FDA Looking at Caffeinated Foods Other Than Soda and Coffee

WASHINGTON (AP) — Looking for a new way to get that jolt of caffeine energy? Food companies are betting snacks like potato chips, jelly beans and gum with a caffeinated kick could be just the answer.

The Food and Drug Administration is closely watching the marketing of these foods and wants to know more about their safety. The FDA said Monday it will look at the foods' effects on children in response to a caffeinated gum introduced this week by Wrigley.

Alert Energy Gum promises "the right energy, right now." The agency is already investigating the safety of energy drinks and energy shots, prompted by consumer reports of illness and death.