone through in my life.”
Alani Nu was founded in Louisville before being acquired by beverage company Celsius in February 2025.