The company that makes STEEM says two tablespoons of the peanut butter contains as much caffeine as two cups of coffee. STEEM is made with natural peanut butter and contains no artificial sweetener.
According to the site, STEEM is designed to provide people with a consistent release of sustained energy and the key to achieving that is with the naturally slow digestion of peanut butter. The site claims STEEM delivers protein, caffeine and electrolytes.
There are some people who are wary of STEEM. Laura Meagher, a dietitian with Beaumont Health System, said consumers will experience prolonged effects of caffeine because it is in a fat mixture.
New York Senator Chuck Schumer called upon the FDA to investigate STEEM. The senator sent a letter to authorities on Sunday saying the brand of peanut butter may be dangerous.
Schumer said the FDA should put limits on how much is allowed and warning labels should be required. Schumer also noted the side effects of having too much caffeine, and this includes causing a person to be jittery, a rise in blood pressure and heart palpitations.
STEEM does have a warning on its site. It warns consumers should not consume more than the serving suggestions. The site also warns consumers to never give the peanut butter to animals because a lot of animals can’t properly digest caffeine and it can lead to serious health issues.
STEEM is selling for about $6, and is available at select stores throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut, as well as online.
