Recently, online discussions about a leading tea beverage brand have sparked quite a bit of debate. Some bloggers claimed that high-concentration caffeine drinks are essentially bordering on illegal drugs, immediately triggering a wave of public opinion—comments like "No wonder I feel palpitations and can't sleep after drinking" and "Adding drugs to sell beverages" flooded the internet.

This phenomenon is quite interesting. Spreading a rumor takes just one sentence, but debunking it can be a marathon. However, the root of the issue deserves deeper exploration.

First, let's address the scientific aspect. Pure caffeine is indeed regulated, but this is very different from food-grade caffeine additives. Naturally, coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa beans, and chocolate all contain caffeine. Food-grade caffeine is non-addictive; its stimulant effect at normal concentrations is short-lived and quickly develops tolerance, while high concentrations are more likely to cause anxiety. According to test reports, the maximum concentration of caffeine in a certain leading tea beverage is even lower than that in a cup of Starbucks cold brew. If we were to classify this as drug-related, then all functional drinks and coffees on the market should be banned.

What is truly worth reflecting on is not the scientific controversy, but why such an absurd claim can cause such a stir.

On one hand, the public's understanding of caffeine is indeed insufficient. On the other hand, deeper reasons include "food safety anxiety" and "health concerns" at play. The trust in the domestic food industry fluctuates significantly, with issues surfacing from time to time, so many people are willing to believe even the most outrageous accusations. Meanwhile, in the past two years, the beverage sector has shifted from rapid expansion to moderate and low-speed growth, reflecting a rising awareness of health among consumers—people now prefer zero-sugar drinks and judge desserts by their sweetness. This psychological shift has directly impacted the industry.

After this rumor surfaced, it conveniently gave those already skeptical of milk tea a reason to doubt. You can even see parents using this as a scare tactic to frighten children in elevators.

However, there is a logical point that needs clarification: any substance, in excess, can be harmful. Moderate caffeine can boost alertness and efficiency; overconsumption leads to side effects. The key is individual "body awareness"—the perception of one's own physical state. Some people are intolerant to caffeine and experience insomnia after drinking; others with sensitive stomachs prefer tea over coffee; the amino acid in tea, theanine, can also neutralize the stimulant effect of caffeine.

Looking at the bigger picture, the domestic tea beverage industry is a hundred-billion-yuan industry that sustains a large number of practitioners. Leading brands like Mixue Bingcheng, Heytea, and Nayuki have achieved significant breakthroughs in Southeast Asia, Europe, and the United States. Although from a health perspective it may not be the optimal choice, the industry itself is not inherently guilty. If you like drinking it, drink; if not, don't. Moderation is the most important.

Finally, I want to say that the current business environment is indeed very challenging. Competition among enterprises should be fought out in the market, but often they are defeated by public opinion storms, heavily criticized by unscrupulous media and a crowd of followers jumping on the bandwagon. This outcome is quite unfortunate. The decline of an industry ultimately translates into a drop in the economic "temperature" perceived by everyone. Instead of being swept away by public opinion to deny industries that create economic value, it’s better to view things rationally—consume moderately, support innovation, and let commercial competition return to its essence.