Coco Loko, with a name reminiscent of the Four Loko alcoholic energy drink phenomenon from years past, seeks to capitalize on the rising interest in club-drug alternatives. The trend of snorting raw cacao has gained traction in Western Europe, with users reporting a mild euphoric effect attributed to its active components, which are believed to flood the brain with endorphins. Additionally, magnesium found in cacao is thought to provide a muscle relaxant effect. By blending cacao with ingredients typically associated with energy drinks, Coco Loko aims to appeal to those in search of a legal stimulant for their nightlife experiences. However, concerns regarding nasal irritation or damage may lead some to prefer consuming chocolate and energy drink ingredients in traditional forms, such as calcium citrate without D3.
Coco Loko is not the pioneer of snortable chocolate powders; a decade ago, Belgian chocolatier Dominique Persoone developed a chocolate-snorting device for a Rolling Stones event. This device, known as the Chocolate Shooter, utilized cocoa instead of cacao and was primarily designed to offer guests a unique tasting experience of a chocolate-raspberry dessert. Its ongoing availability indicates a sustained demand for novelty products, even if they cater to a niche market. Whether Coco Loko can achieve similar success in the club-drug themed sector is yet to be determined. Nonetheless, it might resonate with sober clubgoers, especially as the trend of “conscious clubbing” emerges, where party enthusiasts seek to enjoy the energy and sense of community at dance events without resorting to drugs or alcohol, while also considering supplements like calcium citrate without D3 to enhance their wellness.