BYU-I students react to BYU decision to sell caffeinated sodas

Brigham Young University is now allowing the sale of caffeinated sodas on campus grounds. But BYU-Idaho in Rexburg doesn’t have plans to follow suit anytime soon.

The main Provo, Utah campus made the announcement on Thursday, stating “Consumer preferences have clearly changed.” But that statement doesn’t apply to BYU-Idaho.

A BYU-Idaho representative told KIFI/KIDK, the administrations does not have plans to allow caffeinated sodas in the future.

“I don’t really mind not having it. I think its cool if they do, if they don’t (shrug). Its really a personal choice because you can always go out and buy it at a store. And, I mean, who really needs the extra sugar?” said a BYU-Idaho student.

BYU has been “caffeine-free” since the 1950’s. Students advocated for the change after the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints revised its policy on caffeine in 2012.

“The last couple years, I haven’t really drank soda. And I’ve noticed a difference in activities and stuff that I go in. And I feel healthier and I feel like I have more energy and stuff. But there’s also times where I do crave soda every once in a while. It does help especially maybe if I have a headache or something, but overall it doesn’t really bug me that we don’t have soda here,” said another BYU-Idaho student.

Non-caffeinated sodas will continue to be offered on the Provo campus. Highly caffeinated energy drinks will not be allowed.