The Controversial History of Four Loko
To understand the beverage today, it is crucial to look back at its origins and the controversies that led to its reformulation. Four Loko was created in 2005 by three Ohio State University students who founded Phusion Projects. They developed an alcoholic energy drink that combined a high-alcohol malt beverage with caffeine, taurine, and guarana. It was this potent combination of alcohol and stimulants that defined the early product and captured the attention of its target market of college-aged consumers.
The Original "Blackout in a Can"
Initially, the drink was packaged in a tallboy can with a camouflage print and an eye-catching, brightly colored design. The name "Four" referred to the four key ingredients: alcohol, caffeine, guarana, and taurine. The original recipe offered an intoxicating mix that became immensely popular, leading to a massive increase in sales between 2008 and 2010. However, this popularity was accompanied by a string of high-profile incidents involving binge drinking, blackouts, and hospitalizations, primarily among college students.
Mounting Pressure and the FDA Ruling
As the number of reported incidents grew, public and political pressure mounted against Phusion Projects. Critics argued that the combination of stimulants and alcohol made it difficult for drinkers to accurately gauge their level of intoxication, encouraging them to consume more than they normally would. In November 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took action by issuing a warning letter to four manufacturers of caffeinated alcoholic beverages, including Four Loko, declaring caffeine an "unsafe food additive" in combination with alcohol. This regulatory crackdown essentially forced the company's hand.
Reformulation and Reintroduction
In response to the FDA warning and mounting legal threats, Phusion Projects announced on November 17, 2010, that it would voluntarily remove caffeine, taurine, and guarana from the Four Loko formula. The new, non-caffeinated version was reintroduced in January 2011. This change marked the end of the infamous alcoholic energy drink era for Four Loko. While the packaging remained visually similar, the core formula was fundamentally altered.
The State of Four Loko Today
For those asking, "does Four Loko still have alcohol in it?", the definitive answer is yes. The beverage remains a powerful alcoholic product, but without the stimulant blend that made it so controversial. Its current formulation is a premium malt beverage, and the alcohol content varies significantly depending on state regulations.
A Comparative Look: Original vs. Reformulated Four Loko
To clearly illustrate the differences, here is a comparison of the original and modern Four Loko recipes:
| Feature | Original Four Loko (Pre-2011) | Reformulated Four Loko (Post-2011) |
|---|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Alcohol, Caffeine, Taurine, Guarana | Malt beverage, Sugar, Natural and Artificial Flavors |
| Stimulants | Present (Caffeine, Taurine, Guarana) | Absent |
| Primary Effect | Combines stimulant and depressant effects | Standard alcoholic depressant effect |
| Alcohol Content | Typically 12% ABV (later increased) | Varies by state, ranging from 6% to 14% ABV |
| Public Perception | The infamous "blackout in a can" | A high-proof, flavored malt beverage |
The Continued Presence in the Market
Despite the major formula change, Four Loko has maintained its presence in the market. It continues to be sold in convenience stores and is available in a variety of high-sugar, fruit-forward flavors. Over the years, Phusion Projects has expanded its product line to include other offerings, such as Four Loko Pregame shots and hard seltzers, though these have not achieved the same level of cultural infamy as the original can.
Modern Variants and Product Lines
The brand has expanded well beyond its original product. In addition to the standard 23.5 oz cans, you can now find different series with varying ABV levels. This includes the Bold Series with higher alcohol content and Pregame shots for mixing, indicating the brand's pivot toward providing a broader range of products for its loyal customer base. The variety of products showcases how the brand has adapted to the market since the removal of the stimulants. From standard malt beverage cans to higher-ABV shots and hard seltzers, Four Loko has consistently introduced new options. The flavors also continue to expand, offering options such as Sour Melon, Electric Lemonade, and USA.
Conclusion: The Alcohol Remains, the Caffeine is Gone
In summary, the answer to the question "does Four Loko still have alcohol in it?" is a definitive yes. The core of the product—a high-ABV malt beverage—remains, and in some formulations, the alcohol content has even increased over time. The key difference, however, lies in the elimination of the controversial stimulant ingredients like caffeine, taurine, and guarana, which were removed following a 2010 FDA warning. Consumers today should be aware that while the energy drink component is gone, the high alcohol content makes Four Loko a potent alcoholic beverage that must be consumed responsibly.
Visit the official Four Loko website for a list of their current products and flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Four Loko a hard liquor?
Four Loko is not considered a hard liquor. It is classified as a flavored malt beverage, though its high alcohol content can sometimes rival that of some spirits when comparing standard servings.
What is the ABV of modern Four Loko?
The Alcohol by Volume (ABV) of modern Four Loko varies by state, typically ranging from 6% to 14%. It is most commonly found at 12% to 14% in a 23.5-ounce can.
Can you still find the old Four Loko with caffeine?
No, the original caffeinated version of Four Loko was voluntarily removed from the market in 2010 and is no longer produced. Any remaining cans from that era would be decades old and unsafe to consume.
Why was the original Four Loko recipe banned?
The original Four Loko was not explicitly banned by a single national law, but rather removed due to an FDA warning in 2010 that classified the combination of alcohol and caffeine as an unsafe food additive. This followed a period of intense public scrutiny over hospitalizations and dangerous behaviors linked to the drink.
Does Four Loko still contain taurine or guarana?
No, Four Loko removed both taurine and guarana from its formula as part of its 2010 reformulation. The "Four" in the name no longer represents these specific ingredients.
Is modern Four Loko safer than the original version?
The modern Four Loko is considered safer than the original due to the removal of stimulants that masked the effects of high alcohol consumption. However, it remains a high-alcohol beverage that poses risks if not consumed responsibly.
Is Four Loko still marketed to young people?
While the original marketing drew criticism for its appeal to younger drinkers, the company has since changed its approach. However, the drink's sweet, colorful, and inexpensive nature means it continues to appeal to some young consumers.
Keypoints
- Alcohol is Still Present: Four Loko absolutely still contains alcohol, but the infamous original recipe with stimulants like caffeine was removed in 2010.
- Stimulants Were Removed: Following an FDA warning regarding the unsafe combination of alcohol and caffeine, Phusion Projects voluntarily reformulated the drink to remove all stimulants.
- High ABV Remains: The alcohol content is still a significant feature, with the ABV ranging by state, often between 6% and 14%.
- Origin and Controversy: Four Loko gained notoriety in the late 2000s as a powerful alcoholic energy drink, leading to binge drinking incidents and intense public scrutiny.
- Modern Product Line: The brand has expanded beyond the original can to include shots, hard seltzers, and various malt beverage flavors, but all are non-caffeinated.
- Safety Still a Concern: While the formula is safer without stimulants, the high alcohol content means that it should still be consumed with caution and responsibility.
Citations
[ { "title": "Frequently Asked Questions | Four Loko Caffeine, Is Four ...", "url": "https://fourloko.com/faq" }, { "title": "Four Loko - Wikipedia", "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Loko" }, { "title": "8 Things You Should Know About Four Loko - VinePair", "url": "https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-four-loko/" }, { "title": "Four Loko Is Still Cemented in Drinking Legend 10 Years After It Cut Out the Caffeine. - Esquire", "url": "https://www.esquire.com/food-drink/drinks/a34690133/four-loko-history-ingredient-change/" }, { "title": "Four Loko Continues to Wreak Havoc Among Young Drinkers - George Mason University", "url": "https://publichealth.gmu.edu/news/2019-10/four-loko-continues-wreak-havoc-among-young-drinkers" } ]
