The FDA isn’t so sure about that caffeinated peanut butter we’re all psyched about

Caffeine-aholics were pumped when the news broke that caffeinated peanut butter is a thing. Yep, one two-tablespoon serving of STEEM peanut butter has the same amount of caffeine as two cups of coffee, so if you’re late in the morning and just don’t have time to get the coffee-maker going, you could just have a nice, creamy spoonful of peanut butter instead as a pick-me-up.

Well, you might want to hold off on that for a bit, actually, because the FDA isn’t so sure about this caffeinated peanut butter. Last month, Senator Charles Schumer requested that the FDA investigate STEEM peanut butter due to the fact that a serving has the same amount of caffeine as five cans of Coke or two cans of Red Bull.

“Our goal is not to over-caffeinate people, it’s to give them a more efficient alternative so they’ll need less,” STEEM said in a statement after Schumer’s request.

Although STEEM has voiced its intentions to “behave responsibly,” the FDA is concerned about its use of caffeine, according to Food Safety News — mainly, because it is “concerned about the marketing of a peanut butter, a food popular with many children, containing added caffeine.”

There have been a large number of caffeinated products hitting the market, and the FDA is on guard. It has sent STEEM a letter inquiring more information on how the company uses caffeine in their product.

Schumer and the FDA aren’t the only ones who are concerned. Nutritionist Tawnie Kroll warns that over-caffeination can cause a “fast heartbeat” and “tremors,” according to her interview with ABC30.

The Mayo Clinic states that up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day is safe for most adults. STEEM only contains 170 milligrams per serving, but a full on peanut butter binge (it happens), washed down with a latte might put you over the edge.

“Stick with the normal serving suggestions for the best effect,” states the company website. Seriously.

(Image via Steem.)