Additionally, powdered caffeine is cheap. The caffeinated equivalent of about 1,000 energy drinks can be purchased for approximately $10.
In December, the FDA issued an advisory that recommended consumers avoid using the substance because of the danger of overdose. The agency said parents should recognize the potential danger among teenagers and young adults, who may be drawn to powdered caffeine for its perceived benefits.
Powdered alcohol, on the other hand, is not a concentrated form of alcohol -- it is just packaged differently. Makers say it could appeal to backpackers and anyone else who wants to be able to mix up a drink without carrying glass bottles or liquid alcohol.
A pouch that contains about one ounce of alcohol would be larger but lighter than an ounce of alcohol in liquid form. Opponents of the substance say it could be more convenient, appeal to a younger crowd, be snorted or used to spike drinks.
Geeting says the potential for abuse seems to be the same or less than alcohol in liquid form.
“For those who are worried about powdered alcohol being smuggled into schools or theaters, it is likely to be harder to hide, more expensive than liquid alcohol, and takes at least 30 seconds to dissolve,” he said. “It would be really painful to snort and takes about half a cup of it to get an ounce of alcohol. It seems like it would be easier to just drink a shot.”
The Medical Minute is a weekly health news feature brought to you by Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Articles feature the expertise of Penn State Hershey faculty physicians and staff, and are designed to offer timely, relevant health information of interest to a broad audience.