Chargers™ Espresso Beans: Chocolate Covered Excedrin
Posted by: East Bay Jay in FEATURED, Over-the-Counter
CHARGERS™ CHOCOLATE COVERED ESPRESSO BEANS
WHAT ARE THEY?
Chargers™ are dark-chocolate (and red dye #40) covered Arabica Columbian roasted coffee beans. They are “naturally caffeinated” to provide energy in small sustained bursts.
HOW MUCH CAFFEINE?
The Chargers™ website is vague about this, saying only that: “Our candy is made from real espresso beans and therefore the caffeine content in each bean varies. We do not add any extra caffeine. Therefore, we cannot measure the caffeine in each bean. However, our customers tell us that about 4 or 5 beans makes them feel like they had a cup of coffee.” For another caffeine comparison (and the reigning Caffeine Champ), check out my review of FOOSH™ Seriously Caffeinated Energy Mints.
WHAT ELSE IS IN IT?
Dark Chocolate (sugar, chocolate liquor (processed with potassium carbonate), cocoa butter, butter oil, soy lecithin (an emulsifier), pure vanilla), whole bean coffee, sugar, corn syrup, tapioca dextrin, confectioner’s glaze.
HOW MANY PER PACKAGE?
Approximately 15 beans (or 3 cups of coffee) and 66 total calories for $1.99.
HOW DO THEY TASTE?
Eh…this is one of those items where the packaging eclipses the product tenfold. Chargers™ are packaged in an attractive tin resembing a battery. You can recycle the tin with your other bottles and cans or be creative and use it as a pill case, drug stash, etc. So, points for the packaging. Tastewise…not so much. You can get better tasting chocolate-covered espresso beans.
CLAIMS TO FAME (per Chargers™ website, 2005):
According to a US study published in May, small frequent doses of caffeine maximize its effect on the body and help you stay awake for a longer period of time. According to James Wyatt, the study’s lead author, if you take in all your caffeine in the morning with a Grande cup of coffee the caffeine levels in the brain will be falling as the day goes on.
Caffeine helps increase one’s energy and physical performance by maximizing the delivery of carbohydrates in your body by 26%, according to a study done in the UK.
According to a study published in the respected Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) “…higher coffee and caffeine intake is associated with a significantly lower incidence of Parkinson disease.”
Rutgers University found that caffeine taken orally and/or applied directly onto skin kills cancer cells.
Studies found that Theobromine, a natural occurring chemical found in chocolate, was more effective in calming a cough than codeine—which is commonly used in cough medicine. According to research done at UC Davis the main flavonoids found in cocoa are associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.
THE EBI OPINION:
Five Chargers™ lessened a pounding headache and provided a small increase in energy. I’d liken Chargers™ to chocolate-covered Excedrin. Chargers™ are a fun novelty with the reusable tin. They offer a chocolate alternative to caffeinated gum and mints. Recommended for headaches or minor energy bursts.
TRY CHARGERS FOR ONLY $1.99! CLICK HERE to enter our store.
MORE INFORMATION: Read all about Chargers at their website.
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June 21st, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Well, that was helpful. Thanks.
June 28th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
I am looking for the store that sells the above picture of the gargoyle. Please Please, if anyone knows, kindly take the time to email me their address or link.
June 28th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Statue….sorry.
June 28th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
He’s become the caffeine mascot for East Bay Insomniac. And he cost a whopping…99 cents. Got him at the Dollar Store on Shattuck (near Dwight) last year. Not sure they still have them, but as we get closer to Halloween, they’ll likely stock them again. There were a ton at the time, and gravestones too.