Energy Drinks that Can Get You Drunk and Your Kids Love Them

Gordon Clay here. I usually check out at the Self-Serve scanner at Fred Meyer. Recently, I heard the buzzer go off with the announcement "Please show ID to attendant." I turned around to see a mother and teenage son, obviously tourists, looking at each other. She looked confused and asked what this was all about. The attendant pulled out a can of Joose energy drink and said "This has alcohol in it."  Then, she really looked confused. It seems that she has been buying this for her son and had no clue. If she had checked out through the regular line, chances are she wouldn't be asked since she obviously looked well over 21. Ergo, the problem. Not only has the danger of energy drinks been well documented, but the brewing industry has added to the problem by putting the main culprits like caffeine, guarana, taurine and ginseng in their malt liquor and packaging it to look like a regular energy drink.

Currently, there are two of these flavored malt liquors in town: Dragon Joose (9.9% acl/vol) and Four Loko (12% alc/vol).

There used to be Tilt and Sparks but both of these brands, while still being on the shelf next to Joose and Four Loko to appear like alcoholic energy drinks, have removed all of the added stimulants from the ingredients.

Energy drinks are not required to have a warning label, but many do state: "Not recommended for children, diabetics, pregnant women or persons sensitive to caffeine. Limit 3 cans (or 6 servings) daily." However, both of these new products are packaged in 23.5 ounce cans (just under 3-8 oz servings per can) and carry no such warning. Parents, be sure you know what's in your shopping cart.