On Tuesday, Frito-Lay launched its new Cracker Jack'd product line in a bid to attract younger consumers to the brand.
The Cracker Jack'd line is comprised of Salted Caramel Sweet N' Savory Clusters, Berry Yogurt Hearty Mix, Cheddar BBQ Hearty Mix, PB & Chocolate Hearty Mix, Zesty Queso Hearty Mix, Spicy Pizzeria Intense Mix, Buffalo Ranch Intense Mix, Cocao Java Power Bites and Vanilla Mocha Power Bites:
(Image credit: Frito-Lay)
Frito-Lay lists ground coffee as an ingredient in its Cracker Jack'd Power Bites and, as a result, they have already received a considerable amount of flak.
In a November letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) wrote that "caffeine is generally recognized as safe only in cola-type beverages and only at concentrations of 0.02% or less (about 72 mg per 12 oz.)."
A Frito-Lay spokesman responded, saying Cracker Jack'd Power Bites "contain approximately 70 mg of caffeine from coffee in each 2 oz. package."
Arguing its case to the public, CSPI noted that "boxes of Cracker Jack are famous for having a toy surprise inside. But what parent suspects that Cracker Jack might come with a surprising dose of a mildly addictive stimulant drug?"
In the wake of its recent responses to caffeinated gum and energy drinks, how do you think the FDA will react to caffeinated Cracker Jacks? Let us know on Twitter or by e-mail.
