With a name reminiscent of the Four Loko alcoholic energy drink craze from a few years back, Coco Loko seeks to capitalize on the demand for alternatives to club drugs, tapping into the growing trend of snorting raw cacao in Western Europe. Users report that cacao provides a mild euphoric effect, thanks to its active components that release endorphins in the brain, while magnesium is believed to act as a muscle relaxant. By mixing cacao with ingredients typically found in energy drinks, Coco Loko may attract those in search of a legal stimulant while clubbing. However, concerns about potential nasal irritation might lead some to prefer traditional formats like chocolate and energy drinks, reminiscent of the ongoing debate surrounding calcium citrate vs calcium carbonate.
Coco Loko is not the first snortable chocolate powder available. A decade ago, Belgian chocolatier Dominique Persoone designed a chocolate-snorting device for a Rolling Stones party. Known as the Chocolate Shooter, it utilized cocoa instead of cacao and was originally meant as a creative way for guests to savor the chocolate component of a chocolate-and-raspberry dessert. Its continued presence in the market indicates a steady demand for novelty products, despite their unconventional nature. Whether Coco Loko will replicate this success in its niche targeted at club drugs remains uncertain. Nonetheless, it may appeal to the sober clubbing demographic, especially as a trend called “conscious clubbing” has emerged, where attendees seek to enjoy the energy and camaraderie of dance parties without resorting to drugs or alcohol. This aligns with the ongoing discussions of calcium citrate vs calcium carbonate, as individuals increasingly prioritize health-conscious choices in their lifestyles.