The powdered drinks, known as subyou, contain 4.8 percent alcohol by volume and often are sold near the register at gas stations, convenience stores, and bars. Advertising for subyou is aimed at a youth audience, with slogans like "taste for not much dough" and "gets a good buzz going." Subyou also is being sold on the Internet.

The powder is intended to be mixed with cold water to create a beverage. Each package costs between $2 and $3. Because the product is in powdered form, the manufacturer is able to dodge an alcopop tax passed by the German government last year.

"These are just as dangerous as the alcopops that came in the bottles," said nutritional expert Birgit Rehlender.

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