When those caffeine drinks just aren’t giving you the zip you need, you might want to try Engobi caffeine-infused chips. When they were launched in New York, Rudolph Foods, the maker of Engobi, supposedly couldn’t keep them on the shelves. According to their marketing materials, a 1.5-ounce, single-serving bag of Engobi contains approximately 140 milligrams of caffeine — about 60 milligrams more than a can of most popular energy drinks. And they come in two flavors, Lemon Lift and Cinnamon Surge.

I tried the lemon Engobi. They were light and puffy, with a sweet, tangy flavor. It’s an usual combination of taste and texture — something like a cross between a chip and a cookie. Like chips, they also are slightly greasy and salty, but addictive. They have 220 calories a pack. I ate the whole pack rather quickly and was a little afraid that I would be jumping off the walls from the caffeine, but that wasn’t the case. I did feel slightly more energetic, but in the same way as if I had a cup of coffee.

The bottom line: Engobi chips would be great for those late-night munchies when you’ve got to stay awake. And they are something definitely different for your taste buds. Just be careful how many you eat if you have any problems with caffeine. They are sold in 1.5-ounce, single-serving bags, with a suggested price of $1.29 per bag. Although they are not yet being sold in Missouri or Kansas, you can buy them online at http://www.engobi.com.

Lifestyles reporter Sylvia Anderson

may be reached at sylviaanderson@npgco.com