A Bitter Aftertaste: ‘Boner Bears’ Chocolate Syrup Recalled for Secret Viagra Ingredient

In the world of over-the-counter “wellness” products, the line between an all-natural supplement and a pharmaceutical drug can sometimes be thinner than a coat of chocolate syrup. This week, that line was crossed in spectacular fashion. Lockout Supplements, a Texas-based company, has issued a voluntary nationwide recall for its “Boner Bears Chocolate Syrup” after it was discovered that the product contained an unlisted guest: sildenafil, better known as the active ingredient in the erectile dysfunction medication Viagra.

The recall, which was publicized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday, highlights a recurring and dangerous trend in the sexual enhancement industry. While the product’s name—Boner Bears—leaves little to the imagination regarding its intended purpose, its chemical makeup was far more secretive than its marketing.

According to a recent Gizmodo report, the situation is a classic example of “supplements [being] recalled for many reasons,” noting that “sometimes, it might be because they work as advertised, albeit thanks to ingredients they’re not supposed to have.” As Gizmodo’s Ed Cara points out, “Silly name aside, it is genuinely risky to unknowingly take anything with sildenafil, since it can mix badly with other common medications.”

The Hidden Danger in the Sweet Stuff

The primary concern for health officials isn’t just the lack of transparency; it is the potential for lethal drug interactions. Sildenafil is a potent vasodilator, meaning it widens blood vessels to increase blood flow. While this is the mechanism that helps treat erectile dysfunction, it can also cause a drastic drop in blood pressure.

The FDA warns that sildenafil can interact dangerously with nitrates found in some prescription drugs, such as nitroglycerin. Nitrates are frequently prescribed to patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease. When sildenafil and nitrates are combined, blood pressure can plummet to life-threatening levels. Because consumers of “natural” supplements often assume they are avoiding pharmaceutical-grade chemicals, they may not think to consult a doctor, unknowingly putting themselves at risk of a cardiovascular crisis.

Gizmodo underscores the broader safety implications, stating, “Supplements and other similar wellness products are far less regulated for their safety and effectiveness than drugs.” The publication notes that the FDA has a difficult time cracking down on these products until after they hit the market, calling the inclusion of approved but undeclared drugs “just fraud.”

A Pattern of “Clandestine” Ingredients

The Boner Bears recall is not an isolated incident. The FDA maintains a “Tainted Sexual Enhancement Products” list that features hundreds of entries. These products often hide behind labels like “all-natural,” “herbal,” or “dietary supplement,” yet laboratory testing frequently reveals the presence of sildenafil or tadalafil (the active ingredient in Cialis).

As Gizmodo explains, “Sex-related supplements for men… are regularly found to have clandestine erectile dysfunction drugs… The latter problem is so widespread that the FDA routinely tests sexual enhancement supplements for hidden ingredients and maintains a running list of nabbed culprits.”

In this specific case, the FDA detected the sildenafil on February 13—a date Gizmodo cheekily notes was “romantic”—leading to the official recall on February 25. The recall affects all lots of Boner Bears Chocolate Syrup sold between January 2025 and February 2026. The product was distributed nationwide via the company’s website and other online retailers, such as elyxr.com.

The Regulatory Wild West

The supplement industry operates under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), which allows manufacturers to sell products without proving they are safe or effective before they reach the shelves. It is only after a product is on the market that the FDA can take action if it is proven to be “adulterated” or “misbranded.”

This “catch-me-if-you-can” regulatory environment has created a marketplace where “wellness” can be a mask for unregulated pharmaceuticals. Gizmodo emphasizes that these products “aren’t just misleading—they’re potentially dangerous,” citing a 2022 instance where over 30 people were injured by sex aid products containing steroids and muscle relaxants.

Lockout Supplements has stated that it will remove any flagged products from its catalog immediately. The company is offering full refunds to customers who return the syrup. However, the damage to consumer trust—and the potential risk to those who have already consumed the syrup—remains a significant concern.

The lesson for consumers is clear: when a supplement promises pharmaceutical-grade results with a “natural” label, there is a high probability that the secret ingredient is a drug you didn’t sign up for. As the Boner Bears saga proves, sometimes the “sweet” promise of a performance boost comes with a very bitter, and potentially hazardous, aftertaste. For now, health officials and journalists alike are urging consumers to stick to products prescribed by doctors rather than syrups found on the fringes of the internet.

Source: Gizmodo