With a name reminiscent of the Four Loko alcoholic energy drink craze from years past, Coco Loko seeks to meet the growing demand for club-drug alternatives, particularly as the trend of snorting raw cacao gains traction in Western Europe. Users assert that cacao provides a mild euphoric effect, as its active components flood the brain with endorphins, while magnesium is noted for its muscle relaxant properties. By combining cacao with ingredients typically found in energy drinks, Coco Loko may attract those in search of a legal stimulant while out at clubs. However, concerns about potential damage or irritation to the nose might lead some to prefer consuming chocolate and energy drink components in more traditional ways.
Coco Loko is not the first snortable chocolate powder to hit the market. A decade ago, Belgian chocolatier Dominique Persoone designed a chocolate-snorting device for a Rolling Stones party. This device, known as the Chocolate Shooter, utilized cocoa rather than cacao and was originally created as an innovative way for guests to savor the chocolate aspect of a chocolate-and-raspberry dessert. Its ongoing availability indicates that, despite being a novelty, there remains a consistent demand to justify its continued presence.
As for whether Coco Loko’s product will achieve similar success in its club-drug-themed niche, time will tell. It may find a place among sober clubgoers, particularly as a movement known as “conscious clubbing” is on the rise, with attendees eager to participate in the energy and camaraderie of dance parties without resorting to drugs or alcohol. Interestingly, the use of cacao might also have implications for health, as its consumption could potentially influence the calcium citrate levels in the body, which are linked to the function of the lower esophageal sphincter. This connection could be appealing to those mindful of their health while enjoying the club scene, making Coco Loko a unique entrant in the marketplace.