Just as one alcoholic drink, popular among underage persons, is taken off the shelves, another replaces it. Four Loko, packaged in a 23.5 oz can contains 12% alcohol and the amount of caffeine equivalent to two cups of coffee. It was deemed unsafe by the FDA in November and has been banned in various states since. However, Whipped Lightning, a new alcoholic product also marketed in a way to appeal to a younger crowd, seems to be taking Four Loko’s place.

The dangerous combination of alcohol and caffeine in Four Loko was the reason the drink posed a threat to the safety of consumers. Its multiple fruity flavors appealed to a younger crowd and were known to be very popular on college campuses and even among high school students.

“From what I’ve seen Four Loko is pretty common at Langley. A lot of my friends would drink one before going to a party.” said senior Eileen Chen.

“One can of Four Loko is equal to 4.7 beers,” said school alcohol and drug counselor Ms. Dawn- Lee Evans. “That’s why it’s so dangerous, by drinking a Four Loko you are automatically binge drinking and the caffeine hides the feeling of being drunk.”

While Four Loko is being recalled and its manufacturers are looking into changes to make to the drink, Whipped Lightning, a whipped cream containing alcohol, is appearing in many states.

The product is currently available in liquor stores in 10 states and available by special order in three others. “It’s definitely safer than Four Loko because it’s not caffeinated,” said human anatomy teacher Ms. Mary Landis.