What are upper deckies?

Explaining the caffeine pouches trend

Quick summary

• “Upper deckies” are slang for “caffeine pouches” – small packets containing caffeine that are placed between the lip and gum
• Teens may use them to stay awake, boost energy, or as a social trend, but they carry health risks
• Parents can help by understanding what they are, opening up conversations, and supporting healthier energy-boosting habits

Rated 4.8

Support your teen through it all with luna

Find out more

You may have just gotten your head around the saltwater flushing trend or the “yes you can” trend, but there’s something new some of the teens on TikTok are talking about: upper deckies. 

Upper deckies are caffeine pouches. 

They’re small, white sachets filled with caffeine and flavourings that are tucked under the lip, between the gum and teeth. 

They look similar to nicotine pouches or chewing tobacco, but they don’t contain tobacco. 

Manufacturers often market them as a quick energy boost without the crash of energy drinks. 

But just because they don’t contain nicotine, that doesn’t mean they’re harmless. 

Each pouch is different, but most of them contain the same amount of caffeine as a strong cup of coffee, or more.

Why are teens using upper deckies?

For many teens, upper deckies are seen as a trendy alternative to coffee or energy drinks. 

Reasons they might be appealing include:

• Convenience: no need to buy a coffee or open a can of soda
• Discreet use: easy to hide in school or at home
• Peer influence: friends using them makes it feel normal or cool
• Energy boost: teens may feel they help with studying, exams, or late nights
• Taste: upper deckies tend to have sweet flavourings

Do upper deckies have health risks?

While caffeine might sound harmless compared to nicotine or alcohol, concentrated caffeine pouches can cause problems, especially for teens whose bodies are still developing. 

Risks include:

• Overconsumption of caffeine: too much caffeine can affect the cardiovascular system, cause abnormal heart rhythms, a high heart rate, and seizures
• Sleep disruption: teens need 8-10 hours of sleep a night, and too much caffeine can make falling or staying asleep harder
• Anxiety and mood changes: high caffeine levels can increase irritability, restlessness, or anxious feelings
• Oral irritation: placing pouches in the gums can sometimes cause irritation to the mouth

Dr Emma Dickie, a Clinical Content Advisor at luna and practicing GP says of upper deckies use:

“I regularly see effects of excessive caffeine use in my patients, including increased anxiety, sleep disturbance, worsening fatigue and even heart palpitations.

This can be particularly problematic for teens, who are often more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than adults.

Understanding the health effects and risks of caffeine excess is important when it comes to supporting teens to make healthier choices”.

Talking to your teen about upper deckies

If you hear your teen or their friends mention upper deckies, it might be a good moment to open up a conversation. 

Keep it non-judgemental and curious – many teens try things simply because of curiosity or peer influence. 

You could:

• Ask if they’ve heard of caffeine pouches and what they know about them
• Share some of the health facts in a straightforward way
• Talk about healthier energy boosters – like regular meals, hydration, and sleep
• Let them know you’re there to support them if they feel pressured to try things

Should parents be worried about upper deckies?

While caffeine pouches aren’t as harmful as nicotine or vaping, they’re not risk-free, especially when used in excess. 

Teens have less tolerance for caffeine, which means upper deckies can affect them more than adults. 

However, it is helpful to be gentle with your teen when bringing up the subject. 

By staying informed and keeping conversations open, you can help your teen make healthier choices.

When it comes to navigating new trends, the luna app can help both parents and teens by giving you practical advice on energy, wellbeing, and coping with peer pressure.

Rated 4.8

Support your teen through it all with luna

Find out more