By Duff Wilson
Published: September 25, 2005 in the
New York Times
The company's marketing materials describe the drink as a way to
kick-start the morning for children as young as 4. The company Web
site, adorned with a picture of an elementary school wrestler and a
gymnast, says its drink can help a child "develop fully as a
high-performance athlete" and fill nutritional gaps "in a sport that is
physically and mentally demanding."
The drink, called Spark, contains several stimulants and is sold in two
formulations: one for children 4 to 11 years old that includes roughly
the amount of caffeine found in a cup and a half of coffee, and one
containing twice that amount for teenagers and adults.