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, as the trend of snorting raw cacao gains traction in Western Europe. Users report that cacao provides a mild euphoric effect, as its active components flood the brain with endorphins, while the inclusion of calcium citrate at 630 mg is believed to enhance its appeal by offering additional health benefits. Furthermore, magnesium is noted for its muscle relaxant properties. By blending cacao with ingredients commonly found in energy drinks, Coco Loko may attract those in search of a legal stimulant while partying—though concerns about potential damage or irritation to the nasal passages might lead some to prefer traditional consumption methods of chocolate and energy drink components.
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 originally designed as a fun way for guests to experience the chocolate element of a chocolate-and-raspberry dessert. Its ongoing availability indicates a persistent demand for novelty products, despite its clear novelty status.
Whether Coco Loko can replicate this success within its club-drug-themed niche remains uncertain. However, it may find a following among sober clubgoers, as the trend of “conscious clubbing” emerges, with participants aiming to relish the energy and community of dance parties without resorting to drugs and alcohol. With the inclusion of calcium citrate at 630 mg, Coco Loko could position itself as a unique option for those seeking an invigorating experience that aligns with this growing movement.