(representative sour candy)
Police in Thailand certainly think so. They’re giving away special “sour sweets” that were blessed by Buddhist monks, hoping that the extreme puckery flavor will help motorists stay alert at the wheel. It’s New Year season in Thailand, and like everywhere else, car accident rates rise when people are out all night partying. According to regional highway police chief Colonel Panya Pinsuk:
“The taste is very sour, which can keep you awake. The candy was also blessed by the monks, which makes people more comfortable and confident when driving.”
I don’t know if these will work any better than a cup of coffee, but I have to give the police points for creativity. Besides, I think I prefer sour candy over caffeine.